Fulton County Parks & Recreation Enrolling Now for Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camp

Four day camp for youth ages 8 to 14, July 20 – 23.

Fulton County Parks & Recreation Department is teaming with the Atlanta Hawks to NBA Basketball Camp at three locations this summer. This world-class camp offers a fun and exciting experience for youth ages 8 to 14 at an outstanding value.

The camp will be offered at Fulton County’s Burdett, Sandtown and Welcome All Park locations from July 20 to 23, 2015.

The registration fee of $125 is a great value for a four-day NBA sponsored camp.  Online registration is available at https://camperregsecure.com/hawks/.

Children currently enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program at their school may also qualify for a substantial discount off the registration fee. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Space is limited.   For more information, contact Coach Darrell Hykes at 404-839-9143 (text only) and/or darrell.hykes@gmail.com or visit the Fulton County Parks & Recreation sites. 

Fulton County Fire Rescue Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

Leave the fireworks to the professionals

Beginning July 1, Georgians can legally purchase fireworks. Fireworks are pretty, but can be dangerous. Although many types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents still need to be careful when using them.

“We want citizens to have fun, but safety is our first priority.” states Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. “Even though the new law expands the sale of fireworks, the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.”

Fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 35-44.  Each July 4^th, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Adults are strongly urged to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides the following tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

The new state law, HB 110, has certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of:

1. The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.

2. Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight (12 a.m.). On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.

3. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

4. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.
 

Nearly 90 percent of the fireworks injuries reported to emergency departments involved fireworks permitted under federal regulations, with many suffering injuries to their heads, eyes and extremities. Sixty-three percent of these injuries were burns.
 

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log-on to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Follow them @FCFRD on Twitter.

County Manager Names New Members to Fulton County Executive Leadership Team

Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson has named several new members to Fulton County’s Executive Leadership team.

“I am thrilled with the caliber of talent we have been able to attract, to help us serve our constituents and lead Fulton County into the future,” said Anderson.

John Thompson, Ph.D. – Director of Aging & Youth Department – Thompson currently serves as Executive Director of the District of Columbia Office on Aging, a role he has held since 2011.  He previously served as Director of the National Aging Information & Referral Support Center, and brings more than 15 years of experience in health, aging and social services.  He will be responsible for oversight of Fulton County’s senior services and an array of youth programs.  The Fulton County Aging & Youth Department has a 2015 budget allocation of $22.3 million and more than 170 employees.

Frankie L. Atwater, Sr. – Director of Housing & Community Development Department – Atwater currently serves as Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He brings more than a decade of experience in housing and grant program management. He will be responsible for Fulton County’s Community Development Block Grant and Housing programs, as well as the Office of Workforce Development. The Fulton County Department of Housing & Community Development Department has a 2015 budget of $8.3 million and 40 employees.

Tony Phillips – Director of Parks & Recreation – Phillips has served with Fulton County for 15 years, most recently as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Services.  Phillips will be responsible for oversight of parks maintenance and recreation programming at 21 parks & recreation facilities in unincorporated Fulton County. The Fulton County Parks & Recreation Department has a 2015 budget of $3.3 million and more than 60 employees.

Dennis King – Assistant Director for Facilities – King brings extensive experience in facilities management in the corporate and government sectors, having served with Bellsouth, the State of Georgia and the State of Florida.  He will be responsible for strategic, long-range planning for Fulton County’s facility needs.

Last month, Anderson made several other appointments to the executive team, from within the Fulton County organization.

Felicia Strong-Whitaker – Director of Purchasing & Contract Compliance - Strong-Whitaker has served with Fulton County since 2004, and previously served as Interim Director of Purchasing & Contract Compliance.  She has more than 25 years of experience with large-scale public procurement organizations.

Jeff Cheek – Director of Ryan White – Cheek has served with Fulton County for 26 years. He most recently served as Health Program Administrator with the Department of Health & Wellness.  Cheek also previously served as Director of the Ryan White Program, which administers approximately $23 million in annual grants to provide care and treatment to people with HIV.

Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez – Director of External Affairs – Corbitt-Dominguez has served with Fulton County for more than 15 years. She most recently served as Public Affairs Manager with the Office of Communications, and is now responsible for oversight of Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Broadcast/Cable/Film.

Anderson is currently recruiting for several other positions on the Fulton County Executive Leadership team and expects to have all appointments complete by August of this year.

Fulton/DeKalb Launch “Test Atlanta”— June 27th is National HIV Testing Day #Standup2HIVatl

Test Atlanta, an all-out campaign to coordinate the many and varied HIV testing efforts in Metro Atlanta kicks off Monday, June 22nd. Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to getting connected to life-saving care.

It’s estimated almost 40 percent of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they have developed AIDS. Early diagnosis is critical in the fight to stop the spread of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested.

Test Atlanta will provide a week of free HIV testing events throughout Fulton and DeKalb counties to encourage everyone to know his or her HIV status.

 

 

Visit www.Standup2HIVatl.org to see all of the locations free testing is being offered between June 21st and June 27th. Questions? Contact Lorraine Austin at 404-613-1209 or lorraine.austin@fultoncountyga.gov.

Fresh Rolls into its 5th Season to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

 

The Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market program kicked off the 2015 season by providing fresh produce and nutrition education to over 200 participants who attended the opening ceremony. Information about Cooperative Extension and other county services was made available to participants. Healthy treats and fresh produce were the highlights of the day.



Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer's Market
(Photo Credit: Nadera Harris)

The Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market was created to help combat disparities within the Fulton County communities where residents are living in areas that are considered “food deserts.” The program offers nutrition education and recipes on how to prepare tasty and healthy meals with the fresh produce they receive.

For information about the Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market program and Fulton County  Cooperative Extension, call 404-332-2400 or visit www.fultoncountyga.gov.