The Fulton County Board of Commissioners Honors Assistant Attorney April Ross in Final Meeting of the Year

Every attendee stood to their feet after Fulton County Assistant Attorney April Ross thanked the Board of Commissioners for presenting her with a proclamation in the last board meeting of the year.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognized Ross, an Assistant Attorney for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, for her volunteer work with victims of gun and domestic violence.  

In 2014, Attorney Ross’ life was drastically changed after being ambushed and shot multiple times by her estranged husband. Ross’ miraculous recovery has allowed her to volunteer at the Shepherd Center and work with other victims of gun violence.  She shares her story of survival with the victims she helps in an effort to truly make a difference in their daily lives.

Attorney Ross returned to work in November and has been moving full steam ahead. She is currently assigned to the trial unit with a specific focus on domestic violence cases.

Fulton County HIV Task Force Hosts Listening Sessions Tonight, Tomorrow

The Fulton HIV/AIDS Task Force today announced two additional community listening sessions this week to gather more input from persons directly impacted by HIV/AIDS and from a broad range of stakeholders working in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.  This week’s listening sessions seek more ideas on how to implement the Phase One objectives of the Task Force’s plan.  Phase Two of the plan is set to be released on June 27, 2016 in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day.

Last week, the Task Force released its initial report “Our Time is Now: The Strategy to End AIDS in Fulton County.”  The 50-page report includes more than 60 objectives in the areas of prevention and care; social determinants of health; health data and evaluation and healthcare policy, all in an effort to spur a more coordinated community response. 

December 2015 HIV Task Force Community Listening Sessions are as Follows:

Monday, December, 14, 2015

Who:               Fulton County HIV/AIDS Task Force

What:              Community Listening Session

When:             6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:            AID Atlanta

                        1605 Peachtree Street NE

                        Atlanta, GA  30309

         

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Who:             Fulton County HIV/AIDS Task Force

What:              Community Listening Session

When:             6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where:           St. Luke Lutheran Church

                       3264 Northside Parkway

                       Atlanta, GA  30327

The Task Force was established by a December 2014 resolution of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness provides confidential HIV testing by appointment or walk-in at the Aldredge Health Center, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta 30303.   For more information on HIV testing call 404-613-1538.  For information on HIV primary care services, contact the Ryan White Clinic at the Aldredge Health Center at 404-613-1430.

Fulton County Announces Launch of “FulCoPub”

The Office of the Clerk of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in conjunction with the county’s Information Technology Department announce the launch of the new Fulton County Public Access website.  The FulCoPub site serves as a web-based document repository to aid constituents and other users as they attempt to access historical archive data on Board of Commissioners’ resolutions and other documents dating back more than 4 decades. 

The new FulCoPub site simplifies access to Commission documents and allows greater interactive capabilities to users of the Internet Explorer browser, but most web browsers may also be used.  FulCoPub will allow users to have more efficient document searches, directing them faster to the information they seek.  Among the new functions helping searchers is a full interactive instruction manual to better direct them to the data they seek. 

Once users access the site, they will find a wealth of information at their disposal.  Once a search is done for a specific item or term, the data returned will include links to files and context of where keywords appear in relevant County Commission meeting documents. 

During live BOC meeting broadcasts, users will be able to watch a live video stream of the meeting including supporting documents regarding the current agenda item.  FulCoPub contains most Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ records dating back to 1972.  Future plans include publishing the entire BOC Record dating back to 1880. 

FulCoPub is created by SIRE Technologies, a subsidiary of Hyland Software Inc., and replaces the DocDepot system first implemented in 2004.  In its first year, that site had more than 5 thousand unique page views.  In 2014, those unique page views exceeded 3 million.  FulCoPub can be accessed via the following web address:  http://agendaminutes.fultoncountyga.gov

 

Fulton County Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board to Meet Thursday, December 10

The Fulton County Workforce Preparation and Employment System – Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board (FCWPES-WIOA) will meet Thursday, December 10, 2015 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting will be held at the Adamsville Career Center located within the Adamsville Regional Health Center, 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta, Georgia.

The FCWPES-WIOA Board oversees activities related to providing an environment that supports a skilled and trained workforce and to creating innovative programs that serve the changing needs of employers and the business community.

WIOA helps Georgia move toward a comprehensive, customer-focused workforce investment system where Job Seeker and Employer customers alike can access a wide range of workforce-related tools and information needed to manage their work activities. Services are provided through a network of One-Stop Centers statewide.

Through the WIOA, unemployed and underemployed adults, young people, dislocated workers and displaced homemakers can “Jump Start Their Future” by obtaining career training, skill upgrades or retraining in new careers after losing employment resulting from business closings or downsizing. Additionally, WIOA allows businesses to provide leadership and information towards re-training and skills upgrades and works to ensure that Workforce Development prepares residents for current and future jobs.

For more information, call the Housing and Community Development Department, Workforce Development Division at 404-613-6381.

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Liaison in the Housing and Community Development Department at (404) 613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.

White House and My Brother’s Keeper Fulton County Task Force to Celebrate Computer Science Education Week

Chairman Eaves, Commissioner Garner and the Fulton County Aging and Youth Services Department join the White House in exposing kids to Computer Science

WHAT: The Community Town Hall will provide a forum for K-12 students who are interested in Computer Science to “Listen and Share” and “Meet and Greet” local industry professionals and college students in celebration of Computer Science Education Week

WHO: Commission Chairman John H. Eaves, PhD District 6 Commissioner Joan P. Garner Fulton County Aging and Youth Department Office of Children and Youth Marvin Carr, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Quincy Brown, National Science Foundation Bryant Marks, Director, Morehouse Research Institute and an array of other local leaders

WHEN: Monday, December 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Spelman College, Science Center NASA Auditorium, 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

WHY: To raise student awareness of the array of opportunities available in the field of Computer Science

MEDIA: Opportunities for interviews with Chairman Eaves, Commissioner Garner, and participating youth

VISUALS: Interactions between K-12 students, White House representatives, local officials, and industry representatives

CONTACT: Felecia Church 404-612-5570 or 404-713-5995

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in alternative format should contact the Disability Liaison in the Housing and Community Development Department at 404-613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.

Our Time Is Now: The Strategy To End AIDS in Fulton County #EndAIDSFulton

Fulton County Aging & Youth Services Asks for the Community’s Input

As part of the strategic planning process, the Fulton County Aging & Youth Services Department (AYSD) is hosting 7 Town Hall meetings to launch the department’s five-year strategic plan.   The input gathered from citizens, community partners, and non-profit organizations will help shape the programs implements to serve children, youth, and seniors throughout Fulton County.  

The issues identified during the initial Strategic Planning Forums which are now a part of the department’s five-year plan include:

1. Increase program capacity to effectively address the social and health needs of the most vulnerable and at risk children, youth, and seniors  
2. Improve relationships across generations
3. Establish and maintain a culture of quality customer service that includes integrity and transparency
4. Create and strengthen partnerships to implement innovative practices
5. Promote preparation for a productive and healthy future

The central focus of the plan is to establish two frameworks, ‘Cradle-to-Career’ (focusing on programming for young people in Fulton County) and ‘Career-to-Golden Years’ (focusing on issues facing our population of seniors).     These two frameworks emphasize improved collaboration and coordination of services for Fulton County citizens.   The seven meetings are scheduled throughout the county next week:

Meeting Location	Date & Time
North Fulton Service Center 7741 Roswell Road Atlanta, Georgia 30350	Monday; November 30, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex 6500 Vernon Woods Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328	Monday; November 30, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
South Annex Service Center                     5600 Stonewall Tell Road College Park, Georgia 30349	Tuesday; December 1, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
Judge Romae T. Powell Juvenile Justice Center 395 Pryor Street SW Atlanta, GA 30312	Tuesday; December 1, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility 2885 Church Street East Point, GA 30344	Thursday; December 3, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility 677 Fairburn Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30331	Thursday; December 3, 2015 @ 10:00 a.m.
Helene S. Mills Multipurpose Facility 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30312	Friday; December 4, 2015 @ 11:00 a.m.

Additional evening Town Halls will be held in 2016. Citizens requesting more information should call the Aging & Youth Services Department at 404-612-9558 or reach the department via email atagingandyouth@fultoncountyga.gov.

“WE ARE FAMILY!” Campaign Launches Across America #WeAreFamily

The Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness and the DeKalb County Board of Health today launched the We Are Family campaign in Atlanta to reinforce the critical role loved ones play in the health and well-being of people living with HIV.

“We Are Family drives at the core of how Atlanta should respond to HIV…with love and action,” says Leisha McKinley-Beach who leads HIV prevention in Fulton County. “If we break the silence and act as a community, our families will be healthier.”

Anchored by a series of documentary-style short videos, We Are Family profiles Georgians, many from the Atlanta area, affected by HIV, including a grandmother and her grown son, a college student and his parents, a pastor and his congregation, a recovering addict and his mother, a transgender woman and her sister, and childhood best friends. Their stories provide a powerful illustration of the difference it can make for people with HIV to be open with and have the support of loved ones. Presented in the wider Atlanta area as part of Atlanta Greater Than AIDS (Atlanta>AIDS), We Are Family was produced by Greater Than AIDS and the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness is extending the reach of the campaign in the heavily-affected Atlanta area, including DeKalb County, with an extensive media campaign, including outdoor, transit, radio, TV and digital messages, and corresponding community materials. 

Fulton and DeKalb counties are among the top counties nationally in rates of new HIV diagnoses.  As is the case nationally, Black residents have been disproportionately affected, accounting for more than two thirds (68%) of Atlantans living with an HIV diagnosis as of 2012.

Whether it’s the one you are born into or the one you create, family matters. 

People with HIV who have strong support networks are more likely to get and stay in care, which both improves health outcomes and reduces the spread of the disease.  Conversely, fear of judgement and rejection can delay a person from seeking lifesaving treatment or even knowing their status. With ongoing treatment, people with HIV can live a normal life span and have children without HIV.  Antiretrovirals – the medications used to treat HIV – also significantly lowers the chance of passing the virus to others.

New Survey Reveals HIV Hits Close to Home for Many Georgians

According to a new statewide survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation that is being released today in conjunction with the campaign, nearly half (46%) of Georgians say they personally know someone living with, or who has died of, HIV/AIDS.  More than one in four (28%) Black residents report having a family member affected by the disease.

“HIV has touched many lives, yet it’s not talked about even with those closest to us,” says Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director of Health Communication and Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which directs Greater Than AIDS.  “Too many are getting HIV, and even dying, because of the stigma and silence.”

Despite these connections, the Kaiser survey reveals HIV today “rarely,” if at all, comes up in conversations with friends, family or even intimate partners.

Join The Great American Smokeout and Make Today Your Quit Day

Quitting smoking can be hard, so a good plan can help to combat withdrawal symptoms. Here are five easy steps from the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help smokers quit the habit and start the journey to a healthier future:

1. Set a quit date. Choose the Great American Smokeout or another quit day within the next 2 weeks.

2. Tell family and friends about your quit plan. Share your quit date with the important people in your life and ask for support. A daily phone call, e-mail, or text message can help you stay on course and provide moral support. Try SmokefreeTEXT for 24/7 help on your mobile phone.

3. Be prepared for challenges. The urge to smoke is short—usually only 3 to 5 minutes. Surprised? Those moments can feel intense. Even one puff can feed a craving and make it stronger. Before your quit day, write down healthy ways to cope. 

a. Drink water.
b. Take a walk or ride your bike.
c. Listen to a favorite song or play a game.
d. Call or text a friend.

4. Remove cigarettes and other tobacco from your home, car, and workplace. Throw away your cigarettes, matches, lighters, and ashtrays. Clean and freshen your car, home, and workplace. Old cigarette odors can cause cravings.

5. Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, or quitline coach about quit options. Nicotine patches, gum, or other approved quit medication can help with cravings. 

Find more tips and help at: The Georgia Tobacco Quitline: 1.877.270.STOP (7867)

• The Great American Smokeout website
• quitSTART and QuitGuide apps
• http://smokefree.gov
• www.quitsmokingga.org
• https://dph.georgia.gov/ready-quit

The Fulton County PICH Program is working with a coalition of government, school, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to discourage tobacco use, reduce second-hand smoke exposure and promote smoke-free policies.

Fulton County Prepares to Swear in Gary Stiles as County Police Chief

Interim Chief to take helm of department November 20

WHO: Chief Gary Stiles, Interim Fulton County Police Chief
                     
WHAT: Gary D. Stiles will be sworn in as Fulton County Police Chief in a ceremony at the Fulton County Government Center.  The swearing-in comes a month after Fulton County Commissioners named Stiles as the sole finalist for the position of Police Chief.  Stiles was named Interim Chief in April 2015 after working in the Fulton County Police Department for 30 years focusing on South Fulton County. His appointment was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on November 18, 2015.  Chief Stiles also serves as Chairman of the Badge of Honor Memorial Fund, an organization that advocates on behalf of the families of slain law enforcement officers.

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Press Conference to begin at 9:30)

WHERE: Fulton County Government Center, Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Proclaims November 16-20 Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation to the County’s Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program declaring the week of November 16-20 as Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week in Fulton County during its meeting on November 18, 2015. We invite you to cover the ceremony and to interview Health and Wellness Department officials about the anti-smoking work underway by the PICH Program and its partners.

WHAT: NOBODY QUITS LIKE GEORGIA WEEK IN FULTON COUNTY Proclamation Presentation Ceremony during Board of Commissioners Meeting

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., November 18, 2015

WHERE: Assembly Hall, Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

WHO: Fulton County Board Of Commissioners, Department Of Health and Wellness Officials, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Staff, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Partners
                     
The Fulton County PICH Program is working in partnership with a coalition of government, education, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to focus on four program areas to address the chronic health problems residents face:

• increasing access to physical activities by helping develop physical activity programs and policies in school and after school 
• promoting healthy eating and nutrition by helping to increase access to environments with healthy food and beverage choices 
• discouraging tobacco use, reducing second-hand smoke exposure and promoting smoke-free policies 
• encouraging the design of communities in which people of all ages and abilities can walk, bike, ride transit and drive safely.

For more information about the PICH Program, please call Sonja Steptoe at 404.612.3492 or email her at sonja.steptoe@fultoncountyga.gov.To learn more about Fulton County Health and Wellness, please visit, www.fultoncountygahealth.org or call 404-612-1211.  

Fulton Residents Invited to Give Input on 2016 Budget

Fulton County residents are invited to give input during a series of community feedback sessions.

The 2016 Fulton County budget process is based on an intensive strategic planning process.  All Fulton County departments participated in a process to identify the best possible outcomes for residents and maximize the value from every available dollar.

SESSIONS THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2015

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Development Fee Modification

7 p.m. Budget Hearing

Host: Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann, District 1

East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Thursday, November 19, 2015

6:30 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Lee Morris, District 3

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

4393 Garmon Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Friday, November 20, 2015

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4

Helene S Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility

515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Full List of Upcoming Sessions

Commissioner Arrington‘s “Blanket Atlanta With Love” Drive Expanded and Extended

Those wishing to donate to Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr.’s “Blanket Atlanta with Love” Drive will have additional opportunities to do so.  The drive, which collects coats and blankets to help those who are in need during the holiday season, has been extended and will now end November 23rd, 2015.  In addition, another collection site for blankets, coats, ponchos, and other cold weather clothing has been added at the Suite Lounge; 375 Luckie Street NW; Atlanta, GA 30313.

The drive will culminate with the distribution of the new and gently used goods collected and pre-Thanksgiving dinner provided by Chick-Fil-A at the Atlanta Recovery Center, 169 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 on November 24th from 5pm to 7pm.

The new location is in addition to the following, previously announced, locations in Fulton County:

            Fulton County Government Center
            141 Pryor Street SW
            Atlanta, GA 30303

            Fulton County District 5 Offices
            5440 Fulton Industrial Boulevard
            Atlanta, GA 30336

            Oak Hill Family Center
            2805 Metropolitan Parkway
            Atlanta, GA 30315

            Fulton County South Annex
            5600 Stonewall Tell Road
            College Park, GA 30349

Those seeking more information on this event can reach the office of District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. at www.fultoncommission5.com.  The event can be shared on social media via the hashtag #BlanketAtlantaWithLove.

Honoring Fulton County Employee Veterans

In recognition of Veteran's Day, Fulton County proudly honors employee veterans and active members of the military. View photos here.

