2nd Quarter F.O.C.U.S. Awards for Exemplary Fulton County Employees

F.O.C.U.S. Awards Second Quarter Award Recipients

Fulton County offers F.O.C.U.S. Awards for outstanding employees who are on the front lines, providing the services that make an impact on the lives of our citizens.  The campaign highlights the passion of our staff and their commitment to providing the best possible support to our citizens that is at the core of our success as an organization.  Below are the 2nd quarter Fulton County employees highlighted who are making a difference in the lives of our residents every day.     Above and Beyond Award When it comes to working with multiple clients both inside and outside Fulton County, keeping your priorities in order is a key. Donna Jenkins, Assistant Chief in the Purchasing Department, has mastered that ability and more. Donna works with multiple clients in the Control Compliance and Purchasing sector and recently completed an important project involving public infrastructure construction work in unincorporated south Fulton County. Her ability to understand and navigate unfamiliar territory concerning construction and purchasing was key in the project’s successful completion. Because of Donna’s desire to go above and beyond the parameters of her job, the entire unincorporated south Fulton Community and the planning and Community Services Team greatly benefited when the project was completed on time and within budget. Donna uses outstanding work ethic in all aspects of her position, never hesitating to offer guidance and assistance to her co-workers as they work with complex and challenging projects designed to provide Fulton County outstanding public service. It is with great pleasure we present Donna Jenkins with the Second Quarter 2017 FOCUS Award in the Above and Beyond Category.   Barbara Hollar is a Records and Documents Specialist in the Fulton County Health Department.   Community Service Award Most of us have been touched by someone dealing cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that about 40% of the population will be affected by the disease either directly or indirectly. Barbara Hollar is a Records and Documents Specialist in the Health Department and when someone she knew was dealing with cancer, she cut her golden locks in honor of her dear friend who faced treatment and reconstructive surgery. Barbara donated her clipped hair to Locks for Love to have a wig made for a financially disadvantaged child who lost her hair due to a medical condition. Her contribution inspired others to participate in not only learning more about cancer awareness, but also to become donors. Barbara shared her experience with her coworkers who joined her in “paying it forward” by doing acts of kindness to others. Her kindness in thinking of members of the community makes Barbara Hollar the perfect winner for the Second Quarter 2015 FOCUS Award for Community Service.     Veteran Lt. Moffett of the Fulton County Jail.   Heroism Award On November 29, 2014, the Fulton County Jail suffered the most extensive damage to property at the hand of inmates in the history of the Rice Street Facility. Using jail issued uniforms and mattresses inmates willfully started a fire on the 7th floor maximum security housing unit of the jail. The fire burned continuously causing zero visibility because of the thick black smoke. Thanks to the quick actions of Lt Jeffery Moffett and Sgt. David Wells, two veteran members of the Sheriff's Office, a life threatening situation was averted. The two Officers re-entered the housing unit to ensure a total evacuation had taken place. Lt. Moffett and Sgt. Wells disregarded their own safety to save the lives of those who may still have been smoke filled facility. Not only did their brave actions possibly saved lives, their leadership displayed during a time of crisis was exemplary. We are proud to present the Second Quarter, 2015 FOCUS Award for Heroism to Lt. Jeffery Moffett and Sgt. David Wells, You are our heroes! The Health Services Team of Raymond Gotell, Vincent Broughton, Dwayne Charles, Walter Washington, and Javier Zamora. Customer Service Award The film "The Magnificent 7" was about a group of men who save a town from the bad guys by protecting citizens from the bullies. We have our own magnificent bunch right here  in Fulton County who save citizens every day by providing outstanding customer service! The Health Services Team of Raymond Gotell, Vincent Broughton, Dwayne Charles, Walter Washington, and Javier Zamora are responsible for building maintenance, office moves, deliveries, special events set-up and break downs, purchasing supplies and building security. They perform these duties for approximately 12 facilities in various locations around Fulton County. During the ice and snow storm earlier this year, team members prepared buildings with ice and salt solutions and debris removal to ensure the safety of citizens using those facilities. Some also coordinated the movement of vaccines from one facility to another as needed. The Health Services Team has demonstrated a spirit of unity and dedication to the citizens Fulton County and are deserving of the 2015 2nd quarter FOCUS Award for Customer Service!   Dr. Pauline Ewulonu, Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney. Professional Excellence Award Children are our most precious resource and, those entrusted with protecting those children are our most important citizens. Dr. Pauline Ewulonu of the Office of the Child Attorney exemplifies those principles. Dr. Ewulonu travels the state to various schools to attend the child client's Individualized Education plan meetings. She also reviews the medication the clients are using to determine if more evaluation is needed. Because of her efforts, children are enrolled in the correct courses, and are credited with all courses completed. In addition, Dr. Ewulonu remains focused on laws and policies regarding education to ensure that schools are complying with those procedures. She also spends time counseling with students, parents and educators on how to best pursue educational goals. We can rest assured that because of the dedication and expertise of Dr. Ewulonu, children in the care of the Office of the Child Attorney are getting the best possible guidance. We are proud to name Dr. Pauline Ewulonu the Second Quarter 2015 FOCUS Award for Professional Excellence!   Carlyn Mahone, a Registered Nurse with Fulton County Human Services Department. Safety and Security Award Taking care of our most fragile citizens requires compassion and dedication. Qualities exemplified by Carlyn Mahone, a Registered Nurse with Human Services. Carolyn cares for seniors with Alzheimer's disease in adult day care programs. She connects with those in her care on personal bases in order for the seniors to get to know her and feel comfortable in her presence. Her techniques include using a kind and gentle manner and engaging seniors through activates that promote laughter and comfort. She is quick to praise for any effort, small or large. Because of her caring nature, seniors feel safe and secure in adult day care, knowing that Nurse Carolyn is always there to provide love and support. For her dedication to helping our fragile citizens we are proud to name Nurse Carlyn Mahone the Second Quarter 2015 FOCUS Award winner for Safety and Security.   Leadership Award Business magnate Ray Kroc once said: “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” Tracey Davis Gilbert’s efforts on behalf of Fulton seniors reveal her as the type of person dedicated to raising that standard.  Leadership qualities take many forms and thanks to Ms. Gilbert, Fulton County citizens are led by her caring and professional guidance. By doing careful research on the most effective ways to demonstrate leadership, Tracey has gained the respect and admiration of those in her care. By building a spirit of teamwork Tracey has created an environment that focuses on working together to accomplish goals. Her techniques have been successful in building confidence in the seniors in her care. Tracey leads by example and Fulton County seniors are the beneficiaries of her expertise and guidance. For her dedication to providing care and support to Fulton County's seniors, we are proud to name Tracey Davis Gilbert the Second Quarter 2015 FOCUS Award winner in the Leadership Category! Stepfanie Pate Fulton County Office of Child Attorney.

