 |
|
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership has just issued a new publication, called Implementing Safe Routes to School in Low-Income Schools and Communities: A Resource Guide for Volunteers and Professionals. It is critical that as the Safe Routes to School movement grows, we share examples of Safe Routes to School success stories in communities of all types and income levels.
In fact - children from low-income families are twice as likely to walk to school, and face higher pedestrian safety risks on the way. It is up to all of us in the Safe Routes to School movement to make sure that low-income schools and communities are able to implement Safe Routes to School programs and projects.
We'd like your help in four ways:
Help share the guide with others - see below for sample text you can put in your newsletters
Think about how you might be able to offer assistance to a low-income school in implementing Safe Routes to School
Share any additional stories of Safe Routes to School successes by email so we can keep the conversation going
|
| New Texting and Cell Phone Laws Recently Signed into Law
Just recently, Governor Sonny Perdue signed two import laws into effect. Senate Bill 360, also known as the "Caleb Sorohan Act" pertains to texting while operating a motor vehicle. The new law specifically states:
"No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless communications device to write, send or read any text based communication, including but not limited to text message, instant message, electronic mail or internet data."
The fine for the offense is $150.00 and one point on the violator's driver's license.
The second bill, House Bill 23, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while driving. The law specifically reads:
"...prohibits use of wireless telecommunication devices by persons under 18 years of age with an Instruction Permit or Class D License while operating a motor vehicle."
The fine for this violation is also $150.00 and one point on the violator's driver's license.
Both laws go into effect on July 1, 2010. The laws were enacted in an effort to make the roadways of Georgia more safe, saving lives and reducing the number of injuries caused by inattentive drivers.
|
|
Outdoor Water Use Information
The Georgia Water Stewardship Act went into effect statewide on June 2, 2010. It allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. by anyone whose water is supplied by a water system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division.
The following outdoor water uses also are allowed daily at any time of the day by anyone:
Commercial agricultural operations as defined in Code Section 1-3-3
Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines
Reuse of gray water in compliance with Code Section 31-3-5-2 and applicable local board of health regulations adopted pursuant thereto
Use of reclaimed waste water by a designated user from a system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division of the department to provide reclaimed waste water
Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf in landscapes, golf courses, or sports turf fields during installation and for a period of 30 days immediately following the date of installation
Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses
Hand watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container
Use of water withdrawn from private water wells or surface water by an owner or operator of property if such well or surface water is on said property
Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses, or public turf grass recreational areas;
Installation, maintenance, or calibration of irrigation systems; or Hydroseeding
Outdoor water use for any purposes other than watering of plants, such as power washing or washing cars, is still restricted to the current odd/even watering schedule
Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Please click on the links to learn more about outdoor water use.
Governor Signs Water Stewardship Act - News Release
Water Conservation
|
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.
|
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. |
|
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. |
Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative
We've put together an online presentation and survey tool to capture opinions. If you could help
me get the word out to folks you work or go to school with, I would greatly appreciate it. Please feel free forward to anyone you know who travels in the Emory/CDC/VA/CHOA area and/or any list serves or groups in the area.
|
|
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Legislative Wrap-UP
Georgia Women for a Change
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
State Bar of Georgia
104 Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
RSVP at rsvp@gwomen.org.
WAND Monthly Program: 2010 GOTV Kickoff Meeting
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6:30 pm
Manuel's Tavern
602 N. Highland Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
|
|
The Board of Health has a great opportunity to help with the DeKalb County
MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships) initiative
and collaborate with Georgia State University! The MAPP team is interested
in learning about residents experiences in their neighborhood in an effort
to improve health conditions across the county. This information will also
be a valuable resource to the BOH and neighborhood organizations across the
county. Furthermore, the information that is provided will assist in the
development of action plans to address the resident-identified problems!
If you are a DeKalb County resident, I would like you to complete a short
survey that will take about 15 minutes. Your name will never be asked for
and all information that you enter will be strictly confidential.
I also ask that you send an email to all other individuals or organization
in DeKalb County that you are associated with and ask them to complete the
survey. It is very important that we get representation from residents in all areas of the county.
To participate, simply go to the following site: Your participation is greatly appreciated! |
|
| |
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!
Stay Connected 
|
|
Yard Sale June 25 & 26 - Donations, Volunteers, & Shoppers Needed!
8 am to 4 pm both days in the back parking lot of City Dog Market, 4244 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta 30319
All proceeds benefit Ahimsa House and our work helping people and pets escape domestic violence.
Antiques ● Bottles of all Kinds ● Fine China ● Luggage ● Glassware● Furniture Baseball Cards ● Lawn Mowers ● Camping Articles ● Tools ● Coins ●Old Books Comic Books (old and new) ●Aprons ●CDs ●DVDs ●Dishes ●Holiday Décor ●Old-fashioned Bonnets ● Salt and Pepper Shakers ●Needlework ●Jewelry ●Household Items ●Electronics ●Quilts ●Rugs ●Paintings ●Children's Clothes & Toys
To donate your (tax-deductible) items, or to volunteer, contact Jackie or Paula. We will pick up large furniture.
