Your Voice is needed October 28th

Good Morning Neighbor:

I participated in my first national conference call with the Chemical Emergencies Work Group for the National Conservation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures program.  By the end of the 90 minute call, I had run my mouth so much about the chemical exposure incident in our community they asked me to do a presentation at our first face-to-face meeting in Baltimore next month.   

At first, I was frustrated with myself for always having to call things like they are. But then I was glad I did. Because now we will finally get the opportunity to tell our story to some people who have the power to make a difference (such as Homeland Security - EPA and so many more).  

Over the next few weeks, I will be working overtime to pull together a PowerPoint and a short film for my presentation.  Luckily, I'll be able to use the information developed by Dr. Speaker and all of the material we compiled for our testimony at the State Capitol.   

I will also be participating in the upcoming National Conference on Public Health and the Environment, which begins this Sunday here in Atlanta. I am including an email about the conference and I especially want to note that there will be a free listening session on Wednesday.  This would be the perfect time for you to tell the CDC and Public Health exactly what went on in our community. It is also a time to make them aware of any other public health issues such as quarry residue inhalation and other housing issues such as mold. A victory for a public agency would be to have no public comments during the listening session. That would reinforce their position that change does not need to take place because they gave the public a chance to speak up and no one did so it must not be that big of a problem.   

Make next Wednesday a priority -- they need to know we are still here!!!

Your neighbor,

Connie

P.S.  Carol Couch has resigned as Director of the Environmental Protection Division and will be taking a position with UGA.

Constance (Biemiller) Thomas, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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.

National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures

October 2009 Project Update

Greetings,

 

Thank you for your interest in the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures. Read on for the latest information about National Conversation activities and opportunities for you to get involved. As always, please e-mail nationalconversation@cdc.gov with any questions or comments.

 

Project Status

 

As you may know, the National Conversation project was launched with a day-long meeting on June 26, 2009.  Meeting summary information is available on the National Conversation project Web site. Since the kick-off meeting, project work groups have stood up to address the following topics related to public health and chemical exposures:  monitoring, scientific understanding, policies and practices, chemical emergencies, serving communities, and education and communication. An explanation of the membership selection process and membership lists for each work group are posted on the project Web site. Work groups will meet monthly, either by teleconference or in person, over the course of the project. Initial teleconferences are currently underway and the first face-to-face meetings will be held in November in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.  Meetings will be open to members of the public by request on a space available basis.  Each work group will prepare a report for inclusion in a final action agenda.

 

In addition to work groups, a project Leadership Council has convened and will meet for the first time in December. The Leadership Council includes a wide range of expertise and perspectives that will provide project guidance throughout the process and will develop the final action agenda. A current list of Leadership Council members is posted on the project Web site.

 

Check the project Web site regularly for project updates.

 

Opportunities for Involvement

 

2009 National Environmental Public Health Conference

 

The 2009 National Environmental Public Health Conference, taking place October 26 – 28, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature several activities related to the National Conversation:

 

National Conversation Public Listening Session

A National Conversation Listening Session will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Athens Room of the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel (Sheraton Atlanta Hotel / 165 Courtland Street NE / Atlanta, GA 30303).

 

Conference participants and interested members of the public can attend this open, facilitated discussion to exchange ideas and explore issues related to the National Conversation. Potential discussion topics include the National Conversation structure and process; lessons learned from the nation's historical approach to public health and chemical exposures; the nation's current shortcomings, gaps, and redundancies; and high priority options for better protecting the public from harmful chemical exposures. NCEH/ATSDR staff, RESOLVE staff, and others involved in the National Conversation project will engage in the discussion and collect participant input. This event is free and open to the public.

 

"Protecting the Public from Toxic Exposures" Plenary

 

In addition to many relevant breakout sessions, conference participants can attend "Protecting the Public from Toxic Exposures," a plenary session on Tuesday, October 27 from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Dr. Howard Frumkin, M.D., M.P.H, Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and National Conversation co-chair; Paul Anastas, Ph.D., Director, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering & Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment, Yale University; and Christine Norman, Director, Risk Assessment Bureau, Safe Environments Program, Health Canada will participate in this plenary.

