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COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWSLETTER
"Working Together to Make a Positive Difference in the Community"
Quarterly Newsletter, Winter Edition
A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator | |
| Notice to Taxpayers |
| January 2 - April 1, 2010 is the time to file the following documents: |
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Exemption on Churches, Historical Structures, Etc.
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File for Conservation, FLPA, or Preferential
The dealine to file any of these documents is April 1, 2010. The appraisal staff will also be reviewing properties and picking up new improvements for the 2010 tax year. Please visit the Assessor's Office in Woodbine or call for any questions at (912) 576-3241. Office hours are:
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| "Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!" |
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Please click on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey.
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Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents
| Click on the image above to view more information about this service. |
| Calling All Local Artists |
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"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 click on the link below or visit Camden County's website under News & Announcements, and click on the "Calling All Local Artists" additional information link.
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| Report A Concern |
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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. |
| Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14, 2010 |
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Don't forget to set those clocks one hour ahead on March 14, 2010 when Daylight Saving Time begins. To make it easier to remember which way the clock goes, keep in mind one of these sayings: "spring forward, fall back" or "spring ahead, fall behind."
As a safety reminder, many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks because Daylight Saving Time provides a convenient reminder.
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Camden County's
Frequently Called Numbers |
911 Non-Emergency
(912) 729-1442
Animal Control
(912) 576-7395
Board of County Commissioners
(912) 576-5601
Clerk of Superior Court
(912) 576-5631
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Landfill Site
(912) 576-9374
Curbside Collection
(912) 510-6881
Dept. of Family & Children Services
(912) 729-4583
District Attorney
(912) 576-3704
Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
(912) 729-5602
Environmental Health
(912) 729-6012
Extension Agency (4-H)
(912) 576-3219
Fire Rescue/EMS Non-Emergency
(912) 729-3911
Forestry
(912) 576-5387
GA Dept. of Driver Services (DMV)
(912) 729-1362
Health Department
Kingsland
(912) 729-4554
Health Department
St. Marys
(912) 882-8515
Health Department
Woodbine
(912) 576-3040
Juvenile Court
(912) 576-3226
Magistrate Court
(912) 576-5658
Mosquito Control
(912) 729-4823
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill
(912) 729-4099
Planning & Development
(912) 729-5603
Probate Court
(912) 576-3785
Public Defender
(912) 673-9488
Public Service Authority (PSA)
(912) 729-5600
Public Works
(912) 576-3028
Registrar
(912) 576-3245
Sheriff's Office
(912) 510-5100
Tax Assessor
(912) 576-3241
Tax Commissioner
(912) 576-3248 |
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| "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
~ Henry Ford |
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| Board of County Commissioners |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR |
 Happy New Year! Camden County government is off to a fast pace in 2010! We are already accepting applications for the 2010 Citizens' Academy program, the "Showcase Camden County" photo contest has launched again, and we are planning vigorously for the U.S. Census 2010 which is extrememly important since Camden County receives federal funds based on our population count.
I am also pleased to present the 2009 Annual Report! This report summarizes the many efforts and accomplishments of Camden County Government in 2009 that have contributed to making our community a better place to live and work.
Please click on the link below to view:
I hope you enjoy and find knowledge throughout the Winter Edition of the Community Outreach newsletter. I look forward to working with each of you in 2010 as we continue to move Camden County forward!
Sincerely,
County Administrator |
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Calling Residents to Join Camden County's Citizens' Academy 2010 |
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 Building on the success of the 2009 inaugural Citizens' Academy, Camden County Government is preparing for the 2010 class in efforts to continue carrying out our goal of open government. The 2010 Citizens' Academy will begin a month earlier this year to coincide with NACo's County Government Month in April.
"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," said Steve Howard, County Administrator. 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 focuses on educating residents, business owners, and interested persons who work in Camden County on how daily County Government operations contribute tobuilding a better community. Classes are limited to 20 applicants and will be handled on a first come first served basis. Individuals must be willing to commit to 1 half day per month for 8 months. Classes are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at various County facilities. Citizens from all segments of the community are encouraged to apply.
