Camden CountyCamden County
Board of Commissioners
Community Outreach Newsletter
  "Working together to make a positive difference in the community."
 
  A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator - August 2010
In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
StormReady Community
Your Award-Winning Government
Money Talks
August 10, 2010 Runoff Elections
Back to School Bash
Boston Butts for sale to benefit The Miracle League of Camden County
August 28 to be designated as Sergeant Carlton "Dan" Jenkins Day
Success at 4-H State Congress
NSP Grant Extended to August 31, 2010
Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
"Exercise in Disguise"
Quick Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WorkReady Community 
 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest 
 Click Here for HOPE Charity Committee Initiatives 
 Click here to view Camden County's 2010 Hurricane Guide 
 Storm Ready
 Code RED
Join Our Mailing List
UPCOMING
Board of County Commissioners Meetings 
August 3, 2010 
August 17, 2010
6:00 pm 
 Government Services Complex
 200 East 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
 
 
*County offices will be CLOSED on September 6, 2010 in observance of Labor Day.
"Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!"
 
Your Opinion Counts
Please click on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey.
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.  
Free Prescription Discounts Cards Available to Camden County Residents
Discount Rx Card
Click on the image above to view more information about this service.
Adopt-A-Highway
 and help remove litter from Camden County's roadsides!
For additional information and to find out how you can adopt a highway, please click on the link below:
 
 Fire Prevention Week 
A Message from the County Administrator
Steve L. Howard, County AdministratorAugust is a very busy month for families in Camden County, as summer vacation trips culminate, the 2010 - 2011 school year begins and extra curricular activities begin again, not to mention it is one of the hottest months of the year. As we continue to instill the importance of personal well being within our organization, we also want to promote wellness within our community. During these busy times, stress can easily get out of control and have a negative impact in your home and work lives. Learn how to manage your stress by taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. Strengthen your relationships and have a strong support network of friends to protect yourself against stress. Learn how to relax with techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Invest in your emotional health. People with good emotional health have an ability to bounce back from stress and adversity. (Source: HelpGuide.org: "Understanding Stress" by Melinda Smith, M.A., Ellen Jaffe-Gill, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.)
 
As always, I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward!
 
Sincerely,
Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator
 
Camden County is Designated as a StormReady Community
Pictured from left: Steve L. Howard, David Rainer, Katherine Nisi Zell, and Mark Crews
StormReady County
Since the completion of the Robert D. Mumford, Jr. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in 2009, local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Public Safety officials have been proactive in ensuring that Camden County has an action plan that responds to the threat of all types of severe weather - from tornadoes to hurricanes.
 
We are pleased to announce that as of July 2010 Camden County is now designated by NOAA's National Weather Service as a StormReady Community because of these efforts!
[Read On...] 
Your Award-Winning Government
Pictured from left: NACo Board Member and former NACo President Don Stapley, Maricopa County, Ariz., Camden County Administrator Steve L. Howard, and Supervisor and Mr. Harry Hayes, Senior Public Service Associate/Local Government Project Director at Carl Vision Institute of Government at the University of Georgia
 
NACo Achievement Awards 2010
Camden County was formally recognized nationally on Sunday, July 18, 2010, in Washoe County, NV for two National Achievement Awards by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for programs we have established which contribute to and enhance county government.  These programs include: STEMI - Saving Lives in the Field and Going Green - Saving Green.
 
The NACo Achievement Award program is a non-competitive program that recognizes counties for improving the management of and services provided by county government. Since the program's inception in 1970, the NACo Achievement Award program has honored thousands of county government initiatives that have improved service delivery, achieved greater cost efficiency, provided finer customer service, and helped to develop a better-trained work force.  

This year's winners represent 31 states and 107 counties.
Money Talks
Camden County Finance Director, Mike Fender, reports on the budget saying, "The preliminary budget numbers for Fiscal Year 2010 look good. At this point the County has the majority of the accruals posted. With a few corrections to the budget last year for the loss of tax revenues, the final numbers are right in line for revenues. On the expenditure side, the changes implemented last year in the employee health plan have really paid off.  Several departmental budgets not only stayed within their bottom line, but actually came in under budget for last Fiscal Year 2010.  This will help us to start the new Fiscal Year 2011 with a little more cash than expected and will hopefully keep us from having to borrow short-term financing for the current year." With money tighter than ever, it is my goal to continue providing the programs and services to the citizens that make Camden County a more desirable place to live and work.
August Runoff Elections
VoteCamden County's runoff election is slated for Tuesday, August 10, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Voters must cast their votes using the same party preference as used during the July 20th Primary election. For example, if you voted Republican during the Primary election, then you must vote Republican in the Runoff election. Likewise, if you voted Democrat during the Primary election, then you must vote Democrat in the Runoff election.
 
Please contact the Registrar's office should you have questions regarding this event: (912) 576-3245.
 
 
Absentee ballots can be mailed upon the receipt of an Application for Official Absentee Ballot form.
 