 

Note:  If you will not be attending the conference, keynotes and plenary sessions will also be available by live webcast. Please register for the conference webcast in advance.

 

National Conversation Booth

The conference exhibition will include a National Conversation project booth. Conference participants can stop by with any questions or comments on the project. Project staff will be available throughout the exhibition, and project co-chairs Dr. Howard Frumkin, Director, NCEH/ATSDR, and Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, Executive Director, Children's Environmental Health Network, are tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Tuesday, October 27 from 12:00 to 12:30 pm. Look for us just outside the exhibit hall at Booth 48.

 

 

Future Opportunities

 

Keep your eye out for more information about the National Conversation Community Conversation Toolkit and web discussion forums. We expect to implement both of these project components in early 2010.

 

Warmly,

The National Conversation project team

Learn more >>.

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The National Journey Begins

Good Morning Neighbor:

Well, it appears the first time I will meet the panel I am working with on Chemical Emergencies will be through a conference call the first week of October.  I will then fly to Baltimore, Maryland in November for our first face-to-face meeting.  I am so blessed that Ben Nelms wrote the article below that will come out in the paper today - he truly validates the impact I will be trying to make on this journey.  

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/39498

Also, I am extremely excited about the impact that the Environmental Institute of Georgia is having on our local community with the upcoming dedication of the Fairburn Nature Preserve and our Rivers Alive cleanup.  I encourage you all to visit our home page at www.eiog.org to learn more about all that is taking place to improve the quality of life of Georgians.  

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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.

A New Vision

Good Morning Neighbor:

 

I had the privilege yesterday of going to Callaway Gardens – biking the trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery and at dusk watching the vividly colored hot air balloons glide over the tree canopies.   I was reminded in all of this that the initial vision of the Callaway family is what made my day so possible.  Vision followed by action that expands to incorporate the talents of others for the higher good is truly what makes all positive change materialize.

 

It was a vision of a community that made it possible to shut down the operations of the Philip Services Corporation.  And, it is a vision that needs to dominate the National Chemical Emergencies Work Group.  It could easily be said that there is no way this group will have a unified vision - especially when you look at the list below of those who will be serving.  However, it will only take two or three to begin the vision of change.

 

I remember making a point to never take a tour of PSC or go to their website to see how big and mighty they were.  I did not want anything to obstruct my vision and this will be my goal in this work group setting as well.  I will keep thinking of the young families who I saw that very first day holding their shirts over their nose and mouth – especially the young children and babies who were having difficulty breathing.   I will remember a standing room only crowd at Bethany United Methodist that was begging for answers as to why they were sick and no answers were given.  

 

A vision of a new road map of action that will be outlined for any community harmed is what is needed.  I am open to any and all suggestions as to how this should look.  Please email me with what you would like our government to do within those first few days of toxic exposure.   No thought is too small - send anything you feel would be of benefit.  Our hearts and minds working together is what will make all the difference.

 

Your neighbor,

 

 

Connie

  

 

Chemical Emergencies Work Group

 

Andrea Kidd Taylor, Morgan State University, chair

Scott Deitchman, NCEH/ATSDR senior liaison

Dana Goodson, RESOLVE facilitator

Montrece Ransom, NCEH/ATSDR staff

 

Membership [pending confirmation]

Bill Benerman Denver Department of Environmental Health

Nathan Birnbaum, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

John Bresland, U.S. Chemical Safety Board

Susan Cibulsky & Amanda Niskar, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Kathleen Curtis, Clean New York

Jacque Darbonne, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services

James Eaton, Maine Health and Environmental Testing Lab

Fleming Fallon, Bowling Green State University

Michael Greenberg, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology

James Griffin, American Chemistry Council

Joseph Hughes, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Nancy Hughes, American Nurses Association

James James, American Medical Association

Erik Janus, CropLife America

Kimberly Jennings, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Todd Jordon, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Betsy Kagey, Georgia Division of Public Health

Mark Kirk, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

James Madsen, U.S. Army Medical Corps

Jacqueline McBride, Love, Peace and Prosperity International, Inc

Maureen Orr, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Paul Orum, NGO Chemical Safety Consultant

Susan Palchick, Hennepin County

Clark Phinney, Maine Oxy

Darius Sivin, International Union, UAW

Derek Swick, American Petroleum Institute

Constance Thomas, South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Anthony Tomassoni, Yale University School of Medicine

Wanda Welles, New York State Department of Health

 

 

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.

