Avoiding scams and fraud [July 17]

via LeeAnn Harvey at Volunteer! Decatur:

Too Good To Be True
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore St.

Lifelong Decatur Third Thursday series hosts a panel of experts on avoiding fraud and scams, especially those targeting older adults. Whether you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, learn steps to prevent being taken advantage of by investment scams, telemarketing schemes and other fraud, identity theft, and financial exploitation of older adults and other vulnerable individuals.

The panel includes Sgt. Jennifer Ross, Decatur Police Department Community Information and Education Officer; Jeanne Canavan, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office; and Elder and Family Law attorney Donald S. Horace, Esq.

Think you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam? Here are some resources for help:
·  Decatur Police Department: 404-373-6551
·  FBI Information on Common Fraud Schemes: fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors
·  Georgia Senior Legal Hotline: 404-657-9915
·  Adult Protective Services: To report suspected exploitation of an elder person who lives in a private residence call 404-657-5250 or visit aging.dhr.georgia.gov.

Community Education Family Fun Day @ Mason Mill Park [rain date: now July 26]

via Commissioner Raders's website:

Community Education Family Fun Day @ Mason Mill Park
July 19, 2014 (12:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners host the Community Education Family Fun Day Saturday, July 19 from noon – 5 p.m. at Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.  This event is free and open to the public.

The Community Education Family Fun Day will include food, music, entertainment, information, games, and much more.  Educational and outreach information will be available regarding several county initiatives including Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG), Recycling and Stormwater.

Suburban Plaza redevelopment begins

Suburban Plaza: demolition began at the corner of North Decatur and Medlock Roads.

Staying true to the timeline released last June, Selig Enterprises began demolition work at its Suburban Plaza location. Following an early start on Friday, the area that recently housed a discount mattress store quickly became a pile of rubble.

The images below offer a refresher of the site plans Selig released in 2012 and are captioned with links to additional information. To review all posts relating to Suburban Plaza, click here.

August 2012, http://www.medlockpark.org/2012/08/suburban-plaza-redevelopment-august.html

June 2012, http://www.medlockpark.org/2012/06/suburban-plazawalmart-update-site.html

June 2012, http://www.medlockpark.org/2012/06/suburban-plazawalmart-update-site.html

DeKalb Public Library: senior advisory board [July 23, Oct 22]

click to enlarge

Our DeKalb County Public Library is looking for seniors interested in helping shape the Library's programs and services. 

Two information meetings are scheduled, for July 23 and October 22. Please see flyer for additional information.

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

from v. 32, Medlock Matters

The Lifelong Communities Committee is starting to coordinate efforts toward improving emergency preparedness within the Medlock and Clairmont Heights neighborhoods. To start this process, we are asking for your help in assembling a neighborhood inventory to find out how many of our neighbors might need extra help in a disaster, and which neighbors have special skills or training that might be helpful during an emergency. It will also help us keep you involved in continued neighborhood  preparedness activities.

Your participation in this inventory is completely optional. All responses will help us have a central database of the needs in our neighborhood and the resources and people that may be  available to help. The results will also help us focus our plans toward education and outreach within the neighborhood in advance of an emergency. Your responses will be available for use only by MANA and the Lifelong Communities Committee as needed.

Your responses can be entered online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/neighborhood_inventory

For a paper copy, please contact Kathryn Firago at kfirago at gmail

Supermoon, Part I [July 12]

Great explanation via space.com

The first of this year's three supermoons (so called because they are 30% brighter due to a closer orbit) will occur tonight at moonrise. For our area, moonrise is at 8:57pm tonight. Let's hope the clouds part for a good show.

The next two are due in the coming months. On August 10, moonrise will be at 8:20pm and on September 8,  at 7:35pm.

Read more about supermoons at space.com

Lifeline/DeKalb Shelter July adoption event

If you have been considering adopting a dog or cat, no better time than now!

via Lifeline Animal Project...

For the entire month of July all dogs may be adopted for only $30 and cats for only $17.76!  Adopters will receive a dog or cat that has been spayed or neutered, has had all vaccines and is microchipped – a $200 value.  As an additional bonus during the first two weeks of July, adopters will also receive a free adoption package with veterinarian, grooming and training coupons, while supplies last.

Adoption counselors will be on hand to ensure the animals are being placed in good homes.

According to DCAS Shelter Director Susan Feingold, when you adopt, you’ll not only be gaining a loving family member, but you’ll be receiving many health benefits too. “To celebrate our first anniversary, we’re offering terrific adoption rates,” she says. “And if you adopt a pet, you’ll be giving yourself the gift of better health.  According to The American Heart Association, people who own pets have a reduced risk for heart disease, visit the doctor less and live longer than people who don’t.”

To view animals available for adoption, or for the shelter’s address and phone number, please visit the shelter or visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com/adopt.

About DeKalb County Animal Services
Managed by LifeLine Animal Project, DeKalb County Animal Services provides humane care for animals at the shelter, veterinary care, pet adoptions, pet reclaim services, volunteer opportunities, foster care, and rescue group coordination.  To learn more, please visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com.