All interested individuals can view additional details, a 2010 class schedule, as well as an application online at www.co.camden.ga.us. Completed applications can either be submitted by email to communications@co.camden.ga.us, or mailed to Camden County Board of County Commissioners, Attn:Julie Swick, P.O. Box 99, Woodbine, GA 31569, or faxed to (912) 576-5647.
Don't miss out on learning more about your local government! |
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Camden County Partners with U.S. Census Bureau to Support the 2010 Census |
 Camden County is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help achieve a complete and accurate count of our population as part of the 2010 Census. Conducted every 10 years, the census defines who we are as a nation. It guides critical decisions on the national, state and local levels and provides insight into population, state, local and tribal government funding and more.
Census data affect us all, which means achieving a complete and accurate count is essential. Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on census data. This data also helps determine congressional representation and guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care and senior centers, schools and more.
The 2000 census had only 67% local response, Camden County has set a goal of 100% participation for the 2010 census. The mantra "Fill it out...mail it in...April 1st 2010" has been adopted as the local rallying cry and nationally, "We Can't Move Forward Until You Mail It Back" is an important reminder that every census response is essential to the eventual success of the 2010 count.
In the coming months, Camden County will continue to share information with you about upcoming census events, including those in our community. We'll also share information about key dates for the 2010 Census, including:
- October 2009 - April 2010: Job recruitment underway for census workers.
March 2010: 2010 Census forms delivered or mailed.
March - July 2010: Complete Count Committee activities take place.
April 1, 2010: Census Day. Responses to the census form should include everyone living at that address.
May - July 2010: Census workers visit households that did not mail back forms to take a count in person.
December 31, 2010: Census Bureau presents the 2010 apportionment counts to the President of the United States.
As a Census Bureau partner, we are committed to helping achieve a complete and accurate count of our growing and changing population in 2010. The 2010 census has been simplified, having only ten questions to be answered on the questionnaire that will be mailed to each household through the US Post Office. Though the census is not yet available electronically for the current count, a  website www.census.gov has been created to provide information and answer any questions pertaining to the census; a sample of the official questionnaire is available for viewing and explanation on the site as well. Contact the Camden County Chamber of Commerce @ 912-729-5840 or info@camdenchamber.com for information on the local census planning and process. |
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HOPE Committee Raising Funds for Relay for Life |
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The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is scheduled in Camden County for April 31st and May 1st. This year's theme is "Help Create a World with Less Cancer & More Birthdays!" 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 succeed and to meet our goal in 2009 of $6,000:
- 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.
- 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 during the actual event of Relay for Life. Winners will be contacted the following week. Please contact Katie Bishop at (912) 576-5651 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.
In addition to the fundraisers above, Camden County's HOPE Committee will also host and take part in the events listed below 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! |
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"Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest 2010 Launches |
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 The Camden County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to launch the "Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest 2010. This contest calls for photographers to submit their best photos of Camden County, Georgia to include 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.
This year, the contest will call for photos to be submitted under one of the four categories: Landscapes, Nature/Wildlife, Architecture, Special Events/Festivals. Contestants may submit no more than two (2) entries per category which allows contestants to submit a total of eight (8) entries if they so desire. After the deadline to submit photos, which is Monday, November 1, 2010, a winner will be chosen from each of the categories and will receive a $50 Visa gift card. An overall winner will be chosen among the winning photos from each of the four categories and will receive an additional $100 Visa gift card, as well as their photo will be featured on the cover of Camden County's 2010 Annual Report. All photo contest winners will be publicly recognized during a Board of County Commissioner's meeting.
The photos that are submitted will be used by Camden County Government in its ongoing promotions and appropriate credit will be given to photographers when their photos are used. The winning photographs will be showcased at Camden County's Government Services Complex, as well as various other locations throughout Camden County.
Photos must be submitted either by mail to c/o Katie Bishop, P.O. Box 99, Woodbine, GA 31569, or dropped off at either the Government Services Complex located at 200 East 4th Street in Woodbine, or at the County Annex Building, Office of Planning & Development, located in Kingsland. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form. More information regarding the photo contest & rules can be found at www.co.camden.ga.us under "News & Announcements".
