Claim Form Deadline Extended to January 30, 2009

Good Evening Neighbor:

Please see email below from April Butler and attorney Scott Zahler.

Your neighbor,

Connie

From: "Scott Zahler" 
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:15:30 -0500
To: <aprilb326@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Claim Form Deadline Extended to January 30, 2009

April,

 

The Judge has granted a 30-day extension until January 30, 2009 to send the claim forms in.  The mailings went out to 2,340 households and the response rate as of two days ago was 431 which is obviously very low.  I assume many people may have disregarded the mailer especially considering it came during the election mail onslaught and holiday season.

 

I'd like to talk to you ASAP about organzing teams of people go down every street, and knock on the door of every house within the boundaries and hand the claim forms out.  The class reps will help with this process. I would like to organize this so we can do it the weekend January 10^th.  Please give me a call at your earliest convenience to discuss.  Thank you.

 

Scott M. Zahler

Goetz I Zahler, LLC

900 Circle 75 Parkway

Suite 700

Atlanta, Georgia 30339

 

770-431-1107 Direct Dial

770-431-1101 Fax

 

smzahler@goetz-zahler.com     Email

www.goetz-zahler.com              Website

 

Confidentiality Notice:

This communication constitutes an electronic communication within the meaning of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 2510, and its disclosure is strictly limited to the recipient intended by the sender of this message. This transmission, and any attachments, may contain confidential attorney-client privileged information and attorney work product. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Please contact us immediately by return e-mail or at 770-431-1100 and destroy the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner.

 

Two Years Ago Today

Good Evening Neighbor:

It is hard to believe that two years ago today we were celebrating the closure of the liquid processing operations at PSC.  What a wonderful feeling to know that our community was somewhat safe again.  How quickly these two years have passed!!   We must remember that the permit was only pulled for six years so we only have four left to go.  In the coming year, we will need to recharge our batteries and begin to develop plans to make sure this permit is never reinstated.   

I am hoping and praying for a shift in the way our government views environmental concerns with our upcoming federal administration.   However, it appears that it will be a true - wait  and see - according the Environmental News coverage given for Obama's choices.  Please see the articles posted on The Community Voice below - be sure to read both sections.

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/forums/topic-61060-president-elect-selects-director-of-the-epa-part-1

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/forums/topic-61061-president-elect-selects-director-of-the-epa-part-ii

I wish all of our community the feeling of immeasurable love and peace this holiday season!!!!!!!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Tuesday Night

Good Afternoon Neighbor:

If you live in Fayette County or South Fulton, you need to read the articles below and show up Tuesday at 6pm at the Fayette Senior Center.   Always remember, your backyard is my backyard and this is another one of those times when together we can make a difference.  The road they are proposing for Fayette will directly dump traffic into South Fulton - particularly the West Bridge area and 138.  Many, many of our neighbors have gotten up in the morning over the past few months only to see stakes in their yards marking the placement of the roadway.  It is my understanding that their would be a huge environmental impact on Fayette County (through wetlands and streams)-  not to even compare to the loss of property of our Fayette neighbors.  Ms. Ellen Morley at the last commissioner's meeting said that the road would come straight through her front yard and completely cut her off from the rest of her neighborhood.

This is a time to make sure that the roadways that are being proposed are really in the citizen's best interest and if they are not then we all must take a stand!!

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/33572

http://www.thecitizen.com/node/33448/#comment-95962

http://www.thecitizen.com/node/33320

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

770-314-6999 Mobile

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

My Comments and Attorney Info.

Good Morning Neighbor:

I was so glad to see so many at the meeting last night.  I thought with the Attorneys there and Dr. Speaker to answer questions it was very productive.  Something I think is vital for everyone to realize that I spoke to last night is that this lawsuit totally shows admission by PSC that they exposed us to a chemical from June 20 to August 15.  I think it is evil "not a word I use unless I really feel it" that PSC is able to admit exposure but only get sued for loss of use of property and by doing so we as a community have to sign a document that never allows them to be sued for health damages to us between the days of June 20 and August 15.  The legal system is allowing this company to literally get away with murder and it is wrong to the depths of my soul and I will never sign a legal document that allows them to get away with this atrocity.   

