Agenda for April 1, 2013 Dunwoody City Council Meeting

Monday, April 1st
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East

Dunwoody, GA 30346

6:00 p.m. - Work Session

7:00 p.m. - Meeting Agenda
Watch Live at 7 pm

Agenda

Proclamation - World Autism Awareness Day.

SECOND READ - Ordinance to Amend the 2012 Operating Budgets.

Amendment of City Position Allocation and Compensation Chart Related to the Public Works Director Position.

Sidewalk Improvement Plan Update.

"Note: I will be asking for this to be taken off the Consent Agenda so that Hensley Drive, Mt. Vernon Way and possibly the next item on the list which is a small section on Womack be added to the 2013 plans for construction. These pedestrian safety items are being requested and I believe a portion of the funds originally budgeted for the roundabout could be diverted as it will not be going forward this year as it is still under technical review.  

Immediately following that item as it is related to sidewalks, I have been talking to the Public Works Director and for speed and efficiency, he is requesting that an outside traffic engineering consultant be hired for formal analysis of all non-signalized crosswalks & school zones so a professional non-biased list of improvements needed at each can be developed.  As this work can be done under the financial threshold for council approval, I just want to raise it to make sure the Council is in agreement that this is the best way foreword so that the staff has clear direction.  The first day of school is August 5th."

Award of Design Contract for Mount Vernon/Vermack Intersection Improvement.

Approval of Georgia Emergency Management Agency Grant.

SECOND READ: Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Administration, Article VIII, Ethics.

Resolution to Extend the Ethics Ordinance Moratorium - 90 days.

Update on Project Renaissance

CBSAtlanta Pothole Patrol proclaims City of Dunwoody does the perfect pothole repair.

Video

Pothole work orders and most corrective repair requests can be made easily by residents on the See Click Fix system and I fully encourage its use for road repair, sign replacements, traffic signals, code enforcement and right of way maintenance.  There are even apps available for your smart phone to submit photos and GIS information of the issue.

Link

Senator Johnny Isakson gives Dunwoody an update on Federal Budget, Healthcare, Benghazi and a possible magic year for long term financial change.

Video of prepared remarks - budget, medicare, healthcare & religious freedom

Video of questions - Cyprus bailout, social security age, magic year for financial change, medicare premiums, fair tax, corporate tax reform (repeal loopholes, lower rate), underemployment rate, affordable healthcare act implementation by small businesses, off budget items, veteran benefit backlog 438 days, fixing SSI & medicare.

Video of final questions - international financial governance & Benghazi

Playlist of three in order

All Saints Men's Club Presents Senator Johnny Isakson March 26 - Advance Tickets Needed

The All Saints Men`s Club Presents an event for the Entire Community.

 

An Evening With US Senator Johnny Isakson Tuesday March 26th!

Johnny Isakson is a businessman, a public servant and family man whose conservative, thoughtful and independent approach have made him a leader in Georgia for over 30 years.

Johnny began his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Johnny later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.

Johnny entered politics in 1974 and served 17 years in the Georgia Legislature and two years as Chairman of the Georgia Board of Education. In 1999, Johnny was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first of three terms before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2010.

Tickets for the event are $12.00, you can purchase them in advance online through our secure PayPal account. Reservations and ticket sales will close Sunday March 24th at: 9:00pm.

Reservations and ticket sales will close Sunday March 24th at: 9:00pm.

Buy Tickets

1 Ticket $12.00 USD 2 Ticlets $24.00 USD 3 Tickets $36.00 USD 4 Tickets $48.00 USD

Dunwoody real estate prices are moving up as demand rises, check list of all homes available.

4868 Mill Brook Drive

The information below from my good friend Bob Fiscella and I am always happy to share good financial information as well his informative lists of what houses are on the Dunwoody market.  I have referred a number of friends to Bob and will happily do so again.

Someone asked me this weekend, "so, how is the (real estate) market?"  For almost five straight years I would answer "fantastic" as I tried to stay positive. Fact of the matter is, and as most of us know, the Dunwoody market, like the rest of metro Atlanta, struggled mightily.  Prices reached their peek in the summer of 2007, and had been on a steady decline. 