And be sure join us at the sale--your treasures await! |
|
ADOPT-A-PET
HERE'S POLLY!!
Polly is an adorable and super sweet 4 month old lab mix puppy! She was picked up as a stray and was in Animal Control when Animal Action Rescue stepped in to get this little girl out! We are so glad we did because Polly is an absolute JOY to be around. She is 90% potty trained and is comfortable in her crate. She looks forward walks each day and is working on leash training. With her intelligence, she will master both of these things in no time!
She loves people, dogs and pays NO attention to cats! She loves to run, play with her toys and play with her foster families other dog. Polly LOVES the water. She will be a great swimmer when she is all grown up!! Polly would make an excellent addition to anyone's family. This great little pup who needs a fun and loving family of her own. If you are looking for an amazing girl she is the one for you!!
If you want to meet Polly, contact Animal Action Rescue at info@animalactionrescue.org. We are also at Petsmart in Midtown every Sunday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
|
|
HELP STOP FORECLOSURES!
Show your support for the foreclosure moratorium by attending the
DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners Meeting
on
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The meeting begins at 9:00 am
You may speak in support of the moratorium during the public comment section of the agenda
YOUR VOICE IS CRITICAL!
Ask your County Commissioner to vote in support of the foreclosure moratorium.
|
|
eduKALB
Concerned parents, educators, business, civic and community leaders believe that DeKalb County Schools and our more than 100,000 students deserve the brightest and best leading our school system. An advocacy and educational group called eduKALB has been formed to help inform potential candidates for the Board of Education of the issues and challenges ahead for DeKalb County public schools, as well as to educate voters. Our mission is to guide school board advancement in this county, starting with the elections this November. For more information visit the website. |
|
HUMBLE HEROES ATLANTA
Humble Heroes Atlanta is a project that was started to assist Police Officers in the Metro-Atlanta area who need support of other Officers, and the Communities they so proudly serve. Please support AMY HALL, a Decatur firefighter whose home was destroyed by a fire, with any donation you can make. For more information visit the website. |
|
Youth VIBE has reached a milestone. We are entering our 15th year of providing free services to youth in Metro-Atlanta. Join us as we celebrate, raise money and launch our 15th year!
I would like to personally invite you to join me at the home of YoLanda Bethea in Thurgood Estates as we enjoy live entertainment and food to celebrate Youth VIBE's success and raise money.
Your presence and donations are appreciated. Save the date!
|
Date:
|
Thursday, June 24, 2010
|
|
Time:
|
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
|
|
Location:
|
Thurgood Estates, Hosted by YoLanda Betha of Bethea & Assoc.
|
|
Street:
|
4439 Thurgood Estates Drive
|
|
City/Town:
|
Ellenwood, GA
|
|
|
City of Decatur Budget Information
Our city budget information for 2010-2011 is posted on the City's website (see Open City Hall to take a look at the budget and to make comments online). In addition, the second public hearing for the 2009-2010 revised budget estimates, the 2010-2011 proposed budget estimates, and the 2010 millage rates will be held at the beginning of the City Commission meeting on June 21, 2010. I encourage you to read the budget and make comments--either at the Commission meeting or online on Open City Hall.
|
DeKalb Library Patrons Check Out Audiobooks, Kiss Late Fees Goodbye
DeKalb Public Library is making it easier than ever to access bestselling books in high demand. The library's new service, OverDrive, affords patrons the opportunity to check out new releases and popular titles 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year as downloadable audiobooks. All that is required is a library card and internet access.
Current patrons can check out two titles at once and can choose the length of their checkout time from a range of one to three weeks. The downloads automatically expire at the end of the checkout period, so patrons don't have to worry about lost items or late fees. Patrons can also place requests for books already checked out.
|
|
DeKalb County Summer Food Program Ready to Serve Children
School's out for the summer and that means hundreds of DeKalb County children will be looking for places they can meet their friends, have fun and eat healthy snacks and meals. DeKalb County Summer Food Service Program has started meeting that demand.
The Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Nutrition Program is offered countywide by local sponsors who operate sites where children up to 18 years old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities also can receive meals at no charge.
Once again this summer, many of the sites that serve meals at no charge are being sponsored by DeKalb County, the school district, churches and other private non-profit groups. The sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
On June 1, more than 56 summer food meal sites across DeKalb began operating in places such as recreation centers, schools, parks, churches, day camps, daycares and community centers. Many of the sites are offering recreational activities at a minimal fee for children as well as meals at no charge. To kick off the summer food service program the Director of Parks and Recreation visited Midway Recreation Center in Decatur and served the first meal to the participants of the summer camp.
For more information, contact Dawn Cribb, Program Promotion Specialist, at 770-270-2097.
|
|
Featured Business of the Week
Could they be any more excited for Maddio's?
FREE KID-SIZE (6") PIZZA w/ ANY 1 TOPPING AND A DRINK EVERY SATURDAY
Every Saturday is Kids' Day at Maddio's.
Kids Eat Free with purchase of each regular adult meal.*
Plus, kids eat for $2.99 every other day!
*(Not valid with any other offer)
Maddio's Pizza Joint
REAL PIZZA. REAL FRESH. REAL FAST.
