COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWSLETTER 
 "Working Together to Make a Positive Difference in the Community"
 Quarterly Newsletter, Spring Edition
A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator
In This Issue
A Message From the County Administrator
Government Services Complex
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Fire Station 19 at Dover Bluff
Spotlight on Public Works
Helping Other People Everyday (H.O.P.E.)
Great American Cleanup - April 18, 2009
Community Compost Workshop
National County Government Week
"Give Burns the Boot!"
"Peaches On My Mind"
Annual Fishing Derby to be held June 6, 2009
Calling All Local Artists
"Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest
Board of County Commissioners 2009 Calendar
Quick Links
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Ashley
Halliday 
 CAMDEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT'S
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER!
Ashley Halliday
Camden County Government's Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce that Ashley Halliday has been chosen as the Employee of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2009.
 
"Ashley is always positive and a diligent worker; she is motivated and dedicated," said Rick Daniel, her supervisor. "With the County's emphasis on customer service, Ashley is a beacon of such a worker. She is a constant bright spot of the day. Ashley mans the front line with a smile and a positive attitude that any customer (property owner) is hard pressed to leave our office in a foul mood. If Ashley does not have an answer she will find that answer with a due diligent process, which gathers all the offices resources. Ashley is surrounded with a staff that supports the efforts of the Assessor's Office. She is currently seeking an education in the field of appraisal that is not required of her, but knowing this new information will expand her knowledge and helpfulness for the customer. She is more than willing to better the office with her education. Ashley is but a single cog in the machine of the Assessor's Office that is vital to the proper effort to assist the County's efforts. During the 3rd quarter Ashley has shown especially bright with her dedicated service and efforts to Camden County." 
 Congratulations Ashley! 
 
Important Dates to Remember
Good Friday
April 10, 2009
County Offices Closed
 
Great American Cleanup
 April 18, 2009
 
Commissioners' Meeting
April 21, 2009
 
Community Compost Workshop
April 21, 2009
 
Crawfish Festival
April 25, 2009 
 
Crime Victims' Rights Week Ceremony
April 28, 2009
3:00 PM
Camden County Courthouse
 
American Cancer Society's
Relay For Life
 May 1-2, 2009
 
"Lets Talk Trash" Tour
May 6, 2009
 
Citizens' Academy Kicks Off
May 7, 2009
 
Commissioners' Meeting
May 5, 2009
 
Commissioners' Meeting
May 19, 2009
 
Memorial Day 
May 25, 2009
County Offices Closed
 
"Peaches On Mind"
Camden County's Exhibition of Local Flavor
May 29, 2009
Hosted by Camden County Government 
 
Commissioners' Meeting
June 2, 2009
 
Annual Fishing Derby
at the MSW Landfill
June 6, 2009
 
Commissioners' Meeting 
June 16, 2009 
 

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

~ Henry Ford

RECYCLING FACTS

Aluminum

Aluminum can be recycled using 5% of the energy used to make the original product.

Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television or computer for three hours.

Americans throw enough aluminum away every three months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.

Using recycled aluminum instead of virgin materials decreases water and air pollution and energy use by 95%.

You can make 20 cans out of recycled material with the same amount of energy it takes to make one new one.

Glass

Recycling 1 glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours.

In the coming decade, Americans are projected to throw away over 11 million tons of glass bottles and jars.

Recycling saves 25-30% of the energy used to make glass from virgin materials.

Plastics

Americans throw away enough plastic bottles each year to circle the earth four times.

Every hour, we throw away 2.5 million plastic
bottles.(22 billion plastic bottles per year)

Five recycled plastic bottles make enough fiberfill to stuff a sky jacket.

Steel 

Every ton of steel recycled saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone. 

Enough energy is saved each year by recycling steel to supply Los Angeles with electricity for almost 10 years.

The steel industry recycles nearly 19 billion steel cans into new products each year - about 600 cans recycled every second!

