Benfield Beat -- Dec. 14, 2009

DeKalb Medical Center is offering a free program to help smokers kick the
habit. Every Friday, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, DeKalb Medical is hosting "Nicotine Anonymous", a 12-step program, for anyone who wants to quit smoking.The program is being held a the hospital's main campus, 2701 North Decatur Road. No registration is required. For more information call (404) 244-8444 or (404) 501-WELL.

House of Grace Health Center

The nonprofit House of Grace Free Health Care Services serves adults 18
years and older who are uninsured and with income at or below 200 percent of
the federal poverty level. It is open twice a month on first and third
Mondays and serves 15 patients per evening with non-emergency primary care including physical exams, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, cholesterol and HIV/AIDS and some lab and prescription services.

Diabetics can get help managing their illness and there is also nutrition
and weight management, smoking cessation and stress management services.

The clinic is located at 3567 Covington Highway is open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information visit their website or call (404) 298-6078.

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.

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.

Buy Local Buy Organic

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.

Homebuyer tax credit

From the office of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson

As of Dec. 1, Georgia homebuyers can take advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit for an additional three months. Made available originally through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the credit is now extended through the Unemployment Insurance Extension Bill until April 30, 2010.

Move-up buyers as well will now be able to benefit with a $6,000 tax credit.The first-time tax credit already has a proven record of success in increasing home sales in Atlanta and throughout the U.S. To date, as many as 355,000 sales this year can be directly attributed to the credit. For more on this tax credit, click here.

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

For more information contact Bonnie Kallenberg.

Georgia Dream Plus

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program has a new "PLUS", option for borrowers with household incomes up to 115% of area median income. The Georgia Dream "PLUS" down payment assistance option provides $5,000 to eligible first time home buyers for down payment and/or closing costs associated with the purchase of a primary residence. These funds are available to Georgia borrowers statewide and must be combined with a Georgia Dream first mortgage loan. The $5,000 assistance loan is a silent second mortgage with no interest and no monthly payments, repaid when the home is sold, refinanced or no longer used as the borrower's primary residence.

There is limited funding for Georgia Dream "Plus," therefore, all interested borrowers are encouraged to check with a Georgia Dream participating lender soon. (For a list of participating lenders go to www.dcaloans.com or call 1-800-359-HOME (4663).

The Marietta Daily Journal
Ron Sifen: Time to stop demanding the unaffordable

In 2010, the state legislature will try again to pass a new transportation tax.

New taxes will be a tough sell in the current economy. However, we do have severe transportation problems. If the Georgia Department of Transportation has viable transportation projects that would significantly alleviate regional traffic congestion, but which cannot currently be built simply due to lack of funding, then a new tax might be the only viable answer. To read more click here.

DeKalb Taskforce for Run Away, Homeless and Sexually Exploited Youth

The next Task Force Meeting is two weeks away on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at the DeKalb Juvenile Court from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

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.

Oakhurst Community Garden Project Membership Drive Update

Thank you to the 120 new or renewing members that have joined since October
1st. Our goal is 300 new/renewing members by December 31st. If
you haven't supported your local community garden yet, please take a moment to do so today.

The Tim Redovian Memorial Fund Annual Night at the Theatre and Silent Auction

The Tim Redovian Memorial Fund, presents the 8th Annual Night at the Theater, Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction at a special benefit performance of the "G.I. Holiday Jukebox" performed by the Dunwoody Stage Door Players. Make your reservations soon (678-488-6929) as you don't want to miss this exciting evening! Show time is 8:00 pm with final bidding on auction items during the intermission. After the performance ends you will take home the items you won, plus wonderful memories of another enjoyable evening at a TRMF fundraiser! Wednesday, December 9th Stage Door Players 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 Bidding and dinner begin at 6:30 pm The G.I. Holiday Jukebox starts at 8:00 pm. For information and to make reservations:
(678) 488-6929 or go to www.timredovian.org for more information. Seating is limited so please make your reservations early.

Georgia, Alabama and Florida Governors to meet about Water

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he will meet with the governors of Alabama and Florida in Montgomery, Alabama on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at 1:30 pm Eastern time (12:30 pm Central time) to discuss the ongoing water dispute between the three states.

The meeting will take place at the Wynfield Estate at the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery.

