U.S. House Hearings Tomorrow!!

Good Evening Neighbor:

See this link below - hearings are beginning tomorrow with regard to the inadequacies of the ATSDR - Health Consultation.  Take care when you read the report - it has pictures of how toxins harmed animals and it is not for young eyes.   As you will see,  our story is the same as so many stories across America and it is tragic to say the least.  You can also view the webcast tomorrow beginning at 10am.  

I want to thank our Task Force for the hours of research that enabled us to give solid input into these hearings.  Even though our story is not sited here, you must know that this House Committee is well aware of what happened in South Fulton and Fayette counties - we made sure they received documentation, emails etc... to support our case.

http://science.house.gov/publications/hearings_markups_details.aspx?NewsID=2376

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.

Reminder Canoe Trip!!!

Hi all:

Reminder - our canoe trip deadline is almost here. The trip will
take place two weeks from this Saturday the 28th. You do not want to
miss this special trip - I am looking forward to the serenity and
beauty of it all. Many of you have already registered and we will be
sending out confirmations soon.

http://www.eiog.org/ChattRiverTrip.htm

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair
Environmental Institute of Georgia
www.eiog.org
770-314-6999

Environmental Alerts

Good Morning Neighbor:

As many of you know, our task force has members such as Earl Hindman
who has such broad knowledge of organophosphate research he should be
given is Ph.d.. Earl has yet again found a significant study that
significantly impacts our community - knowledge we should have been
given right after the poisoning. However, as you will read it is
something we must all take seriously now and for years to come.

http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/6/5/356

I also have a second alert!! Please read the article below with
regard to the clear cutting of trees along our highways to make more
room for billboards. I personally find our highways an
embarrassment. Especially along south Interstate 75 where the roads
are littered with billboards with adult content. Instead of focusing
on the beautification of Georgia, we are allowing the greed of
industry once again to dictate how we live environmentally and
morally. I hope that you will join me in sending letters to the
House Transportation Committee where this bill (SB 164) now resides.
Request boldly that they not allow this bill on the House floor for a
vote and let us begin thinking about the beautification of Georgia
and what message we want to send to the millions who travel our
roads. I want to thank Representative Virgil Fludd for his quick
response to my email regarding this matter and I absolutely know we
can all make a positive change for Georgia if everyone will flood the
transportation office with emails. See the links below and please
forward this information to everyone you know!!

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/02/26/
billboard_trees_legislature.html

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/sb164.htm

Click on the Representative's name to go to their email.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/Committees/
transportation/gahtrans.htm

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair
South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Giving

Good Morning Neighbor:

As some of you may know, something very dear to my heart is providing mental health services to those who are most in need (those that suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression resulting in suicide attempts and hospitalization, etc..)  With State cutbacks, we have been at risk of not being able to provide these services in Fayette County but most recently the community has come together and has a commitment to provide a rent-free building for these services.  The building is now being constructed - please see the article and video below - it is truly amazing to see people from all over coming together to make a huge difference in lives of people they do not even know.

As the building is being constructed, the Board Directors of the Environmental Institute of Georgia has decided to solicit donations from the environmental community to supply green components to the building such as low VOC paints, lighting sensors, recycling units etc....  Mr. Bill Holland - an environmental architect and who serves on the board - offered his services free of charge sometime ago to look over the building plans and made a wonderful list of possibilities to incorporate if possible during the construction.  So please look at the attachments regarding this build and see where you might be of benefit.  You can go online to make your donation at http://www.legacybuild08.com/or mail in a check - mark your donation "environmental".

Two Articles of Interest

Good Evening Neighbor:

See below two articles written by Ben Nelms of The Citizen Newspaper that I thought you would want to read.  As always, we appreciate all that The Citizen does to bring cutting edge environmental reporting to our community.  It concerns me that with the diminishment of newsprint we will lose more and more of our local reporting.  Please do all you can to support your local paper no matter where you live.  It is a vital function to keep the balance of power in the political process by providing an outlet for the citizen's voice to be heard.