Paper

A 12-foot high wall could be built from NYC to Los Angeles with all of the office and writing paper thrown out in the U.S. each year.

Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees.

Every Sunday, the U.S. wastes nearly 90% of all the recyclable newspapers. This wastes about 500,000 trees. 

One tree can filter up to 60 pounds of pollutants from the air each year.

Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 580 pounds per person. 

More than 1/3 of all paper fiber used to make paper comes from recycled paper.

Composting Facts

Almost one third of the waste stream by weight is organic waste like food, leaves, and grass.

A 1000-square-foot area of lawn can generate up to 500 pounds of grass clippings in a single growing season.

Use of compost can reduce the need and use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Junk Mail

American's receive almost 4.5 million tons of junk mail per year.

About 44% of junk mail is never opened.

Every person in the US receives the equivalent of one and a half trees per year or approximately 560 pieces of junk mail per year.

The average person gets 1.5 personal letter per week compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail.

Approximately 40% of the solid waste mass that makes up our landfills are paper and cardboard.

100 million trees are ground up each year to produce junk mail.

Your name is typically worth 3 to 20 cents each time it is sold.

Report A Concern 
Report A Concern
The Camden County Fix It Form will help us identify a problem in your area -- and fix it fast. Should a problem require urgent attention, please call us immediately. For a police emergency, dial 911. Otherwise, call (912) 576-5601.  
 
The Fix It Form can be found on Camden County's website, by clicking on the "Report A Concern" tab on the left side of the homepage.
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioner Chip Keene 
District 1
 
Katherine Nisi Zell, District 2
Vice Chair, District 2
 
Steve Berry, District 3
District 3
 
Charlene Sears, District 4
District 4
 
David Rainer, District 5
Chair, District 5
 
Dear Camden County Citizen,
 
In an effort to ensure we are meeting our goal of providing Open Government, as outlined in Camden County's Strategic Plan, I am happy to present our first of many Community Outreach newsletters.  It is our mission to provide the citizens of Camden County with an open door policy of government.  The creation of this newsletter provides an opportunity for us to communicate information and provide a better understanding of current issues involving Camden County Government.  I hope that you find our first Community Outreach newsletter informative and I welcome any thoughts or ideas you may have on ways we can improve it in the future.  By working together Camden County can continue to be "Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice".
A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 
 Camden County Government is dedicated to serving its citizens and continuously seeks new ways to better serve them. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently established courteous and friendly Meeting Ambassadors to assist the public during Board meetings. Meeting Ambassadors are located outside the meeting chambers before and after the Board meetings to provide citizens a copy of the meeting agenda, brochures, and speaker request forms for those wishing to address the BOCC. They also are there to provide citizens with directions to restrooms, elevators, and exit doors.
 
It is important that we, as county government, take advantage of every opportunity to educate our citizens on how their tax dollars are being spent. In 2009, the Board of County Commissioners began spotlighting one County department at each of the Board meetings. The purpose of this initiative is to familiarize the general public with the services and functions that comprise that specific County department.
 
Another initiative Camden County Government is taking to educate the citizens is establishing a Citizen's Academy that will begin in May 2009. The Citizen's Academy is a free interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services, and operations that comprise Camden County Government. The program will focus on educating residents, business owners, and interested persons who work in Camden County on how daily County Government operations contribute to building a better community.  Individuals must be willing to commit to � day per month for a period of 7 months. Citizens from all segments of the community are encouraged to apply.
 
All interested individuals can submit an application online. The online application can be found on Camden County's homepage: www.co.camden.ga.us, under News and Announcements. If you are online at a public computer or do not have access to a computer and would prefer to submit a paper application, please contact the County Administrator's office at (912) 510-0464 and an application will be mailed to you. Completed paper applications can be mailed to the Camden County Board of County Commissioners, Attn: Staci Bowick, P.O. Box 99, Woodbine, GA 31569, or faxed to (912) 576-5647.
 
