Powder Springs, GA News - The Powder Springs Messenger Newspaper 

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UPDATED OCTOBER 11th 2009

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U. S. Census Bureau News Census Workers to Verify Addresses in Georgia

The Census Bureau has launched a massive operation to verify and update more than 145 million addresses as it prepares to con-duct the 2010 Census. Nationwide, more than 140,000 census workers will participate in the address canvassing operation, a critically important first step in assuring that every housing unit receives a census questionnaire in March 2010. In Georgia, approximately 3,200 people will carry out the operation. The countdown to the 2010 Census was officially one year out on April 1. “A complete and accurate address list is the cornerstone of a successful census,” said George Grandy, Jr. Atlanta regional director at the U.S. Census Bureau. “Building on the achievements of 2000 Census, we have been testing and preparing for the 2010 count all decade and we’re ready to fulfill our Constitutional mandate to count everyone living in the United States.” The first publicly visible activity of the 2010 Census is ahead of schedule. Address canvassing should conclude by mid-July. The operation will use new hand held computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy. The ability to capture GPS coordinates for most of the nation’s housing units will greatly reduce the number of geographic coding errors caused by using paper maps in previous counts. “The primary goal of the census is to count eve-ryone once, only once, and in the right place,” Grandy said. “Because the census is used for reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the distribution of more than $300 billion in federal dollars every year to state and local governments, it’s essential to get this first step right.” Over the last several years, the Census Bureau has been actively working on updating its geographic databases and master address files. From implementing the Local Update of Census Address (LUCA) program where more than 11,500 tribal, state and local governments participated in a review of the Census Bureau’s address list for their area, to increasing the precision of the GPS mapping, many advances have been made to compile the most comprehensive listing of addresses in the nation. The address canvassing operation will be conducted out of 151 local census offices across the U.S., including those in Cobb County. Most offices began opera-tions earlier this month. In most cases, census workers will knock on residents’ doors to verify addresses and inquire about additional living quarters on the premises. This is the first census to include group quarters (such as dormitories, group homes, prisons and home-less shelters) in the address canvassing operation, which should improve both the accuracy and coverage of the final count. There will be one final opportunity to add new home construction in early 2010 prior to the mailing of the census questionnaires. Census workers can be identified by the official Census Bureau badge they carry. During the address canvassing operation, census workers may ask to verify a housing structure’s address and whether there are additional living quarters on the property. 2010 Census workers will never ask for bank or social security information. All census information collected, including addresses, are confidential and protected by law. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with the FBI, the IRS, CIA, Welfare, Immigration, or any other government agency. No court of law or law enforcement agency can find out respondents’ answers. All Census Bureau employees — including tem-porary employees — take an oath for life to keep census information confidential. Any violation of that oath is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison.



Allison McLean Elected to Student Senate at Bryan College

Allison McLean, daughter of Bruce and Rence McLean of Powder Springs, Ga., has been elected senior class female representative to the student senate for the 2009-10 academic year at Bryan College. Allison will work with senate members to plan programs and activi-ties for students, and to represent their interests to the college administration. Bryan is a four-year Christian liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 18 areas. The college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years as being among the Top Tier of Southern liberal arts colleges.




Anna Jarvis Made Mother's Day a Recognized Holiday

Mother's Day Information comes from www.wikipedia.com web address: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Jarvis
Anna Jarvis was born in the tiny town of Webster in Taylor County, West Virginia. She was the daughter of Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. The family moved to nearby Grafton, West Virginia in her childhood. On May 12, 1907, two years after her mother's death, she held a memorial to her mother and thereafter embarked upon a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday. She succeeded in making this nationally recognized in 1914. The International Mother's Day Shrine was established in Grafton to commemorate her ac-complishment. By the 1920s, Anna Jarvis had become soured on the commercialization of the holiday. She incorporated herself as the Mother’s Day International Association, claimed copyright on the second Sunday of May, and was once arrested for disturbing the peace. She and her sister Ellsinore spent their family inheritance campaigning against the holiday. Both died in poverty. Jarvis, says her New York Times obituary, became embittered because too many people sent their mothers a printed greeting card. As she said, "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!" Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. She died in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.




Wedding Announcement

Fred and Yvonne Bowman of Powder Springs, GA announce the engagement of their daughter Ariel Maria Bowman of Lichtenau, Ger-many to Max Schutz of Ansbach, Germany son of Engelbert and Elfriede Schutz of Ansbach, Germany. The bride to be is a graduate of McEachern High School and a graduate cum lade from Tulane University with a BA in International Relations and English. She is cur-rently serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and is assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in Ansbach, Germany. The groom is a graduate of Maschiener Bau Schule in Ansbach, Germany. He is employed by Kennametal Corp. as a machinist in Lichtenau, Germany. The wedding will be July 3 in Marietta, GA. They plan to honeymoon in Belize and then return to Germany.




