Job Seekers Crowd the Aviation Community Cultural Center

Hundreds of citizens seeking jobs visited the Aviation Community Cultural Center on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 to seek career search assistance and talk with employers who were ready to hire. The Unincorporated South Fulton County Economic Development Initiative held a Career and Resource Expo that attracted 468 citizens searching for jobs.  Twenty-four companies with intentions to hire new employees were onsite to talk with those searching for positions.  Additionally, Commissioner Emma I. Darnell, District 6, visited the Expo to talk with employers and job seekers.

During the event, those searching for employment were able to connect with local employers to talk about their career goals and explore career options. Employers participating included companies such as Atlanta Beverage, Miller Zell, Amazon Fulfillment, Bojangles’, Porex, Tie Down Engineering, Fulton County Police and Atlanta Technical College.

Unincorporated South Fulton County Economic Development Initiative collaborated with the Cultural Center, Fulton County Office of Workforce Development and the Georgia Department of Labor to host the Expo.

For more information, contact Economic Development Special Projects Coordinator Arthur Brown at 404-612-5581.

Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County

RSVP Now! 

Please join Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Atlanta Hawks in celebrating Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County onTuesday, September 1, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.

Former Atlanta Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo will be honored by Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves, the Fulton County Commissioners and the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club for both his success on the basketball court and his humanitarian work away from the game.  Mr. Mutombo will be presented with a proclamation from county leaders at a special reception at the Fulton County Government Center September 1, 2015.  

The honor comes just prior to Mr. Mutombo’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday, September 11th.

“We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments and career of a man who excelled on the court and off,” said Chairman Eaves.  “Dikembe Mutombo’s most significant legacy is away from basketball for his humanitarian work for those in need.”

“We are beyond proud to support Fulton County as they honor Dikembe. His excellence extended far beyond the court and he remains the perfect example of how an athlete can use their stature to make a positive difference through philanthropy in not only the community he lives in but the world,” Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club and Philips Arena CEO Steve Koonin said. “We are fortunate to have had him represent the Hawks for several seasons and still make Fulton County his home.”

TA four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1996 to 2001, leading the league in rebounding during his final two seasons in Atlanta.  Since his career ended in 2009, Dikembe Mutombo is second all-time in blocks and the National Basketball Association’s 19th all-time rebounder.

The Georgetown University graduate was selected as a member of the 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame class in April.  During his Hall of Fame career, he began devoting his time off the court to humanitarian pursuits through the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation and was a two-time recipient of the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.  

After retiring from basketball in 2009, Mutombo was appointed that same year as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador.  A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, his charitable efforts resulted in the establishment and construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in his hometown of Kinshasa.  Mr. Mutombo is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Atlanta and he serves on the board of the CDC Foundation.  

He has devoted time and effort on behalf of numerous other causes worldwide including work for Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless, UNICEF, the National Constitution Center, and the Special Olympics, sponsoring a team from his homeland at that organization’s most recent world games.   

“Dikembe has spent a lifetime parlaying his fame into efforts to make the lives of so many other people better,” says Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves.  “That is why, here in his adopted hometown, we want to honor all that he has achieved in a remarkable life.”

Getting Babies Off to the Best Start - It's National Breastfeeding Month

It’s been known for decades that breastfeeding offers babies the opportunity for the healthiest start in life.  The practice is also extremely beneficial to the mother.  According to the National Institutes of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of OBGYNs, breastfeeding helps babies:

Ward off viruses, bacteria and gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea;

• Lower risk of allergies, asthma, type 1 diabetes and other common childhood diseases;
• With emotional well-being and bonding with the mother;
• Develop a higher IQ; and
• Lower risk of childhood obesity

Breastfeeding helps mothers:

• Reduce their risk of postpartum depression;
• Bond emotionally with their babies;
• With postpartum weight loss; and
• Lower their chance of developing certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Our "Loving Support" program-a component of WIC services-employs mothers who have breastfed or are breastfeeding to help WIC moms on their breastfeeding journey.  These peer counselors are available for advice and support during the entire time of the mothers’ breastfeeding experiences while their children are on WIC. The Women’s, Infant and Children (WIC) program is a health and supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women up to 12-months postpartum, non-breastfeeding women up to 6-months postpartum and infants and children up to 5-years of age who have a medical/nutritional risk and meet financial eligibility criteria.

Mothers seeking more information on “Loving Support” or any of the Fulton County Health and Wellness WIC services may call 404-612-3942.  A WIC Call Center attendant will direct you to the health center that is most convenient.  There is more information on WIC services available online at www.fultoncountygahealth.org and www.dph.ga.gov/WIC.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognize the 2015 Westlake Girls Track State Champions

Board of Commissioners honoring Westlake High School Girls Track and Field Team.