Get out and take your best shot of Camden County! |
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Camden County Leaders Attend Atlanta Fly-In |
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Camden County leaders attended the Atlanta Fly-In during January 11-12 to bring key issues to the Capitols table, including a technical college for the county, support of existing missions and new missions for Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, the Kingsland Bypass that would serve as an emergency evacuation route, funding for the state's Military Affairs Committee, as well as more funding for Camden County Schools. "The collaboration of the community and government leaders for this important initiative ensures Camden County's voice is heard by legislators in Atlanta by turning talk into action," said Steve L. Howard.
Picture above in the Governor's office are (from left) Will Hardin, Tim Wessinger, Kenneth Smith, Steve Howard, Sheila McNeill, Charlie Smith, Bert Guy, Alyce Thornhill, Alex Blount, Gov. Sonny Perdue, John McDill, Marty Klumpp, Joel Hanner, Christine Daniel, David Keating, Jeff Barker, State Representative Cecily Hill, Charles C. Smith, Jr., and Lorette Hoover. |
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Coastal Regional Coaches - Regional Rural Public Transportation |
 The Coastal Regional Commission (CRC) of Georgia provides regional rural public transportation for Camden County residents. Coastal Regional Coaches buses officially began rolling under the regional rural and coordinated public transit program in August 2009. A toll fre number (866-543-6744) is available to schedule regional rural public transit trips. The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (CGRDC) is working toward regionalizing dispatching operations in 2010 for greater efficiencies in scheduling regional trips.
Coastal Regional Coaches of Georgia
Call: 1-866-543-6744
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday; 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM
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Help Save Energy During Earth Hour 2010 |
 During Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple...turning off their lights for one hour.
This movement symbolizes that by working together each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations.
Nearly one billion people turned out their lights for Earth Hour 2009, involving 4,100 cities and 87 countries on 7 continents around the world.
Earth Hour is all about the small changes that everyone is capable of making in their lives. Show the world you can with one simple action. Collectively we can make a big difference.
Take action, turn out your lights, and show that you care about the future of your planet! Joint the world this year for Earth Hour 2010!
Saturday, March 27th
8:30 - 9:30 PM
"Save Energy & Save the Planet" |
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American Red Cross Accepting Donations for Earthquake Victims in Haiti |
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 On Tuesday the 12th, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake destroyed much of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. It is estimated that 3 million people were affected by the earthquake. Current reports indicate hospitals and government buildings are among the destroyed. Haiti Red Cross is on the ground assessing the damage and the needs of the community. The full extent of damage is still unknown; we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.
The American Red Cross is responding to this disaster and will be working with Red Cross partners in Haiti and with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Donate by Mail, Online, or by Text Message to Help People Affected by the Earthquate in Haiti
Financial Gifts May be Mailed to:
American Red Cross
751 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Please indicate on checks: International Response Fund
Donate Online
Indicate in other section: International Response Fund
Cellphones Save Lifes in Haiti
Text "HAITI" to 90999 and a $10 donation will be added to your phone bill. |
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Neighborhood Stabilization Program Applications Still Available |
 In March, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded Camden County the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant for its innovative collaborative project in partnership with the Cities of Fitzgerald, Darien and Brunswick. This grant will enable Camden County to provide down payment assistance to qualified buyers of nine (9) foreclosed homes in Camden County of approximately $11,951.00 per home. The receipt of this grant has the ability to assist families in Camden County realize the dream of home ownership.(click to view)
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Family and Consumer Science Needs Assessment |
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UGA's local Cooperative Extension office is conducting a Family and Consumer Science (FACS) needs assessment for Camden County. Please click on the link below to complete the voluntary survey to help us better understand your needs.
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Board of County Commissioners 2010 Meeting Calendar |
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As always, one of our goals is to ensure we are providing the citizens of Camden County information and a better understanding of current issues involving Camden County Government. I hope you enjoyed reading our Winter Edition of the Community Outreach newsletter and found it informative. I encourage and value your feedback and any input you may have to help us improve it in the future.
Please let us know what you think by taking our SURVEY!
By working together Camden County can continue to be
"Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice." |
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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."
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
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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. |
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Camden County Government's HOPE 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 
