D a w s o n c o u n t y C i t i z e nC i t i z e nC i t i z e n g O V E R N M E N T N...
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Dawson county Dawson county Dawson county Citizen Citizen Citizen gOVERNMENT gOVERNMENT gOVERNMENT Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter November 2013 BOC Chairman’s Message 1 County Manager’s Message 1 Get to Know… Liz Dintelmann, Health Navigator 2 Free Prescription Drug Card 2 Fire Dept. Promotion Ceremony 3 People on the Move 3 Heating Program 4 Firewood Program 4 Senior Center visits Burt’s Pumpkin Farm 4 Heating Safety Tips 5 New Businesses in Dawson County 6 Easy Chocolate Acorn Snacks Recipe 6 Employee Spotlight - Natalie Johnson 6 DC Parks & Recreation November Activities 7 Ladies Only Firearms Class 7 Emergency Services Aviation Training 8 Veterans Day Free Meals 9 In this issue: The Moonshine festival was a real success. I mention this because I saw a lot of county employees attending and helping. We all live and work in a wonderful county, and this is a great way to give back to the community! A look at the BOC Schedule: This fall begins the last quarter of our work year. The board still has to set the calendar for next year and determine what funds may be available for further distribution. Mike Berg, BOC Chairman Message from the BOC Chairman Message from the County manager Dawson County is very fortunate to have some of the finest individuals in north Georgia working for the betterment of not only themselves, but especially for our community. I would like to share with you some of the accolades of our employees during this past year: During 2013, several County employees hit impressive milestone anniversaries: A special congratulations and thank you goes to Lisa Phillips, Lanier Swafford, Brandy Branson, Jennifer Burt, James Tolbert, Lisa Henson, Buffie Hamil, Johnny Holtzclaw and Sallie Ledbetter for 20+ years of service; Billy Carlisle, Nancy Chester, Greg Rowan, and Billy Thurmond for 35+ years of service. Dena Bosten was elected to the Director position for the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association for the 2013-2014 year. She also served on GGFOA’s conference committee and taught a class at the conference held in early October. Dena also served on an Honors Program Steering Committee at the University of North Georgia. Natalie Johnson was awarded a scholarship for the Local Government Finance Officer Level I Certification by the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association. Bob Ivey and Sherry Boatfield recently completed the Advanced Workers Compensation training through Local Government Risk Management Services, Inc. and Sherry completed Personnel Liability Training as well. Todd Holloway, Andrew Wilson and the “B Shift” of the Dawson County Emergency Services were recognized by the Georgia State Firefighters Association with a Life Saving Valor Award. Dawson County News & Advertiser named their “Best of Dawson County” voted on by the public: Sheriff Billy Carlisle, Best Boss; Randy Harkness, Best Officer; Jeff Banks, Best Firefighter; and Todd Holloway, Best EMT. Kristi Hudson has lead Keep Dawson County Beautiful as Executive Director organizing and participating in events such as The Great Dawson Clean Up, Tire Amnesty Day, Electronics Recycling Day, KDCB’s 10 th Anniversary Celebration, Lake Lanier Shore Sweep and a booth at the Moonshine Festival. Kris Rowan serves as Captain of Dawson County Park and Rec’s Relay for Life team which achieved Gold status in fundraising last year. Lisa Henson, Dena Bosten, and Dawn Pruett, Sheriff Billy Carlisle and Chairman Mike Berg serve on the Family Connection Board. Rachel Burton and David McKee attended Environmental Systems Research Institute Geographic Information Systems training. Ken Moss began courses to become certified in building inspections. Danielle Yarbrough was 2012 Dawson County Employee of the Year. Tasha Tolbert was named 2013 Northeast Regional TAC of the Year by the Georgia Association of Terminal Agency Coordinators. These are the achievements that have been shared with me this year and I am honored to share them with you, our readers. I apologize if any have been overlooked. I am always pleased to hear of new accomplishments from all Government departments and I applaud the employees, department heads, directors and elected officials who take the time to recognize employee achievements; I know our readers do as well. I would like to challenge all County employees to continue to share such accolades and be sure to notify Kristi Hudson at [email protected] to get this information in our monthly newsletters. Cindy Campbell, County Manager
Transcript of D a w s o n c o u n t y C i t i z e nC i t i z e nC i t i z e n g O V E R N M E N T N...