The Westlake High School Girls Track and Field Team made history by winning the Georgia State High School Championships three seasons in a row. 

The 2015 Westlake High School Girls Track Team won the Class 6A State Championships and has produced several top 10 national rankings in the 300 Meter Hurdles, 100 Meter Dash, Triple Jump, Long Jump, High Jump and the 4x4 and 4x1 relays. 

The Board of Commissioners recognized the girls team declaring Wednesday, August 19, 2015, as "Westlake High School Girls Track Team Day" in Fulton County, Georgia.

South Fulton County Economic Development to Host Career Expo

Job seekers, get ready! The Unincorporated South Fulton County Economic Development Initiative will host a Career and Resource Expo on August 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The event, featuring employers who are ready to hire and job search assistance will be held at the Aviation Cultural Center located at 3900 Aviation Circle Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30336.  South Fulton Economic Development is collaborating with the Fulton County Aviation Cultural Center, Fulton County Office of Workforce Development and the Georgia Department of Labor to host the Expo.

During the Expo, those searching for employment will be able to connect with local employers, refine their career goals and explore career options.  Those who attend must be ready for possible interviews if they meet employers' qualifications.  Candidates must bring several resumes and dress for success.

Employers participating include but are not limited to Atlanta Beverage, Miller Zell, Great American Cookie and Tie Down Engineering.  Other companies expected to participate include Pepsico, Kellogg's and Diaz Foods as well as Fulton County Police and Atlanta Technical College.

For more information about the Career Expo, interested citizens can send an email to swat@gdol.ga.gov. 

6th "Walk for Life, Every Breath Counts" Asthma Awareness 5K Run/Walk

The Family Health Centers of Georgia, Inc. presents "Walk for Life, Every Breath Counts" Asthma Awareness 5K Run/Walk.  The event will take place at Grant Park on September 12, 2015. Every year in America, Asthma is responsible for 12 million lost school days for children and more than 14 million lost workdays for adults.   

Register now for $15.00 at www.active.com. Use the search: "Walk for Life." Pre-registration deadline is September 9, 2015.

On-site registration is available from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The event kick-off time is 8:00 a.m. Last participant's start time is 9:30 a.m.

Public parking is available at Grant Park.  Leashed pets are allowed in the park, in accordance with Grant Park rules and regulations.  Pets are also allowed to participate in the walk.  All children participating in the walk (not including children in strollers) must be registered and accompanied by an adult.

Metro Water District Seeks Submissions for 2015 Photo Contest Winners to be included in 2016 Water Reflections calendar

You're a star, now show the county! The Metro North Georgia Water Planning District invites individuals to capture the beauty of our natural resources in photographs in an effort to remind residents of the important role our region’s lakes and rivers play in providing valuable water resources to the region’s water supply. Submitted photographs will be considered for inclusion in the 2016 Water Reflections calendar.

Professional and amateur photographers 18 years of age or older are welcome to submit photographs for this contest. Photographic entries should portray the beauty, heritage, activities and character of metro-Atlanta’s water resources. This year, an additional prize will be awarded for the best photo that highlights water conservation in practice.

First place will receive $500 and 11 finalists will receive $100 each. Individual participants may submit up to three photographs and are eligible to win up to three times. Photographs must be taken within the geographical boundaries of the 15-county Metro Water District, which includes the Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale counties. The District does not encompass the cities of Braselton and Loganville.

The submission deadline is September 12, 2015. For more information, contact the Metro Water District at (404) 463-3344 or e-mail at comments@northgeorgiawater.com.

City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days

Did you know that Zoo Atlanta is one of four zoos in the United States currently housing giant pandas. When's the last time you visited the zoo? Well this weekend if you are a City of Atlanta or Fulton County employee, then you can visit the zoo for free. 

Zoo Atlanta will host City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16. On these two dates, guests who can demonstrate residence or employment in either the City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government will be admitted free. Admission is valid for two adults and up to four children. 

Family Days hosted in prior years have been extremely well-attended. Plan to arrive early, and consider MARTA travel, as parking will be limited. 

Recognized forms of identification: 

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County residents: Georgia Driver's License; State of Georgia-issued voter identification; or water, gas or light utility bill. 

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government Employees: City of Atlanta employee identification card or Fulton County Government employee identification card. 

Admission discounts valid only on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2015. Offer not valid with any other discount or promotion; not valid online. 

Guests eligible for free admission include: 

• City of Atlanta residents 
• Fulton County residents 
• City of Atlanta Police 
• City of Atlanta Firefighters 
• Fulton County Government employees
• Fulton County Police 
• Fulton County Sheriffs 
• Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Employees (ID must say Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport)

Fulton County Commissioners Honor Teacher of the Year: Bear Creek Middle School

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, members of the Fulton County School Board, and school administration paused to honor one of the school district's best and brightest today naming it "Jameda Owens Appreciation Day" in Fulton County.  Ms. Owens, a social studies teacher at Bear Creek Middle School, had previously been named the district's 2015 Teacher of the Year.  She was cited for both honors for her innovative approaches for reaching students at all learning levels.

