The National Institutes of Health has awarded Georgia State University with a five-year grant to start a new Center for Excellence in Health Disparities Research, which will investigate health disparity issues in Atlanta’s urban environment.
The $6.7 million grant is funded through the NIH’s National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities. The center will include major research topics, as well as outreach programs.
The new center will be based in the Institute of Public Health of the College of Health and Human Sciences, and will include researchers from public health, social work, the Center for Healthy Development and criminal justice in the college, and faculty from the departments of African-American studies, sociology, and psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Health disparities in urban areas lead to poor health, which is caused by a confluence of factors, including poverty, discrimination, unemployment, lack of access to care and the manmade environment, said Michael Eriksen, director of the Institute of Public Health.
“These factors conspire to put communities at a disadvantage in terms of health and well-being,” Eriksen said. “What we hope to do with this new, larger center of excellence is to better understand the socioeconomic forces that contribute to ill health in communities that constitute much of urban Atlanta, and the urban United States.”
Three major research areas include:
• Investigating variations in health among disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially in the wake of Atlanta’s relocation of residents traditional public housing, undertaken by Erin Ruel, assistant professor of sociology
• Examining the role of religion and churches in reducing drug use and the transmission of HIV, researched by professor Richard Rothenberg of the Institute of Public Health
• Testing the use of a way to reduce child maltreatment, called the SafeCare Model from the Center for Healthy Development, by using computers; researched by associate professor Shannon Self-Brown of the center.
The university, through its Partnership for Urban Health Research, has been working in the field for several years, and faculty have built relationships with local neighborhoods, especially relationships with the communities of Neighborhood Planning Unit-V, located near Turner Field.
The new center will allow these relationships to continue and help to benefit the community over the long term, Eriksen said.
“It all starts with developing relationships with the community,” he said. “The problem historically has been that universities will get funding for a certain project, go into the community and do the project, and then the community never hears from them again. There needs to be a trusting and sustained relationship, which we’ve established.”
The center’s community work will also involve partnerships with local non-profit organizations, churches and other faith-based organizations, housing organizations and others to collect data, analyze patterns and to perform interventions, especially in the case with the computer-assisted SafeCare project to see if problems can be prevented in the future, Eriksen said.
The grant will also fund several core areas for infrastructure, including administration, research and training for GSU students, faculty and the community, as well as a community outreach area.
Eriksen also said that the center will serve as a repository of data for health and safety in the metro Atlanta area, which researchers plan to use in conjunction with the new visualization wall at the Parker H. Petit Science Center. The wall consists of a large, 200-million pixel array of computer screens, filling up a room to allow researchers to view and analyze volumes of visual information.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA Announce Nearly 350 Community Clinics and Health Centers to Receive Free Flu Shot Vouchers For Their Uninsured Patients
The following health clinics and community centers will have free flu shot vouchers available for their existing patients who lack health insurance while supplies last. Vouchers are redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy for MinuteClinic location for a free flu shot.
The Athens Nurses Clinic Athens
Mercy Health Center Athens
Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services Atlanta
Grant Park Clinic Atlanta
Georgia Farmworker Health Program Bainbridge
Good Samaritan Health And Wellness Center Jasper
Compassionate Care Clinic Milledgeville
Community Health Care Systems Sandersville
St. Mary's Health Center Savannah
JC Lewis Health Center of Union Mission Savannah
Hands of Hope Clinic Stockbridge
Primary Health Care Center Of Dade Trenton
Mercy Medical Clinic Vidalia
PRNewswire/ -- CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA announced today that nearly 350 community clinics and health centers across the country have agreed to participate in CVS Caremark's donation of up to $5 million in free shots to patients who lack health insurance. The participating clinics and health centers will identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provide them with a free flu shot voucher, which is redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location.
Direct Relief USA is a non-profit organization that works with 1,100 clinics and health centers in all 50 states, providing them with free medications and supplies for their low-income and uninsured patients. Most of the facilities in Direct Relief's network are affiliated with either the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) or the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC). Direct Relief USA is the largest non-profit program providing donations of medicine to patients without insurance at clinics and health centers nationwide, and was awarded the prestigious Power through partnerships award from the National Association of Community Health Centers.
CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,000 locations and MinuteClinic has more than 500 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores. Customers can make an appointment to receive a flu shot from a CVS pharmacist at the time, date and location of their choice by using the My Flu Shot Scheduler available at www.cvs.com/flu or by calling toll-free 1-888-FLU-SHOT (1-888-88-GRIPE for Spanish). MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are available to provide vaccinations 7 days a week during regular business hours with no appointment required.
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The Athens Nurses Clinic Athens
Mercy Health Center Athens
Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services Atlanta
Grant Park Clinic Atlanta
Georgia Farmworker Health Program Bainbridge
Good Samaritan Health And Wellness Center Jasper
Compassionate Care Clinic Milledgeville
Community Health Care Systems Sandersville
St. Mary's Health Center Savannah
JC Lewis Health Center of Union Mission Savannah
Hands of Hope Clinic Stockbridge
Primary Health Care Center Of Dade Trenton
Mercy Medical Clinic Vidalia
PRNewswire/ -- CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA announced today that nearly 350 community clinics and health centers across the country have agreed to participate in CVS Caremark's donation of up to $5 million in free shots to patients who lack health insurance. The participating clinics and health centers will identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provide them with a free flu shot voucher, which is redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location.
Direct Relief USA is a non-profit organization that works with 1,100 clinics and health centers in all 50 states, providing them with free medications and supplies for their low-income and uninsured patients. Most of the facilities in Direct Relief's network are affiliated with either the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) or the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC). Direct Relief USA is the largest non-profit program providing donations of medicine to patients without insurance at clinics and health centers nationwide, and was awarded the prestigious Power through partnerships award from the National Association of Community Health Centers.
CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,000 locations and MinuteClinic has more than 500 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores. Customers can make an appointment to receive a flu shot from a CVS pharmacist at the time, date and location of their choice by using the My Flu Shot Scheduler available at www.cvs.com/flu or by calling toll-free 1-888-FLU-SHOT (1-888-88-GRIPE for Spanish). MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are available to provide vaccinations 7 days a week during regular business hours with no appointment required.