However, the first quarter of 2013 bears all positive news.  I'm a big believer in statistics, and the stats for the first three months of 2013 compared with 2012, are all improvements.  Again, this is something we couldn't say the last five-plus years.

From January 1 through March 1 of 2012, a total of 35 single-family homes sold in Dunwoody (30338, 30360).  The average list price was $349,000.  The average sales price was $331,000.   The average days-on-market was 146. 

From January 1 through March 1 of 2013, a total of 43 single-family homes sold in Dunwoody (30338, 30360).  The average list price was $360,000.  The average sales price was $349,000.   The average days-on-market was 114.   That's an increase of 5.2 percent sales price, in 32 less days.  In normal market conditions, a homeowner can expect a 4-to-5 percent increase in their home value from year-to-year.  All the signs are good.

Currently, there are 78 active listings in Dunwoody, ranging in price from $924,900 to $215,000.  There are 58 other homes under contract (an excellent ratio of active listings to pending listings).
To view any of the active listings, click on the first link below (that includes my newest listing at 4868 Mill Brook Dr. in Springfield.

For more information on this home, click on the photo above).  To view these listings as a line item report, click on the 2nd link.  If you wish to view any of these homes, please contact me bobfiscella@kw.com or 404-644-5220.

Active Listings in Dunwoody

Active Listings - Line Item Report

Dunwoody Police and local charity I Care assist a Veteran

Facebook Post

One of our Dunwoody Police officers stopped to talk with a veteran who was observed soliciting on the side of the roadway. It just so happened that an "I Care Atlanta" van was driving by and its driver offered to help. The gentlemen received a large box of food to tide him over until other services could be contacted. I Care Atlanta have been wonderful community partners for the Dunwoody Police. Thank You…I CARE ATLANTA and great timing!

In case you are not aware of I Care Atlanta, it is the charity previously known as My Brothers Keeper Reaching Out but rebranded under a new name that wasn't shared with other organizations.   It is run by a Dunwoody resident Mr. Anthony Delgado whom I have highlighted previously.  Please like the I Care facebook page to learn more and learn about volunteer opportunities.

https://www.facebook.com/iCareAtlanta

Dunwoody-based Oldcastle, Inc. assists Dunwoody Nature Center with Community Service Project

Faced with stormwater and erosion control challenges at its rain garden, the Dunwoody Nature Center needed to look only two miles away for a community-minded solution.  Dunwoody-based Oldcastle, Inc., provided the Nature Center with enhancements to its rain garden and a new retaining wall, built from the company’s Belgard® hardscape product, along with a team of Oldcastle employee volunteers to install it.

“Recent wet weather events presented several stormwater and erosion control issues at our rain garden,” said Alan Mothner, Director of the Dunwoody Nature Center.  “We knew we needed a way to address the heavy flows but never thought our needs would be answered by a company right here in our backyard. This became the perfect grassroots, corporate and community solution.”

A team of volunteers from Oldcastle, the Nature Center and the City of Dunwoody helped setup, construct and host a dedication ceremony for the enhanced rain garden and new Belgard retaining wall.  The new retaining wall will help control stormwater runoff allowing for slower percolation of the water in the rain garden before it gradually drains into Wildcat Creek.

Oldcastle is North America’s largest manufacturer of building products and materials; the company strives to be an engaged partner in the communities where it operates and emphasizes environmental responsibility. The company reached out to the Nature Center to offer a creative solution that would incorporate its products and give employees an opportunity to give back to the community that Oldcastle headquarters calls home.

“The Dunwoody Nature Center is a community gem.  Their work in educating children, families and adults about the natural world and our place in it really struck a chord for many of us here at Oldcastle,” said Mark Towe, CEO of Oldcastle.  “The volunteers today not only helped build the Belgard retaining wall but also helped sow plants in the rain garden and in the main meadow area.  It was a rewarding experience for them and a chance for us to express our gratitude for the warm welcome that Dunwoody has extended to us.”

The rain garden was created in August 2012 as a tool for teaching the community and a way to collect and control stormwater runoff. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall last fall and winter caused stormwater to spillover and erode the original barrier.

“This was truly a community effort – from the materials to the hands that helped build it,” said Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis. “Dunwoody is home to a number of companies who share Oldcastle’s commitment of being a good community partner. I’m pleased they could share their expertise and resources to help the Nature Center.”