_______________________

The Chattanoogan
Water Contingency Task Force Recommends "3C's Strategy" - Conserve, Capture And Control
Governor Sonny Perdue received draft recommendations on Friday from a water contingency task force made of business, government and environmental leaders from around the state. To read more click here.

Decatur Girls Lacrosse

Decatur Active Living is currently accepting Pre-Registration for Girls
Lacrosse ages 9-14 yrs. This season the girls will be sporting NEW lacrosse
uniforms. In an effort to be sure that we have the correct sizes and the
uniforms in time for the season we will be accepting registration until
Saturday, January 16, 2010. The fee for Lacrosse this season will be $120
for Decatur Residents and $135 for non-residents.

There will be a uniform fittings January 18-21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at
Decatur Rec.

Season practices will be held at local schools and fields, beginning the
week of Feb. 1, 2010. Games will begin March 6. The age control date for
lacrosse is January 1, 2010.

Boys lacrosse registration will begin Saturday, January 2, 2010.

To get new players exposed to the game we will hold FREE Sunday afternoon clinics on Jan. 17, 24 and Jan. 31 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Decatur High School. No skills or equipment required. Please come - these clinics are used to teach the basics to new players.

If you have any questions please contact Stacy Green at (678) 553-6549.

Governor Perdue Announces November Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of November 2009 (Fiscal Year 2010) totaled $1,188,879,000 compared to $1,419,543,000 for November 2008 (FY09), a decrease of $230,664,000 or 16.2 percent. The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY10 compared to FY09 is 15.4 percent.

Local Decatur Book Shop Receive
Recognition from Atlanta Magazine

Eagle Eye Book Shop of Decatur, Georgia is proud to announce that our store has been selected by Atlanta Magazine as the Best Indie Bookstore in Atlanta for 2009. As stated in the December issue:

STELLAR SERVICE-INDIE BOOKSTORE

This little shop, tucked neatly into an aging strip mall, strikes the perfect bookish balance between orderly and overwhelming. It's easy to dash in for something specific, but it's also possible to lose an entire afternoon just browsing. The staff is smart and witty. And if they can't find or special-order what you need, they'll refer you to other independent bookstores in town. Eagle Eye, which boasts "more than a mile" of new and used books, is an active member of the community it serves, which is the best measure of success.

Doug Robinson, General Manager and Co-Owner, said, "It is very gratifying to receive this reward and we accept responsibility in living up to the Atlanta Magazine standards. After we get over the celebrating we will begin working on receiving the award next year."

About EAGLE EYE BOOK SHOP

2076 N.Decatur Rd
Decatur Ga. 30033
404-486-0307

Go to:
Eagle Eye Book Shop
for our website

The Georgia Department of Education to recommended approval of The Museum School of Avondale Estates

If approved by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission at its meeting on Monday, the school is expected to open in August 2010 and initially serve students in kindergarten through third grade, expanding to eighth grade within 5 years. The school's leadership is currently exploring facility options.

Congratulations to the leadership and vision of the Avondale Education Association and the countless volunteers in and around Avondale Estates who have tirelessly worked to get us to this point. This school will have one of the most significant impacts on our community and if approved on Monday, will need our support and involvement more than ever. The proposed school was one of only five statewide that were recommended Thursday for approval.

The vision of The Museum The school's attendance zone will be based on the ZIP code 30002. Every child living inside this zone will have an equal opportunity to attend the charter school based on available space. If you live in 30002, you are in the school's attendance zone.

The Georgia Charter Schools Commission is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The commission has the power to approve or deny petitions for commission charter schools and renew, non-renew, or terminate commission charter school petitions in accordance with Georgia law.

Until the establishment of the controversial Commission during the 2008 state legislative session, only charter schools approved by local school districts were fully funded. Now charter schools approved by the commission can also access state and federal funds, plus a matching share of local funds from the state allocations of the districts that students have left.

Currently, six school The Commission will review the state Department of Education's recommendation at its Dec. 14 meeting at 9 am in the State Board Room in the East Tower, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, in Atlanta. The Commission is expected to vote on the recommendation at the meeting.

On the Web:

Copy of Submitted Application

Museum School of Avondale Estates Website

State Charter School Commission

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!

patch

DONATIONS NEEDED for the
SOUTH DEKALB POLICE PRECINCT

HOLIDAY PARTY!!!!

