Commissioner Arrington Presents It Takes A Village Back to School Drive

Join Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. this Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. for the "It Takes A Village Back to School Drive," located at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road S.W., College Park, GA 30349.

 

Bring school supplies for children in need. Stay until 9:00 p.m. and watch the movie Annie featuring Jamie Foxx thanks to Ford and KISS 104.1FM under the stars. Chick-Fil-A is also providing 500 sandwiches to participants in the day's festivities.  Both the school supplies and the sandwiches will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Read more here.

25th Anniversary of the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act

As part of an Expo and Celebration honoring the 25^th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fulton County Government presented the Barham Disability Champion Award to four disability advocates serving Fulton County residents.  The awards were named in honor of musician and advocate for those living with disabilities, Frank Barham, who was killed in a motor vehicle crash earlier this year.  The honorees include:                        

  

Beverly Williams has led the Advisory and Outreach Center of the Georgia Library for Accessible Services for the past 16 years.  Ms. Williams oversees the delivery of library services to persons with disabilities throughout the state of Georgia and actively works to inform members of this community of services available to them.

Yvette Pegues was crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA for 2014-2015, representing both the nation and Georgia in that capacity.  After surviving a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, Ms. Pegues devoted her much of her effort to serving those living with disabilities including founding the non-profit Your Invisible Disability Group and serving as a national spokesperson for Camp Dream, a recreational camp for children with disabilities.

Teodoro Maus is the retired Consul-General to Atlanta, representing his native Mexico.  Now a naturalized US citizen, Mr. Maus co-founded the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR) which helps Latinos defend and advance their civil and human rights, including the rights of those living with disabilities. He is also a producer and anchor of a Spanish language talk radio program, GLAHR INFOMRA, discussing issues surrounding Latino immigrants in the United States. 

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (pictured above) have worked tirelessly to advocate for children and adults living with disabilities for the past 28 years.  In that time, the organization has worked to secure thousands of wheelchairs and other medical equipment for citizens in need including those in Fulton County. 

Cascade Corridor Study Open House Attracts Capacity Crowd

Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves, District 7, At Large and Commissioner Emma I. Darnell, District 6, spoke to a room filled with citizens who live in the Cascade Corridor.

Commissioner Darnell (above)  opens the meeting with a declaration of the need Tranportation consultant explains traffic congestion concerns related to the study Residents crowded into the Southwest Library Community Room on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 to obtain information about potential solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and safety concerns at the I-285 Interchange and along Cascade Road from Utoy Springs Road to Shanter Trail. Residents review one of three traffic pattern displays with potential solutions Chairman Eaves mingles with residents to talk about solutions while others review the table displays Consultants expect current traffic congestion to worsen as the number of vehicles using the corridor returns to pre-recession levels. Additionally, vehicle use of the corridor is expected to grow in the future. A second meeting will be held on October 5, 2015 after a meeting with stakeholders. The location will be announced later.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office Annual Homeless Initiative

Join Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson and staff at the annual Homeless Initiative on Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., located at 185 Central Avenue, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303.

  

Volunteer at this important event and assist local homeless women, men, and children.

 

For more information about volunteer opportunities or the event, please call Ms. Brenda Clemons at (404) 612-3562.

 

 

Fulton County Fire Stations "Green Thumb" Project

At the beginning of the year, Fulton County Fire Stations 11 and 19 began a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Firefighter William Gazaway spearheaded the initiative to build planter boxes, along with the help of other firefighters with hopes of developing a garden. Little did they know that other Fulton County employees would have an interest in lending their hands and hearts to the project.

 

Ms. Menia Chester, Fulton County Cooperative Extension Director, and her team assisted firefighters by participating in planting gardens at both Fire Station locations. In addition, Ms. Chester developed a comprehensive 12 week plan supporting healthy living and a nutritional diet for the firefighters. 

The garden consists of numerous vegetables, including tomatoes, peas, okra, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, eggplant, yellow crookneck and zucchini squash, also beets and a variety of peppers. Included in one of the raised beds is a section dedicated to herbs such as; mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and chives.

Next time your visiting Fulton County Fire Stations 11 or 19 be sure to check out their gardens. You may even be able to take some fresh mint home with you!