Malibu Grand Prix adding Buccaneer Cove water park

New little kid water park?

I saw the blurb below in the Atlanta Business Chronicle and know I will be visiting this summer with my little guy therefore thought I would share.

Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross, Ga., closed its Grand Prix track and will replace it Memorial Day Weekend with a new water play structure called Buccaneer Cove.

The water park will include five water slides, wet water tunnels, interactive aqua domes, spray cannons, spray loops and cylinder spray fountains. Semi-private cabanas with food service will be available for all day rental at an additional fee.

In case you are interested, my favorite "indoor water park" which not only works well on cold days but also in the rain is the Bethesda Park Aquatic Center in Gwinnett County. FYI, there are extended hours next week for Spring Break.

Where: 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville 678-924-6334

Cost:
Under 3 is $6
4 - 10 is $8
11 - 49 is $10
50 + is $6
Lockers are free but bring a few quarters to obtain the key as they don't carry much change on site. 

Watch Video

Dunwoody Crossing Guard tells her story as she is honored by 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie

Video conclusion to this story

On a related note, thank you to Dunwoody's very own Jennifer Leslie who seems to be the driving force behind so many positive stories in this community.  Besides being an Emmy Award winning journalist with a big heart, Jennifer is a social media maven whom I consider a must follow as she is truly a goodwill ambassador for our city.  Thank you Jennifer for all you do!!!

Michael Thurmond addresses DeKalb Delegation and Dunwoody Sen. Fran Millar asks about Charter Clusters - March 18, 2013

Video

Interim Superintendent, DeKalb County School District, Michael Thurmond addressed the DeKalb Delegation of the State Legislature on Monday and I had the pleasure of being in attendance to video the first 15 minutes.

At the 9 minute mark, State Senator Fran Miller asked about the possibility of Charter Cluster control and Mr. Thurmond said that currently one person is running 104 schools and that regional superintendents need to be able to make more decisions. 

He stated that he was working on that very item in the morning and I  swear he came very close to almost saying, "Local control, close to home".

Irish Soda Bread Recipe on St. Patrick's Day

 Irish Soda Bread

As I sometimes use this blog as my own personal journal whereby I can later find historical items from my past, please indulge me to post the family recipe for Irish Soda Bread.  Thank you to my sister Kathleen for forwarding as it uses sour cream instead of buttermilk and is not as dry as traditional Irish Soda Bread.

Here 'tis:

Irish Soda Bread 
4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 stick of butter
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 ½ cup raisins (Golden & Dark)
16 oz sour cream

Melt butter, mix with eggs & sour cream
 Combine sugar, flour, baking soda
 Mix all together – add raisins
 Bake @ 350 degrees for about 1 hour in 2 (8x4) loaf pans

And for those of you who like to be traditional:

Irish Soda Bread - Traditional
In a large bowl, mix the following dry ingredients with a wire whisk
 • ¼ cup sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 3 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Add raisins 1 ½ cup (dark and golden) you may add more if you like extra raisins. Incorporate the raisins with your hand, separating them so they are dispersed in the flour/dry ingredients.

In a medium bowl mix the following ingredients
• 2 well beaten eggs
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Pour the buttermilk, eggs & butter into the larger bowl of flour & raisins. Mix with a spoon until the flour is all incorporated.

Place in a greased loaf pan, 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour, check with toothpick (if it comes out clean the bread is done) up to 1 hour 10 minutes.

Chesnut Elementary children ask Dunwoody Senior's to take a walk - Saturday March 16, 2013 - 10 a.m.

Join the Chesnut Charter Elementary First Lego League team and their Active Seniors Initiative!

Seniors in the area and participants of all ages are encouraged to meet students on March 16 in front of Chesnut Charter (4576 N. Peachtree Road) at 10:00 a.m. for a one-mile walk through the Dunwoody North neighborhood.

As part of the First Lego League (FLL) competition in December 2012, the Chesnut CougarBots researched a solution to a problem in a particular topic area. This year's topic was Senior Solutions, and the CougarBots' proposed a walking trail for senior adults in the Dunwoody North subdivision. The team won first place for their project

Rep. Tom Taylor made 28 recommendations to the Gov on the DeKalb County Interim Board of Education characteristics he wanted to see.