Back to School Bash - Saturday, August 7th
Back to School BashOn Saturday, August 7th, Camden County Leisure Services will host a "Back to School Bash" at the Camden County Recreation Center (REC) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 
Volunteers will be distributing school supplies to children from low income families from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. In order to receive school supplies, each student must bring one of the following items:
  • Food stamps verification
  • Well Care/Amerigroup card
  • Free/Reduced lunch 2009-2010 school year
  • Unemployment verification
 
For more information, please contact Shawnie at PSA, (912) 729-5600, or Jessica at CCAR, (912) 882-7295.
Boston Butts for sale to benefit The Miracle League of Camden County
The Miracle League of Camden CountyCamden County Government's HOPE Committee will be hosting a Boston Butt sale on Saturday, August 14th at Fire Station 10 (125 North Gross Road, Kingsland) to benefit The Miracle League of Camden County. Tickets are on sale NOW...one (1) for $25 or two (2) for $40!! Please contact Chris Goebel at (912) 552-4832 if you wish to pre-order your meat by purchasing a ticket.
 
The Miracle League allows any child with a disability the opportunity to play baseball. The Miracle League field in Camden County is being built in honor of Justin Norris, and will be named "Justin's Miracle Field." Visit The Miracle League of Camden County for more information.
August 28 to be designated as Sergeant Carlton "Dan" Jenkins Day
Sgt. Dan JenkinsThere are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the local dedicated members of the Camden County Sheriff's Office, the Kingsland Police and St. Marys Police Departments. An estimated 60,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year, resulting in approximately 16,000 injuries. Since first recorded, almost 19,000 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in this country. 
 
Camden County's very own law enforcement official, Sergeant Jenkins, always sought to honor the words engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. "Continue the quest to preserve both democracy and decency and to protect a national treasure that we call The American Dream."  Sergeant Jenkins made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in the line of duty on August 28, 2000 after serving for more than ten years active law enforcement in this county.  Sergeant Jenkins' name has been engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
 
The Board of County Commissioners, together with the Cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine will declare August 28 as Sergeant Carlton "Dan" Jenkins Day in honor of the sacrifices made by him and his family, as well as to publicly salute the sacrifice and service given by our law enforcement communities.
Success at 4-H State Congress
Pictured from left: Mr. and Mrs. Neil McCollum, Helen Clark , Jayson Dukes and Raymond Joyce
 
4-H State Congress 2010
Camden County 4-H was quite successful at Georgia's 4-H State Congress. Congratulations to local student, Helen Clark, who won the Leadership in Action contest for her Global Awareness program. She received a medical supply donation as well as a $1,500 grant to continue her work in Uganda. Helen also earned 1st place in the Project Achievement International Contest and 1st place in the Dean's Award Contest at State Council. Along with attending National Conference, Helen Clark has earned four Master 4-H'er Awards in one year! We are proud to have her represent our County!

 

Additionally, Conn Cole, the County's Soil & Erosion Investigator was selected for the Georgia 4-H Volunteer Leader Association Volunteer of the Year. The Cooperative Extension Office greatly appreciates all that Conn does for 4-H!
NSP Grant Extended to August 31, 2010
DCAThe Downpayment Assistance Grant for foreclosed homes provided through the Department of Community Affairs for foreclosed properties has been extended to August 31, 2010. Camden County has received a grant from the Department of Community Affairs to help prospective homebuyers by providing downpayment and closing cost assistance for low, moderate, and medium income persons who wish to purchase a home. Homes purchased must be foreclosures within Camden County and meet local and state codes adopted by Camden County for the 2009 NSP Program (Extended to August 31, 2010). Assistance will be determined on a case by case basis. [Additional Info...]
Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
Showcase Camden County Photo ContestCamden County's natural landscapes, historic beauty, and unique events provide limitless opportunities to capture through the lens of a camera. The Board of County Commissioners invites you to participate in the 2010 "Showcase Camden County" photo contest by submitting your best photos of the attractions that contribute to making Camden County "Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice!"
 
Get out and take your best shot!
 
Baila! Fitness "Exercise in Disguise"
Zumba

The County's Wellness Program was created to help manage the costs of the Employee Health Plan.  Our primary goal is to offer as many programs to appeal to as many employees as possible.

 

Zumba - derived from a Columbia word meaning "to move fast and have fun" - is a Latin-inspired, dance fitness class that is being offered to County employees and members of the community. Prices differ for employee and public participation.

 
Zumba incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements creating a dynamic, exciting and effective workout. The format includes easy-to-follow steps that sculpt all major muscle groups while conditioning the heart.
 
All County employees and members of the community are invited to "Ditch Your Workout & Join The Party!" 
 
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Where: Woodbine Community Center Cafeteria
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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 monthly version 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."

Meet Your Commissioners

Willis R. Keene, Jr. - Commissioner, District 1   Katherine Nisi Zell - Commissioner, District 2   Steve Berry - Commissioner, District 3   Charlene Sears - Commissioner, District 4   David L. Rainer - Commissioner, District 5
 
Our Commitment to You!
 
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, and Balance.