Wed., December 16th

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

South DeKalb Police Headquarters
1816 Candler Road
Decatur, Georgia 30032

Rep. Stephanie Benfield is seeking donations for the annual South DeKalb Police Precinct's Holiday Party next Wednesday.

FOOD DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE THE EVENT A SUCCESS! Side dishes in particular are needed, including: green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other vegetable dishes or casseroles.

Many neighborhood associations and local businesses have already agreed to donate food or volunteer their time to this effort, including the Belvedere Civic Association, the Cheesecake Factory, the DeKalb Police Alliance, the DeKalb NAACP, the Georgia Beverage Association, the Belvedere Kroger, Mrs. Winner's Chicken on Candler Road, Piccadilly South DeKalb, Piggly Wiggly on Candler Road, Publix Eastlake, Red Lobster on Candler Road, This Is It! on Memorial Drive, the Towers Community Neighborhood Association, and the Memorial Drive Wal-Mart.

For more information or to donate items or volunteer your time, please contact Rep. Benfield by hitting the reply button to this email or to Michele Muse at (404) 918-0433 or mmuse4@hotmail.com.

Thank You!

A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN HANK JOHNSON

Dear Friends,

This is a heads-up on news regarding my health. I wanted you to have first hand information from me regarding this situation. As always, I am deeply appreciative of your past and continuing support.

Over the past year, I have been on a robust course of treatment for hepatitis C (HCV), a virus that affects more than four million Americans. I am pleased to announce that my therapy is progressing well. My physician is encouraged by my response to treatment and expects complete success eradicating the virus.

I hope that my disclosure will provide others suffering from HCV with confidence to speak out and educate the community about this illness. Through clinical trials and medical research, we must always seek new, more effective treatments.

I plan to use my position as a public figure to raise awareness of the consequences of this infection and let others fighting hepatitis know that it is possible to succeed and excel while battling this disease.

The causes of this disease are many, but in the end it does not matter how someone contracted the virus. Like so many millions of others, I was infected many years without ever knowing how I contracted it.

In fact, more than half the people who have hepatitis C don't know how or when they contracted it. And many are fearful of the treatment regimen that impacts your life in unusual ways. Having come through a long course of treatment, I want to send a strong message that a cure is possible but you must be tested and treated.

I will be working with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) to help educate my colleagues and the public to learn more about this largely misunderstood disease. It is treatable, but we must devote the will and resources it deserves in light of the urgent need.

Though this infection has caused me some discomfort and frustration, it has in no way affected my ability to legislate and serve my constituents. My record of attendance at votes and in committee meetings is outstanding. I have passed three major bills in this year alone. As Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, I have led an active and effective committee. And as Southeast Regional Whip in the House leadership I played a significant role in rallying my colleagues' support for historic health reform.

Today, I also announce that I will co-sponsor legislation offered by several of my colleagues in October, 2009 - H.R. 3974 - which would establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, education, research and medical referral program for viral hepatitis infection.

It is a testament to the 111th Congress that we have men and women willing to stand up for average Americans and their families who have been impacted by hepatitis C and related illnesses. It is also gratifying that this is a bi-partisan bill because disease respects no socio-economic status, party or political philosophy.

Rep. Johnson's physician, Dr. Maria Sjogren of Walter Reed Army Medical Center

"Congressman Johnson can be an inspiration to thousands of people who suffer from this illness. He has been a model patient, sticking with his course of treatment even when it was most difficult. His determination shows that people suffering from hepatitis can live normal lives and continue to be productive citizens."

Martha Saly, Director of the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR)

"On behalf of the entire chronic viral hepatitis community, we offer Congressman Johnson our support, prayers, and encouragement," said Saly, who was treated for hepatitis C in 1999 and cleared the virus. "Congressman Johnson's announcement shines a much-needed spotlight on a public-health issue that has historically resided in the shadows. We are hopeful that Congressman Johnson's announcement will help spur greater awareness about the need for increased prevention, detection, and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C."

Hepatitis Fact Sheets

The Hepatitis C Crisis: The Facts

Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Health Care Principles

House Democrats Announce New Ethics Legislation

State Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver (D - Decatur) and DuBose Porter (D - Dublin) announced today, in a press release, that they would be co-sponsoring legislation to toughen Georgia's ethics laws.