Local Chef Introduces New Cookbook at the Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs

By staff reporter
Do you love to purchase cookbooks so you can get home to try a new recipe, only to find that half of the ingredients need to be special ordered from NY? If you are looking for a great cookbook that keeps it real, search no farther! Powder Springs’ own Riann Macdonald has a brand new cookbook, released only three weeks ago, and through it he’ll teach you how to cook like a chef, without the hard to find ingredients. His new cookbook is called “Taste Buds” and according to Riann, it is a step-by-step cookbook that teaches you from the basics on up. You can pick up a copy of Riann new cookbook "Taste Buds" at The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs. “It is very similar to a culinary curriculum,” he said. “I start you out with the basic stocks then sauces, appetizers, entrees and desserts.” He laughed that if you move through his cookbook, you can almost be called a chef yourself. And he is thrilled when he can say with confidence that all of the ingredients in his cookbook are located at the grocery store down the street. A native of Baltimore, MD, Riann will tell you that he has been cooking since he was six years old. He has been a certified chef for 16 years, receiving his degree from Le Cordon Bleu. The idea to come to Atlanta came to him while working as a sous chef at a five star resort in Phoenix, Arizona. He had the pleasure one evening of cooking for Big Boy from the Atlanta based rap group, Outkast. “He (Big Boy) was telling me all about hot ‘lanta and what a great city it was,” he said. “I had been looking for a change as I was burnt out from 14 to 16 hour days working six, even sometimes seven, days a week. So I headed down South.” Upon his arrival Riann went to work for the Atlanta Le Cordon Bleu. He began working there, and still does, as a high school recruiter and chef instructor. He also has worked as a radio host in the area. “While I was teaching and recruiting I started to come up with all of these recipes,” he said. And little did he know he would soon meet a publicist that had an interest in those recipes. “I was at a concert where I met a publicist who I told about my recipes,” he said. “I heard from him after the show and he invited my wife and me to dinner. At dinner he slid a contact across the table.” The publishing company is Author House and they will be letting the world know about Riann and his incredible 200 plus recipes! But how does he come up with this many recipes? Easy says Riann, “I cook at home all the time and I love to try new things.” He likes to classify his cooking as classical French style with a Southern “swang.” “I like to keep the classic dishes but throw a little splash on it,” he said. “I tweak it and then it’s mine. It is really all about great food.” He stresses that it’s also important to remember that recipes are just guidelines and you “don’t have to do it the same way everyday.” So what does the future hold for Riann? Actually a great deal! He just finished working with cooking greats Paula Deen and Tyler Florence at the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. And he would love to eventually have his own food show. We will all be watching!

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE NUMBER 3 - MARCH 2009

  Compton Elementary School in Powder Springs Thanks Lowe’s and Borders! Compton has received more wonderful conservation educational resources from their Lowe’s grant in the form of books! Students and teachers can now access a wide range of conservation topics and reading levels in our own library. Borders helped them put together an amazing selection for their school library. 

Cobb County 4-H Club

         Powder Springs would you like to put your favorite milkshake recipe to the test? These 4-H members did by competing in the Cobb County 4-H Club’s Annual Milkmake Competition in February. Milkmake is a competition where 5th grade 4-H members create their favorite milkshake recipe and “demonstrate” making the shake, while high school 4-H members judge them on nutrition, presentation, ingredients, and taste. Winners received an official “Milkmake” T-Shirt, sponsored by the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association. Other participants received bookmarks. (Pictured above) Myriah Haynes, Jadea Blencowe, Abigail Sutton, Giordan Haynes, and Abigail Sattler. For more information on Cobb County 4-H Youth, please call 770-528-4076 or visit them on the web at: www.cobbextension.com

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE #2 - FEBRUARY 2009

 Engagement Announced

Mr. and Mrs. Randall Blake Mullins of Greenville, Alabama are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kristen Ann Mullins to John Mathew Douglas of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Douglas is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Allen Bauer of Atlanta, Georgia and Dr. and Mrs. John Howard Douglas III of Tupelo, Mississippi.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Kirtley Mullins of Greenville, Alabama and Mr. Hiram Edmond Phillips and the late Mrs. Martha Hamlet Phillips of Hartford, Alabama. Miss Mullins is a recent summa cum laude graduate from Mis-sissippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She is currently working as a pediatric dental assistant in Jackson, Mississippi with the career goal of becoming a dentist.
The groom-elect is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. John Howard Douglas Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi and Mrs. Mable Gene Mathews and the late Mr. Jess Benjamin Mathews of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Douglas graduated from McEachern High School in Powder Springs. He is a graduate of Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. In addition to working on his Mas-ter’s in Counseling Psychology, he is employed as a Clinical Supervisor at Youth Villages in Jackson, Mississippi.
The couple were married on March 14, 2009, at 6 p.m. at Lowndesboro Presbyterian Church in Lowndesboro, Alabama. A reception will followed at Marengo House in Lowndesboro. After the honeymoon, the couple will reside in Jackson, Mississippi.