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Drought conditions expand into west, south Georgia
Mild to moderate drought conditions have expanded over the past month to include much of west and south Georgia. With temperatures remaining above normal and rainfall below normal, soils continue to dry across the entire state.
Daytime high temperatures through the middle of September have generally been in the 90s across the piedmont and coastal plain. Rainfall for the past month has been between 50 percent and 70 percent of normal for most of the state. The exceptions are northeast Georgia and the lower Savannah River valley, where rainfall has been slightly above normal. Over the past two weeks, rainfall has been less than half of normal across the entire state.
Mild to moderate drought conditions exist in counties south and west of Haralson, Paulding, Douglas, Carroll, Harris, Troup, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Crisp, Wilcox, Telfair, Jeff Davis, Appling, Wayne and McIntosh counties, inclusive.
Mild drought conditions also exist in Lincoln, Wilkes and Elbert counties. The remainder of the state is classified as abnormally dry.
Currently, lack of soil moisture is the major drought impact. Across the southern half of the coastal plain, soil moisture is running at the fifth percentile. That means that 95 out of 100 years we would expect the soils to be wetter than they currently are in this region.
Dry soil, mixed blessing
The soil dryness has been a mixed blessing for farmers. For crops that are mature, this has made harvesting easier. The exception is peanuts. Producers are irrigating fields so that peanuts can be dug, or harvested from the ground. Many crops have not reached maturity and still need some moisture.
Streams are dropping across the state. In southwest Georgia, stream flows are near the 10th percentile. At that percentile we expect more water in the streams 90 out of 100 years. In south-central Georgia, the Little River near Adel and the Withlacoochee River near Quitman are at record low flows for the middle of September.
Across northwest Georgia, stream flows are also near the 10th percentile. Conditions across northeast Georgia are marginally better with stream flows generally around the 20th percentile, which means the streams would have more water flow 80 out of 100 years.
Wildfire risk
As the dryness worsens over the next few weeks, wildfire danger will increase. Currently, wildfire danger across the state is rated from high to extreme. Anyone involved in outside activities needs to be very cautious. Because of the dryness, any fire, regardless of how small, can quickly get out of control. Contact the Georgia Forestry Commission for specific details concerning wildfire risk and outdoor burn permits and requirements.
Dryness across the state is expected to increase over the next several weeks unless Georgia receives beneficial rains from one or more tropical disturbances, such as a tropical storm or hurricane.
Through the winter, the dryness may increase. The ocean-atmosphere system has switched to a La Niña pattern. The La Niña pattern is associated with dry, warm winters across much of the Southeast. This means that we may have minimal recharge of the hydrologic system this winter. This increases the probability of widespread and significant drought for next year. It is too early to tell exactly how the La Niña pattern will impact Georgia, but we need to be aware of the possible short-term tropical impacts and the long-term drought impacts.
Up-to-date information on dry conditions across Georgia can be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Updated weather conditions can be found at www.georgiaweather.net.
By David E. Stooksbury
University of Georgia
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Daytime high temperatures through the middle of September have generally been in the 90s across the piedmont and coastal plain. Rainfall for the past month has been between 50 percent and 70 percent of normal for most of the state. The exceptions are northeast Georgia and the lower Savannah River valley, where rainfall has been slightly above normal. Over the past two weeks, rainfall has been less than half of normal across the entire state.
Mild to moderate drought conditions exist in counties south and west of Haralson, Paulding, Douglas, Carroll, Harris, Troup, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Crisp, Wilcox, Telfair, Jeff Davis, Appling, Wayne and McIntosh counties, inclusive.
Mild drought conditions also exist in Lincoln, Wilkes and Elbert counties. The remainder of the state is classified as abnormally dry.
Currently, lack of soil moisture is the major drought impact. Across the southern half of the coastal plain, soil moisture is running at the fifth percentile. That means that 95 out of 100 years we would expect the soils to be wetter than they currently are in this region.
Dry soil, mixed blessing
The soil dryness has been a mixed blessing for farmers. For crops that are mature, this has made harvesting easier. The exception is peanuts. Producers are irrigating fields so that peanuts can be dug, or harvested from the ground. Many crops have not reached maturity and still need some moisture.
Streams are dropping across the state. In southwest Georgia, stream flows are near the 10th percentile. At that percentile we expect more water in the streams 90 out of 100 years. In south-central Georgia, the Little River near Adel and the Withlacoochee River near Quitman are at record low flows for the middle of September.
Across northwest Georgia, stream flows are also near the 10th percentile. Conditions across northeast Georgia are marginally better with stream flows generally around the 20th percentile, which means the streams would have more water flow 80 out of 100 years.
Wildfire risk
As the dryness worsens over the next few weeks, wildfire danger will increase. Currently, wildfire danger across the state is rated from high to extreme. Anyone involved in outside activities needs to be very cautious. Because of the dryness, any fire, regardless of how small, can quickly get out of control. Contact the Georgia Forestry Commission for specific details concerning wildfire risk and outdoor burn permits and requirements.
Dryness across the state is expected to increase over the next several weeks unless Georgia receives beneficial rains from one or more tropical disturbances, such as a tropical storm or hurricane.
Through the winter, the dryness may increase. The ocean-atmosphere system has switched to a La Niña pattern. The La Niña pattern is associated with dry, warm winters across much of the Southeast. This means that we may have minimal recharge of the hydrologic system this winter. This increases the probability of widespread and significant drought for next year. It is too early to tell exactly how the La Niña pattern will impact Georgia, but we need to be aware of the possible short-term tropical impacts and the long-term drought impacts.
Up-to-date information on dry conditions across Georgia can be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Updated weather conditions can be found at www.georgiaweather.net.
By David E. Stooksbury
University of Georgia
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
HHS awards $39 million to states for increasing adoptions
Georgia to receive over $364,000 as incentive
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services today awarded $39 million to 38 states and Puerto Rico for increasing the number of children adopted from foster care. States use the funds from this adoption incentive award to improve their child welfare programs.
"All children deserve loving, safe and permanent homes," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "It is gratifying that most states continue to excel in promoting the adoption of children from foster care. I sincerely thank every adoptive family that has welcomed a child into their home."
States receive $4,000 for every child adopted beyond their best year's total, plus a payment of $8,000 for every child age 9 and older and $4,000 for every special needs child adopted above the respective baselines. The year 2007 is the baseline.