D a w s o n c o u n t y D a w s o n c o u n t y D a w s o n c o u n t y C i t i z e nC i t i z e nC i t i z e n
g O V E R N M E N T g O V E R N M E N T g O V E R N M E N T N e w s l e t t e rN e w s l e t t e rN e w s l e t t e r
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3
BOC Chairman’s Message 1
County Manager’s Message 1
Get to Know… Liz Dintelmann,
Health Navigator 2
Free Prescription Drug Card 2
Fire Dept. Promotion Ceremony 3
People on the Move 3
Heating Program 4
Firewood Program 4
Senior Center visits Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
4
Heating Safety Tips 5
New Businesses in Dawson
County
6
Easy Chocolate Acorn Snacks
Recipe 6
Employee Spotlight - Natalie
Johnson 6
DC Parks & Recreation November
Activities 7
Ladies Only Firearms Class 7
Emergency Services Aviation
Training 8
Veterans Day Free Meals 9
In this issue:
The Moonshine festival was a real success. I mention this because I saw a lot of county employees
attending and helping. We all live and work in a wonderful county, and this is a great way to give
back to the community!
A look at the BOC Schedule: This fall begins the last quarter of our work year. The
board still has to set the calendar for next year and determine what funds may be
available for further distribution.
Mike Berg,
BOC Chairman
Message from the BOC Chairman
Message from the County manager
Dawson County is very fortunate to have some of the finest individuals in north Georgia working for the betterment of not only themselves, but especially for our community. I would like to share with you some of the accolades of our employees during this past year:
During 2013, several County employees hit impressive milestone anniversaries: A special congratulations and thank you goes to Lisa Phillips, Lanier Swafford, Brandy Branson, Jennifer Burt, James Tolbert, Lisa Henson, Buffie Hamil, Johnny Holtzclaw and Sallie Ledbetter for 20+ years of service; Billy Carlisle, Nancy Chester, Greg Rowan, and Billy Thurmond for 35+ years of service.
Dena Bosten was elected to the Director position for the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association for the 2013-2014 year. She also served on GGFOA’s conference committee and taught a class at the conference held in early October. Dena also served on an Honors Program Steering Committee at the University of North Georgia.
Natalie Johnson was awarded a scholarship for the Local Government Finance Officer Level I Certification by the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association.
Bob Ivey and Sherry Boatfield recently completed the Advanced Workers Compensation training through Local Government Risk Management Services, Inc. and Sherry completed Personnel Liability Training as well.
Todd Holloway, Andrew Wilson and the “B Shift” of the Dawson County Emergency Services were recognized by the Georgia State Firefighters Association with a Life Saving Valor Award.
Dawson County News & Advertiser named their “Best of Dawson County” voted on by the public: Sheriff Billy Carlisle, Best Boss; Randy Harkness, Best Officer; Jeff Banks, Best Firefighter; and Todd Holloway, Best EMT.
Kristi Hudson has lead Keep Dawson County Beautiful as Executive Director organizing and participating in events such as The Great Dawson Clean Up, Tire Amnesty Day, Electronics Recycling Day, KDCB’s 10 th Anniversary Celebration, Lake Lanier Shore Sweep and a booth at the Moonshine Festival.
Kris Rowan serves as Captain of Dawson County Park and Rec’s Relay for Life team which achieved Gold status in fundraising last year.
Lisa Henson, Dena Bosten, and Dawn Pruett, Sheriff Billy Carlisle and Chairman Mike Berg serve on the Family Connection Board.
Rachel Burton and David McKee attended Environmental Systems Research Institute Geographic Information Systems training.
Ken Moss began courses to become certified in building inspections.
Danielle Yarbrough was 2012 Dawson County Employee of the Year.
Tasha Tolbert was named 2013 Northeast Regional TAC of the Year by the Georgia Association of Terminal Agency Coordinators.
These are the achievements that have been shared with me this year and I am honored to share them with you, our readers. I apologize if any have been overlooked. I am always pleased to hear of new accomplishments from all Government departments and I applaud the employees, department heads, directors and elected officials who take the time to recognize employee achievements; I know our readers do as well. I would like to challenge all County employees to continue to share such accolades and be sure to notify Kristi Hudson at [email protected] to get this information in our monthly newsletters.
