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Governor Perdue Announces February Revenue Figures
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of February 2010 (FY 2010) totaled $567,251,000 compared to $629,448,000 for February 2009 (FY 2009), a decrease of $62,197,000 or 9.9 percent.
The percentage year-to-date for FY 2010 compared to FY2009 is 12.7 percent. |
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DeKalb County Library March 2010 Calendar of Events
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Leadership DeKalb Extended Dates
Applications Deadline - Extended to March 29th
Your completed application must be received in our office by Mon., March 29 at 5 pm Class Member Notification - mid April
A Selection Committee comprised of Leadership DeKalb graduates will review the applications and determine the members of the Class of 2011. We will notify you if you have been selected.
Tuition Due - May 17th
Tuition for the program is $3,200 and may be paid by either yourself or a sponsor. Your sponsor may be your employer or another organization with which you are affiliated as a volunteer. If you are selected, the full tuition is due upon acceptance but not later than May 17, 2010. A limited number of scholarships (up to $450 each) are available. See the application for details.
You may download the application from their website by going and clicking on the Application page. |
In the News ...
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Lawmakers approve 'culture of conservation' water bill
A bill that state lawmakers say will create a "culture of conservation" and potentially help douse Georgia's water war with Florida and Alabama is all but a done deal. To read more click here.
Athens Banner-Herald
Lawmaker's bill would protect city farmers
Chickens and goats could join the family pets in city-dwellers' backyards if the state legislature approves a bill overriding local laws against food crops and farm animals. To read more click here. |
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Legislative Update from the League of Women Voters of Georgia
Last week, Rep. Tom McCall (Dist. 30) introduced HB 1301, the River Basin Protection Act, would establish a system for regulating interbasin water transfers of 100,000 gallons or more, without prohibiting them
The House passed a tax bill HB 902 with a vote of 151 - 13 aimed at keeping the Atlanta Falcons in the city's downtown for decades. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Burkhalter (Dist. 50), the bill would extend till 2050 the 7 percent hotel-motel-tax that supports the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park.
HB 168 - Rep. Cox (Dist. 102) This bill would change the ability of the Public Service Commission to mediate between consumers and the telephone companies. It would modify the ability of the Public Service Commission to operate as a mediating resource for consumers that can mandate specific actions, including the payment of fees to consumers after reviewing complaints against telecommunications companies, primarily landline phone companies. The bill would also adjust the calculation method for contributions paid by telecommunication firms for the Universal Access Fund, which was created to ensure access to reasonably priced local phone services throughout Georgia.
Legislation
Local GovernmentHB 1341- Rep. Graves (Dist. 12) Places on the November 2010 ballot a referendum giving Pickens County voters the option of staying with a sole commissioner or transitioning to a multi-person (three or five-person) board of commissioners. As written, the referendum will give voters the choice they requested in a nonbinding 2008 referendum. The bill does not mandate a change to a multi-person commission; it gives Pickens Countians the choice. Status: House Second Readers State Planning and Community AffairsHB 1260- Rep. Stephens (Dist. 164)
Clarifies that regional commissions cannot coordinate aging program planning and service areas. The Georgia The State Agency on Aging must designate planning and services areas in order for the state to receive federal dollars. With that, aging boundaries do not follow state law in determining state service boundaries, and this bill would make that clear. Status: House Committee Favorable Reported HR 21- Rep. Jones (Dist. 46) Calls for a statewide referendum to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow historically merged counties to be re-created. There are only two counties that fit this definition - Milton County in north Fulton and Campbell County in south Fulton. Status: Do Pass by Committee Substitute - Rep. Teilhet (Dist. 40) The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will require all convicted sexual offenders to allow them access to their online accounts through their internet provider. It also puts more restrictions on sexual offenders when registering through the state or moving their residence. Status: House Second Readers Education
HB 927- Rep. Jacobs (Dist. 80) Allows students who have been the victim of bullying to have the right to contact authorities in any instance that a student or person employed by the school is physically harmed. The Department of Education would also be required to follow through with such policies and create a model in which school officials and teachers can all follow the same protocol. Status: House Tabled
HB 1100- Rep. Casas (Dist. 103) Gives more discretion to local school boards concerning the administering of the CRCT in grades one and two. It also replaces the Georgia high school graduation test with the already present end of course tests; therefore cutting down on tests and fiscal strains. Status: House Committee Favorably Reported Judiciary
SB 391- Sen. Unterman (Dist. 45)