Green Champion Award

Taking the initiative to improve the work environment is the mark of today's F.O.C.U.S

Award winner in the Green Champion category. That perfectly describes Stefanie Pate, a Special Services Coordinator in the Office of the Child Attorney. Because there were no recycling bins at the Juvenile Courthouse, Stefanie took the initiative to set up bins and once filled, take the recyclables to a location for proper processing. It was Stefanie’s idea to set up the bins around the Juvenile Court and then load the materials in her own car to take them to the recycling center. The main beneficiary of her efforts is the environment and her efforts have led to other employees getting involved in the recycling project. We congratulate Stefanie for her dedication to improving the work environment in the Juvenile Court and leading the way for others to follow her example.

Innovation and Ideas Awards

In January 2015, Georgia Vital Records changed software, which collects vital records information, including information relating to couples who apply for marriage licenses in the probate courts. The change required Information Technology Systems Analyst Terrence Harris to work with Vital Records to implement interaction between the new Georgia software and Fulton County software so that the information, which has to be sent to the State monthly, could be transmitted seamlessly. During the process, the State kept changing the format, requiring Mr. Harris to keep updating the Fulton County reports to make them acceptable under the new State standard. Mr. Harris worked with Georgia Vital Records to ensure that the information the Probate Court is required to send monthly to Vital Records was not only accurate, but in the exact format which the State required for its new system. His perseverance and determination paid handsome dividends for the benefit of the Probate Court, the Department of Information Technology, Fulton County, and the State of Georgia. Mr. Harris kept the Probate Court from having to enter the same information into the Fulton County Odyssey system and then into the Georgia GAVERS system, saving Fulton County upwards of 50 work hours of work per month of input time.

