Gary Richey

JAN. 26- FEB. 1, 2009

In This Issue Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Decatur Playbook MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards City Schools of Decatur 2009-10 Calendar Survey Join Community Radar Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb Governor Announces Launch of Open Georgia Weekly Survey Georgia Legislative Update Famed Chef Offers Talent to Oakhurst Community Garden Project DeKalb Budget Hearings State Capitol Events In the News Community Calendar Jobs/Internships/Volunteer Scholarship/Summer Programs Opportunities Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events Quick Links Stephanie Benfield Georgia General Assembly DeKalb County Government DeKalb County Schools Organization of DeKalb Educators House Democratic Caucus Georgia Democratic Party DeKalb County Democratic Party Voter Registration Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Please click here for information regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. For more information regarding digital conversion please visit the following website.  Decatur Playbook The new quarterly issue of the Decatur Playbook is here.  Get more info. on Decatur Active Living programs, classes, sport leagues, etc.: Click here to obtain one. MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards MetLife Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are partnering for the eighth year to recognize, sustain and share the work of innovative partnerships between community groups and police to promote neighborhood safety and revitalization. Further information and a link to the full RFP is available at their website.  City Schools of Decatur 2009-10 Calendar Survey The City Schools of Decatur's Calendar Committee  will be posting two amended calendar options for feedback from CSD families and employees. Although the committee posted its 2009-2010 calendar options last year, two important changes to last year's parameters have taken place that warrant one last feedback session: 1.) CSD leadership wishes to communicate student progress to families 6 times each year rather than 4. This does not affect the length of the school year. 2.) Budget constraints will not permit any student intervention opportunities in which some students would attend school for more than 180 school days. A calendar survey was sent out on Monday, January 12th to the Campus Parent Portal account of each CSD parent or guardian. Click here to log in to the Campus Parent Portal. Join Community Radar Community Radar™ is a site dedicated to everything about your community; from government, to places to go, from schools, to zoning - one place to stay informed! As a community-run site, the mission of Community Radar™ is to be your best source for timely and relevant community news. Click here to join. Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb Applications are being accepted through March 13, 2009 from those who would like to be Habitat homeowners. Qualified applicants will be invited to the Orientation meeting on April 4 at Berean Christian Church. To get a copy of the qualification application, click HERE, or stop by the DeKalb Habitat office at 2915 Midway Road. Click here for a map to the office. Governor Announces Launch of Open Georgia: Transparency in Government Website Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the launch of the Open Georgia: Transparency in Government website. The site allows Georgians online access to agency expenditures on professional services, employee salaries and travel, state financial reports and program reviews from the two previous fiscal years. The website is maintained by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.  In 2010, it will be expanded to include grant and contract payments to vendors by state agencies. Weekly Survey Two weeks ago, 92 percent of the respondents approved of selling alcohol on Sunday in Georgia.  Thank you again for participating in the Survey.