This year's incentive award recipients completed more adoptions in 2009 than in the 2007 baseline year.
"America's communities benefit when children grow up in stable families," said David A. Hansell, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. "We're very pleased that the adoption incentives program is helping states improve their programs and place more children into homes that are theirs forever."
States and territories receiving today's funding are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.
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The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services today awarded $39 million to 38 states and Puerto Rico for increasing the number of children adopted from foster care. States use the funds from this adoption incentive award to improve their child welfare programs.
"All children deserve loving, safe and permanent homes," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "It is gratifying that most states continue to excel in promoting the adoption of children from foster care. I sincerely thank every adoptive family that has welcomed a child into their home."
States receive $4,000 for every child adopted beyond their best year's total, plus a payment of $8,000 for every child age 9 and older and $4,000 for every special needs child adopted above the respective baselines. The year 2007 is the baseline.
This year's incentive award recipients completed more adoptions in 2009 than in the 2007 baseline year.
"America's communities benefit when children grow up in stable families," said David A. Hansell, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. "We're very pleased that the adoption incentives program is helping states improve their programs and place more children into homes that are theirs forever."
States and territories receiving today's funding are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Georgia summer sets record
Georgia summers are notoriously hot. But this one has been a record-setter, with August capping a string of months with temperatures significantly above average.
For June, July and August, several airport locations recorded their warmest summer in history, including Savannah, Athens, Columbus and Alma. Other locations, like Atlanta, Macon, Augusta and Brunswick, recorded their second or third hottest summer ever. Nighttime minimum temperatures were especially high, contributing to the warm and muggy feel.
Temperatures were warmer than normal everywhere in Georgia in August. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 82.8 degrees F (3.9 degrees above normal), in Athens 82.2 degrees (3.8 degrees above normal), Columbus 85.4 degrees (4.1 degrees above normal), Macon 83.8 degrees (3.8 degrees above normal), Savannah 84.2 degrees (3.4 degrees above normal), Brunswick 84.1 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal), Alma 83.8 degrees (2.7 degrees above normal), Valdosta 84.1 degrees (4.3 degrees above normal), and Augusta 82.3 degrees (3 degrees above normal).
Despite the unrelenting heat, there were no daily temperature records broken in August, although several record high temperatures and high minimum temperatures were tied. Rainfall across the state was highly variable. Some areas received more than 200 percent of normal and other areas received less than 50 percent of normal rain.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.62 inches in Athens (3.84 inches above normal). The lowest was Columbus at 2.45 inches (1.33 inches below normal). Valdosta received 3.48 inches (1.95 inches below normal), Alma 2.72 inches (2.78 inches below normal), Brunswick 4.94 inches (1.22 inches below normal), Atlanta 3.32 inches (.35 inch below normal), Macon 3.57 inches (.22 inch below normal), Savannah 5.30 inches (1.90 inches below normal), and Augusta 2.04 inches (2.44 inches below normal).
Record daily rainfall was set Aug. 21 in Brunswick, where 1.15 inches fell, breaking the old record of 1.04 inches set in 2009. Savannah also set a daily rainfall record of 3.21 inches Aug. 22, breaking the old record of 2.78 inches set in 1929.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 4.69 inches at Tybee Island Aug. 17. An observer in White County received 4.22 inches Aug. 22. The highest monthly rainfall total in August was 16.82 inches near Midway in Liberty County, followed by 14.55 inches from an observer near Sylvania in Screven County.
Scattered wind damage hit somewhere in Georgia on nine days during the month. Small hail was reported near Atlanta Aug. 28. No tornadoes were reported in August.
Weather conditions fueled the development of armyworms, which some agricultural agents listed as the worst they had seen in 25 years. They devastated pastures and hayfields in locations across the state.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
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For June, July and August, several airport locations recorded their warmest summer in history, including Savannah, Athens, Columbus and Alma. Other locations, like Atlanta, Macon, Augusta and Brunswick, recorded their second or third hottest summer ever. Nighttime minimum temperatures were especially high, contributing to the warm and muggy feel.
Temperatures were warmer than normal everywhere in Georgia in August. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 82.8 degrees F (3.9 degrees above normal), in Athens 82.2 degrees (3.8 degrees above normal), Columbus 85.4 degrees (4.1 degrees above normal), Macon 83.8 degrees (3.8 degrees above normal), Savannah 84.2 degrees (3.4 degrees above normal), Brunswick 84.1 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal), Alma 83.8 degrees (2.7 degrees above normal), Valdosta 84.1 degrees (4.3 degrees above normal), and Augusta 82.3 degrees (3 degrees above normal).
Despite the unrelenting heat, there were no daily temperature records broken in August, although several record high temperatures and high minimum temperatures were tied. Rainfall across the state was highly variable. Some areas received more than 200 percent of normal and other areas received less than 50 percent of normal rain.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.62 inches in Athens (3.84 inches above normal). The lowest was Columbus at 2.45 inches (1.33 inches below normal). Valdosta received 3.48 inches (1.95 inches below normal), Alma 2.72 inches (2.78 inches below normal), Brunswick 4.94 inches (1.22 inches below normal), Atlanta 3.32 inches (.35 inch below normal), Macon 3.57 inches (.22 inch below normal), Savannah 5.30 inches (1.90 inches below normal), and Augusta 2.04 inches (2.44 inches below normal).
Record daily rainfall was set Aug. 21 in Brunswick, where 1.15 inches fell, breaking the old record of 1.04 inches set in 2009. Savannah also set a daily rainfall record of 3.21 inches Aug. 22, breaking the old record of 2.78 inches set in 1929.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 4.69 inches at Tybee Island Aug. 17. An observer in White County received 4.22 inches Aug. 22. The highest monthly rainfall total in August was 16.82 inches near Midway in Liberty County, followed by 14.55 inches from an observer near Sylvania in Screven County.
Scattered wind damage hit somewhere in Georgia on nine days during the month. Small hail was reported near Atlanta Aug. 28. No tornadoes were reported in August.
Weather conditions fueled the development of armyworms, which some agricultural agents listed as the worst they had seen in 25 years. They devastated pastures and hayfields in locations across the state.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Famed Whiskey Distillery Sets out to Make Jack Daniel’s Birthday a National Holiday
“It’s going to be a bit of a long shot, but we think there are plenty of Jack Daniel’s friends out there who are going to get behind our efforts to honor this legendary man.”