"We owe the people of Georgia more than the old Republican leadership has delivered on ethics reform. I sense a strong frustration by the rank and file of both parties, and we need and I expect a bi-partisan effort to restore faith in Georgia's state government," said Mary Margaret Oliver.

HB 890 lowers campaign contribution limits from $5,000 to $2,000 for a primary election, $3,000 to $1,000 for a primary run-off election, $5,000 to $3,000 for a general election, and $3,000 to $2,000 for a general election runoff. The bill will also limit contributions to political parties to $5,000. To curb the influence of special interest money, HB 891 sets a ban on gifts over $25 for state lawmakers. And lastly, HB 892 would establish public funding for judicial elections, which have seen an influx of partisan activity in recent years, threatening an impartial bench in Georgia.

"Georgia needs a bipartisan reform of the ethics law in our state. Had the contents of our earlier legislation been considered and adopted, the circumstances that evolved from the Republican House leadership, concerning the excessive amounts of lobbyist spending, could not have occurred. Passing anti-corruption ethics legislation will send a strong message to the citizens that lawmakers at the state capitol are serious about getting Georgia back on track and moving forward," said DuBose Porter.

The Collateral Consequences of Arrests and Convictions: Policy & Law in Georgia

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Reception to follow at the Loudermilk Conference Center

40 Courtland Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Should it be this hard to get a second chance in Georgia?

Georgia law and policy pose some of the toughest barriers in the nation to people trying to get their lives back on track long after they've satisfied criminal charges or convictions.

At stake is opportunities for housing, employment, public assistance and civic participation. With access to these cut off, the odds of poverty, family instability and homelessness are high.

Also high: the odd of re-offending. Taxpayers foot the bill for these avoidable social and economic strains and aren't any the safer for it.

These are among the findings of a new Mercer Law School publication, made possible by a grant from the Georgia Bar Association and the gift of time and talent by the authors: Collateral Consequences of Arrests and Convictions: Policy and Law in Georgia.

More than one in every 13 adults in Georgia is affected - well over the entire population of our state's largest city, Atlanta.

To learn more, as well as to explore potential strategies Georgia lawmakers could pursue to break down these barriers, attend this "town hall" dialogue featuring a distinguished panel. Click here to RSVP.

Congress Introduces the Graduation For All Act of 2009

Introduced by House Democrats, the Graduation for All Act of 2009 would create a $2 billion grant program from middle and high school turnarounds. While the details are still vague, the website of the Committee on Education and Labor pushes the idea of school turnarounds by allowing a school district to choose from a "Model of Success" list, ranging from "transformation to restarting the school as a charter."

CEO ELLIS PARTICIPATES IN WHITE HOUSE FORUM

Ellis Represents DeKalb County Executives

at Job and Economic Growth Forum

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis joined a group of 200 select individuals from around the country at the White House to share his views on job creation in America with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and other federal officials.

The Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth hosted small business owners, experts from the green jobs sector, business leaders, academics, and representatives from non-profit organizations. CEO Ellis was the only county official in the country invited by the White House to participate in the forum.

President Obama said participants are considered experts on job creation and the selection of attendees was deliberate because his administration is seeking out fresh perspectives and new ideas to solve the country's unemployment woes.

CEO Ellis participated in the Strengthening Workers and Main Street breakout session moderated by US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes. There he provided officials his insight on workforce development, including the need for federal funding for job training programs, which can be just as important as tax incentives.

President Obama closed the forum with a question and answer session with the participants.

CEO Ellis combats efforts to remove
CEO position at chamber meeting

From The Champion:

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis defended his position before the Chamber of Commerce in Dunwoody's Ravinia Club on Dec. 7. The County Commission has recently pushed the removal of the CEO's position to replace it with a county manager answerable to the commission. Photo by Jonathan Cribbs

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis used a business chamber meeting this month to combat the County Commission's efforts to eventually eliminate his position and hire a county manager instead.

While speaking before the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 7, Ellis said the county benefits from having an elected CEO directly answerable to voters. He also said counties with elected executives are among the best nationwide, and that White House and federal officials give special consideration to DeKalb County because its CEO is elected, among other qualities.