"I'm blessed to do what I do," said Ms. Owens.  "I'm privileged to be a teacher."  Initially sponsored by Fulton County Board of Commissioners' Chairman John H. Eaves, the full Board joined with the Chairman in awarding Ms. Owens a Fulton County proclamation for her efforts on behalf of Fulton County School children.

Fulton County To Launch Fulco2Go App: Unveiling of Smart Phone Apps That Improves County Quality of Life

Fulton County Government, is unveiling a new smart phone app, Fulco2Go, built by CitySourced. Fulco2Go allows residents to easily report basic traffic and code enforcement issues.  It also enables them to report animal control issues from their smart phones (by utilizing photo & GPS location) to be automatically sent to the appropriate Fulton County Department for resolution. Fulton County is excited to provide residents improved access to issue reporting and other helpful County information.

"Fulton County Government is committed to expanding digital services and e-commerce opportunities wherever they are available and make good sense.  The CitySourced app is a simple and effective way for residents to have their concerns about the communities in which they live and work, addressed and resolved in a quick and efficient manner.  Fulco2Go will help push Fulton County in its mission to be first in three areas:  impact, efficiency and service. We are thrilled to partner with CitySourced to further our commitment to making Fulton County First in 3," said Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson.

The app was built by CitySourced, a Los Angeles-based company that represents the vanguard of the open government movement by leveraging the latest technologies to take the friction out of civic engagement in ways that optimize government resources.  In addition, CitySourced has been recognized with awards from IBM Smart Camp, AlwaysOn, TechCruch50, and others for innovations in service to the public sector.

"We are thrilled to support Fulton County’s App Launch efforts throughout the month of August to help drive product adoption and educate constituents on how easy it is to help make their County a better place to live,” said Jason Kiesel, Founder and Chief Architect of CitySourced.  “We developed CitySourced in order to streamline, prevent, and help predict the occurrences of basic traffic and code enforcement issues, while improving quality of life and public safety using mobile technology."

The Fulco2Go app is now accessible in the app store for both Apple and Android products.   In concert with the app launch, Fulton will feature a public send-off of “street teams” canvassing local businesses and public buildings to spread the word on the app launch and demo of Fulco2Go for County residents on Monday, August 3. Promotion of Fulco2Go will also be featured throughout the month of August in various Fulton County publications including social media, website and e-communications to residents.   It’s fast.  It’s easy.  It’s Fulco2Go.  

FCFRD Chief Few Announces Battalion Chief Promotion

Battalion Chief Timothy Rohner

On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, Chief Few announced the promotion of Captain Timothy Rohner to Battalion Chief; the promotion became effective July 15th.

Rohner joined the Fire Rescue Department on February 17, 1999. He was promoted to FF2 in 2002 and Fire Captain in 2004. Battalion Chief Rohner’s impressive qualifications include:

- an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Technology

- a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration

- a Master’s Degree in Leadership with Emphasis in Executive Fire Service

- State of Georgia Certified Paramedic

He is also currently in the dissertation phase of his doctorate in education Ed.D with emphasis in organizational leadership and development. His study focus is:

The Examination of the Relationship between Servant Leadership, Job Satisfaction, and Willingness to serve in the Fire Service. Throughout his career, Rohner has served in both north and south Fulton County. His new assignment will be Battalion One on the A-shift.

In his announcement to the department, Chief Few stated that “Captain Rohner has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability suitable for the position. He has performed successfully in the department and his training has prepared him well for the endeavors of Battalion Chief.”

Our congratulations to Battalion Chief Rohner on his professional accomplishment.

Join FCFRD in Supporting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta T-shirt

The Fulton County Fire Rescue Department has chosen Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as the beneficiary their 2015 t-shirt fundraiser. County employees are invited to join their team to support "Children's" as they celebrate their 100^th year anniversary of providing the best possible health care for Atlanta's children and support for the families.

 

Order your t-shirts before the deadline to show your support for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and your Fulton County Fire Rescue Department.

 

To order your t-shirt or sweat shirt, complete the order form and fax it to their t-shirt provider. Your questions may be directed to Penny Wolfe penny.wolfe@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-3855.

 

Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds will be donated to Children's while the remaining 50% will be donated to the Metropolitan Atlanta Fire Fighters Conference (MAFFC) to support free firefighter training during their annual conference.

#OneFulton Video featuring Sculptor Allen Peterson

#OneFulton Spotlight Stories highlight our employees and citizens. This week, we are featuring Allen Peterson, Sculptor and creator of the Atlanta Globe, a public art piece created for the new Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing.