ANNOUNCEMENTS – April 23, 2013

Green Expo!   Was Saturday.  Thanks to Georgia Perimeter Technical College for the use of their Conference Center.
Thank you!  Charles and Bonnie Hacke wrote to me to express their gratitude for the Service Men and Women from the Fire Department (No 5 in Tucker) and Police Officers (Tucker Precinct) for the wonderful service they perform. 

Transportation Plan Meetings If you haven’t been able to get to one of the Transportation meetings, join the discussion regarding the plan, the process for developing the plan and how to stay involved online. 

Tonight,Tues, April 23rd, 6:30pm  Register at the project website, www.dekalbtransportationplan2014.com.

Sat, May 4 1pm – 6pm Join the DeKalb County Police at the 2nd Annual Officers/Citizens Appreciation Day.  Enjoy games, food and activities for kids.  Exchange park, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur.

Sun, May 5 1pm-7pm Oak Groove Festival
Come enjoy live music, great food, drinks, local artists, and kids’ area.  Rain or Shine, Vista Grove Shopping Ctr, 2836 Lavista Rd, Decatur

Spring Events Benefitting Libraries:
•    Fri/Sat April 26 & 27  10am – 4:30pm Scott-Candler Library Book Sale/Book Festival, 1917 Candler Road, Dec
•    Fri/Sat May 10 & 11 10am - 4:30pm Clarkston Library Book Sale, 951 N Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.
•    Wed, May 15, 8 pm  A play benefiting the Dekalb Library Foundation about books and the people who love them.  The Book Club Play, $30 tickets online at www.dekalblibrary.org/foundation.  Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave, Atlanta.

Don’t forget to ‘Like us’ on Facebook!

    
www.kathiegannon.com

DeKalb County Youth Commission

Overview

The DeKalb County Youth Commission is a LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, sponsored by Commissioner Lee May in March of 2008, for CEO W. Burrell Ellis and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. It was designed to involve youth, from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and multi-cultural neighborhoods, with opportunities to have a voice in their communities.

By learning the roles of county government, participation in civic and community activities, and through representation of the views of the youth of DeKalb County, the Youth Commission will reinforce their efforts to becoming effective leaders of the future. 

General

This vision seeks the involvement of DeKalb County youth, in the planning, development and implementation of community activities and services.

We believe that early involvement of our youth, in the spectrum of governmental mandates and processes will increase their awareness and enable them to become more effective leaders.

With the motto of “Learn, Serve, Lead”, the DeKalb County Youth Commission will establish an environment in which the youth of DeKalb County can learn about DeKalb County Government, reinforce that learning through civic activities, and develop a foundation to lead in the future.

Administration

The DeKalb County Youth Commission is administrated by Mr. Dale Phillips, Director of the Human Services Division of the DeKalb County Community and Human Department, along with Carolyn Frisby, Youth Commission Coordinator.


Membership

Students, enrolled in DeKalb County’s high schools from the tenth and eleventh grades, are encouraged to apply annually to participate in the DeKalb County Youth Commission program.   Selection is based on a completed application that contains an essay, and a referral from a County Commissioner, school administrator, teacher, counselor or civic leader.  Other considerations may include a student’s GPA, community involvement (i.e., volunteerism, clubs, youth groups, etc.), and their presentation during an interview process.  Students should have a rich history of recognized leadership potential, as well as, extra time to actively participate during school hours and at after school events. Applications are presented in January to all of DeKalb County’s  private and public high schools, public libraries, community youth organizations and others requesting information. Newly selected applicants will be notified in March of their acceptance into the program and may maintain membership in the Youth Commission until they graduate from high school.

The parents and guardians of Youth Commissioners have the opportunity to participate on the DeKalb County Commission’s Parental Advisory Council.  This Council will meet twice a year during the Youth Commission term, providing parents/guardians an avenue to stay well informed on matters concerning the Youth Commission agenda and events.

The DeKalb County Youth Commission

Goals
•    Participate in annual Opening Planning Retreat
•    Attend monthly meeting and training sessions
•    Participate in the Official Induction Ceremony
•    Conduct peer/community Focus Groups
•    Host a community forum on DCTV
•    Create a Youth Ballot
•    Create a Youth Agenda
•    Present Youth Agenda and other related-issues to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
•    Partner with DeKalb County departments and community service organizations to observe youth programming and engage in youth-related activities.


Administration

The DeKalb County Youth Commission elects officers on an annual basis.  The officers consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. The Youth Commission’s operating interval is from September to May, however, administration planning, activities and initiatives occur on a year round basis. This period will be divided into the fall and spring terms.