Ellis' speech was a direct response to recent news reports that claim a majority of the County Commission favors removing the CEO position and hiring a county manager who would take direct orders from the commission. Commissioners have talked about the issue sporadically in the past, though the effort to make a change has ramped up over the last month.

Commissioners have routinely complained that Ellis' department does not provide requested information in a timely manner. A recent retreat revealed stark divisions after several commissioners said they've wanted early departmental budget proposals so they can prepare for the upcoming budget season. So far, they haven't received them.

But this governance change effort was not started by voters, Ellis said, and represents only frustrated commission members.

"Let's make sure that we're addressing your priorities and not someone else's," he told chamber members inside the Ravinia Club in Dunwoody. "This is no time to play politics by drumming up make-believe issues."

Several commissioners were in attendance, however, and Commissioner Lee May asked Ellis directly if he would be open to a referendum that would change the county to a commission-manager form of government.

Ellis' response?

"I don't know. I don't think this issue is being driven by you," he repeated to chamber members. "But if I'm wrong, you'll let me know."

Ellis said he had recently returned from a White House-sponsored jobs summit where he said he was the only county executive invited from across the nation. Metropolitan counties are some of the nation's largest economic drivers, and federal officials are interested in the DeKalb County perspective because it's a wealthy, metro county - and because its top executive is elected, Ellis said.

"The White House knows who you are," he said of the CEO's position. "I don't say that for my own ego. [White House officials] wanted DeKalb County."

The commission on Dec. 8 tabled a resolution supporting a referendum that would change the county to a commission-manager form of government. In supporting documents, the commission listed a number of reasons why it supports the change.

"DeKalb County could realize significant cost savings by transitioning to the Commission-Manager form of government," the documents states. "A professional county manager appointed and directed by the County Commission would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the executive functions of DeKalb County government while reducing political infighting and improving responsiveness to the Commission."

The county's previous CEO, Vernon Jones, also weighed in the issue in a written statement.

"Before further changes are made to DeKalb's form of government, I would hope that public input is sought and that any future changes would have a positive impact on the citizens of DeKalb County," he said.

The commission also added that 115 of 159 Georgia counties function under a commission-manager form of government.

County officials said the commission would consider the referendum again at its next meeting.

By Jonathan Cribbs

MARTA Invites Customers to Celebrate

its 30th Anniversary

MARTA invites customers to celebrate the transit systems 30th anniversary of combined bus, rail and paratransit (MARTA Mobility) service during its annual Customer Appreciation event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at the Five Points Station. MARTA will commemorate this important milestone by providing music and prizes to thank customers for their unwavering support and partnership over the years.

On June 30, 1979, MARTA began its rail operations on the East Line from Avondale to Georgia State station. Thirty years later, MARTA has grown into an over $6 billion public asset serving DeKalb and Fulton Counties. MARTA is the only multi-modal transit system in the state with a network that includes 130 bus routes and 38 rail stations on nearly 48 miles of track.

With 30 years of history and experience, MARTA serves as the backbone for transit in this region. Thanks to the efforts of our past leaders and community to envision and support the creation of MARTA, the transit system has helped Atlanta and the surrounding region to provide quality mobility options for residents and visitors, build a more thriving economy, and become more environmentally sustainable.

Throughout December, MARTA will celebrate this significant milestone and continue to promote just how critical transit is to the success and quality of life in our region and state. MARTA stands poised with its partners to move forward with a new regional transit vision that will better serve our communities and carry us successfully into the next 30 years.

Dogs up for Adoption in Decatur

Here are two very sweet dogs who've been rescued and are currently living at the vet where I work awaiting adoption.

Diesel, a 2-year-old male, was rescued by good Samaritans who found him left chained-up in the back yard of an abandoned house. Thankfully, Animal Action Rescue stepped up and committed to Diesel's veterinary care and finding him a home. Diesel had a female companion who was also rescued and has been adopted because she is the desirable blue and white variety of pit bull. But Diesel's beauty is more than skin deep he is extremely loving and affectionate despite the hardship he endured in his puppy years. Diesel presses his big block head against his kennel door craving the affection of all the veterinary staff. We think he'll be about 60-65 lbs at his ideal weight.