The judiciary system will require special hearings to determine a child's mental capacity to withstand a trial. If the child is determined to be mentally incompetent then they may forego the trial and be placed by the state in a proper medical facility. Status: Senate Passed/Adopted
Governor Perdue's transportation bill was introduced in the House last week. HB 1218 (Rep. Cole Dist. 125) proposes a regional 1% sales tax, replacing congressional balancing with regional commission balancing, and suspends the restrictions on MARTA funds for three years. |
Legislation Sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Benfield in 2010
HB 276 - Mountaintop Removal - Prohibits Georgia from purchasing coal obtained by mountaintop removal
HB 310 - Statewide Recycling - helps expand Georgia's recycling programs statewide
HB 604 - Breweries & Brewpubs - allows Georgia breweries and brew pubs to sell a limited amount of their product on site
HB 847 - Farm to School - establishes a statewide program to provide fresh, local foods to public school cafeterias
HB 890, 891, and 892 - Ethics Reforms - enacts a host of ethics reforms, including caps on contributions to political candidates, limits on gifts lobbyists can give to legislators, and calling for a public financing system for judicial elections
HB 940 - Anti-Bullying - strengthens Georgia's existing bullying laws to include harassing and intimidating behavior and provides for counseling
HB 1032 - Placement of Names on the Ballot - allows for candidates names to be placed randomly on the ballot and not alphabetically
These are just some of the bills sponsored and co-sponsored by Rep. Benfield. For the full text of these bills and any other bills pending in the Georgia Legislature, please visit the General Assembly's website. |
Georgia Rides to the Capitol 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Riders will leave from Roswell at 9:45 am or Decatur at 10:45 am and converge at the Capitol at 11:40 am.
Registration for the 2010 Georgia Rides To The Capitol event is now open. The website is current too. PLEASE pass the word to your e-lists and networks. Event organizers are trying for a big turn-out this year. Don't forget the non-traditional cyclist so think of church lists, neighborhood lists, etc. The Decatur route is great for beginners, families, etc. |
Help Rebuild Children's Home in Decatur!
On November 2007, a fire destroyed part of the Children's Home in Decatur.
We are asking for help to help rebuild the home. We are planning to spend
several days putting up sheetrock from February 15th thru 18th (Monday
through Thursday). We need experienced OR inexperienced help. This is a family affair. Bring your youth (middle school and up) and lend a hand
sometime during this week and be part of 'giving back to our community'.
The Children's Home is a ministry to help hurting children and families. All of the services are aimed at preventing the breakup of families,restoring and healing separated families, or teaching teens and young adults how to create successful and meaningful lives for their own future
families. The center teaches all of the youth and families that they have
the power to overcome their past and reach a brighter future.
Please help us to help them!!!
Contact Charles Chase (770) 365-7926 or by email or can also contact Lori Stanley-Chase at (770)928.0830. |
Do you have students not currently enrolled in City Schools of Decatur but plan to attend in 2010-2011?
Help us plan for your child's enrollment in City Schools of Decatur for the 2010-2011 school year. We want to hire the very best teachers, so the earlier we know of your plans, the better.
Come to register beginning February 1, 2010, bringing the following to the Central Office at Westchester (758 Scott Boulevard, Decatur 30030):
Parent/guardian picture identification
Student certified birth certificate
Student social security card
Georgia immunization form (3231)
Georgia hearing, vision and dental screening form (3300)
Verification of residency-click here for more information. |
KIDS EAT FREE!
Who doesn't like to save money, especially when it comes to eating out?
Here's a list of local restaurants that offer great kids' meal deals - either "kids eat free" days or special reduced rates.
Please call to confirm details, since most offers are limited to certain ages and require the purchase of an adult entrée. If you know of any other local restaurants featuring kids' specials, please send the information to me.
Enjoy!
Boston Market
2535 Briarcliff Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-329-0700
All Weekend - Two free kids' meals with 1 adult purchase of $6 or more. Four free kids' meals with purchase of a Family Meal. Offer available to kids 14 and under for dine-in, carryout and at drive-thru. No coupon required, but kids must be present to claim their meals.
Captain D's
1487 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-3868
2 free kids' meals at participating locations with any adult entree purchased at regular price every Thursday. Dine-in only.
Cici's Pizza Buffet
3912 N. Druid Hills
Decatur, GA 30033
404-329-1535
Although Cici's doesn't offer kids eat free, they do let kids (ages 3 & under) eat for $1.49 daily and their daily buffet is $3.29 for kids 10 & under, which is a pretty good deal.
Flying Biscuit
1655 McLendon Ave
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-687-8888
Kids under 12 eat free from the Kids' Menu from 4-7 pm with every purchase of $6.95 from the regular menu on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.
IHOP
2741 Clairmont Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-633-1889
Kids 12 & under eat free every day from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal. Dine In only.
Loco's
2480 Briarcliff Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-329-1999
Corn dogs, burgers, mac 'n cheese, chicken and more. Kids eat for 99 cents daily.
