Sandy Springs resident, Melanie Noble-Couchman, was named the 2011 recipient of the Humanitarian Award. This is the fifth time the City has given the award that embodies the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizes an individual for his or her humanitarian contributions to society and philanthropic work. A volunteer committee made the selection.

Melanie Noble-Couchman began her career as a technical writer for a major bank in Buffalo, N.Y. As a single mother on public assistance and food stamps, she raised two sons. By realizing the importance of education, she did everything she could to obtain her bachelors degree from SUNY at Buffalo. In 1978, she moved to Atlanta to work for a major software company. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Sandy Springs. In 1983, she married David Couchman, and in 1986, they started a telecommunications company that went public in 1999.

As the company became more successful, the Couchmans knew they wanted to become more involved in the community. In 2003, the couple founded the Couchman-Noble Foundation to share with others less fortunate. The foundation's mission is "to assist...and provide hands-on programs with measurable results with the goals to strengthen families, empower individuals and promote self reliance among at risk populations."

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The Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority (ChatComm), serving Sandy Springs, is the first in Georgia to purchase and use Smart911. Smart911 is free to residents, providing them with the ability to enter critical information they want to make available during an emergency through a secure website.  This information is delivered automatically to the 9-1-1 operator and to emergency responders when a 9-1-1 call is placed.

"By entering critical information online before an emergency, you can help ensure that first responders are better prepared to serve you when you call 9-1-1," said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos. "Help the City of Sandy Springs help you. Register today."

City officials are encouraging anyone interested, whether a resident or not, to enter their information because anywhere there is a Smart911 system, a registered user's information will appear to call takers. While there is a minimum data set users must enter, additional information may include a child's photo, medical conditions, emergency contacts, disabilities or other rescue-related information. The service enhances response and supports improved incident outcomes by providing responders with critical information. Two common use cases are for locating a missing child - a recent photograph of the child can be immediately available to responders; or, a medical emergency - an individual's pertinent medical history would assist medical responders in developing a treatment plan.

Additional information can be found on the Sandy Springs website. Residents may create a profile on the Smart911 website.

 

INTERNATIONAL RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS TOURNAMENT

Join rhythmic gymnasts from around the world who are competing in the Star Cup Tournament. All levels are welcome to attend this competition.
When: Friday, February 18, 2011 - Sunday, February 20, 2011
Where: North Springs High School Auditorium, 7447 Roswell Road
Who: For an invitation and information, please send an e-mail.

NEW ACTIVITY: ETIQUETTE AND COOKING FOR KIDS

When: Fridays, February 4 - 25, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnastics Center, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: Classes for boys and girls ages 4-14 years
Price: $60

IMPROV ABCS, ACTING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

When: Saturdays, March 19 - May 14, 2011, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Hitson Memorial Activities Center, 85 Mt. Vernon Hwy.
Who: Children ages 6-10 years
Price: $100

MUSIC TOGETHER

This is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and the adults who love them. These classes are inclusive.
When: Mondays, March 21 - May 16, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Where: Hammond Park Community Room, 6005 Glenridge Drive
Who: Children birth to 5 years
Price: $110

COOL MOVES FOR KIDS

Coordination, expression, self confidence, fitness and fun are some of the benefits of these youth dance classes and fitness classes.
When: Wednesdays, February 16 - March 30 (there is no class February 23)
Where: Hammond Gymnastics Center, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: Children 3 years and up
Price: $49; Free Parent Participation

 

BALLROOM DANCING PRINCE AND PRINCESS

When: Wednesdays, February 16 - March 30, 2:00-2:45 p.m. (No class February 23).
Where: Hammond Gymnastics Center, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: Children 3-5 years and up
Price: $49; Free Parent Participation

ZUMBA FITNESS LATIN DANCE

When: Wednesdays, February 16 - March 23, 6:00-6:50 p.m. or Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:20 a.m.
Where: Hammond Gymnastics Center, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: Ages 15 years and up
Price: $49
Information: Telephone 678-886-6783 or send an e-mail.

Registration for programs is available online via Activenet, or call (770) 206-2035 for further information.

The City of Sandy Springs needs your help to control FOG. FOG, or fats, oils and grease cost Sandy Springs taxpayers thousands of dollars every year because of the damage caused to sanitary sewer lines. The impacted lines cause sanitary sewer manhole overflows and sewage back-ups in both residential and commercial areas. Sewer back-ups damage City infrastructure, create health hazards and threaten the natural environment. Ultimately, it is the residents of Sandy Springs that end up bearing the unnecessary cost of cleanup and repair.

WHERE DOES FOG COME FROM?
Fats, oils, and grease are by-products of many foods and are used in the cooking of food. Grease is the common term for animal fats and vegetable oil. Grease can be found in such foods as:

Meats Sauces Marinades Salad dressings Mayonnaise Gravy

Cooking Oils Cookies & pastries Cheese Butter & margarine Shortening Ice cream

PREVENT FOG DAMAGE TO THE SEWER SYSTEM
FOG enters your plumbing system through home garbage disposals, kitchen sinks and dishwashers. FOG coats the inside of your plumbing drain pipes. It then empties into the Fulton County sewer system. Think of FOG as "hardening of the arteries." When cholesterol builds up in the human bloodstream, it causes a heart attack. When FOG hardens in the sewer, it causes a sanitary system overflow.

DON'T POUR FOG DOWN THE DRAIN
Fats, oils and grease entering the sewer system increase the cost of maintaining and operating water and sewer services. The increased cost is ultimately passed on to you, the consumer. Follow These Easy Steps For Disposal: Stop and Think, Not Down the Sink!

• Allow FOG to cool and place in a sealed container. Place container in garbage.
• Wipe and scrape excess FOG from plates, pots,
• pans, utensils and cooking surfaces before washing.
• Put greasy paper towels in the garbage.
• Don't flush grease down drains with hot water.
• Don't unnecessarily dispose of foods in garbage disposals

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FOG
Sanitary sewer overflows not only cost residents financially, they also have a negative impact on the environment through the contamination of natural waterways. Overflowed sewage flows into storm drains and on into ponds, streams and rivers. This can destroy aquatic life and cause health risk concerns for residents using these waterways for recreational activities. Backed-up sewage and accumulated food residue are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, insects and other vermin.

Sandy Springs Police Department has provided the following tips for driving during the winter months: 

• Drive for conditions - slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking in winter conditions.
• Use your headlights at all times.
• Remember, four- and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on slick or snow-covered surfaces.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you. Look farther ahead in traffic and regularly check your rear view mirror. Remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots.
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver's field of vision is very limited, so he may not see you. Snow removal equipment travels slowly and may make sudden movements right or left. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you're sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
• Always wear your seat belt, and ensure all persons in your vehicle are properly restrained.  It's not only a good idea, it's the law.