Don't miss out on learning more about your County Government! Please submit your application by April 30, 2009.

I hope you enjoy and find knowledge throughout the first Community Outreach newsletter. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we look forward to working in partnership with you  as we continue to move Camden County forward.
 
Sincerely,
Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator
Government Services Complex - Enhancing Service Delivery
Employee PicnicThe new 30,000 square foot Government Services Complex, attached to the Historic Courthouse in Woodbine started occupancy in late December 2008. This complex is the heart of Camden County Government. The new building will result in greater customer service and convenience for County residents as it will consolidate offices that were spread out over several buildings into a new, modern, efficient facility. The Government Serivces Complex is the new home for the following County functions:
  • Tax Assessor's Office (1st Floor)
  • Tax Commissioner's Office (1st Floor)
  • Curbside Collection (1st Floor)
  • Customer Service (1st Floor)
  • Office of the County Administrator (2nd Floor)
  • Office of the County Clerk (2nd Floor) 
  • Office of Strategic Planning (2nd Floor)
  • Department of Support Services (2nd Floor)
  • Division of Human Resources (2nd Floor)
  • Division of Information Technology (2nd Floor) 
  • Department of Finance & Budget (2nd Floor)
The Complex also provides spaces for the Board of County Commissioners, including a large, citizen-friendly Commissioners' Board Room on the 2nd floor, Room 252.
Camden County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Emergency Operations CenterThe long-vacant Post Office on Route 17 in downtown Kingsland will soon become the County's Emergency Operations Center.  In order to serve this function the existing building structure is being significantly "beefed up" to withstand hurricane-force winds. The building is also being outfitted with all necessary communications equipment including a 60 foot high communications tower directly behind the building. Included in the renovation will be an emergency generator with electrical capacity to run the entire building in the event of a power failure. In order to present a more appealing, up-to-date "look", the building's old fa�ade is being replaced with a new and much-improved brick front. The project is ahead of schedule for June, "hurricane-season" delivery and is under budget.
Fire Station 19 at Dover Bluff
Fire Station 19 at Dover BluffFire Station 19 on Dover Bluff Road is well underway and is actually nearing completion for a June occupancy date. This station will serve the developing communites at the far northend of the County. The station's location will support the County's goal of locating a fire station within a 5 mile radius of all County buildings, and will  result  not only in increased peace of mind but also possibly lower insurance rates for nearby citizens.
SPOTLIGHT ON CAMDEN COUNTY'S PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Camden County's Public Works (CCPW) Department puts forth great effort to keep our highways and byways open to the public. Camden County has 611 miles of public roads, of which 126 miles are state maintained, 185 are city streets, and is responsible for maintaining the 300 miles left over. Of that 300 roads, 164 are paved, and 136 are dirt surface. CCPW assists residents with drainage, signage, lighting, culverts, and right-of-way access. The Department has applied 3,200 tons of rock and granite to unimproved roads for stabilization in the past year. CCPW also mows road shoulders, cleans drainage ditches, cleans and installs driveway culverts, and applies found fill material to road surfaces. The Department also contracts out the construction of new roads and inspects new development infrastructure.
 
New and recent successes of CCPW include the paving of Bass, Bream, Bluegill, and Shellcracker Streets in Browntown, and the super elevation section of Old Jefferson Hwy in Colesburg. Current and ongoing projects include the paving of Ella Park Church Road, which is 4 miles of paving from Horse Stomp Church Road to Dover Bluff Road.  The paving of Ella Park is related to the Department's future project of a new interchange on I-95 at Horse Stomp Church Rd., which will serve as an economic upgrade as well as an aid in hurricane evacuation. A future project of CCPW is the construction of the Kingsland Bypass, which will act as an aid in hurricane evacuation routes for the south end of Camden County.
 