Georgia Legislative Update Budget Hearings The Senate and House Appropriations Committees began their joint budget hearings Wednesday at the state Capitol, led by co-chairmen Senator Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) and Representative Ben Harbin (R-Evans).  Lawmakers heard presentations on the Department of Revenue, Education, Natural Resources and the Judicial Branch. The meeting began with Governor Sonny Perdue outlining his budget proposal emphasizing the need for government to provide the most value to its citizen with the resources available.  He noted that education funding is critically important in shaping the state's future, and has proposed a $1.2 billion bond package to invest in education infrastructure.  Gov. Perdue also encouraged passage of his "Super Speeder" legislation, where fines for excess speeding will be dedicated to funding a trauma care network.  This proposal, previously proposed in 2008, answers the call of many across the state to strengthen Georgia's limited trauma care system.   The committee was then presented with an economic forecast by Dr. Kenneth Heaghney, state fiscal economist.  After listing the downward trends Georgia has recently experienced across all economic sectors, including an average loss of 17,000 jobs a month, Dr. Heaghney said he predicts the state will begin to see a mild recovery in the middle of 2009. Departments and agencies then delivered presentations focused on what impact a $2.2 billion budget shortfall will have on their programs.  Despite decreased funding, State School Superintendent Kathy Cox outlined several new goals she plans to implement to meet the pressing needs of Georgia's students, including increasing high school graduation rates, strengthening teacher quality, improving students' workforce readiness skills, developing strong educational leaders, improving test scores, and creating policies that ensure the maximum academic and financial accountability.  A major concern for the General Assembly is the reduction in school nurses for 2010.  Nurses are contracted through this year, but could be eliminated in 2010. Legislators were anxious to hear how budget cuts would affect the Department of Transportation's ability to meet critical transportation needs across the state.  DOT Commissioner Gena Evans assured the committees that the department paid careful attention to cutting costs without sacrificing service, but noted that the legislature will need to redirect funds in order for the department to meet immediate transportation needs in FY 2010.  The department currently faces a $189 million deficit for FY 2009.  A large portion of the department's revenue is derived from the state's motor fuel tax, which in June took a significant hit when Governor Perdue suspended an increase in the state gas tax due to sharply rising gas prices.  DOT is also working on preparing projects for immediate implementation in the event that Georgia receives funding from a Federal economic stimulus package.  Those projects will most likely be rehabilitation-based. The Senate and House Appropriations Committees concluded their state budget hearings today with the Departments of Human Resources and Community Health.  Lawmakers also had the chance to address specific areas of the budget during the Office of Planning and Budget's presentation on their approach to how the FY 2009 and 2010 budgets were structured. DHR presented an overview of spending cuts within each program, including their spending plans for the future reorganization of the department.  The governor announced in August the creation of a new Department of Behavioral Health, encompassing mental health and addictive disease programs, while the Department of Community Health will be merged with the public health and health regulation programs of DHR to make up a reconstituted Department of Health.  Lawmakers are most concerned with how the department will cut costs while creating new departments.   Department of Community Health Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Meadows spoke to the committee to address the governor's proposed 5 percent cut to their operating budget for the rest of FY 2009.  She mentioned several initiatives such as utilizing new technologies, stricter eligibility requirements and hiring freezes that her agency will implement to meet the requirements but is concerned that any additional rises in unemployment and subsequent Medicaid enrollment than what is already projected could cause a higher deficit for DCH.  Lawmakers were extremely hesitant to endorse the governor's proposed hospital provider fee designed to help offset a projected $428 million budget hole that would cover Medicaid and Peachcare funding for FY 2010.  Dr. Meadows confirmed for the committee that this provider fee is a tax and very few hospitals would be eligible for any exemptions under the proposed plan.  She noted that DCH was in the preliminary stages of gauging the hospital fee's potential impact on legislator's district hospitals, trauma centers and the method of collecting the tax. To learn more about the proposed FY 2009 amended budget and FY 2010 budget, please visit the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute website. Atlanta chef, cookbook author, television producer, and crusader for refined Southern food Virginia Willis offers her time and talents for a good cause -- the Oakhurst Community Garden Project (OCGP) in Decatur, Georgia. The Oakhurst Garden is free, open to the public, and school groups are encouraged to schedule a field trip. You will find the Cook's Warehouse at 180 West Ponce de Leon Avenue in thriving downtown Decatur. The event runs from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Monday, January 26 and is limited to the first 25 registrants.  