Maddio's Pizza
3027 N. Druid Hills
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-929-6700
Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays with purchase of adult entree.
Melton's App & Tap
2500 N. Decatur Rd
Decatur, GA 30033
404-634-9112
Kids 12 and under eat free Tuesdays with purchase of adult entree.
Moe's Southwest Grill
1524 Church St.
Decatur, GA 30033
404-373-0675
Kids eat free all day on Saturday with the purchase of an adult meal for at least $5. Piccadilly Cafeteria
2595 N. Decatur Rd Decatur, GA 30033 404-373-5116
Piccadilly's Kids' Days features 99 cents kids' meals all day Thursday and Saturdays from 11-4 (regular prices $3.99) with the purchase of an adult entrée. Available to kids 12 and under. Dine-in only. Check out. Visit their website for more information.
Steak 'n Shake
2845 N.Druid Hills
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-549-5346
Kids Eat Free all weekend - One free kid's plate for every $8 spent. Dine-In only. |
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. |
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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. |
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Group Fitness Classes at the Decatur Recreation Center
All fitness levels welcome.
Mondays
1:45 pm Yoga6:30 pm Pilates Tuesdays
5:30 pm Body Sculpting 6:30 pm Yoga Wednesdays
1:00 pm Yoga Thursdays
5:30 pm Body Sculpting 6:30 pm Pilates Fee: $7.00 per class. A 10 class card is available for $60. Please bring a yoga mat to each class. All classes held at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. For more information, please call LaWanda L Brokenborough at 1-877-697-6249 or e-mail. |
Coca-Cola, KAB partner in recycling bin grant program
The Coca Cola Co. and Keep America Beautiful have announced a new partnership for a recycling bin grant program aimed at supporting community recycling.
Grant recipients receive donated recycling bins and information on beginning community recycling programs.
The bin program is part of a $60 million investment by Coca-Cola in recycling initiatives in the U.S.
"Our company is committed to designing packages that are recyclable and resource efficient," said April Crow, sustainable packaging manager for The Coca-Cola Co. "We also are focused on ensuring that there are strong end-markets for our packages by investing in commercial recycling and community collection programs like RecycleBank and the Recycling Bin Grant Program. We hope this program will encourage communities to expand recycling as we continue to close the loop for our products as well as other valuable recyclables."
Grant applications can be submitted at http://bingrant.org through March 12. Eligible grant recipients include government agencies, civic organizations, schools and nonprofit groups. Successful applicants will be notified on or before April 22.
Since its inception in fall 2007, the Bin Grant program has placed more than 5,700 recycling bins in 150 communities in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Recipients have included municipalities, colleges, Native American tribes, and community-based NGOs. The National Recycling Coalition previously sponsored the program with Coca-Cola. | |
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The Benfield Beat is a weekly, nonpartisan publication featuring state and local government news and community events. A "job postings" feature has also been added to help people find employment during these tough economic times. Internship and scholarship opportunities for students and recent graduates are also listed. I welcome submissions for news stories, community listings, or employment postings. Submissions can be made by emailing me directly at stuckey@mindspring.com.
Feel free to circulate the Benfield Beat to friends, neighbors, and associates. You can subscribe by visiting my website at: www.benfieldbeat.com. If you would like to receive progressive news from a Democratic perspective, you can subscribe to the Political Beat by emailing me at stuckey@mindspring.com and putting "Political Beat" in the subject line.
I welcome your suggestions and feedback on entries in the Benfield Beat. I read all emails personally and do my best to respond in a timely fashion.
Thanks for reading! |
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The Children's Art of Druid Hills a the 2010 Druid Hills Artist Market
How to Participate!
1. You must live in Druid Hills
2. Create a piece of artwork in any medium that can be hung such as a drawing, painting , collage, mobile, jewelry, knitting, puppets, etc.
3. Limited table space for pottery or other table art
4. All work must be mounted on firm cardboard with a string or wire ready for hanging.
5. Mounted art work maximum size - 13" x 16" (including mounting board)
6. Attach a label to your art with your name, age, and the title of the piece
Ready to Register?
Email Julie Dolan at julie_dolan@hotmail.com by Friday, April 2, 2010, with the following information: Name, address, age, email, phone, type of artwork, size of art work, and parents name. |
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DeKalb County School System School Closing Information
Click here for more information.
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FY 2011 Budget Process and Information |
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New Budget Deficit Announcement
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On Tuesday, February 9, 2010, the county Tax Assessor's office indicated that the DeKalb County School System should expect a steep decline in the value of the digest for next year. A review of the 2009 sales compared with the 2009 appraisals shows that properties in DeKalb are above market value by 18%-19%. As a result, the property digest will decline in value by nearly $2 billion. What this information means for DeKalb County School System is a decline in anticipated property tax revenue for fiscal year 2010-2011 by an additional $32 million beyond current projections. The anticipated budget deficit must be revised upward from $56 million to $88 million.