Have a wonderful evening.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Private lawsuit filed against Philip Services Corporation

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/34930

Article on the Environmental Institute of Georgia

http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/34926

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

www.eiog.org

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.

An Opportunity Not Too Many Get

Good Morning Neighbor:

Last fall I was invited to canoe the southern portion of the Chattahoochee River and was floored by the beauty of our community's river.  Since that time, the Environmental Institute of Georgia and the Institute for Place Based Learning has been working to set up a trip for the community and here it is.  

http://eiog.org/ChattRiverTrip.htm

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity - it is one you will not regret.  I am in no way an experienced paddler and I found this trip to be a breeze.  I hope to see you there on March 28 - we are sure to have a fantastic time.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

www.eiog.org

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 Jewel to Our Community has been Given

Good Morning Neighbor:

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the Environmental Institute of Georgia has been named the Trustee of the Fairburn Nature Preserve - 310 acres of beautiful green space.  Please see my speech below and keep a watch on www.eiog.org for more information about the Preserve and how you can become involved.  This land is to be held in perpetuity for the environmental benefit of the community - we all just got a huge economic and socially restorative raise.

Your very thrilled neighbor,

Connie

Good Evening Mayor Hannah and City Council

 

I would like to take a moment of your time tonight to speak to you about an improbable journey and the power of a coalition.

 

As most of you know, in the summer of 2006 I came before you with an environmental crisis that was plaguing our community.   I had never before that time even considered myself as an environmentalist – I knew I always cared about recycling and I definitely cared for people but that is as far is went.  But as for many of us, the plans we made for our life are not those that the Spirit has in mind and often we are awakened to a new calling through crisis.  We also know that what is intended for harm can always be turned for good and that is the reason I stand before you today.

 

Something marvelous has taken place environmentally in the City of Fairburn.  A vision has been set into motion, the players are in place and a journey that is far reaching and one created for the higher good of many is on the horizon.   The Fairburn Preserve is one of wonder and inspiration to all who visit there.  With its rolling hills and old growth trees, it beckons scientific curiosity and calms the soul in a serene sense all in the same breath.  In its majesty it has called the community to it and we who have been sent to provide its care and are honored in so doing. 

 

Through the partnership of the Mayor and City Council, the Environmental Institute of Georgia and the new Fairburn College Campus, we stand to create something that not only the City of Fairburn can be proud of but the State of Georgia as well.  We are creating a space for education, preservation and restoration spurring economic development for the city and creating a sustainable life for the community and all those students that pass this way.

 

When many cities are only beginning to contemplate how to green their community, Fairburn stands ready to begin to reap the monetary rewards of a green partnership.

 

I would like to take the opportunity now to introduce the Environmental Institute's Board of Directors (for readers go to www.eiog.org ).

 

I would also like to recognize Dr. Muigwa and Ms. Condon of the GA Military College who bring excitement to this partnership as well for what it will do to expand the knowledge and applicable learning base for their students.

 

Thank you for creating a vision and know that the Environmental Institute stands ready to bring this vision to a very prosperous reality.

 

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

Environmental Institute of Georgia

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

www.eiog.org

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.

EIOG and Earth Day

Good Morning Neighbor:

I have several exciting announcements.  The Environmental Institute of Georgia now has their website ready for your use - go to eiog.org .   We are extremely excited about all that the Institute has to offer and will be offering in the future.  Get ready to participate and have a great time doing it.   

You will see we are coordinating this year's 2009 Fayette County Earth Day.  You will find the earth day link on the eiog website or you can always go to fayettecoearthday.org .  I encourage you to come out to our Information Meeting on January 29 at 7pm - Peachtree City Hall to see how you or your organization might get involved in our Earth Day Event.

In a time, when life feels so bleak on a national level, I can tell you there is great hope when our community comes together and celebrates our commitment to a life of prosperity through preserving our environment that not only sustains us but the generations to come.   So dust off your shoes and get involved - the possibilities are endless.

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.