Two new libraries already open in July, one more to go!

July has been an incredible month for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

The capitol improvement program approved by voters in 2008 paved the way for eight new libraries throughout Fulton County -- with three opening in July 2015!

The Northwest and Milton libraries have already opened this month to rave reviews.

Next up is the Alpharetta Library.  This 25,000-square-foot library, located at 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009, will replace the older, now-closed branch in Alpharetta, and will be part of the new Alpharetta City Center.  Join us on Thursday, July 30 at 11 a.m. as we wrap up one of the most exciting months in library history!

Stay tuned, because there is still more to come with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's Building Program. Learn about the library building program

Exciting Improvements Unveiled at Welcome All Park

It's an exciting time at Fulton County's Welcome All Park.  On Friday, July 24 the community came together to celebrate two great improvements.  A brand new playground was installed providing fun climbing, swings and other toys for younger children.  Welcome All is the first of six playground renovations planned for this year.

In addition, the Atlanta Hawks unveiled a major renovation of the basketball court at Welcome All. This state-of-the-art court is the first community basketball court to feature the brand new Hawks logo.

Chairman John H. Eaves, Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Commissioner Emma I. Darnell and Parks & Recreation Director Tony Phillips welcomed several members of the Hawks family, including hall-of-famer Dominique Wilkins, Paul Milsap, David Lee of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, and voice of the Hawks, Ryan Cameron. Harry the Hawk and the Atlanta Hawks Cheerleaders were also there to keep the #TrueToAtlanta spirit high.

The ribbon cutting at the new court wrapped up an entire week of Atlanta Hawks programming at Fulton County Parks, including basketball camp at Welcome All Park and two other Fulton County sites.

Some community youth came as early as 8 a.m. the morning of the opening for the chance to play on the new court.  As Dominique Wilkins said, "This is your home. Take care of it."

We hope this is the first of many partnership opportunities with the Hawks.  In the mean time, head out to Welcome All to shoot some hoops! You don't know who you might see there!

Fulton County Fire Rescue Inductes Ten New Recruits



(L-R) FF Michael Moore, Training Coordinator, Captain Stanley Hudgins, FF Andrew Barlick, FF Aaron Pelham,

FF Victoria Wagner, FF Bryant Hoyle, FF Victor Brown, FF Bradlee Littlefield, FF Javante Jones,

FF Matthew Busby, FF Ricardo Carey, Training Asst. Coordinator, FF Lisa Cook

 

Congratulations firefighters! Fulton County Fire Rescue inducted ten recruits during its 2015 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, July 23, 2015. The new firefighters were celebrated for their successful completion of fire rescue training and their transition as firefighters to the field.

Fulton County Fire Rescue Inductes 10 New Recruits

(L-R) FF Michael Moore, Training Coordinator, Captain Stanley Hudgins, FF Andrew Barlick, FF Aaron Pelham, FF Victoria Wagner, FF Bryant Hoyle, FF Victor Brown, FF Bradlee Littlefield, FF Javante Jones,

FF Matthew Busby, FF Ricardo Carey, Training Asst. Coordinator, FF Lisa Cook

 

Fulton County Fire Rescue inducted ten (10) recruits during its 2015 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, July 23, 2015. The new firefighters were celebrated for their successful completion of fire rescue training and their transition as firefighters to the field.

 

Unincorporated Fulton County covers 106 square miles and is supported by 10 Fire Stations and 149 personnel. 

OneFulton Video featuring Mr. Quantrell Beckham

Alumnus of the Fulton County Teen DADS (Determined Active Dedicated Supportive) program, teen father, 18-year-old Mr. Quantrell Beckham works hard everyday and seeks to further his education. Mr. Beckham wants to be a good father to his stepdaughter 20-month old Jordan and his 4-month-old daughter Areanna. To reach that goal, he has taken advantage of the available resources offered through Fulton County to help him be a good father and provider. Listen to his compelling story and dreams of becoming a Mechanical or Electrical Engineer.