Fulton County Commissioners Authorize Tax Commissioner to Waive Ad Valorem Fines

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and interest accrued by county drivers after notices of the annual taxes were delivered late.   The resolution was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis, along with co-sponsors, Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

“The lack of a mailed notice does not relieve the obligation to pay the tag fees still due on your birthday,” says Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the confusion created to some taxpayers who did not receive the notice, and has acted to help relieve any additional burden caused by the late billing.”  

“I am pleased the Board took action to allow our taxpayers to be treated with equity and fairness,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“And, hopefully this will let the residents know that we heard them and this will provide them with the relief that they deserve,” said District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

The move comes after the company under contract with the Georgia Department of Revenue for mailing pre-bills sent a letter on September 29, 2015 informing the State they would cease all business operations and file Chapter 11 bankruptcy.   As a result of the vendor's default, some pre-bills were not sent to motor vehicle owners whose registration renewals were due in October 2015.   

Some motorists also reported the back-up vendor retained by the Georgia Department of Revenue mailed some pre-bills with return envelopes that did not show the complete address for the Tax Commissioner so that payment could be submitted but not received.

The resolution authorizes the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and/or interest, in whole or in part, upon motor vehicle owners meeting each of the following circumstances:

• Included are motor vehicle renewals that became due beginning October 1, 2015, through and including November 30, 2015, in Fulton County, Georgia
• The motor vehicle owner presents an Affidavit to the Tax Commissioner asserting that he or she either (a) failed to receive a pre-bill, or (b) received a pre-bill with a remittance envelope that failed to show the complete return address of the Tax Commissioner’s Office and as a result, the remittance was marked as undeliverable and returned to sender
• Payment in full of the principal ad valorem tax and tag fee is received within sixty (60) days of the original deadline for such payment.

If the Tax Commissioner determines that there was reasonable cause for the late payment as described above, the Fulton County Department of Finance will refund to the motor vehicle owner the appropriate amount as determined by the Tax Commissioner.

For more information on the Office of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, motorists can log onto the office’s website at www.fultoncountytaxes.org/motor-vehicles.aspx.

Fulton County Commissioners Authorize Tax Commissioner to Waive Ad Valorem Fines

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and interest accrued by county drivers after notices of the annual taxes were delivered late. The resolution was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis, along with co-sponsors, Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

“The lack of a mailed notice does not relieve the obligation to pay the tag fees still due on your birthday,” says Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the confusion created to some taxpayers who did not receive the notice, and has acted to help relieve any additional burden caused by the late billing.” 

“I am pleased the Board took action to allow our taxpayers to be treated with equity and fairness,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“And, hopefully this will let the residents know that we heard them and this will provide them with the relief that they deserve,” said District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

The move comes after the company under contract with the Georgia Department of Revenue for mailing pre-bills sent a letter on September 29, 2015 informing the State they would cease all business operations and file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result of the vendor's default, some pre-bills were not sent to motor vehicle owners whose registration renewals were due in October 2015. Some motorists also reported the back-up vendor retained by the Georgia Department of Revenue mailed some pre-bills with return envelopes that did not show the complete address for the Tax Commissioner so that payment could be submitted but not received.

The resolution authorizes the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and/or interest, in whole or in part, upon motor vehicle owners meeting each of the following circumstances: 

• Included are motor vehicle renewals that became due beginning October 1, 2015, through and including November 31, 2015, in Fulton County, Georgia

• The motor vehicle owner presents an Affidavit to the Tax Commissioner asserting that he or she either (a) failed to receive a pre-bill, or (b) received a pre-bill with a remittance envelope that failed to show the complete return address of the Tax Commissioner’s Office and as a result, the remittance was marked as undeliverable and returned to sender

• Payment in full of the principal ad valorem tax and tag fee is received within sixty (60) days of the original deadline for such payment.

If the Tax Commissioner determines that there was reasonable cause for the late payment as described above, the Fulton County Department of Finance will refund to the motor vehicle owner the appropriate amount as determined by the Tax Commissioner.

For more information on the Office of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, motorists can log onto the office’s website at www.fultoncountytaxes.org/motor-vehicles.aspx.