DeKalb County Youth Commission Application
(For 2013-2014 Term)

Submission Deadline: Applications must be received by 5 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013

For more information, contact Carolyn M. Frisby, Youth Commission Coordinator
Phone: (404) 370-7255 FAX: (404)-270-1170   email: cmfrisby@dekalbcountyga.gov

Applications must be submitted to:
Human and Community Development Department
Human Services Division
ATTN: Youth Commission
39 Rogers Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30317

In order to be considered, students must meet the following criteria:
•    Must be a resident of DeKalb County.
•    Currently enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade and attend a DeKalb County high school.
•    Must commit to participation requirements (See ATTACHMENT).
•    Must attend the annual Retreat scheduled for May24, 2013.
•    Submittal of a Completed APPLICATION, with
o    A one page typed Nomination Statement from a teacher, counselor, principal, or community member who has known the applicant for at least 1 year (See NOMINATION SECTION).
o    A two page doubled space essay (See ESSAY SECTION).

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT IN THE SPACES BELOW:
DOSSIER SECTION:
Applicant Name:    
Street Address:   
City, State & Zip Code:      County of Residence:    
Home Phone:      Cell Phone:    
Age:         Birth Date: ___/____/____    Gender:          Race:          (Optional)
High School:         Grade:         GPA:    
Email address:   

Shirt Size (Male Shirt)    (Circle one)       
        S    M    L    XL    IX    2X    3X    4X

Parent/Guardian’s Name    
Parent/Guardian daytime phone number:    
Parent/Guardian email address:   


Nomination Section:
TO BE COMPLETED BY NOMINATOR (Teacher, counselor, principal, or community member who has known the applicant for at least 1 year.)  (If additional space is needed, attach sheet(s) to application)

Nominator's Name:         Title:    
Mailing Address:    
City, State & Zip Code:    
Phone Number: _____________________ Email:______________________________________

NOMINATION STATEMENT:    
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Will you be able to attend the Annual Retreat, scheduled for May 24, 2013?
Please circle:  YES OR NO      (If no, please explain)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

List a few of the extracurricular activities you have participated in during the past three (3) years. Add any offices held and/or awards received.

Organization    Position Held    Date of Involvement

1._________________________    ______________    ________________________

2._________________________    ______________    ________________________

3._________________________    ______________    ________________________

4._________________________    ______________    ________________________


ESSAY SECTION:
 In your opinion, what are the three most important issues facing DeKalb County youth today, and how would you address these issues?

1.   

2.   

3.   

ESSAY TOPIC: From the three topics listed above, choose and write about an issue that you think is  the most important one facing DeKalb County youth today.

YOUR CHECK LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
o    NOMINATION STATEMENT from Teacher, Counselor, School Administrator, Commissioner or Civic/Community Leader.
o    ESSAY (Two page, Double spaced) - An organized document that includes an introduction, a body with supportive ideas and a conclusion with a specific positive action that you think will resolve this issue.

DeKalb County has a high speed notification system that delivers time-sensitive messages via voice, email and text to targeted areas during emergency situations.  To sign up, log onto www.DeKalbCountyGA.gov and follow the link to the “CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment.” Data collected will only be used for emergency notification.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis wants to remind citizens to sign up for CodeRED, the county’s high-speed notification system that delivers time-sensitive messages via voice, email, and text to targeted areas or the entire county during emergency situations or disasters. 

“In light of today’s severe weather affecting DeKalb County and surrounding areas, citizens are reminded to sign up for CodeRED weather alerts and emergency notifications,” said CEO Ellis. “We also urge everyone to exercise caution when traveling outside of their homes and continue to monitor local news services for changes occurring in the area.”

 DeKalb County contracted with Emergency Communications Network (ECN) in 2009 to license its CodeRED high-speed notification system that will provide DeKalb County Public Safety and Emergency Management officials the ability to quickly deliver time-sensitive messages.

William “Wiz” Miller, Public Safety Director for DeKalb County, is encouraging citizens to add their calling information to the database system to ensure that citizens are included on the calling list when an emergency situation arises in the county.  “The CodeRED system gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into the system's database.  Citizens should not assume that his or her phone number is already in the system,” Miller said. 

To sign up for CodeRED, individuals and businesses should log onto DeKalb County’s website at www.DeKalbCountyGA.gov and follow the link to the "CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment" page. Required information includes; first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number.  Additional phone numbers can be entered as well.  Those without Internet access may call DeKalb County Emergency Management at 770-270-0413, Monday through Friday, (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) to supply their information over the phone.