Tom Taylor's thoughts on new board and applicant scoring rubric.

6 March 2013

Dear Governor Deal:

Here are my recommendations for DeKalb County School District Interim Board of Education characteristics. These points are in no specific order of importance.

1. Background checks are essential - constituents will be looking for flaws

2. Look for potential conflicts of interest - vendors, contractors, etc - who may want to do business with the school system - or relatives of the same

3 . No current relationships (such as relatives, former employees, romantic interests) with DCSD employees

4. Dr. Johnson is a former employee so, this base (#3) is covered

5. No desire to actually run for the seat - civil servants willing to help hi the interim

6. Geographic diversity for the at-large districts - try not to pick folks from the same areas as McMahon, Orson and Johnson

7. A couple of appointees should be able to read/comprehend/analyze budget sheets and data

8. One appointee with a technology background

9. Members who can articulate our language through speaking, reading and writing

10. A willingness to move towards authentic transparency - online checkbook and forensic audit are a good start

11. Time to commit to weekly meetings, preparing for meetings (ex: APS BOE met weekly and worked in front of the public to go through all policies, address all SACS issues and worked from a strategy/problem solving chart on action items each week

12. Acknowledges that every school and it's needs are different do not fall into the mindset of one size fits all and as such, needed programming hi one school does not have to be in every school - though we are one county school system

13. Representation that values our Hispanic/Asian/Indian etc stakeholders

14. Experience with collaborative models. And as such...

15. Willingness to host town hall meetings, coffees, etc to collaborate with and listen to constituents

16. Independent thinker - doesn't go along to get along - unwilling to agree to backroom deals

17. Committed to establishing an ethics board to govern themselves

18. Some significant level of higher education

19. Skilled communicator

20. Some level of experience with operational management of a large organization

21. Humility — actually putting children first

22. Prior governing experience

23. The whole should bring a variety of professional skills to the table which includes some level of knowledge about the school system and it's challenges

24. Clear vision about their immediate purpose - one county - all members must agree to not buy-in to the rhetoric surrounding north/south issues

25. With budget issues coming up it is necessary for some interim members to have the skillset needed to create and trim

26. Ability to comprehend the recommendations of the superintendent that lead to student success (grades, sense of value, purpose and relevancy)

27. Willingness to seek board training and apply such training during tenure

28. Willingness to work collaboratively with board members to resolve all of the issues outlined in the SACS report in the specified time frame

Knowing that the entire state and possibly the country will be paying close attention to this entire process the need for getting it right should override the need for speed in determining the interim board.

Every decision, from this point forward, from the Gold Dome to the DCSD Boardroom should be determined to insure stability and confidence, especially with our students who are counting on us to educate them in a safe, nurturing, and well-equipped environment.

Highly effective DCSD BOE governance will, at all times, keep the classroom as the focus.

Thank you for all you do every day, as Governor, for our children's education.

Sincerely,

Rep. Tom Taylor (R-79)

Representative Taylor addressed the Dunwoody City Council on Monday evening where he submitted into the minutes the form shown above, regarding his recommendations on the future characteristics he would like to see shown by the future DeKalb County School Board. After a complete update, the City Council informally agreed that the City of Dunwoody may spend up to $50,000 to finance a study of the feasibility of operating a city school system.

Dunwoody Council discusses DeKalb Schools, transportation safety and ethics.

Long night at the Dunwoody City Council, started at 6 and ended about Midnight.  We honored Dunwoody School Crossing Guards, discussed Dunwoody Schools, convention and visitors bureau budget, city staffing, paving, sidewalks, transportation safety around schools and ethics.

Video
Tom Taylor discusses DeKalb School Board and Dunwoody Schools

Video
Dunwoody School improvements & ethics discussion

Plans for Dunwoody's next new hotel to be discussed on Thursday and an update on the zoning rewrite.

On March 14th the Dunwoody Community Council will be meeting to do the initial public review of a proposed rezoning and Special Land Use Permit to construct a six story hotel, coffee shop, several retail shops and restaurant on Ashford Dunwoody Rd at Perimeter Center North on the Sterling Point office complex which located directly across the street from the California Pizza Kitchen.