Fulton County Cooperative Extension Invites Residents to Commit to "Dining In" on Thursday, December 3rd

Families invited to post pictures on Twitter using the #FultonDineIn

Fulton County residents are invited to join the nation in celebrating national “Dine-in Day” on Thursday, December 3, 2015 to promote families preparing and eating a healthy meal together. Residents are encouraged to show their support for Dine-In Day by posting a picture of their families preparing and having dinner together. Post your family dinner at #FultonDineIn.

Dine-In Day highlights the many benefits to families of “dining in”. Research has shown that the entire family benefits from family mealtime by having better nutrition, improving family communication, fostering family traditions, and teaching life skills such as meal planning, budgeting, and food preparation.

“National Dine-In Day or Family & Consumer Sciences Day calls attention to simple steps families can take be physically, mentally, and financially healthier by preparing and eating a nutritious meal together,” says Menia Chester, Director of Fulton County Cooperative Extension. “We are pleased to take part in this important initiative.”

The nationwide obesity epidemic, especially among children and teens, has a great deal to do with unhealthy eating and lack of food preparation knowledge. Encouraging families to prepare simple, healthy meals and eat together supports the essence of family and consumer sciences: “Creating Healthy and Sustainable Families.”

The year 2015 marks the second annual Family & Consumer Sciences Day, launched by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), with a goal of having 200,000 families make a commitment to dining in together. December 3rd was chosen as Family & Consumer Sciences Day to honor AAFCS Founder Ellen Swallow Richards, the first female graduate of MIT.

For easy to prepare recipes and more information about Fulton County Cooperative Extension, call 404-332-2400.

Fulton County BRE to Hold Special Meeting on November 3rd

The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Election Preparation Center located at 1365 English Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

The Board will meet to discuss Election Day activities for the November 3, 2015 Municipal General and Special Election.

The Board will also convene in Executive Session to Discuss Personnel and/or Legal Matters and Action as Required.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd for the Municipal General and Special Election

Residents reminded to vote at their poll site

Election Day polling locations will be open on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 from 7:00am – 7:00pm for eligible registered voters to cast their ballot for the 2015 Municipal General and Special Elections.

To assist residents with identifying their districts, precinct boundaries and poll locations, the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections has posted District and Poll Locator maps on the Fulton County website.

Participating municipal voters are challenged to vote early and show off their “I’m A Georgia Voter” stickers as part of the #PostThePeach Challenge. After casting their ballots, county voters are challenged to post photos of themselves wearing their state-issued “I am A Georgia Voter” peach sticker and to challenge others to #PostThePeach on social media channels.  

For more information regarding Fulton County Registration and Elections, call 404-612-7020 or visit www.fultonelections.com.

Fulton Commissioners to Discuss Future of Turner Field

Listening session is part of effort to engage stadium neighbors in future of region

Fulton County Commissioners plan to hear firsthand from residents about what they would like to see happen regarding the development of the area surrounding Turner Field.  That will be the primary topic of discussion at a listening session hosted by Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves along with Commissioners Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. and Bob Ellis, both members of the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA), the board that oversees the property.  The “Future of the Field” listening session will be held at:

Martin Street Church of God
148 Glenwood Ave, SE
Atlanta Georgia 30312
Monday, November 2, 2015 AT 6 p.m.

The listening session is part of an ongoing Fulton County commitment to neighbors in the communities surrounding Turner Field to seek their input on the future of the property once the Atlanta Braves baseball club vacates it after the conclusion of the 2016 Major League Baseball season.

At their September 2, 2015 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners formally adopted a resolution asking AFRCA to seek public comment and community input regarding the Turner Field site.  The resolution also called for the use of planning initiatives available within the Livable Centers Initiative planning process, transparency in and ongoing communication with citizens and others about redeveloping, selling, or disposing of the property, and competitive bidding for the site.

The Atlanta Braves recently informed officials they will not renew their lease at Turner Field when it expires on December 31, 2016.

Commissioner Darnell to Discuss Public Safety With Residents

Fulton County District 6 Commissioner Emma I. Darnell plans to discuss public safety with Fulton County residents at a public hearing on Monday, October 26th at 6p.m. Citizens will get an opportunity to tell leadership from government and law enforcement about their concerns about crime. The event will be held at:

Burdett Gymnasium

2945 Burdett Road

College Park, Georgia 30349

"It is clear that crime and the suppression of crime is a major concern throughout District 6. I am confident that by working together, with the neighborhoods, we can bring about safe communities," Commissioner Darnell stated.