Panel for Chemical Emergencies

Good Evening Neighbor:

I found out today that I have been selected for the National CDC/ATSDR Work Group to reform the way Chemical Emergencies are handled across the nation.  This is absolute validation that you never know where life will take you and that our fight has not been in vain.  I pray for the wisdom and clarity to always say the right words that will make a difference.   

I am deeply concerned that only two community leaders were selected for this panel of 30.  You would think they would at least have one for each state so I guess Dr. McBride and myself and will have to be loud enough for all of us - not a problem!!

Thank you for your many, many nominations.  I am absolutely humbled and want to serve with integrity - knowing that I have your support means more than you know.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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.

$4 million

Good Evening Neighbor:

First, let me say how thrilled I am that the $4 million was dispersed among our community last Thursday - I pray that it will benefit you all!  You suffered way more than $4 million and I am supremely reminded of that on this anniversary of Clare Hindman's death - no amount of money will ever amend for her suffering.  I am at the same time extremely saddened for our neighbors who so much needed the money as well but did not receive it because their home was not among the wind pattern on June 29, 2006.  And, in this I say - where is justice???

I want to thank you for the wonderful emails thanking me for my efforts - however - the credit is absolutely not all mine.  We have our stellar Task Force to thank along with Ben Nelms of the The Citizens Newspaper and the many, many people who have helped behind the scenes (true warriors who could not let their faces be known).  

Please know that this fight is not finished and what has happened in the South Fulton and Fayette community should never be forgotten.  I still await my appointment to the CDC's National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposure and the wonderful work that is being done through the Environmental Institute of Georgia does nothing but propel our community forward to a broader vision.

Thank you for being my neighbor and thank you for putting up with three years of emails - I do not know when they will come to an end because there always seems to be something else that needs to be said!!  Or at least I thinks so!!  I think we have 500 to 1000 on this email list - I quit counting a long time ago.  You all are treasures and I always enjoy hearing from you.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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.

Mold Emergency and Settlement

Good Evening Neighbor:

Well, once again there was an urgent need today to contact the Environmental Protection Division, Georgia Department of Health and UGA Department of Veterinary Sciences.   A neighbor in Cobb County is presently in the ER for mold exposure - also, her dog suddenly passed away this morning.   We are trying to do all we can to make the agencies who are hired to protect us responsive with regard to immediate treatment for toxic exposure.  The Coles have been living in a tent and staying with friends and family for months due to the mold in their home - they only returned this weekend so that their children could start school.  Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming hours.  

Several of you have called with regard to the Philip Services Corporation settlement checks and it is my understanding they were mailed out today.  As you all know, I have not been heavily involved in the settlement case so my information is very limited.  

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful summer - it is amazing the difference three years can make.  

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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 PSC Settlement checks

Good Morning Neighbor:

Please see the email below from Scott Zahler regarding settlement checks.  I know that many of you have been wondering the status on this - should you have questions about your check etc... please contact Scott Zahler - his contact information is below as well.  

Have a wonderful day and I hope to get back with you soon with regard to the D.C panel - I do not have any word as of yet as to my acceptance.  I want to thank the many of you who attempted to send in a nomination - there were problems in registering your vote so the outcome will be interesting.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Ph. -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.

I've been fielding many calls about the status of the case so I really
appreciate your getting the word out.  There were no appeals.  Checks will
be mailed out by August 17th.  If you need any further information, please
let me know.  Thank you and the Task Force for all your hard work on this
matter.
 

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