After review by the Community Council, the Planning Commission will hear this in April and finally it will be brought before the City Council, most likely in May.  

Zoning Rewrite Update

On a semi related item, I watched the video of last weeks Zoning Board of Appeals meeting where Steve Dush gave an interesting overview of the last zoning code rewrite meeting where they were discussing Module 4 which included the topics of stream buffers and tree preservation on single family residential lots. 

DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond Public Meeting - Sunday 7:30 at Kingsley Racquet and Swim Club

Michael Thurmond

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association is hosting a public meeting with DeKalb County School System Superintendent Michael Thurmond.

Sunday
March 10, 2013
Time: 7:30 PM

Kingsley Racquet and Swim Club
2325 N. Peachtree Way
Dunwoody, GA 30338

 Join and share this event on facebook.

Prospective Dunwoody Eagle Scout Blake Tiede of Troop 434 is fundraising for Dunwoody High School Track Team

Dear Dunwoody Community,

I am currently in the process of starting my Eagle Scout project.

Eagle Scout is one of the highest ranks that can be attained in Boy Scouts. As a Scout with Troop 434, chartered by All Saints Catholic Church, my Eagle Scout Project will be building a new 8x12 track storage shed for Dunwoody High School. There is a great need for this project.

Currently, the track and cross country teams have to share a small allotment of space for their equipment, (tents, hurdles, timing devices, ice baths, etc.) in the Football storage shed. Several remote locations throughout the school are also used to store equipment.  My project would allow the track and cross country equipment to be consolidated in one convenient location adjacent to the track.

This project has been approved by the DHS principal and the Boy Scouts of America. I am working with Mr. Sam Portis of Portis Building and Interiors who will help design and mentor the building of the shed. The final challenge I am now facing prior to
building the shed is funding.

The projected materials cost of the shed is $2,000. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout means a lot to me and the project will greatly benefit the track and field, and cross country programs at DHS.

Your contribution, in any amount, would be very meaningful and greatly appreciated. Donations made in the form of a check should be made out to “The Wildcat Fund.” Donations are tax deductible. Checks made out to “The Wildcat Fund” can be mailed to:

Blake Tiede
1126 Saint Andrews Circle
Dunwoody, Ga. 30338

If you prefer to donate online please visit www.dunwoodyhighalumni.org/donate.html

Thank you for considering donating to my Eagle Scout Project. I am planning to have all funding secured by March 30th. If you have any questions or comments about my Eagle Project, please feel free to contact me at 770-391-9775 or email me at BATiede@gmail.com I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about my project. Your contribution is valued.

Sincerely,

Blake Tiede

Kingswood United Methodist Church Spring KidStuff Consignment Sale March 21 – 23

The Kingswood UMC KidStuff Consignment Sale features children's spring and summer clothing, toys, books, baby equipment, and much more!  All proceeds support our missions.  For more information including how to become a seller please visit  http://www.kingswoodumc.org/missions/kidstuff.htm or email kidstuff@kingswoodumc.org

Open to Public

Thursday, March 21^st          5 pm – 9 pm (No children under 10, please)

Friday, March 22^nd               9 am – 2 pm

            Saturday, March 23^rd           8 am – 1 pm (many items 1/2 price)

PreSale for Volunteers only

            Thursday, March 21^st          3 pm – 5 pm

Kingswood United Methodist Church Community Life Center

5015 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA  30338

(Use North Peachtree entrance)

Monday March 11th - Dunwoody City Council Meeting Agenda

Monday, March 11th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East

Dunwoody, GA 30346

6:00 p.m. - Work Session

7:00 p.m. - Meeting Agenda
Watch Live at 7 pm

Agenda

Update on the CAD-to-CAD Interface Project. (6 pm)
Proclamation - Recognition of School Crossing Guards.
Minutes of the February 20, 2013 City Council Special Called Meeting - retreat.
Ordinance to Authorize the Lease of a Fire Station to DeKalb County.
Ordinance to Authorize Transfer of the Water Tower Property to DeKalb County.
Ordinance to Authorize the Lease of the Dunwoody Library to DeKalb County.
Presentation of CVBD 2012 Year-End Report.
Ordinance to Amend the 2012 Operating Budgets.