3027 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta , Georgia 30329
404-929-6700
maddiospizza.comVOTED - BEST PIZZA JOINT - ATLANTA
|
NAACP DeKalb Branch Employment Opportunties Link
Visit the NAACP DeKalb Branch blog to find out about employment opportunities in the metro Atlanta area.
Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights
Bi-lingual Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Information/Media Planning Manager
To apply: Please fax resume and cover letter to Adelina Nicholls, Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights at
678.325.6747, or e-mail to Anicholls@glahr.org.No phone calls or interviews without appointment.
Culture Connect, Inc.
Language Services Program Administrator
This position is available to begin mid June or early
July 2010. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@cultureconnectinc.org. No calls please.
Altamaha Riverkeeper Position
Please see full announcement on ARK'
s website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org for qualifications and additional information.
To apply- Please send a cover letter stating your qualifications and interest in the position, a current resume and five references to:
Deborah Sheppard, Executive Director
Altamaha Riverkeeper
P.O. Box 2642
Darien, Georgia 31305
Applications will be accepted by email and regular mail. Position will be open after June 1, 2010 and will remain open until filled.
Feminist Women's Health Center
Community Engagement Director
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Feminist Women's Health Center
Attn: Human Resources Department
1924 Cliff Valley Way
Atlanta, GA 30329
Fax: 404.417.0878
emilyd@feministcenter.org
SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW
Administrative Assistant
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.
United Way of Metro Atlanta
Human Resources Internship
Send cover letter and resume to
Attn: Human Resources Internship
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
100 Edgewood Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Atlanta 9to5
Lead Organizer
LAMBDA Legal
Legal Assistant
Atlanta Southern Regional Office
The Atlanta position is open until filled. Interviews will start as early as possible. Send resume, brief writing sample, and a letter or email explaining your interest in the position and how you learned of the job opening to:
Katy Tokieda
Legal Administrative Manager
Lambda Legal
120 Wall Street, Suite 1500
New York, NY 10005
Include the words "Legal Assistant position" on the first line of the address of the envelope or the subject line of the email transmitting your application materials.
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
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
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.
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.
|
Help Sponsor a Kid for Summer Camp
Youth N2 Fitness, Inc., a 501 c3 non-profit organization will be hosting "Healthy Habits in Action" Summer Camp which will take place in Stone Mountain, GA June 7th - July 30th, 2010. The purpose of this program is to get the youth community involved in proper physical health management and nutritional practices that will promote a healthier lifestyle while keeping their focus away from technology. Students between the ages of 5-15 will learn proper fitness/exercise drills by certified physical trainers who specialize in working with children and teenagers. In addition the youth will have the opportunity to choose which athletic activity rather it is sports or dance to participate in. They will also engage in fun, exciting, and unique nutritional seminars.
In order to make the program available to as many students as possible we are humbly asking local business and organizations to sponsor children whose parents are not able to afford the administrative fee for their child to participate. Since our organization seeks to target low-income communities we try to keep the participation fee low and affordable. A charitable donation of $250.00 will take care of one child's registration fee. We hope we can count on your company for a generous monetary donation. However, please note that any donation is always welcomed. As a token of our appreciation your company will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
Display company's name, logo, and website URL address will be placed on throughout summer camp and on YouthN2Fitness website.
E-Newsletter advertisement opportunity.
Event marketing opportunity.
If you require any additional information about "Healthy Habits in Action" Summer Camp or YouthN2Fitness please contact us at 404.307.7365. We thank you in advance for taking time out to review this information and we look forward to having you assist us with "Keeping Kids Fit, Inch by Inch".
Sincerely,
Kyle Green M.Ed
Executive Director
YouthN2Fitness
P.O. Box 1573
Stone Mountain, GA 30086
(404)307-7365
|
Southwest DeKalb's Buck Godfrey makes Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame
Southwest DeKalb High School football coach Buck Godfrey will forever be etched in stone after being entered into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame this month.
In 27 years of coaching, Godfrey has made the playoffs 24 times, with 13 region championships. He led the Panthers to a state championship in 1995, behind the throwing arm of former NFL quarterback Quincy Carter.
The sixth annual ceremony to induct Godfrey into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame also included the induction of former Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, 10-year NFL veteran and Georgia State Football coach Bill Curry and Hall of Fame golfer Larry Nelson. The ceremony was held June 12 at Georgia State University's Rialto Center for Arts in downtown Atlanta,
Of the 35 present inductees, Godfrey is the only high school coach to hold the Atlanta Hall of Fame honor. Under his leadership, 258 football players have received college scholarships.
For all 27 years, the Panthers have averaged 9.2 wins preseason, placing the team among the 25 winningest programs in the state and making Buck Godfrey Southwest DeKalb High School's winningest football coach.
|
CANDIDATE FORUMS
for DEKALB PRIMARY RACES
The League of Women Voters of DeKalb County
and The Champion newspaper are co-hosting two forums
at the historic Decatur Courthouse in downtown Decatur
from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The 4th Congressional District Forum will be held on June 22 and the District 7 Commission Race Forum will be held on June 29.
Fo
|
|
|