 

 

Fulton County Cooperative Extension Offers Tips for Managing Credit

Fulton County Cooperative Extension wants to help residents to get their credit in order. The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) has posted information to help consumers with managing credit wisely.

“We all know that good credit provides us with choices,” states Menia Chester, Director of Fulton county Cooperative Extension. “Now that we mid-way through the year, we want to remind our residents that they can benefit greatly by using the financial education resources provided by UGA.”
 

Carefully shopping for credit and avoiding credit dangers offer the best defense against credit problems. The ability to use credit to help you get the things you need today and pay for them tomorrow is both your most valuable asset and your biggest liability. Here are some important points to remember:
 

• Get a free copy of your credit report. Know what information is being used to make decisions about you. If your credit report contains errors, go through the steps to get them removed or corrected.

 

• Address negative information on your credit report. If your credit report shows you were late a few times in the past, that’s water under the bridge and you’ll just have to wait long enough for that information to be removed (seven years from the date the incident(s) occurred). If, on the other hand, you have an outstanding balance on an old debt, make arrangements to settle the debt as soon as possible.
 

• Shop around for the best terms. Interest rates vary significantly from lender to lender. Check back with credit card providers periodically to see if they will lower your interest rate. Look into refinancing longer term installment loans if lower interest rates are available to you now than when you took out the loan.

 

For more information about Fulton County Cooperative Extension call 404-332-2400. Visit http://spock.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/finances.php?category=Credit to learn more about using credit wisely.

Fulton County Police Invites You to Participate in “National Night Out 2015”

Join in an evening of learning, entertainment and healthy fun as the Fulton County Police Department joins agencies across the country in “America’s Night Out Against Crime” campaign to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness 

The Fulton County Police Department, in partnership with Fulton County agencies and local neighborhoods are joining forces with thousands of communities across the nation to celebrate and participate in National Night Out 2015.

Join Fulton County Police at their “National Night Out” on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the 112 Mega-Plex located at 5495 Old National Highway, College Park, GA 30349. This year’s program will be hosted by nationally recognized - M.C. Lightfoot.

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual crime and drug prevention event.  Each year the Fulton County Police Department shares information with Fulton County residents about ways to form partnerships to help make their neighborhoods safe places to live, work and play. 
 

National Night Out is organized to heighten crime awareness and support for crime and drug prevention efforts sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are working together and fighting back against crime.  The event also strengthens neighborhoods and police and community partnerships.

“This event is a priority for our department because it is about community and making it stronger and a safer place for Fulton County residents to live.  Our National Night Out is an award winning initiative and the police department and the community look forward to this event every year,” said Interim Police Chief Gary Stiles. 

Other Fulton County agencies participating in the event include; the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Fulton County Marshal’s Office, Office of Behavioral Health Services, Health and Wellness, and the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department will also be on hand for kids to enjoy and learn about police and fire safety.

Several companies and businesses from the community are also participating in the event.  Visitors can talk to representatives from local homeowners associations enjoy live entertainment, food and fun activities for the kids.  

For more information about Fulton County Police Department’s “National Night Out” contact   Officer Luther Lamar at (404) 612-5314, Corporal Maureen Smith at (404) 612-5321, or Public Affairs Manager, Jolene Butts Freeman at (404) 234-8945. 

 

#OneFulton Spotlight Story This Week: Dwana Rozier-Clarke Saves Resident - CPR Saves Lives!

This week, we highlight the life-saving measures taken by one Fulton County employee while driving home from the office. Dwana Rozier-Clarke witnessed a serious car accident on Roosevelt Highway.

 

Watch what happens next as she leaps into action! 

 



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.