Cindy Campbell, County Manager
Liz Dintelmann will serve as the UGA navigator for Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth, Hall and Pickens counties.
She is based out of the UGA Extension office in Dawson County, at 298 Academy Ave. She will also be
available to assist consumers at a variety of locations in her designated area, including at churches, community
centers, schools, commercial centers, businesses and other Extension offices.
To learn more about health coverage for individuals, families, businesses, contact Liz Dintelmann at the
Dawson County Extension office, 706-265-2442 or at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
For general information on the UGA Health Navigator program, call 1-877-7NAVIGATE (1-877-762-8442) or
visit uganavigators.org.
Get to Know…. Liz Dintelmann, Health Navigator
Free Prescription Card Now Available To All Dawson County Residents
On June 6th, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted to endorse the Coast2Coast Rx Card, a Free
prescription discount card made available to all Dawson County residents. The card is available to everyone, including
those that already have health insurance. The program includes participation by U.S. pharmacies to provide annual savings
up to 55%. Local participating pharmacies include CVS, Goodson’s, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Walmart.
With citizens facing a rise in healthcare costs, the card couldn’t come at a better time. The County is proud to offer a
savings plan that on a single prescription can range from a few percent up to 75% (sometimes more) off the retail price of
the drug. In addition, the Coast2Coast Rx card also offers your family discounts on dental, diabetic equipment/supplies,
hearing, vision, veterinary, lab and imaging services.
The card is FREE and may be used immediately. There is no paperwork to fill out, no eligibility requirements, and no
health restrictions. There is no fee ever charged for the card. Savings applies to brand name and generic drugs and other
items not covered in health plans, including pet prescriptions. One card can be used for all family members.
You may print out a card from the website at www.coast2coastRx.com or pick-up a card from the Dawson County
Government Center, 25 Justice Way. Cards are located at Government Center in the County Administration office
(located on the 2nd floor) and in the Main Floor Break Room.
For information on all benefits, to search for a provider, and see frequently asked questions, please visit
www.coast2coastrx.com or call 1-800-931-8872.
The University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences has hired 12
Health Navigators to help consumers, small business owners, and employees navigate the
new health insurance marketplace.
These Health Navigators will be available to help Georgians learn about the best health
insurance option for them and get signed up.
People on the Move:
New Employees
Victoria Bosten
Admin. Asst. / Facilities
Robert Carey
FF/EMT / D.C.E.S.
Kevin Christopher
Detention Officer / D.C.S.O.
Michelle Daniel
Judicial Sect. / Superior Court
Stephen Knowles
Lt. Fire Prevention / D.C.E.S.
Stephanie Lefler
Detention Officer / D.C.S.O.
David Waldrop
Comm. Service Coord. / Public Works
Matthew Webb
Detention Officer / D.C.S.O.
Promotions
Matthew Smith
Corporal of Detention / D.C.S.O.
Russell Smith
Sergeant of Detention / D.C.S.O.
Transfers
Rachelle Thurmond
Asst. Registrar / Registrar
Zachary Smith
Deputy / Sheriff’s Services
Fire Department Promotion Ceremony
Dawson County Emergency Services recently held a
Promotional Ceremony to induct eight new officers.
The pinning ceremony was held on October 25th at
Fire Station # 1.
Carrier Officers Battalion Chief Jason Dooley
Capt. Ricky Rexroat Lt. Brian Delong
Lt. Andrew Wilson
Volunteer Officers Lt. Eric Griffin
Lt. Jody Holland Lt. Michael Stewart
Lt. Steve Ward Lt. James Fraser (not pictured)
(L-R) Lt. Andrew Wilson, Lt. Brian Delong,
Capt. Ricky Rexroat, BC Jason Dooley
Chief Lanier Swafford pins
Lt. Jody Holland
(L-R) Lt. Lt. Eric Griffin, Lt. Steve Ward,
Lt. Michael Stewart
© 2013 Dawson County
Board of Commissioners
25 Justice Way Ste. 2236
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 344-3501
Public Service Announcement
Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. 2014 Heating Program
Pending the availability of federal funds, households in which every member is age 65 and older -OR- in which every member is completely unable to leave the home due to health reasons, may apply for assistance with their home heating bills beginning on November 1, 2013. The Georgia Department of Human Services will help pay heating costs for gas, electricity, coal or kerosene. One time payments will be made by checks issued to the home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households. Eligibility for the program is based on the income of everyone living in the home. All eligible households must be responsible for their home heating bill. When applying for assistance, the applicant will provide verification of citizenship and verification of age for everyone in the home, verification of all household income received within the past 30 days (check stubs, public assistance checks, unemployment checks, etc.), verification of Social Security Numbers for everyone in the home, and the most recent home heating bill. Depending on the availability of funds, the regular program will open to the general public on December 2, 2013. All interested applicants are asked to contact Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. after 8:30 A.M. by telephone at (706) 265-3744 on the date of the program they qualify for. No walk-ins, please. Additional information will be made available online at www.ndo.org.