As the results filter out of the federal government's admission to the pesticide poisoning of it veterans and their varying illnesses,  I am extremely hopeful that in the next few years that we will bring about another lawsuit against PSC with the inclusion of May through August so that those who do participate in this lawsuit might be able take part in one that may happen in the future.  

I am including an email from April Butler below which has the documents needed from the lawyers.  Please know that if you choose to participate in this lawsuit there will never be any judgement coming from me.  I absolutely realize that we all have our own life circumstances etc...  and I love our community dearly.  The most important thing is that we keep fighting this fight TOGETHER!!!!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie,

 

Please see attached information.

 

Please tell everyone that when you send the form to keep a copy of "everything" that they send and also send it certified return receipt or some form of proof of mailing.

 

April

Awareness of Toxic Toys this Holiday Season

Good Morning Neighbor:

I wanted us all to be aware of what we are buying the little ones in our lives this holiday season.  Please read the article below and go to the link within so that you can be a fully informed consumer.  Not only are we literally saving our children by doing this  - we are also sending a clear message to corporations who do not put our health first that we refuse to spend our money on their products.

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2008/2008-12-03-01.asp

Your neighbor,

Connie

P.S.  Our meeting tomorrow night will be held in the Sanctuary at Bethany UMC instead of the fellowship hall.

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

770-314-6999 Mobile

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Reminder - Meeting this Thursday

Good Morning Neighbor:

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

We will be having another community meeting this Thursday at Bethany United Methodist at 7pm in the fellowship hall.  I know many in our community have yet to receive letters.  We hope to have one of the attorneys there to give further insight into this problem.  

Please be sure to email April Butler with your email address aprilb326@bellsouth.net  - she will be keeping you informed with regard to the class action settlement.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

P.O. Box 280

Fairburn, Georgia 30213

770-314-6999 Mobile

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Government Now Says it is True

Good Morning Neighbor:

This was a topic of our last Town Hall Meeting - we have the need for the government to validate pesticide poisoning of our Gulf War Veterans and here it is!!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/11/17/gulf.war.illness.study/index.html

This is exactly why we should not lose hope that one day we will be validated as well!!

With regard to the class action case, I need each of you who live in our local community of South Fulton and Fayette to email April Butler - Vice Chair of the Task Force.  April is creating an Excel Sheet so that she can keep everyone up to date on the case.  Her email is aprilb326@bellsouth.net .

My email list has grown way past the local community and we need to separate this out.  So please email April with your email address and any questions you may have about the case.  I know many of us have yet to receive letters.

We have much to give thanks for this week,  our community continues to be one of strength and one of truth!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

P.O. Box 280

Fairburn, Georgia 30213

770-314-6999 Mobile

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Cancellation of Fishing Event

Good Evening Neighbor:

Due to inclement weather tomorrow's Fishing Event has been cancelled.  If another is rescheduled, I will happily let you know. 

Have a wonderful fall weekend!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

P.O. Box 280

Fairburn, Georgia 30213

770-314-6999 Mobile

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

This Thursday -Class Action Questions

Good Morning  Neighbor:

Our wonderful Task Force members who ran the Town Hall meeting are going to make themselves available to answer questions again at Bethany United Methodist Church from 6 to 8 this Thursday November 13.   So please take advantage of their knowledge with regard to the class action issue.  If you have not received your letter as of yet, stop by and let them show you the map of the class action area.

Bethany United Methodist is at the Corner of Lees Lake Rd. and Rivers Rd.  in North Fayette - http://www.gbgm-umc.org/bethany-fayetteville/

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

Environmental Institute of Georgia

P.O. Box 280

Fairburn, Georgia 30213

770-314-6999 Mobile

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Flyer with correct Date

It is this Saturday!! Obviously - I need a mental break!!