As a division of CCPW, Mosquito Control is dedicated to providing the County the most environmentally safe and efficient control of mosquitoes. This includes spraying and applying mosquito growth regulator to the areas of Kingsland, Woodbine, St. Marys and public roads countywide. In August 2008, the Division took great steps toward becoming more environmentally friendly in Mosquito Control by converting from gas-powered mosquito control sprayers to electric sprayers that are more eco- friendly. Some of the ecofriendly qualities of the new mosquito sprayer/fogger include zero exhaust emissions, no motor oil required, and low maintenance cost. A part-time position has been added, enhancing the service delivery of this Division, as well.
 
A new service that CCPW offers to Departments within County Government is maintenance of fleet vehicles to the departments that do not have mechanics. Various types of service and repair is performed at CCPW's shop. There also is a loaner vehicle that can be utilized on a first come first served basis.
 
All County residents are encouraged to call the CCPW at (912) 576-3028 with all roadway needs and comments. Dispatcher, J. D. Strickland, will ensure that all information is passed on to the appropriate person(s). For mosquito control needs and comments, please contact the Mosquito Control Division at (912) 729-4823.

Helping Other People Everyday (H.O.P.E.)

Relay for Life 2008Camden County Government's H.O.P.E. Committee is in full swing! The Committee is dedicated to helping people in our community through fundraising events for local charties as well as national organizations which help Camden County residents.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is scheduled in Camden County for May 1st and 2nd.  We need your participation!! You do not have to be a member of the Committee to play an active role in helping to raise money for Relay for Life in support of the fight against cancer. There are several opportunities and ways in which YOU can help us succed and to meet our goal in 2009 of $2500:
  • Donations - Please join us in the fight against cancer! Visit Camden County Government's team page to donate or be a part of this fundraiser.
  • "Get Flushed" Fundraiser - The many decorated toilet seats are ready to be sent out again to County employees in the "Get Flushed" fundraising event! To see pictures of each decorated toilet seat, please visit the H.O.P.E. Committee's webpage. Pay $5 to send a decorated toilet seat to a Camden County Government employee for 24 hours. County employees may purchase a one-time insurance policy of $10 to keep the toilet seat from being sent to them. If you would like to send a decorated toilet seat to a fellow County employee or buy insurance to keep from having a toilet seat sent to you, please contact Katie Bishop at (912) 576-5651 or Michelle Preston at (912) 576-7058.
  • Gift Baskets - Take a chance tickets are available to win one of many themed baskets filled with donated items. Take a chance tickets are $1 for one or $5 for six. The drawing for the gift baskets will be held on May 1st during the actual event of Relay for Life. Winners will be contacted the following week. Please contact Diana Smith at (912) 576-6773 or Julie Swick at (912) 510-0464 to purchase tickets for a chance to win.
  • Star & Moon Fundraiser - Donate $1 or $5 to have your name placed on a Star ($1) or Foot ($5) that will be displayed in Camden County's front office.

Relay for LifeIn addition to the fundraisers above, Camden County's H.O.P.E. Committee will also have a booth set up at Woodbine's Crawfish Festival on Saturday, April 25 to help raise even more money for Relay for Life.

The Camden County Government Charity Committee is dedicated to Helping Other People Everyday! We need your support to make every event a success!

Great American Cleanup - April 18, 2009
 
Great American Cleanup
 
The Great American Cleanup through the Keep Camden Beautiful program invites YOU to join other volunteers on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM to clean alongside Refuge Road and Highway 110 in Woodbine. The only way to make a difference is to get involved! However if you take part, you will help transform your local environment into a cleaner, safer and healthier community. 

For additional information, or to let us know that you can volunteer, please contact Donna Woodard at (912) 510-6881 or Annette Thomas at (912) 729-4099. 
Community Compost Workshop
CompostThe Camden County Extension Office will partner with The St. Marys Community Garden Project to offer a FREE workshop on the benefits of composting, pile construction as well as various composting methods and materials.
 
WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
WHERE: St. Marys 1st Presbyterian Church 
TIME: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Please contact Camden County's Extension Office at (912) 576-3219 to register for this event. 

Mark Your Calendars for National County Government Week: May 3-9
Counties play an important role in protecting and enhancing the health, welfare and safety of its residents in sensible and cost-effective ways. Included in this great responsibility is protecting the environment and wise use of our natural resources. That's why the theme for this year's National County Government Week (NCGW) is "Greening Our Future."
 
First celebrated in 1991, NCGW was created by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's 3,068 counties.
 
Camden County Government will celebrate National County Government Week May 3-9 beginning with the presentation of a proclamation by the Camden County Board of County Commissioners at their May 5th regular scheduled Board meeting. Special emphasis will be on Camden County's going green efforts.
 
On Wednesday, May 6th, Lannie Brant, Director of Solid Waste, will host a "Lets Talk Trash" tour from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Camden County's Landfill. Information will be provided to participants about the Landfill's yard waste and disposal operations. A tour of the beautiful ponds will be given, as well as a fish feeding demonstration. All interested individuals should RSVP to Donna Woodard at (912) 510-6881 by May 1st.
 
Camden County's Citizens' Academy will kick off on Thursday, May 7th with an evening orientation session. The Citizens' Academy is an interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services and operations that comprise Camden County Government. All interested individuals can click here to complete an application, or visit Camden County's website.

Camden County is a member of NACo, the only national organization that represents county governments in the U.S. based in Washington, D.C., NACo provides essential services to the nation's counties. It advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, as well as provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. More information about NACo is available at:
www.naco.org.

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~ Native American Proverb
 
NCGW 2009
"Give Burns the Boot!"
Boot Drive
During Memorial Day weekend, Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) will be taking part in the annual "Give Burns the Boot�" boot drive benefiting the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.  Joining nearly 100 fire departments across the state, CCFR will be accepting donations at Wal-Mart in St. Marys from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25.
 
The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, a non-profit organization, uses the funds raised to promote burn and injury prevention, assist in the care of burn patients statewide, and provide a week-long camp for burned children.  As an incentive to join in the boot drive, 10% of the funds raised by departments is returned to be used in local fire prevention efforts.
"Peaches On My Mind" Camden County's Exhibition of Local Flavor
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients: America by Food is a traveling exhibition that examines the evolution of the American kitchen and American food culture and traditions through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations. It also looks at how food industries have responded to the techonological innovations enabling Americans to choose from an ever-wider variety of foods.
 
The Georgia Humanities Council is bringing the exhibit to Georgia, which will close out the national tour of this exhibition. From May 2 - June 14, 2009, Camden County will display the exhibit at the County Libriary in Kingsland. On Friday, May 29, 2009 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Camden County Government  will host "Peaches on My Mind" - Camden County's Exhibition of Local Flavor at the Satilla Waterfront Park in Woodbine, GA.
 
Camden County residents are encouraged to participate in this event! Participants must complete and submit an entry form, which can also be found on Camden County Government's website, by May 15th. All entries must be prepared and brought to the Satilla Waterfront Park on Friday, May 29th no later than 11:00 AM. The only rule is that the primary ingredient in your recipe must be peaches. There will be three recipe categories: Drinks (non-alcoholic), Appetizers, & Desserts. A winner will be selected from each category. Winners will receive a special "peach" themed gift basket.
 
For additional information about this event, please contact the County Administrator's office at (912) 510-0464.
 
Key Ingredients: America by Food is an exhibit from the Museum on Main Street, a partnership of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Institution. This tour has been made possible by the Georgia Humanities Council, with additional support from the Georgia Power Foundation, the Georgia Tourism Foundation, and the We the People initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Annual Fishing Derby to be held Saturday, June 6, 2009
Fishing DerbyCitizens from the community, schools, and church groups visit the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) fair grounds to fish in the ponds located on the landfill site every year. These numerous ponds are home to many creatures, such as alligators which sun on the banks of the ponds and the protected American Bald Eagles which nest nearby.
 