Discussion of Amendment of City Position Allocation and Compensation Chart Related to the Public Works Director Position.

Discussion of Sidewalk Improvement Plan Update.

Discussion of 2013 Paving Plans.

Discussion of Design Contract for Mount Vernon/Vermack Intersection Improvement.

Discussion on School Safety Improvements. (Chesnut & PCMS Submission)

Discussion of Funding of the H.R. 486 Feasibility and Impact Study.

Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Administration, Article VIII, Ethics.

Thank You Nancy Jester !!!

From Nancy Jester’s whatsupwiththat.nancyjester.com blog:

“I am writing today to express my gratitude and sincere thanks for the opportunity to serve you during the last two years. Please know how much I appreciate your supportive words, calls and prayers. I am proud of the work I did to expose the deceptive budgeting practices and bring a parent’s perspective to the board.

“In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be blogging about various educational issues, legislation and events of importance to DeKalb and our state. We have so much work to do together. As always, I remain steadfastly committed to being an advocate for children and taxpayers.”

Please go to whatsupwiththat.nancyjester.com to read the rest of Nancy’s statement.

It’s too bad for DeKalb’s children that she wasn’t allowed to finish.

Thank you to the PCMS Cheerleaders for welcoming Chesnut students on GA Walk to School Day.

Peachtree Charter Middle School Cheerleaders
Dunwoody, GA

These lovely ladies cheered for about an hour this blustery morning welcoming the Chesnut walkers.  Kudos ladies, you represented your school very well.

Wednesday - Let's say thank you to everyone in and around our Dunwoody schools.

Wednesday is GA Walk to School Day and Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

Please find a way to thank our Crossing Guards, the Teachers, Paras, Librarians, Specialists, Principals, Lunch Ladies and even the Janitors at our children's schools because each of them have a role in educating our children.

Below was lifted from Dunwoody Mom.

At Sunday's Public Forum 2 DCSS teachers spoke and, while we all know the issues they have faced, pay cuts, larger class sizes, furlough days, 2 faces were put to those frustrations yesterday. I further realized how deeply they have been affected emotionally by the actions of the Central Office Administration and DeKalb School Board.

The following was sent out to the Kingsley Charter Elementary community last night, but I am hoping the parents of all our schools will take the same action. 

__________________________________________________________

It's not Teacher Appreciation Week. It doesn't have to be.

 

Let's not forget our teachers and administration during this time of turmoil and uncertainty at the county level. Teachers needs to hear from parents. Teachers need to know how much they are appreciated. Teachers are doing more with less and on salaries that haven't seen increases in six years.

 

Make it a goal this week to:

 

1. Write a note to your child's teacher letting them know what a difference they are making in your child's life.

 

2. Write a note to your child's teacher LAST year. Let them know how they've paved the way for them.

 

3. Write notes to other teachers that your child has experienced through specials, Discovery, art, music, etc.

 

Perhaps there are other ways you can show your thanks. Don't wait! Do it now. It is critical that we make sure that our teachers know that they are not alone in the challenges they face and that we want to see them return next year

Finally a related thought to share.

During a visit to the NASA space center in 1962, President Kennedy noticed a janitor carrying a broom.  He interrupted his tour, walked over to the man and said, “Hi, I’m Jack Kennedy. What are you doing?”

The janitor responded, “I’m helping put a man on the moon, Mr. President.”

I love this story! Obviously, the janitor understood the importance of his contribution. He truly felt he was a valuable part of something bigger than himself, and his attitude created a feeling of self-confidence in his mission.  He wasn’t merely a janitor, he was a member of the 1962 NASA Space Team!

It is so easy to become caught up in our ordinary, unimaginative lives. To believe that our seemingly endless repetitive actions are meaningless disjointed pieces.

To be so exhausted from the routine of “right now,” that we’re unable to see that our efforts have long term consequences.

It makes no difference what “small tasks” you signed up for today.

You . . .  are . . . significant!

Your life has purpose beyond walking the dog, preparing breakfast, raking leaves, and watching television.

You are amazing!

You have lives to impact.

People to inspire.

Questions to answer.

Goals to achieve.

A destiny to fulfill.

A world to change.