The man who pioneered the world’s best-selling whiskey was born in Lynchburg, Tenn., in September 1850, but due to the passage of time and fires, no one knows the exact date of his birth. While the folks at Jack Daniel’s typically just celebrate any day of the month, they decided that Mr. Jack’s independent American spirit, entrepreneurial success and worldwide recognition make him worthy of his own national holiday.
“We certainly realize there are plenty of very serious things going on in the country, but we also think folks should have a little fun with this particular campaign,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett. “It’s going to be a bit of a long shot, but we think there are plenty of Jack Daniel’s friends out there who are going to get behind our efforts to honor this legendary man.”
The “Back Jack” campaign will have a number of components:
Grass-roots Petition Campaign
From California to Maine, Florida to Washington state, Jack Daniel’s will ask its friends ages 21 and up beginning September 1st to sign the petition calling on Congress to establish a national holiday in honor of Mr. Jack’s birthday. Supporters can sign up at JDBDay.com; via Facebook and text message; at bars and other locations; and, in select cities, at the Jack Daniel’s campaign bus. At the end of the month, petitions will be delivered to Washington, D.C. and the rest will be up to our political leaders. Since we don’t know the exact date of his birth in September, whatever day Congress chooses will be fine with the Distillery.
Virtual and Viral Campaign
The official campaign headquarters for the “Back Jack” effort will be located online at JDBDay.com. From there, fans will be directed to a special Facebook application where they can sign the petition as well as see and share viral video, view a map of state-by-state campaign support, earn badges and improve their “delegate” status by getting friends to sign the petition. Those who aren’t on Facebook can virtually sign the petition by texting JDBDay to 68405. In addition, supporters should look for the Jack Daniel’s Birthday JAGTAG in various locations to view an exclusive campaign video through their mobile device.
Campaign Bus Tour
The “Back Jack” campaign will really get rolling in mid-September with a bus tour leaving from Lynchburg, Tenn., and traveling to Washington, D.C. The bus tour will collect signatures in 10 cities and will culminate on Capitol Hill at the end of September, where brand representatives will deliver the signed petition to Congress. Among the cities currently slated for campaign rally stops are Lynchburg, Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Inaugural Conference Unites Georgia's Leaders in a Statewide Conversation
/PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, Georgia's academic, civic, economic, and government leaders began a long-awaited conversation about the future of our state. The Macon State College Conference Center played host to the 2010 GeorgiaForward Forum. Over 200 stakeholders, representing every corner of the state, convened at the Conference Center to discuss the most pressing challenges facing Georgians today, including the economy, water equity, education, and transportation.
Following the theme "Together, improving the state of our state," the day-long forum attendees were welcomed by Macon State University President Dr. David Bell and the mayor of Macon, Robert Reichert. An original short video entitled "Who We Are: What Does it Mean to Live in Georgia," started the morning session with a thought-provoking look at the current situation of Georgians, from Rome to Savannah, and everywhere in between.
"I firmly believe that this forum represents a watershed moment in Georgia's history," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver, of Augusta, Georgia. "Though the process won't be easy and will require a long term commitment on behalf of all involved, I believe the forum gave a brief glimpse of a very bright future for Georgia."
Dr. Harold Hodgkinson, the Director of The Center for Demographic Policy, led an in-depth discussion about the state's ever evolving demographic layout, including the social, economic and political implications that Georgians will face by the year 2030. Anita-Brown Graham, Director of the Institute for Emerging Issues, a public policy think-and-do tank that tackles issues facing North Carolina's future growth and prosperity, spoke to the possibilities of what a similar organization could accomplish in Georgia.
"GeorgiaForward is about creating and maintaining an on-going dialogue about the issues that are affecting Georgians," says A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, the organization that started the effort that is now GeorgiaForward. "Every county in the state of Georgia is unique in its own right; however, by taking a unified look at our state's issues we stand to improve the quality of our state's economy and infrastructure for future generations."
A highly anticipated question and answer session with Georgia's 2010 gubernatorial candidates kicked off the afternoon program with both candidates Deal & Barnes phoning in to talk about their visions for the state. Attendees spent the afternoon participating in four problem-solving interactive sessions: Georgia's new transportation bill, the economy, the Tri-State Water Wars, as well as education's role in economic development, were the focal points of each session.
"Our goal for the inaugural GeorgiaForward Forum was to open the lines of communication between Georgia's stakeholders and citizens, across regional lines," says event organizer Amir Farokhi. "Today's event has greatly surpassed our expectations, and we are eager to see where this conversation leads us."
For more information about GeorgiaForward and its on-going efforts, please go to www.georgiaforward.org.
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Following the theme "Together, improving the state of our state," the day-long forum attendees were welcomed by Macon State University President Dr. David Bell and the mayor of Macon, Robert Reichert. An original short video entitled "Who We Are: What Does it Mean to Live in Georgia," started the morning session with a thought-provoking look at the current situation of Georgians, from Rome to Savannah, and everywhere in between.
"I firmly believe that this forum represents a watershed moment in Georgia's history," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver, of Augusta, Georgia. "Though the process won't be easy and will require a long term commitment on behalf of all involved, I believe the forum gave a brief glimpse of a very bright future for Georgia."
Dr. Harold Hodgkinson, the Director of The Center for Demographic Policy, led an in-depth discussion about the state's ever evolving demographic layout, including the social, economic and political implications that Georgians will face by the year 2030. Anita-Brown Graham, Director of the Institute for Emerging Issues, a public policy think-and-do tank that tackles issues facing North Carolina's future growth and prosperity, spoke to the possibilities of what a similar organization could accomplish in Georgia.
"GeorgiaForward is about creating and maintaining an on-going dialogue about the issues that are affecting Georgians," says A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, the organization that started the effort that is now GeorgiaForward. "Every county in the state of Georgia is unique in its own right; however, by taking a unified look at our state's issues we stand to improve the quality of our state's economy and infrastructure for future generations."