Fulton County Police Citizen's Academy

The Fulton County Police Department is now accepting application for the July 30 - October 8, 2015 Citizen's Police Academy class. The Citizen's Police Academy is an eleven (11) week program designed to provide insight into the Fulton County Police Department and to heighten awareness of the trends, challenges, and issues our officers face in the accomplishment of their mission. 

 

The course is a combination of lecture and interactive activities which give a firsthand look at the department's functions, resources, and programs. The program is open to citizens living or working in unincorporated Fulton County. Participation is free. 

 

For more information, please contact Sgt. Adrian Massey at (404) 346-7940.

Fulton County Arts and Culture and Contracts for Services Vendors Celebrate their Partnership

Fulton County is the largest funder of the arts in the State of Georgia.

On July 15, 2015, Fulton County Arts & Culture hosted its contract signing for all arts vendors as they officially enter into their contracts for services.   This event celebrated the Fulton County Board of Commissioners awarding 1.5 million dollars to groups who provide arts programs and activities to residents.  A total of ninety-four organizations from all over the county will receive funding this year.             

The official contract signing for arts organizations and Fulton County Arts and Culture will precede the Board of Commissioners meeting.

The arts are essential to the quality of life of our citizens and to the economic and social health of our communities.   The mission of the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture is to insure all citizens' access to the arts.   Fulton County Arts & Culture is to insure all citizens' access to the arts.   Fulton County Arts & Culture operates four arts centers whose collective goals are to encourage creativity in communities, make the arts accessible, and provide arts opportunities for traditionally underserved populations.  

For more information on Fulton County Arts & Culture please call (404) 612-5780 or visit www.fultonarts.org.

Commissioners Cut Millage Rate 10.9%

On July 15, 2015 by a 5 to 2 vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted a 2015 General Fund millage rate of 10.5 mills. The vote approves a cut of approximately 10.9% to the General Fund property tax rate from the 2014 rate of 11.781 mills. This cut will take effect with the 2015 tax bills. Those bills are scheduled to go out in August of this year.

The Board also approved a reduction in the tax rate for the Bond Fund, used to fund the ongoing construction of new libraries and renovation of some existing libraries, as approved by Fulton County voters in 2008. The Bond Fund will decrease from 0.270 mills to 0.250 mills.

The Board also adopted a South Fulton Tax District millage rate of 11.579 mills, representing a rollback from 12.469 mills. This fund provides municipal-type services for residents in unincorporated Fulton County, including Fire, Police, Parks & Recreation, and Planning services.

Fulton County and MARTA to Host a Job Fair to Hire Bus Operators

MARTA is recruiting Customer focused, professional BUS OPERATOR candidates starting at $14.09 per hour.  The Fulton County Office of Workforce Development will host a Job Fair on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Adamsville Career Center inside the Adamsville Regional Health Center located at 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive 30331.

The Customer Service Test times will begin at 9:00am and 1:00pm. To be considered for this position, applicants must bring copies of the following:

• An original 7-year Motor Vehicle Report; no more than one (1) moving violation within 24 months
• A Copy of High School Diploma or Equivalent (G.E.D.)
• A resume with a valid telephone number and e-mail address
• A copy of a valid Class “A” or “B” GA CDL driver’s license or GA CDL permit, with Passenger Endorsement “P” must be presented

Applicants must bring “copies” of ALL the required documents to the Job Fair.

Education/Experience Requirements:

 

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old
• Must pass all pre-employment Background Screenings related to this position, which include Customer Service tests and Physical Exam, which includes drug and alcohol testing
• Excellent customer service skills are required

 

License Requirements:

• Valid Georgia Class “A” or “B” CDL driver’s license or GA CDL permit with Passenger Endorsement

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to speak with MARTA Human Resources representatives about this career opportunity. Professional

Business Attire is required at this Job Fair. An online profile must be created to be considered for the position.

For more information, contact Jason Lane in the Office of Workforce Development at 404-613-6381, or MARTA’s Office of Human Resources in the Recruiting Branch at (404) 848-5544 or visit www.itsmarta.com.

Citizens with disabilities, who need assistance, including communications in an alternative format, should contact the Disability Liaison in the Aging and Youth Services Department at (404) 613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, citizens who need assistance should dial 711.

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.