You can look at today as a another throw-a-way unimportant waste of trivial activity OR you can decide to be part of something bigger than yourself — a project that reaches far into the future and impacts people you may never meet.

You can choose to sweep the floor . . . or be part of the space mission putting a man on the moon.

You can teach a class . . . or impact the next generation.

Shuttle kids to practice . . . or create opportunities for young people to excel.

Support a charity . . . or help eliminate hunger in Central America.

Recycle the paper . . . or save the planet.

We must not,
in trying to think about how we can make a big difference,
ignore the small daily differences we can make
which, over time,
add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
~ Marian Wright Edelman

What are you going to do today?  Why not help put a man on the moon? 

Why not thank those who do so much to educate our children?

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Dunwoody Meeting on Education - Recap

The Presentation (h/t to Dunwoody Mom)

http://dunwoodyparents.org

Dunwoody Parents Concerned about Quality Education, Inc. a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

Mission: Explore options for improving public education in Dunwoody and to educate the residents of Dunwoody on these options.

Steering Committee: Claire Botsch, Deb Cameron, Gil Hearn, Allegra Johnson, Donna Cannady Nall, Rick Otness, Heyward Wescott, and Robert Wittenstein.

News Story

News Story

Dunwoody Farmer Bob, aka Bob Lundsten shot some nice video of Tom Taylor explaining his bill for creating new school systems in GA.

As a Director on the DHA, Farmer Bob stayed for the final board only discussions (I departed as I am not a formal board member) where he reports that the DHA voted unanimously to donate $5,000 to the 501c3 that is raising money to gather the information and fund the CVI study to examine the subject.

Look for a quick discussion and vote thereafter by the Dunwoody City Council also funding a portion of the study for the possibility of a different school governance model than we currently have in place.

 Tom Taylor presentation at DHA
Turn up the speakers.

Sunday: Two important meetings on Education in Dunwoody. 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Everyone wants quality educational services with in our community.
How do we get there?  Best long term solution?

Dunwoody Parents Concerned about Quality Education, Inc.
 
Sunday, March 3, 2013
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Kingswood United Methodist Church Sanctuary (Tilly Mill & N Peachtree)

Dunwoody residents interested in improving the quality of education in Dunwoody schools will share information on accreditation, legislative efforts, alternatives to the current public school district, and potential actions. The presentation will feature representatives from city and state government, local public education advocates, and a discussion session for participants to share their ideas and concerns.

 Dunwoody Homeowners Association

Sunday, March 3, 2013
7:30 - 9:00 pm
DeKalb Cultural Arts Center (Room 4)  5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road

Dunwoody Homeowners Association meeting where DCSS Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmondis scheduled to speak.    Presentation from Matt Hagan, Regency Centers; Presentation and discussion with Michael Starling, City of Dunwoody Director of Economic Development; Discussion of DHA Resolution to support Rep. Tom Taylor’s HR486, Discussion of Summer Concert Series; Dunwoody Preservation Trust – Lemonade Days Sponsorship

Parents, city leaders and members of the business community are expected at a meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss the future of their schools.  Less than five years after becoming a city, some want to know why they can't create an independent school district for Dunwoody.

Stacey Harris is the President of the Dunwoody Homeowners' Association and said many in the city are worried about the ongoing problems with the DeKalb County School District.  "One reason Dunwoody pursued cityhood was because we were dissatisfied with the services we were receiving from the county.  The same thing applies to our school system," said Harris.

Harris and others have formed the Dunwoody Parents Concerned About Quality Education and are meeting Sunday at 4:00pm at the Kingswood United Methodist Church. After watching the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put the Dekalb County school system on probation and six ousted board members sue to keep their jobs they worry about the future of their childrens' education.

Parent Allegra Johnson said she was frustrated well before a scathing SACS report was released last December.  "For years, money that was supposed to be going to benefit our teachers to help them teach our kids has been spent on things, like lawsuits, that have nothing to do with our kids," said Johnson.

Representative Tom Taylor has backed House Bill 486 that would allow municipalities formed after 2005 create their own independent school districts.  However, that would require amending the state constitution.

 "We know it will be an uphill battle. It could take years, but as more people are opting for smaller, locally run cities why shouldn't their school districts be run the same way," asked Harris.