Register online by going to www.cookswarehouse.com and by clicking classes. For additional information contact: Stephanie Van Parys, Executive Director Oakhurst Community Garden director@oakhurstgarden.org, (678) 642-4977, and www.oakhurstgarden.org. DeKalb County Budget Hearings A Message from DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis To make your priorities our county government's priorities, one of the most important tools in our toolkit is our annual budget. This is how we pay for a county government that gets the job done for you, delivering the services you expect on time, within budget, and with a smile. The first budget of our new administration is now out. I want to share some of the highlights with you, especially: The national -- indeed global -- economic downturn has had a significant impact on what we can spend. To bring the 2009 budget back into balance, I have cut $189 million from departments, but I am confident that all of our county departments will be able to continue the level of service and professionalism that you expect. The budget strongly supports public safety and continued projects of the 2006 Bond Referenda. The establishment of a Chief Public Safety Officer to oversee and coordinate the operation of Police, Fire Rescue, Medical Examiners Office, the Juvenile Court, the Recorders Court (which has reportedly lost millions of dollars in revenue in the recent past) and to upgrade our 911 emergency computer software (which is severely inadequate). Continuation of the 18-month Master Police Officer incentive plan designed to retain senior officers who attain this designation. The allocation of 52 new positions to cover the scheduled new library openings during 2009. Continued expedition of implementing the 2006 Bond Projects -- construction of Transportation, Library and Parks and Greenspace Projects. Continued focus on upgrading public safety facilities, equipment and capabilities. The recommendation includes $1.5 million to continue the process of converting all public safety communications (radios) to state-of-the-art digital platforms. The computer system in the county's 911 Emergency Center is severely inadequate and must be fixed. For more information on the 2009 budget, please visit their website. Monday, January 26, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  Druid Hills High School 1798 Haygood Dr. Atlanta, Georgia 30307 Tuesday, January 27, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  Chapel  Middle School 3535 Dogwood Farms Decatur, Georgia 30034 Thursday, January 29, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  St. Martin In the Fields Church 3110 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, Georgia 30319 Tuesday, February 3, 2009 7:00 - 8:30 pm  East Lake YMCA 275 Lake Blvd SE Atlanta, Georgia 30317 Thursday, February 5, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  Tucker Recreation Center 4898 LaVista Rd Tucker, Georgia 30084 Tuesday, February 10, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Stephenson Middle School 922 Stephenson Rd. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087 Wednesday, February 11, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Torah Day School 1985 LaVista Rd., NE Tucker, Georgia 30329 Thursday, February 12, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Exousia Ministries 2652 Bond St. Lithonia, Georgia 30058 Tuesday, February 17, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm St. Timothy United MethodistChurch 5365 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 Thursday, February 19, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Berean Community Center 2440 Young Rd. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30088 State Capitol Events DeKalb House and Senate Public Hearing Monday, February 2, 2009 7:00 pm DeKalb Public Library Decatur Branch 215 Sycamore Street Decatur, Georgia 30030 DeKalb House Delegation Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2009 12:00 pm Coverdell Legislative Office Building Room 605 In the News Headlines from throughout Georgia and the Nation Cat Lovers, This Car Tag's for You The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Last fall, Hope the cat was homeless and headed to kitty heaven. Today, she is feline fabulous -- she has a new home and is the cat featured on a new Georgia license plate unveiled Thursday. Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin said he thinks the "Feline Friend" plate will prove more popular than the "Buddy" dog plate, first issued in 2005. "More people have cats than have dogs," Irvin said. To read more click here. Decatur delays annexation for at least 2 years The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Large-scale annexation is off the table in Decatur for the next two years. After weighing for more than a year whether to add two large neighborhoods and several commercial properties to the city borders, the city commission on Tuesday night voted unanimously to defer any decision. To read more click here. Community Calendar/News Druid Hills High School Premiere Benefit Saturday, January 31, 2009 6:30 pm - 10:30 pmEmory University Cox Ballroom For more information contact Donna Toulme at (404) 373-6662 Druid Hills High School Auction Fun and Gains Saturday, January 31, 2009 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm Emory University Cox Hall Ballroom For more information click here. HHS Rescue and Restore Hosting WebEx Training Starting a Shelter for Trafficking Victims Tuesday, January 27, 2009 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm To register click here.  