A highly anticipated question and answer session with Georgia's 2010 gubernatorial candidates kicked off the afternoon program with both candidates Deal & Barnes phoning in to talk about their visions for the state. Attendees spent the afternoon participating in four problem-solving interactive sessions: Georgia's new transportation bill, the economy, the Tri-State Water Wars, as well as education's role in economic development, were the focal points of each session.
"Our goal for the inaugural GeorgiaForward Forum was to open the lines of communication between Georgia's stakeholders and citizens, across regional lines," says event organizer Amir Farokhi. "Today's event has greatly surpassed our expectations, and we are eager to see where this conversation leads us."
For more information about GeorgiaForward and its on-going efforts, please go to www.georgiaforward.org.
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Dove Season Opens Saturday, Sept 4th
Hunters statewide can celebrate the beginning of dove season at noon Saturday, Sept. 4. Long-awaited opening day is traditionally considered the beginning of the fall hunting season, and with the numerous wildlife management area hunts scheduled, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce children and grandchildren to the sport.
“Georgia has some fantastic public areas for dove hunters. In fact, many WMAs provide fields managed specifically for dove hunting opportunities,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s assistant chief of Game Management. “In addition to being the ‘kick-off’ to the fall hunting season, dove hunting is a prime time to introduce family and friends to hunting, as it typically is a fun-filled day.”
Most WMA public dove fields are quota only on opening day. As such, hunters are encouraged to review dove hunting rules and regulations to ensure the availability of the field they plan to visit.
The official 2010-2011 dove seasons are Sept. 4-19, Oct. 9-17 and Nov. 25 - Jan. 8. Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day (Sept. 4) of the first season and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remaining two seasons. Sunrise and sunset times for each day are found in the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or online at www.georgiawildlife.com .
The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Additionally, there have been some reports of white-winged doves in Georgia. White-winged doves may be harvested, but count toward the daily bag limit of 15.
Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves. As always, hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and please respect the land by cleaning up spent shells, leaving gates the way they were found and removing all trash.
Dove hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit). Those hunting WMAs also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses online at www.georgiawildlife.com , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at more than 650 license agent locations (list of agents available online).
For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations, public dove fields and conditions, or adult/child dove hunts, hunters should review the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at any Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office.
Updated and accurate harvest rate estimates facilitate the successful management of doves. As such, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated a dove trapping and banding project in 2003.
Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS by calling 1-800-327-BAND.
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“Georgia has some fantastic public areas for dove hunters. In fact, many WMAs provide fields managed specifically for dove hunting opportunities,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s assistant chief of Game Management. “In addition to being the ‘kick-off’ to the fall hunting season, dove hunting is a prime time to introduce family and friends to hunting, as it typically is a fun-filled day.”
Most WMA public dove fields are quota only on opening day. As such, hunters are encouraged to review dove hunting rules and regulations to ensure the availability of the field they plan to visit.
The official 2010-2011 dove seasons are Sept. 4-19, Oct. 9-17 and Nov. 25 - Jan. 8. Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day (Sept. 4) of the first season and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remaining two seasons. Sunrise and sunset times for each day are found in the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or online at www.georgiawildlife.com .
The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Additionally, there have been some reports of white-winged doves in Georgia. White-winged doves may be harvested, but count toward the daily bag limit of 15.
Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves. As always, hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and please respect the land by cleaning up spent shells, leaving gates the way they were found and removing all trash.
Dove hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit). Those hunting WMAs also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses online at www.georgiawildlife.com , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at more than 650 license agent locations (list of agents available online).
For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations, public dove fields and conditions, or adult/child dove hunts, hunters should review the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at any Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office.
Updated and accurate harvest rate estimates facilitate the successful management of doves. As such, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated a dove trapping and banding project in 2003.
Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS by calling 1-800-327-BAND.
-----
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Required Hunter Ed Course Available Online
Hunter education courses in Georgia are offered three ways: by classroom, CD-Rom or online.
Completion of a hunter education course is required for those born on or after January 1, 1961, who purchase a hunting license. The only exception is for those who purchase an Apprentice License – which offers novice hunters (16 years of age and older) an opportunity to hunt for three days without completing a hunter education course.
“The online hunter education course continues to grow in popularity with Georgia hunters-and is now offered by three different companies,” says Walter Lane, Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Development Program Manager. “It is a convenient way to fulfill hunter safety requirements without having to attend the traditional classroom course.”
The online course satisfies eight of the ten hours required for the course. Hunters still must attend a two-hour review course and take a written exam. Students that pass the exam will receive hunter education certificates.
Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:
· purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
· is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
· hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.
The only exceptions include any person who:
· purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the new Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).
· is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.
The hunter education course also is available by CD-Rom or in a traditional classroom setting. For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 770-761-3010.
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Completion of a hunter education course is required for those born on or after January 1, 1961, who purchase a hunting license. The only exception is for those who purchase an Apprentice License – which offers novice hunters (16 years of age and older) an opportunity to hunt for three days without completing a hunter education course.
“The online hunter education course continues to grow in popularity with Georgia hunters-and is now offered by three different companies,” says Walter Lane, Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Development Program Manager. “It is a convenient way to fulfill hunter safety requirements without having to attend the traditional classroom course.”
The online course satisfies eight of the ten hours required for the course. Hunters still must attend a two-hour review course and take a written exam. Students that pass the exam will receive hunter education certificates.
Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:
· purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
· is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
· hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.
The only exceptions include any person who:
· purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the new Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).
· is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.
The hunter education course also is available by CD-Rom or in a traditional classroom setting. For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 770-761-3010.
-----
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Monster Energy Brings Professional BMX to Fiesta Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- Fiesta Georgia welcomes the Monster Energy BMX stunt show to the 2010 Hispanic Heritage month celebration. Hosted by Lanza Group, LLC, Fiesta Georgia serves as the unofficial kickoff to Hispanic Heritage month with a day-long celebration of Latino culture and music festival in the Georgia International Horse Park, located in Conyers.
"Fiesta Georgia is a great way for us to connect with our customers and reach a new audience," said Jose Gonzalez, National Latino Event Manager. "The positive crowd interaction with our BMX show, sampling and our brand ambassadors show us how valuable it is to be here."