The work has already begun to address the additional $32 million shortfall and all options have been placed back on the table. When the projected deficit was reported on January 20, 2010 of $56 million, the hope was that the budget could be balanced without layoffs. The additional $32 million requires that layoffs be considered. Also, in January, the commitment was to allow central office staff offered a lower paying job to retain their current salary for one year. Due to the additional $32 million deficit we no longer see that as a possibility. |
As more information is available, the website will be updated. Thank you for your continued efforts to provide input in support of the best education for the students of DeKalb County. To read more click here. |
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Legislative Update
The following bills passed the House last week:
- Public health and morals; tattooing near the eye; change certain provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Melvin Everson of the 106th
- House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 136; Nays: 23
HB 703 - County property; granted first right to purchase condemned property; provide
- Authored By: Rep. Tommy Smith of the 168th
- House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 162; Nays: 1
HB 858 - County law libraries; payment of certain funds into county general fund; provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th
- House Committee: Judiciary
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 164; Nays: 1
HB 903 - County and municipal tax levies; fund domed stadium; revise provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Mark Burkhalter of the 50th
- House Committee: Ways & Means
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 151; Nays: 13
HB 1058 - Seafood; possessing weakfish; change certain provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Bob Lane of the 158th
- House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 162; Nays: 5
SB 84 - Local Boards of Education; election; revise provisions
- Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st
- House Committee: Education
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 137; Nays: 33
HB 883 - Sanitary Activity for Food-Processing Enterprises (SAFE) Act; enact
- Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd
- House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 142; Nays: 20
HB 917 - Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act; enact
- Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th
- House Committee: Judiciary
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 164; Nays: 2
HB 956 - Dismissal of appeals; may be dismissed if improperly filed; provide
- Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st
- House Committee: Judiciary
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 148; Nays: 1
HB 984 - Income taxes; levy or collection of local income taxes; prohibit
- Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th
- House Committee: Ways & Means
- Rule: Structured
- Amendments(s): N/A
- Yeas: 155; Nays: 0
HB 1002 - Crimes and offenses; crimes against judges and court personnel; increase
punishment
- Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th
- House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 152; Nays: 9
HB 1015 - Street gang terrorism and prevention; expand and change provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th
- House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 152; Nays: 1
HB 1054 - Public assistance; food stamp recipients may order food over Internet; provide
- Authored By: Rep. Len Walker of the 107th
- House Committee: Human Relations & Aging
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 163; Nays: 1
HB 1073 - Elections; absentee ballots to uniformed and overseas voters; provisions
- Authored By: Rep. John Meadows of the 5th
- House Committee: Governmental Affairs
- Rule: Structured
- Yeas: 161; Nays: 1
HB 1135 - Transportation, Department of; enter into multiyear contracts; authorize
- Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th
- House Committee: Ways & Means
- Rule: Structured
- Yeas: 155; Nays: 4
HB 1179 - Influenza vaccinations; hospitals offer annually to employees; require
- Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th
- House Committee: Health & Human Services
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Amendments(s): N/A
- Yeas: 133; Nays: 27
HB 925 - Mandatory education; unexcused absence notice sent by United States mail; provide
- Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st
- House Committee: Education
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 141; Nays: 3
HB 1072 - Motor vehicle franchise practices; voluntary releases; provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th
- House Committee: Motor Vehicles
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 152; Nays: 6
HB 1085 - Reunification of family; additional case plan and permanency plan requirements;
- Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th
- House Committee: Children & Youth
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 150; Nays: 3
HB 1094 - Natural Resources, Department of; develop water conservation incentives; require
- Authored By: Rep. Lynn Ratigan Smith of the 70th
- House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment
- Rule: Structured
- Yeas: 166; Nays: 5
SB 305 - Transportation Department; design-build method; increase the percentage ofprojects contracted
- Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd
- House Committee: Transportation
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 162; Nays: 1
HB 927 - Public schools disciplinary tribunals; bullying; expand definition
- Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th
- House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil
- Rule: Modified-Open
- This bill was Tabled
HB 958 - Georgia Ports Authority; applicability of traffic laws and enforcement by security guards; provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Burke Day of the 163rd
- House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 141; Nays: 0
HB 1013 - Sales tax; educational purposes; change provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th
- House Committee: Ways & Means
- Rule: Modified-Structured
- Yeas: 138; Nays: 0
HB 1050 - Real estate appraisers; appraisal management companies; add regulations
- Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st
- House Committee: Regulated Industries
- Rule: Open
- Yeas: 155; Nays: 5
HB 1079 - Teacher certification; additional payment methods; authorize
- Authored By: Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th
- House Committee: Education
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 157; Nays: 0
HB 1101 - Workers' compensation; Self-insurers Guaranty Trust Fund; revise provisions
- Authored By: Rep. Mike Coan of the 101st
- House Committee: Industrial Relations
- Rule: Modified-Open
- Yeas: 161; Nays: 0 |
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Southern States' Budget Cutting Endangers Pre-K Gains
A new report released by the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) finds that Southern states are in danger of losing critical, hard-earned gains in early childhood education - the South's most effective innovation in public education - if state legislatures in the region enact substantial cuts to pre-kindergarten programs (Pre-K). Click here to read report. |
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Metro Homeowners Overpaid 2009 Property Taxes By More Than $200 Million.