For more information on this event you can contact the office of Commissioner Emma I. Darnell at (404) 612-8222 or visit her website: www.emmadarnell.com.

Fulton PICH Program and Community Groups Partnering to Create Healthier Communities

To commemorate Health Education Week, which runs from October 19 to October 23, and its theme of building successful partnerships to more effectively implement sustainable changes in communities, the team from the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program would like to share recent examples of the way it is working with community groups to break down silos, establish new relationships, connect people in support of common goals and collaborate.

The Fulton County PICH Program supports initiatives and activities to reduce chronic disease, improve access to healthy nutrition and physical activity, promote tobacco cessation and smoke-free environments, and create walkable and livable communities. But it can’t do it alone. The PICH Program is working in partnership with a coalition of government, school, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to address these four areas.

One recent illustration of this collaboration in action was the September 25 presentation on designing healthy communities to encourage physical activity. The event was sponsored by the Fulton County PICH Program, produced in partnership with the Fulton County Healthy Heart Coalition, Fulton Asthma Improvement & Reduction Coalition, the Diabetes Community Action Coalition of Fulton County, the Smoke Free Coalition, the Fulton Interfaith Coalition and Safe Kids, and made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mark Fenton, a recognized authority on community planning and public health, led the workshop for an audience of 32 health policymakers, public agency officials and community coalition partners. The workshop consisted of lively, interactive discussions about effective strategies for planning and implementing easy-to-launch initiatives to create walkable, bikeable and livable communities throughout the County. Fenton spent a lot of time training the participants to stop thinking and working in silos and instead to create inclusive messages and tactics. Throughout the half-day session, the atmosphere was electric as the discussion generated new ideas from participants who reimagined County neighborhoods as walkable, bikeable and livable communities.

The coalition partners, policymakers and agency leaders have taken the ideas back to their respective organizations to develop concrete ideas for transforming communities throughout Fulton County into areas where cars, bikes, pedestrians and transit all safely share the road and residents have easy, walkable access to healthier food options and pleasant outdoor spaces for physical activity.

Three days later, on September 28, some 40 representatives of a diverse group of community organizations attended a PICH-sponsored daylong training presented by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE) in developing policies, strategies and interventions to lower the incidence of chronic health problems and to promote physical activity and healthy eating for children, teens, adults, seniors and families in their communities. The public health professionals, policymakers, educators, neighborhood activists and faith-based organization leaders learned how to define social and health problems and to identify like-minded individuals and stakeholder groups who could join them in analyzing problems, developing policy solutions and influencing change.

There’s much work to do in order to make it all a reality, but participants in these events now realize that collaboration will be the key. Said one participant: “We can no long afford to watch other areas of Georgia walk more, eat healthier, and live better. In real-time, in our own communities, we truly want to become a safer, walkable, bike-friendly, healthier eating and overall healthier place to live, work and play. Together, we can do it, and together we will.”

Watch a video about both events here.  

Fulton County Voters Challenged to Vote Early and #PostThePeach

Early voting for Municipal General and Special Election begin Monday, October 12^th

Eligible Fulton County Voters are challenged to vote early and show off their “I’m A Georgia Voter” stickers as part of the #PostThePeach Challenge, for the Municipal General and Special Election. After casting their ballots, county voters are challenged to post photos of themselves wearing their state-issued “I am Georgia Voter” peach sticker and to challenge others to #PostThePeach on social media channels. 

Early voting across Georgia begins on Monday, October 12, 2015. Early voting saves time and is more convenient for voters with busy, modern lifestyles. But even more important, it allows for time for a voter to correct any unforeseen problem that may occur at the polls.

Voters will have three weeks to vote early prior to the November 3, 2015 elections. In addition, voters can cast their ballots by mail and on Election Day.

First launched in 2014, the nonpartisan #PostThePeach Challenge encourages Georgia voters to participate in upcoming municipal and special elections, especially during the early voting period.  The Challenge is supported through a coalition of county election officials, civic engagement organizations and individual voters.

To find your polling location and the early voting hours and locations, please log on to www.fultonelections.com or the Georgia My Voter Page at http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov. 