Dawson County Firewood Program
The Firewood Program was established by the
Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 and
continues today as a cooperative between the
Sheriff’s Office and the Dawson County Senior
Center.
The program exists to provide firewood to
citizens in Dawson County whose primary
source of heat is a fireplace or wood burning
stove, who cannot afford to purchase wood
and/or who are no longer physically able to cut
and haul their own wood.
January - December 2012 the program provided
84 loads of firewood (cut, split, and delivered) to
deserving individuals and families.
Applicants and referrals for assistance must be
approved through the Dawson County Senior
Center, located at 201 Recreation Road (at
Veteran’s Memorial Park), or you may contact
them at (706) 344-3700 during normal business
hours.
The Dawson County Senior Center recently enjoyed a fun day at
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm. To learn more about the Senior Center’s
events and programs, please visit:
http://dawsoncounty.org/departments/senior-center/
Heating Safety Tips
Each year fire claims the lives of approximately 3,400 Americans, injures 17,500, and causes billions of dollars worth of
damage. To date, fire related incidents have already claimed the lives of 96 Georgia residents for 2013. This is a statistic
we want to prevent from increasing!
Did you know that people living in rural areas are more than twice as likely to die in a fire than those living in mid-sized
cities or suburban areas? The misuse of wood stoves, portable space heaters, and kerosene heaters are especially common
risks in rural areas.
All heating systems can start fires if not used and maintained properly. Heating your home during the colder months of
the year can prove dangerous, if you do not follow a few simple safety precautions.
Fireplace or Wood Stove:
Have your chimney inspected and serviced before each heating season.
Check wood stoves for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals; Inspect and clean your pipes
annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire
Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch
flying sparks.
Only burn dry seasoned wood, never paper or rubbish. Green wood and garbage can cause a chimney fire.
Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Never empty the ash directly into a trash can. Douse and saturate the
ashes with water.
Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home and
any other nearby buildings.
Have a three-foot “kid-free” zone around open fires.
K e r o s e n e H e a t e r s
Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene.
When refueling, allow the appliance to cool first and then refuel outside. Never overfill any portable heater.
Use the kerosene heater only in a well ventilated room.
Baseboard or Portable Heater:
Check baseboard & portable heaters often and remover objects that have fallen on top of or near the heater.
Remember items like newspapers, furniture, clothing, and blankets left too near a heater can start a fire.
Always turn off portable heaters if you leave the room or are going to fall asleep.
Having a working smoke alarm dramatically
increases your chances of surviving a fire. Daylight Savings Time
ends November 3rd, this is an excellent time to test and replace the
batteries in all Smoke Detectors located in your Home and Business.
Special Reminder:
E m p l o y e e S p o t l i g h t - N a t a l i e J o h n s o n , F i n a n c e A c c o u n t M a n a g e r
Natalie Johnson was recognized as a scholarship recipient at the
Annual Georgia Government Finance Officers Association Conference
held at Lake Lanier Islands September 29 - October 2,
2013. Natalie received one of three scholarships from GGFOA
for the Level 1 Finance Officer Certification.
These scholarships are offered to students who are pursuing
studies in public finance or public administration; or a career in
government finance. The scholarships recognize outstanding
performance in the study of public finance at the undergraduate
and graduate level encouraging careers in state and local
government.
Welcome to Our New Businesses!..