It would help if sent the right Flyer

Sorry neighbor:

I sent you the Earth Day Agenda - oops - too many things going at once!!!!!!!!!!!

Connie

Community Fishing Event

Good Morning Neighbor:

First off, let me say how much I enjoyed seeing everyone at the Town Hall Meeting.  I did not get to stay long because my son was in a Sandy Creek performance.  However, I stayed long enough to know that many of you have not received a letter even though you live in the class action area.  The attorneys are aware of this and are checking to see why all the letters have not gone out.  If you have questions about the meeting, please contact April Butler at aprilb326@bellsouth.net or Cathy Strong at tara@gr8photo.com .  April and Cathy are Task Force members who ran the Town Hall Meeting and will help you as best they can with relaying information from the meeting.  We plan to have a follow up meeting in the near future.

Also, I am attaching a flyer for a Free Fishing Event this Saturday at the Fairburn Preserve.  We need to catch as many fish as possible - this pond is to be drained for land mitigation so come and catch as many as you can!!!!  Fishing poles and bait will be provided for those who do not have equipment on hand.  

Your neighbor,

Connie

Flyer for Town Hall Meeting

Please email, print and distribute to your neighbors!!!!!!!  I want to thank one of our great neighbors, Judy Sebastian for creating this flyer!!!

Town Hall Meeting

Good Morning Neighbor:

And, it looks to be a beautiful fall day to day!  

Scott Zahler's office confirmed yesterday afternoon that they can be at a Town Hall Meeting this Thursday November 6 at 7pm to answer the community's questions regarding the class action lawsuit.  We will be asking the Environmental Protection Division to be at that meeting to inform us of the final closure of the solidification pit at PSC.  We will also invite representatives from the North Fayette Association and the South Fulton Civic Association to be at this meeting.  These neighborhood groups are something we should all make sure we are giving of our participation -  we know that a voice of many can truly make an impact on our local and state government.  Something I loved hearing the other night while attending the SFCA meeting is that there is a lot of talk about creating change in government - well the South Fulton Civic Association declared they are the change and they are ready to to make it happen.

So, it is vital that we all attend this meeting whether you received a letter or not because this has always been about more than a lawsuit - it has been about the protection and prosperity of our community!!!!

I want to reconfirm once again with the Church Secretary that the sanctuary is available - as of a week ago it was.  So let's plan to meet at Bethany United Methodist this Thursday at 7pm.  If someone could create a flyer that I could email out and we could pass out to our neighborhoods that would be very helpful.

I know many of you have already received letters and have many questions - be sure to get the word out to your neighbors this maybe one of the only times questions can be asked that need to asked.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

S. Fulton firm agrees to settlement over chemical stench | ajc.com

Good Evening Neighbor:

This article was in Monday's Metro Section of the AJC.  

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/10/20/onion_like_smell.html

I have spoken with Scott Zahler, Atty and it looks like we may be able to schedule a Town Hall Meeting the week of November 3rd.  I will get back with you as soon as it is set.  Bethany UMC is so wonderful (as usual) and willing to open their doors to us for the meeting.  Your letter with regard to participation in the class action should be going out by tomorrow.  From what I understand, the letters are coming from King and Spalding - the PSC and AMVAC attorneys.  (Remember they are trying to settle with us so I would suggest holding off signing anything until you have all the facts from our community attorneys.  I am sure that when we are all in a room together more of our questions will be answered - often we cannot think of everything that we would need to ask on our behalf and our neighbor might think of a question we have not thought about.)

I have included the information below in case you have need of it.

King and Spalding - Atlanta - PSC and AMVAC Attorneys
1180 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 572-4600
Fax: (404) 572-5100

http://www.kslaw.com

Goetz, Pierce & Zahler - Community Attorneys

Overlook III, Suite 1740, 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30339  Telephone:  Fax: 770-431-1101

http://goetzallenzahler.com

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Update on Lawsuit

Good Evening Neighbor:

I spoke with Scott Zahler, Atty today with regard to recent news that there maybe a group of people going door to door to ask our neighbors to sign on to the class action lawsuit.  He said that he had not heard of anything such as this and that it would be coming from the defendant's office if it were taking place.  He also confirmed for me that once you become a part of the class action suit you will not be able to pursue any other legal action in the future against AMVAC or PSC.  