Despite efforts by assessors to lower property tax values, highest-foreclosure neighborhoods overpaid their taxes last year by $82.2 Million, accounting for more than 40% of the metrowide overpayment. To read report click here. |
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22nd Annual Decatur Arts Festival
Mark your calendar for the 22nd annual Decatur Arts Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30. Events take place throughout the month of May. Please see below. Come enjoy and celebrate the arts in Decatur. Stay tuned for more information!
Poster Unveiling - May 6
Artists Market - May 29 & 30
Fine Arts Exhibition - May 25 - June 6
ArtWalk - May 28
Kids and Teen's Festival - May 29
Literary Arts Festival - May 29 & 30
Speak...easy - May 28
Performing Arts - May 29 & 30
New Dance - May 29 & 30
Fine Arts Exhibition Last Call - June 6
To apply for the Decatur Fine Arts Exhibition click here. |
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DeKalb House Delegation Meets
Every Monday during the 2010 Session
at noon or upon adjournment
Room 605 , Coverdell Legislative Office Building
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND!
To learn more, contact the office of
Rep. Howard Mosby at (404) 656-0298 |
Who doesn't love a field trip?
This year's Parks & Greenspace Conference has included new opportunities for those interested in seeing first-hand how the use and innovation of parks are pertinent issues in today's economy. On the weekend before the March 22 Conference two unique tours are available. If you're interested in seeing Atlanta Parks, that in addition to providing active and passive recreational opportunities, meet vital needs like flood control, sewage treatment, reservoir storage and transportation, sign up for the
Green Infrastructure Tour -- Saturday, March 20 **only 16 spots left**
view itinerary
If you'd like to experience metro Atlanta's cutting edge efforts that encourage community gardening in parks, visiting four of Atlanta's best community gardens, register for the
Community Garden Tour -- Sunday, March 21 **only 25 spots left**
view itinerary
Register Today. Spaces are first-come-first-serve!
If your weekend is booked solid, never fear! Sign up to attend the March 22 Parks and Greenspace Conference, and join in on the recently added Creek Naturalization Tour that will take place in Piedmont Park during one of the afternoon breakout sessions.
Whatever your preference, be sure to reserve your spot now! |
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MAKE SURE YOU'RE COUNTED!
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DEKALB COUNTS! MAIL CENSUS FORMS BACK BY APRIL 1, 2010 |
DeKalb County has formed a partnership with the United States Census Bureau to ensure every DeKalb County resident is counted in the upcoming 2010 Census. A full and accurate count positions DeKalb to get its fair share of the more than $400 billion of available funds to support vital local services like health care, schools, law enforcement, transportation and other services, as well as making sure our interests are represented on the congressional level. It is estimated that Georgia could stand to gain 2 additional congressional seats if everyone is counted. Everyone in DeKalb County needs to be counted whether they are living with relatives or friends temporarily or regardless of immigration status. Undocumented immigrants and families may fear that providing information to census takers will compromise their safety and security. The census form does not ask about immigration status. Census responses are completely confidential and protected by the strongest national privacy laws on the books. Every census worker swears an oath to keep information confidential for life. A census worker or other government official who violates census confidentiality can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined $250,000. No other government agency; law enforcement, courts, companies, landlords, employers, banks, or creditors can get any person's individual census information for 72 years. This information cannot even be obtained with a court order.
For more information on the 2010 census, visit www.census.gov, call Commissioner Connie Stokes, Chair of the DeKalb County Complete Count Committee at (404) 371-3053, or visit www.conniestokes.org. |
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Census Bureau Director Robert Groves explains how people can view 2010 Census mail participation rates of their communities and compare them with the rates of other areas around the country. Please embed and share this video. |
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Congregations or Businesses
DeKalb Habitat has several parcels of land that are ready to build, the only thing lacking is a sponsor. While sponsors provide funds and volunteers to build houses, they also benefit from being a sponsor. Volunteers come together to work, but they also have fun at the same time. They build community and help make a better life for a low-income family, which makes the larger community stronger.