A festival tradition for the third year running, Monster will bring their dynamic BMX show to Fiesta Georgia. "La Experiencia Monster" features a who's who of X Games competitors, performing a wide range of stunts, flips and more. Fans will be offered complimentary cans of Monster Energy, chances to interact with the stunt performers, and the Limited Edition Monster Girls Calendar. The show runs for 20 minutes every hour, with different elements exhibited from the professional riders, and new music.
Over 30,000 people typically attend Fiesta Georgia, celebrating Hispanic Heritage month, recognizing the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United State. Fiesta Georgia will include a full lineup of Regional Mexican artists, Latin food vendors, children's entertainment, and crafts vendors. The 3rd annual Fiesta Georgia will take place Sunday September 19th, 2010 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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"Fiesta Georgia is a great way for us to connect with our customers and reach a new audience," said Jose Gonzalez, National Latino Event Manager. "The positive crowd interaction with our BMX show, sampling and our brand ambassadors show us how valuable it is to be here."
A festival tradition for the third year running, Monster will bring their dynamic BMX show to Fiesta Georgia. "La Experiencia Monster" features a who's who of X Games competitors, performing a wide range of stunts, flips and more. Fans will be offered complimentary cans of Monster Energy, chances to interact with the stunt performers, and the Limited Edition Monster Girls Calendar. The show runs for 20 minutes every hour, with different elements exhibited from the professional riders, and new music.
Over 30,000 people typically attend Fiesta Georgia, celebrating Hispanic Heritage month, recognizing the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United State. Fiesta Georgia will include a full lineup of Regional Mexican artists, Latin food vendors, children's entertainment, and crafts vendors. The 3rd annual Fiesta Georgia will take place Sunday September 19th, 2010 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Win a New Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle and Help Build the National Law Enforcement Museum
/PRNewswire/ -- For more than a century, Harley-Davidson® Motor Company has been supplying motorcycles to America's law enforcement agencies. Now Harley-Davidson® based in Milwaukee, WI, is helping to write a new chapter in law enforcement history through a unique partnership to support the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum.
In 2010, for the fourth year in a row, the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company has donated a motorcycle to support the National Law Enforcement Museum--in this case, a 2010 Road King® Peace Officer Special Edition. The Memorial Fund is proud to continue this partnership and welcomes Harley-Davidson's leadership and support. The non-profit Memorial Fund is selling raffle tickets for just $25 each, with the proceeds going to build the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC.
Steve St. Thomas, Director of Police & Fleet Sales for Harley-Davidson®, Inc., joined John Shanks, Director of Law Enforcement Relations, at the Fund's Ambassador Reception during National Police Week this past May to announce the 2010 partnership.
The Harley-Davidson® motorcycle has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $18,402, and only 6,000 raffle tickets are being printed. Tickets can be purchased in one of two ways: by calling either 877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EDT), or in person at the Memorial Fund's Visitors Center & Store, located at 400 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC, where the motorcycle is currently on display.
The raffle drawing will take place and the winner announced on the evening of Thursday, October 14, during the Inaugural Gala celebrating the National Law Enforcement Museum's groundbreaking, which will take place earlier that day. The winner need not be present to win.
"Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a long and distinguished history of supporting law enforcement in our country, so it was not surprising that the Company would step up early in the campaign to support the National Law Enforcement Museum and would remain a strong and reliable partner ever since," said Craig W. Floyd, the Memorial Fund's chairman and CEO.
He noted that the raffles of the first three motorcycles donated by the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company raised more than $135,000 for the Museum campaign. The previous winners were a U.S. Border Patrol agent from California who had been on special assignment to Washington, DC; a Florida woman who had been riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson® for two decades; and a corrections lieutenant from New Jersey who recently retired and now spends much of his time touring New England on his new motorcycle.
Authorized by Congress in the year 2000, the National Law Enforcement Museum (www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is an architecturally inspiring, 55,000-square-foot, mostly underground museum that will be located adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in downtown DC. The Museum will tell the story of American law enforcement through high-tech, interactive exhibits, collections, research and education. Groundbreaking for the Museum will take place on October 14, 2010, with a projected opening in late 2013.
The privately funded Museum has launched an $80 million capital campaign, with more than $40 million raised to date. Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton serve as co-chairs of the Museum's National Honorary Campaign Committee, which also includes seven former Attorneys General of the United States, as well as other former government officials and celebrities.
For more information about the Memorial Fund's Harley-Davidson® motorcycle raffle, visit www.LawMemorial.org/HarleyRaffle. Raffle tickets may be purchased by phone--at 877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402--between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday.
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In 2010, for the fourth year in a row, the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company has donated a motorcycle to support the National Law Enforcement Museum--in this case, a 2010 Road King® Peace Officer Special Edition. The Memorial Fund is proud to continue this partnership and welcomes Harley-Davidson's leadership and support. The non-profit Memorial Fund is selling raffle tickets for just $25 each, with the proceeds going to build the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC.
Steve St. Thomas, Director of Police & Fleet Sales for Harley-Davidson®, Inc., joined John Shanks, Director of Law Enforcement Relations, at the Fund's Ambassador Reception during National Police Week this past May to announce the 2010 partnership.
The Harley-Davidson® motorcycle has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $18,402, and only 6,000 raffle tickets are being printed. Tickets can be purchased in one of two ways: by calling either 877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EDT), or in person at the Memorial Fund's Visitors Center & Store, located at 400 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC, where the motorcycle is currently on display.
The raffle drawing will take place and the winner announced on the evening of Thursday, October 14, during the Inaugural Gala celebrating the National Law Enforcement Museum's groundbreaking, which will take place earlier that day. The winner need not be present to win.
"Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a long and distinguished history of supporting law enforcement in our country, so it was not surprising that the Company would step up early in the campaign to support the National Law Enforcement Museum and would remain a strong and reliable partner ever since," said Craig W. Floyd, the Memorial Fund's chairman and CEO.
He noted that the raffles of the first three motorcycles donated by the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company raised more than $135,000 for the Museum campaign. The previous winners were a U.S. Border Patrol agent from California who had been on special assignment to Washington, DC; a Florida woman who had been riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson® for two decades; and a corrections lieutenant from New Jersey who recently retired and now spends much of his time touring New England on his new motorcycle.
Authorized by Congress in the year 2000, the National Law Enforcement Museum (www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is an architecturally inspiring, 55,000-square-foot, mostly underground museum that will be located adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in downtown DC. The Museum will tell the story of American law enforcement through high-tech, interactive exhibits, collections, research and education. Groundbreaking for the Museum will take place on October 14, 2010, with a projected opening in late 2013.