I had asked in earlier conversations that we setup a Town Hall Meeting and have that date included in any letter that would be going out from the attorney's office on October 23 or 24th but it does not appear that this will be an option.  Therefore, I will contact Bethany United Methodist about having our own Town Hall Meeting - Mr. Zahler and staff confirmed that they will be there to answer your questions.  

I will get back to everyone as soon as possible with regard to an upcoming meeting.  I think it is crucial that our community be fully informed before we sign any legal document.

Your neighbor,

Connie  

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Cleaning up a Stream

Good Morning Neighbor:

Well, this was a first for me - getting out and cleaning the debris away from the side of the stream - and I really, really enjoyed it.   I hope you can join us this Saturday.  It is unbelievable to see what has floated to the side of the stream bed - like a vacuum cleaner, toilet seat etc...    I am enclosing a link to an article written on the event and pictures taken that day. 

This is an awesome outing for our youth - you can tell they feel so good about making a difference in their community!

I hope to see you there!

Your neighbor,

Connie

 

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/32292

http://thecitizen.smugmug.com/gallery/6170535_pB7cR#388969949_pf5kU

P.S  See flyer at the bottom for place and time.

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

    South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

More Proof that a united Community Voice makes a Difference

Good Morning Neighbor:

As you all know, we have been working to relieve an environmental hazard at Oakley Township and it is wonderful to report that the detention ponds have now been repaired by the developer.  I have included the old pictures below followed by pictures of the repaired ponds.  This is living proof once again that we as citizens have power beyond measure to make a difference - from issues as large as PSC to having a needed road sign put in place.  All things really are possible - we just need to bring forth the courage to believe it!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.



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Stream Cleanup this Saturday

Good Morning Neighbor:

Fall is definitely in the air this morning and the beauty of this season is beginning to show itself in color.  I want to invite you to further enjoy nature in this month of October along with our Environmental Institute as we partner with neighboring municipalities to clean-up local waterways.  I have included a flyer below for this Saturday - feel free to forward it to those you think might be interested.   I will send flyers in the coming weeks for Oct 11 and 25th.

We hope to see you there!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Onion odor lawsuit: 2,221 households get $4 million | The Citizen Online

Good Evening Neighbor:

I wanted to get this to you as soon as possible.  Once again, Mr. Nelms has done a wonderful job reporting our story and I know that I speak for everyone in thanking him for being a voice for the people.  I would also like to the thank Cal Beverly who continually holds his paper to be a testament to its title The Citizen.  In a time where corporations have over taken the voice of the citizen,  it is critical that there still be news organizations that endeavor to speak truth to power.  

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/31979

I am also enclosing documents released by the attorney's office for your perusal.  We will be setting a town hall meeting in the very near future - the attorneys will make a presentation and we will invite the Environmental Protection Division to report on their test findings and their oversight of the final closing of the solidification pit at PSC.  

SETTLEMENT IN PSC CLASS ACTION CASE

Good Afternoon Neighbor:

Scott Zahler, Atty. for the Class Action Lawsuit against Phillip Services Corporation phoned Ben Nelms of the Fayette Citizen to publicly announce that a settlement has been reached.  I am including his brief article below as more details are known in the coming days he will post that as well and I will send it forward.  I am extremely disappointed in the minimal amount of a $4 million settlement that was reached due to loss of use of property rather than due to illness.  The next question is those that have been ill might be able to take a health case forward - it is hopeful that this is so.  I will forward any further information I have to you as soon as possible. 

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/31659

Your neighbor,

Connie

P.S.  If you email me and I do not respond right away it is because my internet has been intermittently working.  I am sitting at Laurie Turkel's house at this moment to send out this email.  Thank goodness for a computer guru on our Task Force.  

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

Environmental Institute of Georgia

eiog@bellsouth.net

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/

770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.