Space is limited to the first 100 particpants. Fundraising Event for Trackside Tavern Employee's Chowder Cook-off Saturday, January 31, 2009 The Corner Pub 627-D East College Avenue Decatur, Georgia 30030 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Trackside Employee's Fund.  Additional contributions can be sent to The Trackside Employee Fund at Decatur First Bank, Attn: Ann Berg, 1120 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Leadership DeKalb Open House Tuesday, January 27, 2009 5:30 pm DeKalb Medical Center 5900 Hillandale Drive Lithonia, Georgia 30058 For reservations call (404) 373-2491 or send an email Band Together-2nd Annual RFS Benefit Concert (Refugee Family Services) Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:00 pm The Earl 488 Flat Shoals Avenue SE Atlanta, Georgia 30316 Winnona Park Neighborhood Association Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2009 7:00 pm Winnona Park Elementary School lower level Cafetorium 510 Avery Street Decatur, Georgia 30030 Winnona Park Elementary School Meeting for Prospective Parents Friday, January 30, 2009 1:15 pm 510 Avery Street Decatur, Georgia 30030 ODE and Japan-America Society of Georgia Host Fundraiser Starring Famed Storyteller Motoko Wednesday, January 28, 2009 7:30 pm Holiday Inn Decatur 130 Clairemont Road Decatur, Georgia 30030 Fundraiser is for Read With Me DeKalb, an ODE initiative that has given over $40,000 worth of books to Title 1 Schools and low income children in DeKalb County. Avondale Estates Calendars are Available Photographer and designer Carolyn Chandler has produced a limited edition Avondale Estates calendar for 2009.  The calendars are $15 each and can be purchased by calling (678)596-4810 or stopping by Avondale Antiques at 89 N. Clarendon Ave. (across from the Fire Station). Workshop: Growing Up-A Vertical Perspective (Gardening) DeKalb Extension Service Tuesday, January 27, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 4380 Memorial Drive Decatur, Georgia 30032 For more information or to register, please call (404) 298-4080. PEDS Pizza Party (Pedestrians Educating Drivers about Safety) Tuesday, January 27, 2009 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Slice 85 Poplar Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Panel Discussion: Energy Alternatives, Conservation and Sustainability DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Monday, February 2, 2009 Holiday Inn Conference Center 130 Clairemont Road Decatur, Georgia 30030 For more information please contact the Chamber at (404) 378-8000 or click here to RSVP. Call for Silent Auction Items Breakthru House 40th Anniversary Celebration April 16, 2009 Northside United Methodist Church Please contact Kate Boyer at (404) 284-4658 ext. 2 for any additional information.  The DeKalb County School System State of the System Address Thursday, February 5, 2009 7:30 am - 9:00 am Mercer University Cecil B. Day Hall 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341 For more information contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at (404) 378-8000. Job Announcements Georgians for a Healthy Future Executive Director Position Please send (via mail, e-mail or fax) a cover letter, resume, three references, and a salary history to: Terri Theisen Theisen Consulting LLC 7140 Northgreen Dr NE Atlanta, Georgia 30328 Fax:  770-396-2385 ttheisen@earthlink.net 2010 Census Jobs Available For more information, contact the local Census office or call the agency's toll-free jobs line at (866) 861-2010. Careers.ga.gov Notification List To find more extensive information about job opportunities with the State of Georgia including information about the State's Continuous Recruitment Job Titles, visit The Job Site. Internships Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper For more information on how to apply, click here. The Democratic Party of Georgia is currently accepting Intern applications for the spring semester. For more information visit the party website. The Institute for Responsible Citizenship The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington , DC . The Institute provides America 's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong mentorship.  For more information click here. Volunteer Opportunities DeKalb Rape Crisis Center To learn about ways to volunteer please visit their website. Scholarships The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program Provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice. For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) page, send us an email at requests@jackierobinson.org or call (212)290-8600. Summer Programs Breakthrough Atlanta (housed at The Lovett School) Breakthrough Atlanta is looking for motivated students who want to participate in a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program.  Please visit their website for additional information. Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events Decatur Youth Lacrosse Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center Boys Lacrosse: Ages 7-14 Girls Lacrosse: Ages 9-14 Practices and games are held at local fields. Volunteer coaches needed! For more information, please visit their website or contact Stacy Green at (678) 553-6549. Valentine Luncheon for Grades 1-3 Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 11:30 am Decatur Recreation Center Valentine Dance for Grades 4-5 Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Decatur Recreation Center For more information on both events, please visit the website or contact Lee Williams at (678) 553-6551. Be a Lifeguard or a Front Desk Attendant at a City of Decatur Pool! To apply online to be a lifeguard, please click here. To apply to be a front desk attendant, please contact Desiree Kaman, HR Director, Sears Pool Management, at (770) 993-7492.