The privately funded Museum has launched an $80 million capital campaign, with more than $40 million raised to date. Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton serve as co-chairs of the Museum's National Honorary Campaign Committee, which also includes seven former Attorneys General of the United States, as well as other former government officials and celebrities.
For more information about the Memorial Fund's Harley-Davidson® motorcycle raffle, visit www.LawMemorial.org/HarleyRaffle. Raffle tickets may be purchased by phone--at 877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402--between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday.
-----
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Friday, August 20, 2010
GSU researchers to investigate oil-degrading microbes in the wake of Gulf oil spill
Georgia State University researchers will head to Louisiana this fall to see if clay minerals can be used to aid microbes to better break down oil in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The research in the salt marshes is sponsored by a one-year, $61,537 Rapid Research Response (RAPID) grant from the National Science Foundation.
The research team includes Daniel Deocampo, W. Crawford Elliott, Larry Kiage, Eirik Krogstad and Seth Rose of the Department of Geosciences; Kuki Chin of the Department of Biology; and Gary Hastings of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
"Anytime we can shave off the timeline for ecological restoration of the Gulf coast will have tangible economic and ecological impacts," said Daniel Deocampo, assistant professor of geosciences.
Georgia State researchers will select three experimental plots in the marshes. They will then spray the clay minerals, which occur there naturally, over the plots. Chunks of sediment and seawater will be taken back to the GSU lab in Atlanta for further analysis.
Deocampo said that the team will hopefully have preliminary data by spring 2011 - a quick turnaround for research.
The microbes that exist in the marshes have evolved over time to be able to ingest oil, as oil naturally seeps out of sediments in the Gulf of Mexico - albeit in significantly smaller amounts than the recent oil spill, said Kuki Chin, assistant professor of microbiology.
"So in this case, when the oil comes, it can be used as a food source," Chin said. "Some microbes can degrade sulfate as well as petroleum hydrocarbon."
There are thousands of species of microbes which can eat up oil, some existing on the surface of the water that are aerobic, meaning they rely on oxygen to live. Others existing in deeper sediment layers on the marshes are anaerobic and can live without oxygen.
What scientists don't know is the exact mechanism that encourages microbes to consume petroleum hydrocarbons, Deocampo said. In the lab, the application of clay minerals, particularly one called calcium montmorillonite, seems to encourage aerobic bacteria to consume more hydrocarbons.
"Clay minerals are really unique among minerals because they have a really high, natural electrical charge," he explained. "That charge has to be balanced somehow, and has to be balanced by magnesium or calcium in sea water."
But this can change, where particles called cations that carry the charge can go back and forth, depending on chemical reactions.
"The hypothesis is that when you have this charged surface with these cations on it, and put that right next to a cell wall of one of these microbes, the charged surfaces help the microbe to gain nutrients," Deocampo said.
Researchers will also test to see if the process functions in anaerobic bacteria in the same way as aerobic bacteria.
Chin said that environmental conditions could play a factor in how the microbes react in the Deepwater Horizon spill, causing a different reaction that the one which occurred during the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.
"Environmental conditions, such as the temperature, can make a difference. We hope that in the marshes, the reactions could be quicker," she said.
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The research in the salt marshes is sponsored by a one-year, $61,537 Rapid Research Response (RAPID) grant from the National Science Foundation.
The research team includes Daniel Deocampo, W. Crawford Elliott, Larry Kiage, Eirik Krogstad and Seth Rose of the Department of Geosciences; Kuki Chin of the Department of Biology; and Gary Hastings of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
"Anytime we can shave off the timeline for ecological restoration of the Gulf coast will have tangible economic and ecological impacts," said Daniel Deocampo, assistant professor of geosciences.
Georgia State researchers will select three experimental plots in the marshes. They will then spray the clay minerals, which occur there naturally, over the plots. Chunks of sediment and seawater will be taken back to the GSU lab in Atlanta for further analysis.
Deocampo said that the team will hopefully have preliminary data by spring 2011 - a quick turnaround for research.
The microbes that exist in the marshes have evolved over time to be able to ingest oil, as oil naturally seeps out of sediments in the Gulf of Mexico - albeit in significantly smaller amounts than the recent oil spill, said Kuki Chin, assistant professor of microbiology.
"So in this case, when the oil comes, it can be used as a food source," Chin said. "Some microbes can degrade sulfate as well as petroleum hydrocarbon."
There are thousands of species of microbes which can eat up oil, some existing on the surface of the water that are aerobic, meaning they rely on oxygen to live. Others existing in deeper sediment layers on the marshes are anaerobic and can live without oxygen.
What scientists don't know is the exact mechanism that encourages microbes to consume petroleum hydrocarbons, Deocampo said. In the lab, the application of clay minerals, particularly one called calcium montmorillonite, seems to encourage aerobic bacteria to consume more hydrocarbons.
"Clay minerals are really unique among minerals because they have a really high, natural electrical charge," he explained. "That charge has to be balanced somehow, and has to be balanced by magnesium or calcium in sea water."
But this can change, where particles called cations that carry the charge can go back and forth, depending on chemical reactions.
"The hypothesis is that when you have this charged surface with these cations on it, and put that right next to a cell wall of one of these microbes, the charged surfaces help the microbe to gain nutrients," Deocampo said.
Researchers will also test to see if the process functions in anaerobic bacteria in the same way as aerobic bacteria.
Chin said that environmental conditions could play a factor in how the microbes react in the Deepwater Horizon spill, causing a different reaction that the one which occurred during the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.
"Environmental conditions, such as the temperature, can make a difference. We hope that in the marshes, the reactions could be quicker," she said.
-----
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
2010 Fall Atlanta Home Show Offers Exciting Roster of Speakers Including HGTV Favorites Tonya M. Williams and Joe Washington
/PRNewswire/ -- The 27th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show (www.AtlantaHomeShow.com) will bring ideas, innovations and experts in the home improvement and remodeling industries to Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Center Sept. 24-26, 2010. Among the many offerings is an exciting roster of speakers including HGTV favorites Joe Washington and Tonya M. Williams. They will join hundreds of local home improvement companies that will exhibit the latest home services and products, along with experts offering hands-on demonstrations and advice about home remodeling and repair, gardening and landscaping, energy savings, cooking, decorating, outdoor living and more. There also will be activities for children, live radio broadcasts and culinary demonstrations. The 2010 Fall Atlanta Home Show is a SEMCO production.
Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts. She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck. Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?
Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite. The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS. He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show. He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way. On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.
WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning: The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show. Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.
Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free. On-site parking is free. 24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.
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Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts. She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck. Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?
Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite. The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS. He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show. He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way. On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.
WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning: The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show. Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.
Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free. On-site parking is free. 24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Nominations End Friday for Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes Program
/PRNewswire/ -- Nominations are being accepted for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Heroes program through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20. To nominate an individual, visit www.wsbtv.com/community.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program encourages viewers to nominate people in their community who create, preserve or enhance places for everyone to enjoy - parks, greenways, gardens, waterways, plazas, streets and public squares. Eligible nominees cannot receive financial compensation for their conservation work.
By showcasing unsung heroes, Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land hope to inspire more people to take an active role in neighborhood conservation, while also providing financial support to local environmental nonprofits.
Following the nomination stage, the Cox Conserves Judging Circle, a group of local environmental and civic leaders, will select five finalists. The winning Hero, chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental nonprofit of his or her choice. The four finalists will each receive $1,250 to donate to their nonprofits of choice.
This is the second year for Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes program. Don Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains - was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms. The 2009 finalists were Angelou Ezeilo, Evonne Blythers, Doug Williams and R.R. Harris.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.
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The Cox Conserves Heroes program encourages viewers to nominate people in their community who create, preserve or enhance places for everyone to enjoy - parks, greenways, gardens, waterways, plazas, streets and public squares. Eligible nominees cannot receive financial compensation for their conservation work.
By showcasing unsung heroes, Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land hope to inspire more people to take an active role in neighborhood conservation, while also providing financial support to local environmental nonprofits.
Following the nomination stage, the Cox Conserves Judging Circle, a group of local environmental and civic leaders, will select five finalists. The winning Hero, chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental nonprofit of his or her choice. The four finalists will each receive $1,250 to donate to their nonprofits of choice.
This is the second year for Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes program. Don Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains - was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms. The 2009 finalists were Angelou Ezeilo, Evonne Blythers, Doug Williams and R.R. Harris.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Independent Toxicologists Issue Warning: Urgent Concerns Regarding FDA Recommendations to Open Offshore Shrimp Fisheries
/PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Stuart H. Smith, representing the United Commercial Fishermen's Association, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, public and private entities, and citizens harmed by the BP oil catastrophe, today issued this statement:
"Independent water and seafood testing and analyses by Gulf Oil Disaster Recovery experts reveal that highly toxic chemicals remain in the water and food chain. These toxins pose a significant risk to marine reproduction and human consumption of Gulf seafood.
"The greatest concern is the presence of chemicals known as PAHs (or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons), which have carcinogenic properties. Our studies have shown that PAHs are present in shrimp from the impacted Gulf areas of the spill at 10 times the levels found in shrimp from inland, low-impacted areas.
"Further, BP's use of dispersants at 5000 feet below the sea surface caused PAHs and other toxic substances to remain in the seawater. This means biodegradation of the toxins in crude oil is greatly reduced. It could be at least 8 months before the toxic soup we are seeing in the Gulf experiences significant biodegradation, due to low temperatures, lack of sunlight, and other factors.
"Moreover, we have major concerns about FDA disclosures regarding seafood safety. The decisions to re-open commercial fishing in selected off-shore areas affects thousands of seafood consumers of shrimp in Louisiana and Mississippi. However, these decisions were based upon as few as a single shrimp sample from Louisiana offshore waters, and two shrimp samples from Mississippi offshore waters (rendered as composites from 12 shrimp), with detectable PAH levels present in all shrimp samples.
"We vigorously refute FDA claims that they have performed sufficient sampling to declare shrimp from this area safe for consumption. The result may have been for state authorities to issue premature shrimp harvesting area re-openings, based on flawed FDA recommendations. Given the potential public health issues at stake, this is a major cause for concern.
"Therefore, I am releasing several statements by toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer, as well as supporting material, which address these issues in greater detail. Official documents from FDA confirm that the recommendations to re-open selected areas for commercial harvesting were based on insufficient samples for state authorities to render responsible decisions. A thorough review of all available FDA test results to date further confirm our findings."
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"Independent water and seafood testing and analyses by Gulf Oil Disaster Recovery experts reveal that highly toxic chemicals remain in the water and food chain. These toxins pose a significant risk to marine reproduction and human consumption of Gulf seafood.
"The greatest concern is the presence of chemicals known as PAHs (or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons), which have carcinogenic properties. Our studies have shown that PAHs are present in shrimp from the impacted Gulf areas of the spill at 10 times the levels found in shrimp from inland, low-impacted areas.
"Further, BP's use of dispersants at 5000 feet below the sea surface caused PAHs and other toxic substances to remain in the seawater. This means biodegradation of the toxins in crude oil is greatly reduced. It could be at least 8 months before the toxic soup we are seeing in the Gulf experiences significant biodegradation, due to low temperatures, lack of sunlight, and other factors.
"Moreover, we have major concerns about FDA disclosures regarding seafood safety. The decisions to re-open commercial fishing in selected off-shore areas affects thousands of seafood consumers of shrimp in Louisiana and Mississippi. However, these decisions were based upon as few as a single shrimp sample from Louisiana offshore waters, and two shrimp samples from Mississippi offshore waters (rendered as composites from 12 shrimp), with detectable PAH levels present in all shrimp samples.
"We vigorously refute FDA claims that they have performed sufficient sampling to declare shrimp from this area safe for consumption. The result may have been for state authorities to issue premature shrimp harvesting area re-openings, based on flawed FDA recommendations. Given the potential public health issues at stake, this is a major cause for concern.
"Therefore, I am releasing several statements by toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer, as well as supporting material, which address these issues in greater detail. Official documents from FDA confirm that the recommendations to re-open selected areas for commercial harvesting were based on insufficient samples for state authorities to render responsible decisions. A thorough review of all available FDA test results to date further confirm our findings."
-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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