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

Update on Nomination

Good Morning Neighbor:

I know that many of you are having problems registering your nomination through the ATSDR website -  so instead please email Robert Zimmerman robert.zimmerman@state.de.us with your nomination along with a brief reason why you think I should serve on the work group panel.  You can just paste this information to the email and then add your comments.

Name:	Constance Thomas
Title:	Chair
Organization/Affiliation:	South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force
Address:	P.O. Box 1593
	Fairburn,  GA 30213

Also, the replay of the webcast is now available.  The session that I told you about where we were able to demand that our voices be heard is below in the Plenary Session - click that link - give your name and email and you will be able to view it.  What these community leaders have to say is so vital and clearly another reason why we must be a part of this work group panel.

Have a wonderful day.

Your neighbor,

Connie

 
Please note the following message is being re-sent to make the participant list more easily accessible.

Greetings, This message provides follow-up information on the June 26, 2009 National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures kick-off meeting held in Washington, DC. Participant List A list of meeting participants is now available [here]. View the Webcast The archive of the webcast of the National Conversation kick-off meeting is now available for viewing. The archive includes the morning portions of the meeting, covering introductory remarks by Gail Bingham, RESOLVE facilitator, Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, project co-chair and Dr. Howard Frumkin, project co-chair; Dr. Frumkin's presentation; presentations by keynote speakers Lisa Jackson, U.S. EPA Administrator, and Linda Birnbaum, NIEHS Director, as well as comments and questions from meeting attendees.   To view the introductory remarks and keynote presentations click [here]. To view the plenary question and comment period, click [here].   Work Group Membership Nominations As a reminder, work group membership nominations will be accepted until July 20, 2009. Please submit nominations at www.2009nationalconversation.com. For more information on the National Conversation, visit www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nationalconversation/.

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

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.