Commercial Businesses
Infinite Tans (Tanning Services) -1080 Lumpkin Campground Road South
Jydes Family Clinic (Medical Practice) - 139 Prominence Court
Sage Hair Studio (Hair Salon) - 66 South 400 Center Lane
Sara USA (Retail Men’s Clothing) - 800 Highway 400 South
Southwind Foods (Honey Baked Ham) - 240 Dawson Village Way North
Wet Seal (Retail Women’s Clothing) - 800 Highway 400 South
Mad Dawg Creations (Retail Team Sports Clothing) - 800 Highway 400 South
Home Based Businesses
V.I.V.E (Life Enrichment Services) - 279 Valley Brook Circle
Hendley Holding (Real Estate Investment) -1715 Beechwood Place
Mauricio Puerto (Crafts) - 20 Goswick Drive
Environmental Diversified Services (Trash Services) - 33 Irvin Drive
Tanwal (Real Estate Development) - 4217 Highway 136
Congratulations to Natalie Johnson (pictured far right)
Easy Chocolate Acorn Snacks
Ingredients 1. 1/2 bag of Mini-Chocolate Chips
2. 1 bag of Hershey's Kisses
3. 1 bag of bite-size NutterButters
D i r e c t i o n s
1. Melt 1/2 bag of Mini - Chocolate Chips
{5 second interval in the microwave, stirring really good each time}
2. Dip the flat end of the Hershey's Kiss into
melted chocolate and top with a bite-size NutterButter.
Dip the flat end of a Mini-Chip into the melted chocolate and stick it to the NutterButter.
Shared by: Dena Bosten
Dawson County Parks and Recreation
November Activities
Nov 1 Zumba Fitness® Glow Party: 7:00-8:30pm at Rock Creek
Nov 11 Veterans Day Holiday (Buildings/offices Closed; Gates open 7:00am-9:00pm) Nov 18-21 Winter Sports Picture Day
Nov 25-29 Thanksgiving Break (no games; practices optional) Nov 28 Thanksgiving Holiday (Parks Closed) Nov 29 Observance of Thanksgiving Holiday (Buildings/offices Closed; Gates open 7:00am- 9:00pm) Nov 30 Winter Sports Practice Day
Happenings
“Ladies Only” Firearms Class
Saturday, November 2nd
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
at the
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Firearm’s Range 1352 Jones Mountain Road, Talking Rock, GA
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office is offering a
firearms training session for ladies only. The class
will review of state law and provide instruction on
firearms safety, basic fundamentals, and live fire
drills.
If you already own a firearm, you are encouraged to
bring your own along with your holster. If you don’t
already own one, you will be allowed to test an
agency weapon. Eye protection and hearing
protection will also be required while on the range.
Eyeglasses and sunglasses are acceptable.
An officer will be present in the front parking lot of
the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center
(19 Tucker Ave.) for anyone who prefers to follow
him/her to the range. They will depart at 9:30 a.m.
If you are interested in joining the class, please
RSVP to Major Jeff Johnson at 770-344-3535 or
Emergency Services Aviation Training
On Monday, October 21st Dawson County
Emergency Services along with the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources LE Critical
Action Response Team and the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources Search and
Rescue Team met in Dawson County to train
with DNR Aviation. This training was designed
as a orientation session for newer members and
a refresher for several members of the group.
The training was lead by Capt. Steven Turner
with DNR aviation and involved drills with the
helicopter simulating patient pick up's from the
ground, similar to the incident which occurred
last September at Cochran Falls. This training is
an ongoing effort between DCES and DNR
to train together and better prepare for
emergencies that involve both agencies.
Dawson County Employees Show
Their Halloween Spirit...
Veteran Appreciation
Veterans Day Free Meals 2013
A List of Veterans Day Free Meals
Applebee's Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11
Little Caesar's - Free Crazy Bread - Monday, November 11
LongHorn Steakhouse Veterans Day - Free Texas Tonion - November 11 - 14
Carrabba's - Free Appetizer for Veterans Day - Monday, November 11
Chili's Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11
Golden Corral Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11
Krispy Kreme Veterans Day - Free Doughnut and Coffee - Monday, November 11
O'Charley's Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11, 2013
Olive Garden Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11
Outback Steakhouse - Free Bloomin' Onion and Beverage - Monday, November 11
Red Lobster Veterans Day - Free Appetizer - November 11 - 14, 2013
Shoney's Veterans Day - Free All-American Burger - Monday, November 11
Tony Roma's Veterans Day Free Meal - Monday, November 11, 2013
Village Inn Veterans Day Free Food - Monday, November 11