Varner "Books for Breakfast" Program Gets Students Excited About Reading

     Once upon a time, late last Powder Springs, GA Principal Ana Crommett approached the Varner PTA with the challenge of creating a program that would get children excited about reading and reward them for achieving their goals. From this challenge the Books for Breakfast program was conceived. After meeting with Mrs. Crommett, Assistant Principle Monica Howard and the Varner Lead Teachers the pro-gram was defined, goals were outlined and dates were set.
The objective for the Books for Breakfast Program is a simple one; to promote, encourage & advance the reading skills of our stu-dents. To make this happen, a breakfast banquet for the students is planned 3 times a year in October, January, & March. While the PTA stepped forward and set aside some funds for the Program, it’s the Community Businesses that have helped to make it work. The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Liferays Publishing & Texas Roadhouse are three that partnered with the Program offering items for our Goodie Bags and other incentives when available.
The October Breakfast was definitely exciting. Stephanie Hood, a parent volunteer who stepped up to oversee the program, rallied several parents to cook pancakes for the students. While the parents were scattered throughout the building grilling hotcakes, Ms. Ann Green from Liferays Publishing spoke to a packed cafeteria of Kindergarten through 5th grade students and introduced them to Sgt. Dusty, her horse and main character from her children books. At the end several large items including t-shirts & books were raffled off to the students. Each student also left with a goodie bag full of prizes, including a free book from the BookWorm in Powder Springs and Free Kids Meals from Texas Road House in Hiram. McDonald’s also donated paper products and free side item cards.
Mrs. Hood began working right away for the January Breakfast. First item of business, divide the Breakfast into 2 days. Second item of business, fulfill the requests for MUNCHKINS! Dunkin Donuts to the rescue with 2000 Munchkins! Third to-do item, guest speaker: Mayor Pat Vaughn graciously agreed to be the guest reader/speaker for both mornings. Jump for Joey’s rounded out the event by donating Free Passes & a T-shirt for the raffle. Once again, each child received a goodie bag full of items including a free book from The BookWorm, Coupons from Liferays Publishing, & Kids Meals from Texas Roadhouse.
The finishing touches are being made to the last Books for Breakfast to end our first year of the Program. It is the goal to make it even better than the last. Ultimately the objectives are being met; the Varner students are excited about reading again. They are exploring new worlds, traveling to foreign countries, stepping back in time. They are journeying to the center of the Earth, exploring the Under-ground Railroad, solving mysteries with the Hardy Boys, and entering into magical worlds unknown just a moment before. Some are saving the world with Captain Underpants, flipping crabby patties with SpongeBob or exploring with Dora and that’s okay. This is one time when we can’t say “The Sky’s the Limit” because it’s really only the beginning…  end of article

KSU Hosted 19th Annual Bobbie Bailey Awards for Athletic Achievement Awards Honored Outstanding Female Athletes from Local High Schools
Kennesaw State hosted the 19th Annual Bobbie Bailey Awards for Athletic Excellence recently in the Stillwell Theater of the Joe Mack Wilson Building. The yearly awards, named for KSU athletics benefactor Bobbie Bailey, recognized the achievements of local high school female athletes from 34 schools in Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, Bartow and Douglas counties. Powder Springs area recipients of the 2008 Bobbie Bailey Award for Athletic Excellence were:
Nasheila Blakney - Douglas County
Ashley Bush - Paulding County
Ashley Cooper McEachern High School - POWDER SPRINGS 
Aralena Haynes - Lithia Springs
Allison Lawrence - South Paulding
Felicia Morris - Hiram High School
Colleen Tarrant Hillgrove High School - POWDER SPRINGS 
Ashley Wilson - South Cobb

Pictured above Major Eric Wartell with Afghan Children

A Letter from Afghanistan to Compton Elementary

Hello Compton Family,

I would like to thank you for your wonderful Christmas package on behalf of the soldiers and civilians deployed in support of the Joint Document Exploitation Center (JDEC-A) of the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) 101 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Everybody was very appreciative of the wonderful letters (and sticks of gum!) that the children sent, as well as thrilled to help open and dig through the goodies accompanying them.
We have been fortunate to experience so much generosity from folks back home, and we have passed on some of the thoughtful gifts to a couple of local villages as well. Most of the items you sent are being used and enjoyed by the troops, but some of the items were passed out to the local village.
I have attached a couple of pictures of the group opening your gifts, as well as the local village we visit from time to time. Thank you again for your thoughts and well-wishes, and I look forward to thanking you in person in a few months.
Take care and remember -- only two more nine-weeks to go!

ERIC R. WARTELL, Maj, USAFR
MSIC/DIA Reserve Intelligence Flight 199

Social Security’s 2009 Resolutions To You

Bobbie Sims, Public Affairs Specialist

The New Year is a time for many people, companies and organizations to make resolutions for the year ahead.
In past years, Social Security has suggested resolutions to readers, such as to plan ahead for your retirement, check your Social Security Statement and safeguard your Social Security card and number. This year, we’d like to turn the tables and pledge to you our own resolutions as an agency. So, in 2009 Social Security resolves to … Make it easy to plan your retirement online. Our online Retirement Estimator is rated the best online service in government. You just answer a few identifying questions and it will use your earnings record to automatically give you an accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits. You can play around with variables (such as when you’d like to retire and how much you expect to earn in the future) to see different retirement amounts. This should be the first step and a regular checkpoint for planning a comfortable retirement. www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator
Make it easier than ever before to apply for retirement benefits online. This year, improvements to our online retirement application make it easier than ever before to apply for retirement benefits. Because the improved application is streamlined and only shows questions applicable to you, it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete the entire application from start to finish. And in many cases, once you hit the “sign now” button, all you have to do is wait for the payments to begin arriving every month. www.socialsecurity.gov/r&m2.htm
Make it easier to keep up on the latest news about Social Security. Staying in the know about news, events, changes and important information at Social Security is now easier than ever. We have two great ways for you to have the news come to you automatically. Receive an email alert each time new information is added to our website by subscribing to updates. Just click on the red envelope at the top of the page. Whether you want to subscribe to everything or a specific topic on the web page, the choice is yours at www.socialsecurity.gov. You also can subscribe to our award-winning electronic newsletter, Social Security eNews, to receive news as it happens. Subscribe by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/enews and selecting the “subscribe” link at the right of the page.
Make it easier for you to do your business with us the way you’d like to do it. Social Security provides you with a variety of ways to take care of your business. Social Security now offers many of its most popular services online at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213 and use our automated services or talk to a representative. And you can always stop in at your local Social Security office.
In 2009, and for many years to come, Social Security resolves to help you. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov.

(Pictured above) Photo by Dee Chappell  Mosaic Glass Art Class at the Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center is being taught by local artist, Mrs, Helena Rochester. Seniors are busy with many creative projects. For further information call (770) 943-1555.

   Photo by Dee Chappel

Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center Quilt Winner Announced: Thanks to all members, friends and citizens who supported our Annual Homemade Quilt Project at the Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center made by our members. This year’s quilt entitled, “Nine Patch,” was won at the Monthly Luncheon by Mr. Charles George of Powder Springs, Georgia.

Homestead Exemption
The Georgia State Senate today voted historically to double the statewide homestead exemption. Senate Bill 83 overwhelmingly passed out of the Senate by a 40-14 vote and will now go to the House.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) introduced the bill that will amend the Homestead Exemption Act to increase the exemption from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 with automatic future adjustments for inflation. .
“This is crystal-clear legislation that is the proper way to deliver property tax relief to homeowners,” said Rogers. “Overall, this coupled with the tax assessment caps, will impact those who need it the most - taxpayers.”
The Homestead Exemption Act became State law in the 1930s under Governor Eugene Talmadge’s Administration. The tax ex-emption was proposed at $2000 and has remained that amount ever since. If the measure passes in the House, it will go on the special-election ballot in June for voters to make the final decision.
"Today we sent a strong message to over three million homeowners throughout Georgia: the Senate will remain steadfast in our commitment to keep property taxes low during this tough economic time,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “The fact is, in the time that we have seen thirteen U.S. Presidents sworn into office, the homestead exemption has not increased. Increasing the exemption is not only long overdue, but it is the right thing to do for homeowners who are wading through this economic downturn.”
Rogers also supports House Resolution 1 to help protect Georgia property owners from unfair property assessment increases. Senator Rogers authored similar legislation, Senate Resolution 796, which provides tax relief for homeowners through a constitutional amendment to cap property tax assessments. Residential property assessed value may not increase anymore than two percent a year and non-residential property assessed value may not increase anymore than three percent a year or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. In addition, it allows property to be assessed at a real, fair market value and will establish accountability for the property tax system. The resolution passed the State Senate in 2008.
Rogers passionately urged his colleagues to vote for the amendment stating, “If we can ask voters for a penny tax increase in a spe-cial election, then we can certainly ask voters if they’d like to lower their property tax liability in a special election. This is legislation truly acting in voters’ best interests.”
For more information on SB 83, go to  www.legis.ga.gov.

Heart Disease Study at Piedmont Helps Families Determine Risk 325,000 Die Suddenly Each Year Without Heart Disease Symptoms
Al Hernandez was eating wheat germ long before it was trendy. He maintained a healthy lifestyle, ate right and exercised regularly. That is why his family was shocked when he had a heart attack at age 63. A few years later, his daughter Lisa Scarbrough discovered she had high blood pressure after she ended up in the medical tent during a half marathon. After consulting with several doctors, the Hernan-dez family (Al, Lisa and sister Loriana) found Szilard Voros, M.D., and enrolled in the Family Heart Disease Program at Piedmont Hos-pital.
The Family Heart Disease Program, a Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI) initiative at Piedmont Hospital, is a free study that identifies family members at high risk for developing coronary artery disease. Enrollment will continue through March 2009 for blood relatives of people with heart disease and is aimed at spotting early warning signs for the disease. Heart disease kills about 700,000 people every year. Of those, about 325,000 die suddenly without symptoms.
“The novelty of our program is its comprehensive and individualized nature. We don't rely on any one specific risk factor to deter-mine overall cardiovascular outlook; rather, we integrate information from family history, genetic makeup, metabolic factors from the blood and from imaging the heart,” said Szilard Voros, M.D., chief of wellness, prevention and women's heart disease at the Piedmont Heart Institute.
Piedmont Heart Institute is looking for more families to take part in the study. About 23 families have signed up and they are look-ing to reach 50. Participants undergo low-dose radiation CT scans, a review of their medical history, blood tests to detect genetic markers for heart disease and a cholesterol analysis. The tests take approximately 1 ½ to 3 hours.
Dr. Voros and his team received a grant from a private foundation to conduct the study. The team will collect data from the families and analyze the findings looking at existing data on genes and how important genes are in determining heart disease.
"The total picture that emerges with the blood work, the cardiac imaging, and the genetic analysis, we are getting a pretty good sense of each person's risk for heart disease," said Renee LeStrange, Ph.D., project coordinator for the Family Heart Disease Program at the Piedmont Heart Institute.
Dr. LeStrange says Piedmont creates a report for the patient that highlights any possible risks. Patients can then choose to do a phone interview or come in for a consultation and review the report with the doctor. Therapy recommendations are given to each patient, and the report is sent to their personal physician.
All family members must be between the ages of 18 and 70; must have not been smokers for at least 10 years; not have uncon-trolled diabetes; and not be significantly overweight. Participants must also agree to blood tests, a CT scan and participate in a family review.
Of the 37 family members tested to date, seven family members that had no previous symptoms were diagnosed with heart disease, according to LeStrange. Those participants who had a positive calcium score on the diagnostic test were counseled to speak to their doc-tor about treatment options.
“The study's unique combination of factors such as family history, genetics, etc. allows for more intelligent and sophisticated thera-peutic recommendations, compared to a broad, universal guideline-driven approach, where everyone receives the same therapy,” said Dr. Voros. “We aren't moving away from the guidelines; we are just going above and beyond them through individualized care.”
If you or someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with heart disease, consider becoming a part of the Family Heart Disease Program. There is no financial cost to you. Call 404-605-2521 for an appointment.

Hear the wedding bells ring at Cobb County Magistrate Court. Wedding ceremonies are now held at the Cobb County Magistrate Court Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. only. Ceremonies will continue to be held on Saturdays, Sundays and county holidays at noon and 6 p.m. The fee for this service is $30. Parties must present a valid marriage license, which can be obtained from the Cobb County Probate Court. Parties wishing to be married should report to the Magistrate Court Clerk's Office by 11:30 a.m. for a noon ceremony and by 5:30 p.m. for a 6 p.m. ceremony. The magistrate will also perform weddings outside the office by appointment. The base fee for this service is $150. Questions regarding marriage li-censes should be directed to the Probate Court at 770 528-1932.

Road closure alert for Mt. Calvary Road. Mt. Calvary Road will be closed to thru traffic between Dallas Highway (SR 120) and Burnt Hickory Road Thursday, Feb. 5, through Friday, June 5.Closure is necessary to replace the bridge over Noses Creek Tributary. For detour information, go to dot.cobbcountyga.gov/road_rept.htm.

Ashley David Parker Named to Dean’s List at Young Harris College  Cathy Cox, President of Young Harris College, is pleased to announce that Ashley David Parker has been named to the Young Harris College Dean’s List for the Fall 2009 Semester. Students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or better are eligible to be named to the Dean’s List. Ashley, a sophomore at Young Harris College, is a graduate of McEachern High School. He is the son of Bradley and Yvonne Parker of Powder Springs, Georgia. Founded in 1886, Young Harris College is a private, core liberal arts college which is transitioning from a two-year institution into a baccalaureate-granting institution. Historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, a primary goal of Young Harris College is to provide a quality education for the whole person: intel-lectually, socially, culturally, and spiritually. To learn more about Young Harris College, visit www.yhc.edu.

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE #1 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

Play Ball! Powder Springs Youth Baseball Registration Begins Powder Springs Youth Baseball Registration, Registration Ages 4-17. For more information go to their website at:   www.powderspringsyouthbaseball.com

NEWS ALERT!!!: Delinquent tax payoffs are now available go to their web site at www.cobbtax.org.

A Tax Break for Cobb Homeowners Homestead Exemption is a tax savings on homestead property available to eligible homeowners’. In Cobb County, the Tax Commissioner’s office processes all Homestead Exemption applications. Homeowners must own, occupy and claim the property as their legal residence on January 1 to be eligible for any Homestead Exemption for that tax year. Homeowners must apply for each exemption for which they are eligible. The applicant’s name must appear on the deed to this property in order to qualify. Rental property does not qualify. *Legal evidence of residency and U. S. citizenship such as a copy of a Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia ID Card, etc. must be provided. A non-citizen must provide legal authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, such as Alien or I94 number. *A current registration or receipt of motor vehicle taxes paid in Cobb County must be provided for all personal vehicles owned at the time of application. The applicant may claim exemptions on only one property. A husband and wife constitute one “applicant” and may claim only one exemption. Exemptions are automatically renewed and the applicant need not reapply if the home has been refinanced. The Tax Commissioner’s office must be notified in the event the applicant no longer qualifies for an exemption. Homeowners will be billed for any unqualified exemption received. * Exemption applications are accepted year round, however the original application (faxed copy not accepted) must be received or U. S. postmarked (a metered postmark is not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by April 1, 2009 to affect the 2009 taxes. Applications not received by the deadline (constitute a waiver of the exemption for that year and) will be processed for the following year. * Tax bills are mailed by August 15 and must be paid or U. S. postmarked (a metered postmark is not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by October 15. Detailed information and forms are available on our web site at www.cobbtax.org.

Powder Springs Woman’s Club
This was the first year that the Powder Springs Woman’s Club sponsored a Gingerbread House Contest as one of it’s fund raising efforts. Local amateur bakers, both adult and children, were invited to enter their creations. Houses were displayed in the new library and every-one was invited to vote for their favorite at $1 a vote. The response was greater than expected. Patrons of the Library enjoyed viewing the houses which were unique and appealing. In addition to the “Dollar a Vote”, houses were judged by the Mayor, Pat Vaughn and a team of local Judges. Lucinda’s House, entered by adult Amateur Lucinda Fulkenberry, won first place in both the Mayor and Judges categories. In the Child’s Category, the Mayor’s award went to Evelyn Lewis and the Judges Award went to Eiileen and Anna Fulkenberry. In the Youth Category, Hope Norman won both the Mayor and Judges Award for her Teddy Bear House. In the overall judging for ribbons, 1st place went to Kenda Goerke for “Kendy’s Dog House,” 2nd Place went to Heather Lewis and 3rd place went to Lucinda Fulkenberry. The Lewis’ made this a family affair with three entries. Jake, created a log cabin out of gingerbread and pretzel sticks. Heather’s house was a marvel of gum paste and fondant over gingerbread, and Evelyn showed creativity with her house that included a lobster trap. Mayor Vaughn presented the awards at the annual tree lighting in the square. The Woman's Club has been urged to make this an annual tradition, with hopes that it will grow into a major fund raiser for scholarships and local school donations.

Keep Cobb Beautiful is Celebrating its 25th Year of Service to Cobb County 
For more information visit our Web site at www.kcb.cobbcountyga.gov or call 770-528-1135.
 KCB Cobb Schools Mini Grant Program - Congratulations to our winners of the first round of KCB Mini-Grants: Lovinggood Middle School in Powder Springs, The Walker School and Belmont Hills Elementary School.
Next Application Deadline: Feb. 27.
 Environmental Grant Program - Guidelines and Special Requirements
Purpose: The purpose of the mini-grant project is to increase awareness about the environment through hands-on learning activities to improve and beautify the outdoor environment and increase recycling in Cobb County.
Objectives: Use natural settings as the context for learning and instruction, Increase engagement and enthusiasm for learning, Provide opportunities for community-based investigations that incorporate hands-on service/learning activities through an integrated, interdisci-plinary instruction and collaborative teaching methods and Implement or enhance waste reduction and recycling.
Funds: A maximum of $200 per organization will be awarded. If an organization is selected, funds will be reimbursed to the organiza-tion for eligible expenses incurred. No money will be given for pre-award projects, non-allowable expenses or for future expenses.
Eligible Projects: Funds may be used for outdoor environmental improvement projects including:  Outdoor classrooms, Discovery trails, National Wildlife Federation habitat certification, Sensory or educational gardens, Beautification projects, Recycling/Waste Reduction programs, The grant application may include multiple projects.
To obtain an application and the grant guidelines go to: www.kcb.cobbcountyga.gov/SchoolPrograms.htm

Volunteer for CASA to Help an Abused or Neglected Child

Volunteer Description
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for an abused or neglected child in Juvenile Court deprivation proceedings. The CASA advocates for each child to be placed in a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. The CASA also makes independent recommendations to the court for services that focus on meeting the needs of each child.
 Activities:
 Visit the child.
 Gather independent information about the child to make recommendations to the court in the child’s best interest.
 Interview the parents, guardians, or caretakers.
 Interview the social worker and other service providers
 Review records related to the family.
 Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case.
 Provide written reports of findings and recommendations to the program director at least two business days prior to court hearings.
 Attend and participate in court hearings and other related meetings.
 Testify, if needed, to inform the court of changes in the child’s situation.
 Identify potential resources within the family and community to meet the child’s needs.
 Maintain strict confidentiality of all information related to a child or their families.
 Monitor provisions of service plans and court orders.
 Explain the role of the CASA to every child, and keep the child informed about court proceedings.
 Consult with local program staff for support/guidance.
 Advocate for the child in the community
 Identify potential resources within the family and community to meet the child’s needs
 Maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved.
 Ensure the court knows the child’s wishes.
Qualifications: The main qualification is a sincere concern for children. The volunteer must be a mature adult with good verbal and written communication skills. A CASA volunteer must be able to attend all court hearings. The volunteer must be able to commit to the program for at least one year or, preferably until permanency is achieved. Essential qualities include the ability to be objective and non-judgmental. Every volunteer must complete a 30-hour comprehensive training program, which includes court observation.
Requirements:
 Must be at least 21 years old (by swearing-in date)
 Complete a written application including four personal/professional references
 Complete a personal face-to-face interview with the program director
 Undergo a criminal background investigation including a federal fingerprint check
 Successful completion of the 30-hour pre-service training program, which includes court observation
 Commitment of at least one year to the CASA program as an active volunteer
 Earn 12 hours of in-service training credit annually
 After successful screening and completion of training, take oath administered by the Juvenile Court Judge to become a sworn CASA volunteer officer of the court
Training and Supervision: The pre-service training program developed by National CASA and adapted by Georgia CASA is offered through the Cobb County CASA office. CASA volunteers are also provided with on-going training and support by the Program Director.

Fire Service Leadership Issue's A National Call for Working Smoke Alarms To Protect All Residents
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Baltimore Fire Chief James Clack and Washington, D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin will join United States Fire Administrator (USFA) Greg Cade to ask all residents of this nation to install, maintain and test their smoke alarms today. This national effort is a result of one of the deadliest holiday seasons in recent memory and several significant fires in the first days of 2009. Since Thanksgiving 2008, there have been more than 158 fatal fires in the United States resulting in over 200 fire fatalities. You are invited to join USFA Administrator Cade and these metropolitan fire chiefs.
“The 2008 holiday season and the start of 2009 may be recorded as one of the deadliest for residential fires in recent memory of the fire service,” said Cade. “Not only has there been a significant number of preventable fires, but the occurrences of multiple fatalities resulting from these fires are simply unacceptable within our nation. There should be a smoke alarm protecting every person in this na-tion today, particularly as we sleep.”
 On Christmas Eve, four died in a house fire in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. All of the victims were children and officials cannot be certain whether smoke alarms worked.
 Four adults and three children died in a southwest Philadelphia home the day after Christmas when gasoline was used to fuel a kerosene heater. There were no working smoke alarms in the home.
 In Baltimore, two people died in a fire above a grocery store. A young couple died in the blaze and investigators found no working smoke alarms in the building.
 In Washington, D.C. on New Year's Day, six individuals died in a house fire on Jackson Street, Northeast. While the cause was listed as accidental/electrical, officials are not sure smoke alarms worked properly.
 Recently, eight people died in a residential fire in Oswego County, New York. The cause is still under investigation.
 Three people, including two teenage girls, died after an early morning house fire in Ringling, Oklahoma. Officials say the fire started early Monday morning while at least two of the victims were still in bed. For the two teenage girls who lived inside the house, this was supposed to be their first day back to school after winter break. Officials say once flames broke out at 4 a.m., the girls, along with another relative, never made it out of the home.
In the event of a fire, a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. Smoke alarms are a very important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. They are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home. You can prevent tragedies simply by testing and maintaining your smoke alarms and practicing a fire escape plan. All smoke alarms in your house should be tested once a month and their batteries replaced annually or as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.
For additional information regarding smoke alarms, visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ For additional information regarding the United States Fire Administration, visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa
The USFA reminds everyone to have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers and practicing a home fire escape plan 