A Call from Washington

Good Morning Neighbor:

The gratitude in my heart felt this morning after receiving a call from Doug Pasternak of the House of Representatives Committee on Science & Technology and

Subcommittee on Investigations & Oversight is overwhelming.  I spoke to a gentleman who truly wants to know what has taken place in our community and wants to stay in constant communication to uncover the inadequate response with regard to the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) and their inadequate Health Consultation.  

He told me that this committee was the one who recently held hearings to uncover the problems with the Katrina Trailers and the Formaldehyde poisoning of the inhabitants.  He said it was through those hearings that the committee began to hear of communities such as ours who have also been poisoned and dismissed through the ATSDR Health Consultation.  

I let him know very quickly he had hit the jackpot.  Our Task Force has so much information and collaborative knowledge on all of this with emails and letters to back it all up and have been waiting for this door to open.  Mr. Pasternak is hopeful that with enough information from our community and others they will be able to hold national hearings once again on the failures of the CDC and the ATSDR.  

With all this being said, I need some help from you.  If you or your children have been ill due to the poisoning and have a doctor who has treated you and documented your exposure, please call your doctor and sign a release so that he/she can send those records or talk to Mr. Pasternak or our Task Force.  Then email me with your doctor's name and phone number so we can begin collecting data.  I will make sure Mr. Pasternak receives the hundreds of exposure forms we have already completed.  

I am humbled and honored again to be called to such a service for our community.  I never would have imagined such a spiritual calling as this but it absolutely is for me.  I know that you all feel as I do that we must not only make sure that our community is protected in the future but that all communities across America never have to suffer from a toxin in their air, water or soil.  And, we will make sure that when there is a poisoning in a community, the community's story is primary and believed by their government and immediate action is taken on their behalf. 

Your neighbor,

Connie

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

P.O. Box 1593

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.

Correction - Attorneys on Saturday - 1-10-09

Begin forwarded message:

From: smzahler@goetz-zahler.com

Date: January 8, 2009 6:36:45 PM EST

To: "Connie Thomas Biemiller" <eiog@bellsouth.net>

Cc: Lina.Pitts@premiereglobal.com

Subject: Re: Attorneys on Saturday - 1-10-09

Connie,

I will be out of town tommorrow and this weekend.

 Accordingly, please send another email asap advising to contact Lina

Pitts at Lina.Pitts@premiereglobal.com if they are interested in

volunteering.  She is coordinating this effort in the community.

Thanks

Good Evening Neighbor:

The attorneys are assembling a group to go around to homes to make

sure people know they have the choice to sign-on to the class

action.  They would like as much help as possible in the process.

Please email Scott Zahler at smzahler@goetz-zahler.com if you are

available on Saturday.

Also, our Task Force Secretary - Cindy Mathews will be up at Bethany

United Methodist on Saturday to give out class action forms as well.

She will be there from 2-6pm.  A very special thanks to Cindy Mathews

and April Butler for all they are doing for our community in this

effort!!!

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.

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.

Attorneys on Saturday - 1-10-09

Good Evening Neighbor:

The attorneys are assembling a group to go around to homes to make sure people know they have the choice to sign-on to the class action.  They would like as much help as possible in the process.  Please email Scott Zahler at smzahler@goetz-zahler.com if you are available on Saturday.   

Also, our Task Force Secretary - Cindy Mathews will be up at Bethany United Methodist on Saturday to give out class action forms as well.  She will be there from 2-6pm.  A very special thanks to Cindy Mathews and April Butler for all they are doing for our community in this effort!!!

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.

Article on Claim Extension and Our Story

Good Afternoon Neighbor:

I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year.  Time just keeps marching on - I remember my elders telling me how time kept moving faster the older you get and I can testify to that one for sure.  

See the article below that is now online at thecitizen.com as well as in The Community Voice forum.

http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/forums/topic/61616?page_no=1#161653

Also, something for fun I found online that it just too cool and environmental at the same time - real wildlife ring tones.  I suggest we all put the bobcat ring on our phone - we will never have to worry about it being stolen!!

http://www.rareearthtones.org/ringtones/sendringtone.html?key=34705982&message=Successfully+updated+Supporter+information

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.

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