Businesses are encouraged to register for CodeRED, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

Director Miller explained, "CodeRED allows geographically based delivery, which means street addresses are required to ensure emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones too, but we need to have an associated street address to provide relevant messages.  CodeRED gives those who want to be included in our emergency notification system an easy and secure method for inputting information. The data collected will only be used for emergency notification purposes."

Property Tax Information

Tax Sale Information

Property Appraisal Forms

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis announces the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve will host a series of workshops and activities as part of its 2013 schedule of winter programs. The programs will be held at Davidson-Arabia Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038.  The 2013 winter program schedule is listed below:

Winter Cocoa Walk
Sunday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. 
Don’t let winter stop you from hiking!  Brave the cold with a warm drink in hand and experience the natural and cultural resources of the nature preserve during winter.  Please bring your own travel mug and dress appropriately for the weather.  

Ranger Rendezvous
Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m. 
Meet up with Park Ranger Robby Astrove on the trail for one of the nature preserve’s more rugged and adventurous experiences.  The 4-5 mile hike will be moderate to difficult.  Registration is required to receive trailhead directions and rendezvous location.  Please register with rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Winter Tree Walk
Friday, Feb. 15, 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Park Ranger Robby Astrove on Georgia Arbor Day for an interpretive hike to learn about winter tree identification.  Participants will learn about overlooked signatures best noted for winter ID.   

Flat Rock Culture – Historical Communities and People
Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join Johnny Waits of the Flat Rock Archive during Black History Month to learn about our rich African American History in South DeKalb County. We will visit the Flat Rock Archive, historical cemeteries, and experience the unique culture of Flat Rock – past and present. Space is limited; please register with rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Ruins of Arabia
Sunday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn about Arabia’s past through the lens of old rock ruins with veteran nature preserve volunteer Tom Smith. Old quarry buildings, homestead foundations and mystery structures are revealed each winter.  Come explore with us.

Medicinal Plants and Teas
Sunday, March 17, 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Join herbalist and medicine woman Nicole Bluh to discuss and practice foraging and tea brewing. Participants will learn about ethical plant collecting, the healing power of the plants that grow in our area and how to prepare healing teas and tonics.

In addition to the program offerings, Interpretive and Recreational Hiking with Ranger Robby will be held every Friday and Sunday at 8 a.m.  Hikes are moderate for 2-3 hours.

For more information, please call 770-492-5220 or email rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Lets Talk Trash

See attached flyer...

Recycling Now Free in DeKalb County Fees Dropped, Time for Everyone to “Get a Bin”

DeKalb County has just made recycling a whole lot easier.

Effective Sept. 26, DeKalb County is eliminating the $30 registration fee for curbside recycling making it free for DeKalb residents.  The measure was approved unanimously by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

“DeKalb County is clean, green, safe and thriving, and dropping the recycling fee keeps us moving in that direction,” says DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis.  “We think that by removing the cost barrier and increasing education on how and what to recycle, our citizens will embrace it.”

Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon agreed. “Recycling is good for DeKalb County.  It helps control sanitation costs, reduces the amount of waste that goes to the Seminole Road Landfill, and creates more green jobs,” she said.

The DeKalb Sanitation Division has a comprehensive waste reduction plan and an aggressive goal to reduce landfill disposal of solid waste, increase recycling and divert tonnage from the Seminole Road Landfill.  Through increased education about recycling, the goal is to increase residential recycling from 21 percent today to 40 percent by 2016, or approximately 64,000 residential homes.
 
Recycling is already available in all county buildings, parks, and recreation centers and generates approximately $600,000 in revenue annually for the county, money that is used to control overall sanitation costs.
 
Residents can visit the DeKalb Recycles website to get all the information they need to begin recycling.  It’s easy: Sanitation Services will deliver the bin and bags to the resident.  Then they just sort their recyclables, set the bin and bag at curbside on Wednesdays.  By recycling, residents save energy and natural resources.  For example, recycling one soda can saves enough energy to run a computer for three hours.

For more information please click here.

Commissioner Gannon receives Investing In Dreams Award

Receiving Investing in Dreams Award with Mr. Larry Teems, Acting President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Mrs. Cynthia Dorsey Edwards, Executive Director, GPTC Foundation, Mr. Valentino Bates, GPTC Foundation Board of Trustees, Karen Maginnis, CNN Mistress of Ceremony, Cory Thompson, Director, Public Relations and Information GPTC, Master of Ceremony.