Hambone, a 1-year-old male, was found wandering the grounds of Decatur High School and brought to the vet in hopes someone would reclaim him.... but no one came for him. Hambone's name suits him perfectly because, unlike Diesel's mild-mannered personality, Hambone is a ham! Instead of pressing his head against the door for attention, Hambone stands up on his hind legs to greet all his visitors. His poorly cropped ears make him look menacing, but he is anything but! Hambone has a taller and leaner build than Diesel but will be about the same weight.

Both of these eligible males are neutered, microchipped and current on all vaccines!

Anyone interested in meeting Diesel or Hambone can come to The Village Vets of Decatur any time during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm and Sat 8:00-2:00). Just email me, call me at (404) 371-0111, or come in and ask for me at the front desk www.thevillagevets.com.

There is an application, adoption contract and $195 adoption fee to cover a portion of the rescue group's cost of veterinary care. Check out both dogs' bios and/or apply on-line at www.animalactionrescue.org.

Please help Animal Action Rescue of Atlanta win $10,000 by casting your vote for AAR at www.animalactionrescue.org. It takes less than five minutes!

H1N1 Update
from the

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

H1N1 Vaccines Available

The Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., at 4540 Glenwood Rd., Decatur GA 30032 is a provider for the H1N1 Vaccination for Children & Adolescent and Adults. Priority will be given to Infants, Pregnant Women, and Senior Citizens.

The Vaccine is $10.00 and they are open for vaccination Mon-Fri from 8:00am to 4:00 pm.

Appointments are not needed!!!
Attention: Some Insurance Accepted!!!!

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.

Finders Keepers Boutique will be open

7 days a week in December!

December hours will be:

* No consignment drop-offs will be accepted on Sundays.

For locations & other information, please visit www.fkconsign.com.

Support the Campaign to Bring Trader Joe's to Decatur! Click here to join our Face Book page

Decatur City Feedback

Decatur city officials encourage the community to provide feedback on the following issues:
Railroad Crossing Redesign
Help the city redesign the railroad crossings at Candler and McDonough Streets. How would you redesign the existing railroad crossings at Candler and McDonough to improve the safety and health of Decatur residents and visitors?

Please go to Decatur Open City Hall on-line forum

Read other perspectives and post your own statement. City officials will consider all statements.

Other topics that are still open for feedback via Decatur's Open City Hall on-line forum are:

Cultural Arts Master Plan
What cultural offerings in Decatur are you most proud of? Which offerings have you participated in? What would you like to see in the future? Did you attend a public input session?

Smart Growth

Should the City continue it's Smart Growth strategy in downtown Decatur?

Complete Streets

Should major intersections be rebuilt to promote bicycle and pedestrian uses, even if motorists are inconvenienced?

As with any public comment process, participation in the City of Decatur's Open City Hall on-line forum is voluntary. City officials will consider input from this forum along with all other channels for participation. However you choose to participate, thanks for helping us build a better Decatur.

JIA-Linger Longer Partnership:

Good News on a Bad Deal

The Jekyll Island Authority has just announced that its partnership with Linger Longer Communities has been suspended. Details are available on our website -

www.savejekyllisland.org.

What the termination of the agreement means for the JIA's development plans is unclear at this time. The same holds true for the fate of the private components of the Jekyll town center project, including the proposed time-share complex, a new retail center and two new hotels, although it appears that the controversial time-share project has been either abandoned or placed on the back burner, while the proposed retail village and convention hotel projects may be bid out individually to the development community.

You and a guest are cordially invited to...

Monday, December 14, 2009

at the Woodruff Arts Center Rich Auditorium

Movie Screening at 8:00 pm

To RSVP click here.

For more information click here.

YouthPride Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 17th from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm.

Please come to a "Bi-Partisan Dinner Party" in support of YouthPride on Tuesday, December 29th at 6:30 pm at ONE Midtown Kitchen. This is a cocktail party followed by a three course gourmet meal with wine at one of Atlanta's finest restaurants. Here's the link to the invitation with instructions on how to purchase your ticket or join the host committee (includes 2 tickets): www.youthpride.org.

Bring back the Dialogue and Debate

By Rep. Alan Powell (D-Hartwell)

The current problems in the Georgia House are really problems that go back for several years.

The General Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, was once considered "the people's house." We've ceased being that since the rules were changed and debate on the House floor was basically done away with.