A new Georgia law gives Internet users access to information on billions of dollars in state spending. The “Transparency in Gov-ernment Act” authored by Senator Chip Rogers requires state spending information be placed on a searchable website allowing Georgia taxpayers easy access to where their tax dollars are being spent. “This is a great day for Georgia taxpayers. We have taken a major step toward transparent and easily accessible accounting information of how every state tax dollar is spent,” said Senator Rogers. “The very best way to prevent wasteful government spending is to let those paying the bills see exactly where their money is going.”
The new website, www.Open.Ga.Gov, began operation on January 1, 2009. Visitors to the site can easily locate information on state government salaries, travel expenditures, professional services expenditures, government contracts, and comprehensive annual reports. Performance audits, program evaluations, and special examinations released by the Department of Audits and Accounts over the last five years are also available. The information maintained on the site is updated annually.
Highlights of the site include:
 Program Reviews - 5 years of Program Reviews issued by the Department of Audits and Accounts.
 Salaries and Expense Reimbursements - An annual compilation report in accordance with Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institution of Certified Public Accountants listing personal services and travel expense paid to personnel of State agencies, boards, authorities, commissions, regional educational service agencies, technical colleges, units of the University System of Georgia and Georgia Military College and local boards of education.
 Professional Services Expenditures - An annual compilation report in accordance with Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institution of Certified Public Accountants listing amounts paid to various professionals by State agen-cies, boards, authorities, commissions, regional educational service agencies, technical colleges, units of the University System of Geor-gia and Georgia Military College and local boards of education.
 The State of Georgia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) - This annual financial report provides statements of financial condition and operations of the State, as well as information on each individual fund and component unit in accordance with generally acceptable accounting principles. This report is produced by the State Accounting Office with the Department of Audits and Accounts serving as the principal auditor and is made available in January of each year.
 The Budgetary Compliance Report (BCR) - This annual report provides information by State fiscal year, concerning financial compliance with the Appropriations Act, as amended. All statements in the BCR are presented in accordance with the State's regulatory (statutory) basis of accounting and State budget laws which differ from generally accepted accounting principles. This report is produced by the State Accounting Office and is made available in January of each year.
For general questions about Open Georgia, call 1-800-Georgia. For more specific questions regarding financial reports, program reviews or technical assistance, go to http://www.open.ga.gov/contact.html.

New Georgia Transparency Website Up and Running 

The Cousins are Back and They’re Filing Online for Social Security Benefits Patty Duke Reprises Patty and Cathy Lane for new Retire Online Campaign Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, and Patty Duke, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winning actress, today unveiled Social Security’s new online retirement application and launched the agency’s Retire Online campaign. Featuring cousins Patty and Cathy Lane from the hit 1960’s sitcom, “The Patty Duke Show,” the campaign will let Americans know that it’s now easier than ever to retire online at  www.socialsecurity.gov.
“Social Security’s new online retirement application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Filing online means there’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appoint-ment with a Social Security representative. I’m thrilled that Patty Duke has volunteered to help us promote retiring online.”
“Like millions of other baby boomers, I like to spend time with my grandchildren, travel or just relax with a good book. And I love the convenience of doing things online,” Ms. Duke said. “Social Security has made applying for retirement benefits online easier than ever before. So when you decide to retire, apply online for Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s so easy!”
To apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on “Applying Online for Retirement Benefits.” You will be asked a brief series of questions about you and your work. Need to look up some information? You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can stop and restart the application without losing any of the information entered. Have a question? There are convenient “more info” links that you can click on to get an answer. And when you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you.
“To meet the needs of Patty and 80 million of her fellow baby boomers, who are becoming eligible for retirement at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years, Social Security is developing a wide range of online and automated services,” Commissioner Astrue said. “In addition to our new online retirement application, and other services like our new Retirement Estimator, the highest rated online service in government, we are continuing to expand and improve our Internet service options. These services will help us provide the American public with world-class service for generations to come.”
To see a demonstration of Social Security’s online retirement application and to view the new public service announcements fea-turing Patty Duke as cousins Patty and Cathy Lane, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pattyduke.

END OF VOLUME 16 ISSUE#1 - JANUARY 2009_

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE # 16 - DECEMBER 19, 2008

Youth Organization Open to New Members with Heart

4-H in Cobb County welcomes youth in 5th through 12th grades in public and private school, as well as homeschooled children. 4-H provides hands-on learning experience and helps youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. Cobb participants learn leadership and public speaking skills and take part in community service activities. Cobb 4-H meets the first Tuesday of each month during the school year. For more information, call 770-528-4076 or visit cobbextension.com.

Powder Springs Woman’s Club Making a Difference

 Keep Cobb Beautiful Needs Your Input - Beginning Feb. 1, KCB will offer an online survey to residents of Cobb.
Objectives: To measure awareness of Keep Cobb Beautiful and its programs, To measure one's awareness of littering, To measure likelihood of residents recycling, To better understand what residents want/need to recycle, reduce litter and increase green space.
Go to our website at: www.kcb.cobbcountyga.gov and complete this important survey. Those who have submitted a completed survey will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate to Harry's Whole Foods.
Did You Know? On Dec. 9, Keep Cobb Beautiful presented a symbolic check to the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and Cobb's County Manager for $1,183,350. This check represented the amount of service hour dollars that volunteers gave to KCB on the many environmental projects from the past year. It also represented donations and in-kind services from our sponsors and many supporters. Keep Cobb Beautiful thanks each and everyone of you for your continued support!  A member of the Keep America Beautiful System, Keep Cobb Beautiful, Inc. is funded by the Cobb County Government, recycling revenues and private contributions. Keep Cobb Beautiful, Inc. is a 501-c3 non-profit organization.