On Saturday, June 6, 2009, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, the MSW Landfill will sponsor their annual fishing derby which is opened to the public. This event is FREE! Just bring your fishing pole & bait, and enjoy the surrounding nature!
 
Awards will be presented to three individuals for the following categories:
  • Most Fish Caught
  • Biggest Fish Caught
  • Youngest Fisherman

Food will also be provided at this event, so come out and enjoy a day of fun and fellowship!

Calling ALL Local Artist
ArtCamden County Board of County Comissioners is pleased to present "Calling All Local Artists"!  "Calling All Local Artists" is an effort to encourage local artists, here in Camden County, to submit their artwork to be displayed in the Government Services Complex located in Woodbine, Georgia.
 
Artists are welcome to display a price on the artwork or a display simply for recognition of their work. All artwork can be displayed for a period of one (1) full year.

For more information and to submit an artwork entry form, please visit Camden County's website, and click on the "Calling All Local Artists" link.

 
1st Place - Cheryl ConnerThe "Showcase Camden County" photo contest kicked off January 1st for a period of 6 months. The deadline to submit photos is June 30, 2009. This contest calls for amateur and professional photographers to submit their best photos of Camden County, Georgia and its activities, attractions and events, as well as historic and scenic locations.
 
Camden County's natural landscapes and unique events provide limitless creative inspiration to individuals that enjoy seeing the world through the lens of a camera. Example subjects might include downtown areas, museums, historical markers, parks, 2nd Place - Elaine Rose Powierskiand activities such as boating, biking, hiking and others. Also, local festivals and fairs would be ideal subject  matter.
 
These photos will be used by the Camden County Board of County Commissioners in its ongoing promotions. Appropriate credit will be given to photographers when their photos are used. The winning photographs will be showcased at Camden County's new Government Services Complex as well as various other locations throughout Camden County.
 
3rd Place - Marci KollPrizes will be awarded in each of the two categories: amateur and professional. The first place award will be a $100 prize package and second and third place winners will receive special gift prizes. Those 17 and under will require parent/guardian consent on the entry form.
 
Each entry must include either an 8x10 print and a negative or, if submitting a digitial image, it must be at least 300 dpi and must be submitted on a disk accompanied by an 8x10 print. A completed entry form must be submitted with each photograph. If submitting multiple entries, each print should be numbered to match a corresponding entry form. Prints, disks and/or negatives will not be returned.
 
The deadline to submit photos is June 30, 2009.
Entries should be dropped off at or mailed to:
Camden County Board of County Commissioners
c/o Katie Bishop
P.O. Box 99
Woodbine, GA, 31569
 
Questions may be emailed to [email protected] or call (912) 576-5650.
 
Get Out and Take Your Best Shot!
 
Board of County Commissioners 2009 Calendar
  2009 Calendar
I hope you enjoyed reading about all the many things that are going on in Camden County Government! As always, I encourage and value your feedback and any input you may have to help us improve the Community Outreach newsletter. Please let me know what you think by taking the survey
VISION
"Helping to make Camden County the best place to be by preserving and enhancing the history and quality of life while promoting smart growth and providing an efficient, effective and responsive government."
 
MISSION
It is the mission of Camden County Government to provide responsive, innovative, and cost effective services, promote smart growth, effectively communicate with the community, improve infrastructure and technology, preserve the health, welfare, safety, and environment while maintaining the outstanding quality of life that makes our county a desirable place to live and work.
 
VALUES
The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values:
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Service
  • Accountability 
  • Teamwork
  • Balance

Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice

Do you have great news? Please share it with us! If you would like to provide information to be included in this newsletter, please contact Julie Swick at (912) 510-0464.