Sponsorships can be as little as $5,000, or as much as $100,000. The business or congregation gets publicity on the house sign, on our web site, and participates in the First Nail and Dedication ceremonies. The rewards of sponsoring a Habitat house cannot be measured in monetary terms, but the benefits will last long after the keys are turned over to the Family Partner.
Ask your employer about the posibility of house sponsorship. Click here for more information, or call Joe Stoner at 404-534-1611.
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Haiti Relief: Help Is Needed To Assemble Recovery Kits
Habitat for Humanity is planning a multiphase strategy for Haitian relief. The first part will consist of the creation of recovery starter kits. The kits are designed to help families make immediate repairs and construct emergency shelter. Materials in the kit include a bucket, a tarpaulin, wire, rope, a pry bar, a mason's chisel and trowel, gloves, nails, a hammer and a saw. The kits will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners.
Volunteers are needed immediately to receive and unpack materials, count, re-pack into individual kits, and load into containers. No experience is necessary, but the work may include heavy lifting and repetitive tasks.
The kits will be assembled at the Whirlpool Regional Distribution Center located at 195 King Mill Road, McDonough, Georgia 30253. To reserve your spot, click here or call 1-800-422-4828 ext. 7956. Volunteers able to work all day are preferred, but two shifts are offered. |
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Free File Now Available to Almost All Taxpayers; Software Can Help Find New Economic Recovery Tax Breaks that Could Be Overlooked
Videos:
E-File Director's Message: English | Spanish
Free File and Fillable Forms: English | Spanish | ASL
First Time Filing a Tax Return?: English
For these and other videos: YouTube/IRSVideos
Audio:
Audio File for Podcast:English |Spanish
The Internal Revenue Service and its private-sector partners are making Free File available. Most taxpayers can have free use of helpful tax preparation software and free electronic filing of the federal tax returns.
There are many new tax breaks this filing season and Free File software can make it easier for people to find all the credits and deductions they are due. Taxpayers must go through www.IRS.gov homepage or www.IRS.gov/freefile to access the free options. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Decatur Earth Day Celebration T-Shirt Design Contest
The theme is 'A Colorful Earth.'
The entry deadline is March 19 and the winners will be notified by April 1.
Prizes will be awarded at the Earth Day Celebration at the Oakhurst
Community Garden Project on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at 1:30 pm.
Please drop/mail your art and the application to OCGP, 435 Oakview
Road, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Please contact Stephanie Van Parys to
receive a copy of the contest application at director@oakhurstgarden.org.
Common Cause Georgia Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Georgia State Capitol, Room 123
Touch-a-Truck Event
Saturday, March 20, 2010
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Calloway Building Parking Lot
120 Trinity Place
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Save the Dates
Film Viewing--Dirt! The Movie
Saturday, April 17, 2010
7:00 pm
Decatur High School Auditorium
Dine Out for Farm to School
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Leon's Full Service, The Iberian Pig, Cakes & Ale and Universal Joint will host the event.
North Druid Hills LCI Study
Thursday, March 18, 2010
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Executive Park
For more information click here.
DeKalb Extension Service March Classes
Thursday, March 18, 2010
7:00 pm
Rose care by Stan Leacock
Saturday, March 20, 2010
11:00 am
"The Trinity of Southern Gardens: Azaleas, Camellias and Hydrangeas, the must haves for local gardens:
All classes held at 4380 Memorial Dr., Decatur, 30032. Please register in advance to reserve a seat. Cost is $10 per person per class; discounted rate available for registering for whole series. For more details, please visit http://www.ugaextension.com/dekalb/ or call 404-298-4080.
Go Lead Communication and Strategy Trainings
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
By the People Day to Focus on Anti-Racial Profiling Legislation
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
9:00 am -12:00 pm
Coverdell Legislative Office Building 307
Women's Capitol Briefing
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Central Presbyterian Church
201 Washington Street SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
To RSVP please send an email.
Spring Stampede 5K Run/Walk and Tot Trot
Friday, April 23, 2010
6:00 pm
Hosted by Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church
Runners can register for the race online.
Community Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday, March 20, 2010
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Our very own community garden is located next to Peace Lutheran Church at 1679 Columbia Drive and South Columbia. Boxes will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please let your neighbor, who loves gardening know, about this great opportunity.
Belvedere Community Walking Clubs
We have three walking clubs in our community to help promote active living; The Belvedere Civic Club, White Oak Hills Neighborhood Association and Solomon's Porch Ministries. Between the three clubs, we meet five times a week. We look forward to you joining us in helping the entire Belvedere Community to get fit, and in making the healthy choice the easy choice. You may contact Nadine Ali at 678-641-7135, if you are interseted in joining one of the walking clubs.
Marathon Rolls through Clifton Community
The marathon is sponsored by Emory's Center for Rehabilitation Medicine (CRM) and will take place on Sunday, March 21. Just as in years past, the Druid Hills Civic Association will be sponsoring a cheer zone at Emory's main entrance (North Decatur Road and Dowman Drive). At the 16th mile of the race, Clifton Community residents will don their orange apparel to cheer their friends and neighbors along the course.
Read the complete article.
Support the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
5:30 pm
Avondale Pizza Cafe
2823 E. College Avenue
Concert afterwards by Amy Leventhal, Avondale Estates resident and formerly of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. To purchase a ticket click here. |
Employment Opportunities
Teen Employment Opportunities
Click here to learn more.
SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW
Administrative Assistant
Please send resume and brief cover letter to Paris Hatcher at paris@sparkrj.org. Indicate Part Time Administrative Book Keeper in the subject line of the e-mail. Please no phone calls. This position will remain open until filled.
Georgia PTA
Regional Advocacy Specialist
A full position description and application instructions, send an email to lobbywatch@aol.com with the subject "Please send PTA position Info."
JOBS FOR TEENS
Recovery funds are also being used by Georgia DHS to employ youth aged 14-18 for summer jobs that pay $8.50 an hour. The program, Georgia TeenWork, not only helps teach our kids valuable job skills, but helps jump-start the state economy as well. For more, click here or call 1-888-884-4712.
SisterSong
Membership Program Assistant
Submit résumé, published writing sample, and 3 references to:
Heidi Williamson,
National Advocacy Coordinator
1237 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: 404.756.2680
Fax: 404.756.2684
Email: Heidi@sistersong.net
Leadership DeKalb
Communications Director
To apply, please send a brief cover letter along with your resume, salary requirements, two writing samples, and three professional references to Leadership DeKalb
Attn: Office Manager
315 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue
Suite 1069
Decatur, Georgia 30030
The Conservation Fund
Conservation Assistant
City of Avondale Estates
City Planner and Community Development Officer
To apply go to: www.avondaleestates.org/applications.html and click on "Employment Application"
When submitting application, please include, resume and 3 references. Application, resume and references should be emailed to rcbrown@avondaleestates.org or faxed to 404-299-8137 or mailed to:
Claire Brown, City Manager
ATTN: City Planning and Community Development Officer Position
City of Avondale Estates
21 North Avondale Plaza
Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002
GA Voice GLBT Newspaper
Advertising Sales
Catholic Charities Atlanta
Community Liaison & Resource Specialist
Please submit cover letter and resume via email to cc.archatl@yahoo.com with subject line "Community Liaison and Resource Specialist." No calls please.
Assistant Secretary
To apply contact Yvonne Hawks, Esq., President by email. Internal Revenue Service
Equal Employment Specialist
For more information or to apply, click here.
Internal Revenue Service
Seasonal Positions
Start date for jobs are April 2010.
Click here for more information.
United Way of Metro Atlanta
Early Reading First Project Director
Early Literacy CoachSend cover letters and resumes via email. For more information visit their website.
United Way of Metro Atlanta
eBusiness Support Coordinator
Send cover letter and resume to:
Attn: eBusiness Support Coordinator
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
100 Edgewood Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
jobs@unitedwayatlanta.org or via fax to 404/527-7354
Pan Asian Community Services
Project Coordinator Start Date: As Soon As Possible. The Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create and deliver culturally competent and comprehensive social and health services to counteract issues faced by immigrants, refugees and racial-ethnic minorities. To Apply: Send resume and a cover letter to: Marianne Chung The Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. 3760 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA 30340
Telephone (770) 936-0969 ext. 22 Fax: (770).458-9377
Temporary Administrative Assistant
The position is located downtown, the assignment is scheduled to last one month (possibly longer) & the pay is $16 per hour. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of corporate Administrative Assistant experience, preferably some of that experience would be supporting executives &/or sales. ADVANCED skills in Microsoft 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook) are required. The position will start immediately! Please send resumes ASAP to khunt@kinetixhr.com
Temporary Administrative Assistant
Business in the Perimeter Mall area has a need for a temporary Executive Administrative Assistant. The duration of the assignment is unknown at this time, it could be a month up to a few months. The pay is $22 per hour. Send resumes to: khunt@kinetixhr.com
DFCS is looking for 3 FICM Supervisor(s) over their COMPASS (Common Point of Access Social Servicese) team. This is a time limited position not to exceed one year.
Only those with FICM case management and supervisory experience will be considered. Locations can be North, Central, or South Georgia. To learn more click here.
Decatur Career Center @ Avondale Crossing Plaza
Resources, technology and support services have been designed to help Job Seekers secure employment, and to assist in the development of Micro- Businesses. For more information contact Dee Dee Bullock at (404) 728-8635. The Center is located at 1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032.
GDHS, Division of Child Support Services
Interested parties should 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.
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.
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.
Program Manager
Applications are being considered on a first come first serve basis, and should be sent to margo@saferoutespartnership.org. Please include a cover letter, resume and three writing samples in one PDF file. Telephone inquiries are not accepted.
Part-Time Program Manager
The position is funded through the end of December 2010, and could be extended and/or expanded as funding allows. Applications are due February 25. For more information about how to apply click here.
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 Opportunities
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.
The Academy Theatre
Two interns per semester, three during the Summer
Send a resume and headshot to
119 Center Street
Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002
You can also send resume by email.
Catholic Charities Atlanta
Paid Internship
Please submit cover letter and resume via email to cc.archatl@yahoo.com with subject line "CCHD Intern." No calls please. Scholarships and Grants for Students
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.
QuestBridge provides more than 1,000 awards that equip outstanding low-income high school juniors with the knowledge necessary to compete for admission to leading colleges.
Community Bankers Association
The Community Bankers Association (CBA) of Georgia will award at least four Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $1000 each for 2010. These scholarships are open to Georgia high school seniors who will be entering a Georgia college, university or trade school in fall 2010.. Applications and details are available online. Applications are due to a CBA Bank by April 2, 2010.
Scholarship Contest for High School Seniors
Student Insights is sponsoring a scholarship contest for high school seniors. The 2010 Student-View Scholarship Program is offering $8000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend a four year college, community or junior college or career school. Students should log on to the website to complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in our area.
Award for Promising African American High School Juniors
Berea College is recognizing promising African American high school juniors with the Carter G. Woodson Enduring Legacy Award to be presented to students at an on campus event on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Students selected to receive this award will visit Berea College to receive this prestigious honor. African American juniors in high school who are actively involved in community, school, civic and/or church organization, who rank in the top 25% of their class and who have a 3.2 cumulative high school GPA or higher are eligible for the award. In addition, students must have demonstrated financial need, such as qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Students interested in being nominated should contact their guidance counsler before the nomination deadline on February 12. For more information click here.
DeKalb Rape Crisis Center
To learn about ways to volunteer please visit their website.
StandUp for Kids
To see training calendar and to get more information, please visit their website.
DeKalb County Animal Services
DeKalb County Animal Services and Enforcement's volunteer program - Friends of DeKalb Animal Services - needs volunteers to play with the animals at the shelter and help pose them for photos. We are looking for people to come regularly, preferably once a week.
M-F 10-5 or Saturday 10-4
DeKalb County Animal Services
845 Camp Road
Decatur, Georgia 30032
(404) 294-2996
For more information please visit their website.
Decatur Education Foundation
Office Volunteers
Prefer volunteers who can work 2-3 days per week a few hours each day or 1-2 longer shifts. To inquire please send an email.
Oakhurst Dog Park Committee
Volunteers for the Dog Park committee will be asked to assist neighbors, conduct permit checks, and help with fundraisers to add curbside appeal to the park. Each volunteer will be ask to serve for 1-2 hours. If you are interested in volunteering please send an email to ona@oakhurst.org.
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.
Meals on Wheels
Meals On Wheels Atlanta invites you to give back this holiday season by delivering meals to homebound, low-income senior citizens on Christmas Eve. For many the delivery may be the only contact they have with the outside world on this holiday. Deliveries begin in the morning, and each route takes approximately one hour, so you will still have plenty of time to enjoy the holiday. Please visit http://tinyurl.com/yldj9ve to volunteer. Staff will follow up with you before the day of delivery. If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Hart at mhart@scsatl.org or (404) 351-3889 x303.
Feminist Women's Health Center
Lifting Latina Voices Initiative (LLVI) is looking for Latina volunteers. Are you interested in being a part of action-focused solutions to help address the community's needs? FWHC is looking for women of all ages interested in providing education and information within the Latina community regarding issues related to reproductive justice. No prior experience necessary and all training will be provided. Please contact Maria, the LLVI Program Coordinator at (404) 248-5445, or email her directly at latinaleaders@feministcenter.org.
Community Grant
Grants for Belvedere Community
Residents of DeKalb County's Belvedere Community have a new opportunity to make positive changes to their community via the Healthy Belvedere's Small Grants Program. Individuals or organizations with an innovative and sustainable idea for a project that promotes healthy eating or active living can be awarded up to $3,000. Applications for the Healthy Belvedere Small Grants are due by March 26, 2010 at 5:00 pm and can be downloaded from the organization's website,www.healthybelvedere.org. | |
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