AFCEMA to Hold Public Meeting to Inform Residents of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process

The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) will hold a public meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2015.   Attendees will receive an overview of the hazard mitigation planning process and will have the opportunity to offer recommendations. The meeting will be held at the Alpharetta Public Library located at 10 Park Plaza Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.  

AFCEMA is currently working on updating the Fulton County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in partnership with local municipalities.   One of the program mandates is to solicit comments and suggestions from our citizens  in the form of three (3) community meetings.

The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is responsible for providing management and coordination of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities for all municipalities within Fulton County. This is accomplished via hazard mitigation as well as preparation and response planning done in partnership with City and County agencies, regional and state level partners, non-profit entities, schools and the private sector.

The final plan will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) for approval.  

For imore nformation about AFCEMA, please visit  afcema.com  or call (404) 612-5660.

Board of Commissioners to Adjust Public Comment Process

On September 16, the Board of Commissioners adopted changes to public comment that will take effect with the October 7 meeting. These new changes will maximize opportunities for public comment at Commission meetings. As of this week’s meeting, on Wednesday October 7, speakers can no longer yield or donate time to another participant. Speakers will be granted up to two minutes apiece. “We hope that change in policy will open the floor to more constituents hoping to have commissioners hear their concerns,” says District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris, the lead sponsor of the resolution. “Under these new rules, more people will get the time to have their say.” The change also expands the public comment period from 15 minutes to 30 minutes at Regular meetings, and maintains 30 minute public comment period at the Recess meeting. The Board of Commissioners has the opportunity to waive the 30 minute period to allow more citizens to participate in the public comment period. If the topic of the comment involves an immediate issue to be resolved, citizens can contact first the County Manager’s office to refer the issue to the relevant county department head to rectify the issue or they can reach out to the office of a County Commissioner to ask to have the item put on an upcoming board agenda.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Fulton Offers a Full Array of Women’s Services in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

In observance of the 30th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fulton County Health Services is reminding women to take advantage of the preventive services available in our Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.  Breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States and in Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The CDC says early detection—through health screenings—can lower the death rate of breast and cervical cancers.  The agency recommends more women should avail themselves of preventive screenings.   

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers breast and cervical screenings and other diagnostic procedures.  The program will cover the cost of a mammogram as medically indicated to uninsured Fulton residents who meet the program criteria.  CDC statistics also show cancer deaths disproportionately affect women who are uninsured or underinsured.

To qualify for Fulton County’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program’s diagnostic services, a woman must:

• Be a  Fulton County resident
• Uninsured
• Income eligible
• 40 to 64 years of age
• Have had last mammogram more than a year ago

Breast and Cervical Cancer Program services are available at these three Fulton County health centers: Adamsville Regional, College Park Regional, and North Fulton Regional Health Centers.

To schedule an appointment, call the Fulton County Health and Wellness Women's Health program at 404-612-1649 or visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org to find the health center nearest you. 

Fulton County Voters Can Request an Absentee Ballot through October 30, 2015

Some Fulton County voters may prefer to vote absentee by mail. To request an absentee ballot, registered voters may fax or mail a written request or go online to request an absentee ballot application. Voters can vote absentee by mail for any reason. Citizens can retrieve an absentee ballot through Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

A request letter should include the name and date of the election, the voter’s name, address as registered, date of birth and the voter’s signature. The letter can be faxed to (404) 730-8839 or mailed to Fulton County Voter Registration, Attn: Absentee Ballot, 130 Peachtree St., SW, Suite 2186, Atlanta, GA 30303. Absentee ballots may also be 

requested in person at one of the three Fulton County Government centers:

• North Fulton Service Center - Room 232, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

• South Fulton Service Center- 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park, GA 30349

• Fulton County Government Center -130 Peachtree Street, Suite 2186, Atlanta, GA 30303

All absentee ballots must be received in the Registration & Elections Office by 7:00 pm on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3^rd). Photo identification is not necessary when voting by mail (except for first time registered voters in Georgia who register by mail that have not already satisfied this requirement).

For more information about absentee voting, voter registration and the upcoming 2015 November Municipal General and Special Election, log on towww.fultonelections.com or (404) 730-7072.