There was a time when members of the House could freely debate and offer amendments to a bill that was up for consideration. If Speaker Tom Murphy said it once, he said it a hundred times: every House member has a right to be heard.

That's not the case anymore. If you put a bill in, they can stifle it in committee with the speaker's "hawks." If your bill survives the hawks and makes it over to the Rules Committee, that committee can effectively cut off debate on a bill before it even gets on the calendar. This happens when the Rules Committee designates that a bill will come before the House under the "modified structured rule," where only the Rules Committee can propose amendments to it, or under the "structured rule," where no amendments at all can even be offered.

When a bill is structured that way before we even bring it up for a vote, there's no opportunity for members to amend and perfect it. There's no opportunity to ask questions about it. When your most important bill, the appropriations bill, doesn't even stir up any debate, you have to ask: why?

If a bill gets through the committee process and makes it to the floor of the House, there ought to be a debate. That was the system we had for many years. We need to have it again.

This is not just a Democratic-Republican issue; this is an issue that is important to people in both parties, because debate has been stifled among all House members regardless of their party affiliation. No matter which party you're a member of, there's no respect for the process.

Many of my friends in the majority caucus have come to see what I mean. There is a lot of discussion going on right now in the majority caucus as to when and how the House will vote on a new speaker. I think they see how important it is to have the opportunity to debate and ask questions about how the leadership intends to run the House.

I would encourage my colleagues from both caucuses to change the rules back to allow dialogue and debate again. It ought to be a part of the selection process for the next speaker. I will support whatever candidate for speaker is willing to do that.

We've got one shot to get this done right. Let's have dialogue and debate on the House floor once again. We've got to get back to being the people's House.

Imagine the world's greatest sporting event being held in the US and Atlanta not being one of the host cities simply due to the fact that we forgot to exercise our interest and commitment to being part of the greatest, once-in-every-four-year, spectacle on the planet.

If you haven't already signed the on-line petition in support of Atlanta's bid to be one of the host cities for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ - sign up today. There is not much time left before the USA Bid Committee will begin their deliberations on which of the remaining 27 cities to eliminate as they narrow their list down to 18 final cities.

You can make the difference in this bid not only by signing the petition but by getting everyone of your friends and family to go on-line in support of the bid. Now is the time to show how important this bid is to Atlanta and the Georgia Soccer community.
Let's get going.....

We need 50,000 signatures to support the Committee efforts. Every signature matters!

Please sign and pass along to your friends and family.

Sign the Petition now - www.gousabid.com/atlanta

Season of Giving

Christmas Decatur

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 their 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.

To help do community outreach (contacting individuals or businesses), please contact Keith Duprey at keith.duprey@turner.com or (404) 452-5214.

Friends of Wonderland Garden

As you begin to consider your holiday shopping lists, we encourage you to give a gift with a purpose...The Travel Extravaganza book allows you to give the gift of ultimate travel while raising funds for our most precious Wonderland Gardens.

The Travel Extravaganza Book provides 14 travel offers worth over $20,000 in value. And...they never expire. The Travel Extravaganza book is packed with fantastic travel opportunities including luxury cruises, extravagant accommodations and complimentary airfare for only $75.

To learn more, click here Travel Extravaganza Fundraiser.

Xerox Charity for Troops

If you go to this website,

www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Atlanta Inner City Outings Gift-Wrap Fundraiser at REI

It is REI gift-wrapping time again for Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO)! Atlanta ICO is in need of volunteers for its winter fundraiser on December 11-23, 2009. With volunteers' help last year, ICO raised over $3,800, all of which went directly to taking inner city youth on outdoor adventures. We can take 150 plus kids out into the woods during the year with this funding. If you are interested in helping ICO with this year's funding, getting these kids outdoors and getting into the holiday spirit, please contact us!

This year we will be wrapping gifts: Dates: December 11-23, 2009
Locations:

REI Perimeter Store

REI I-85/Atlanta Store

Shifts:

Dec 18 (5-9pm)

Dec 19 (10-2pm, 2-5pm, 5-9pm)

Dec 20 (11-2:30pm, 2:30-6pm)

Dec 21 (6-9pm)

Dec 22 (6-9pm)

Dec 23 (6-9pm)