Camden CountyCamden County
Board of Commissioners
Community Outreach eNewsletter
  "Working together to make a positive difference in the community."  

 

 A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator - November 2013

eNews

Connect With Us!

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube

 Keep up with what's going on in YOUR local government!

In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
Showcase Camden "Take your Best Shot"
"New" Discount Prescription Card
United Way Campaign
Jimmy Starline
Heroic Actions Recognized
Living Well Workshop
New Interim Chief of Fire
CCFR Receives Tankers
QUICK LINKS
  






COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  
  
  
  
  
  

      

 WorkReady Community
GA Camera Ready
 Storm Ready
 Code RED
     
  
UPCOMING
Meetings  
  

County offices will be closed Monday, November 11, 2013 in observance of Veterans Day

 

Nov. 19th

Regular BOCC

  Meeting 6:00pm

 

County Offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 28, & 29, 2013 in observance of Thanksgiving

 

Dec. 10th

Regular BOCC

Meeting

6:00PM

Government Services Complex
 200 East 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
"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.

"NEW"

Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents

Click on the image above to view more information about this service.

Camden County Fire Rescue Seeking Volunteers

Camden County Fire Rescue is recruiting volunteer firefighters to be a part of the department. The volunteer firefighter program will be used to augment existing peronnel to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

 

Visit the program website for the most current information.

 

Contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (912) 729-3911 for questions about this program.

A Message from the County Administrator
Steve L. Howard, County Administrator
On October 10, 2013 the first Fire Consolidation Exploratory Committee meeting was held with representatives from the City of Kingsland, City of St. Marys and the Board of County Commissioners.  The first meeting was a huge success and a unanimous decision was made to further explore collaboration opportunities.  I applaud the openness and courage of the governing local legislative bodies for seeking out new solutions.    A recent article was published in the Public Management Magazine (September, 2013) Is the current model for public safety service delivery sustainable?  According to Mataraese (2013) "The innovations need to be continued and expanded since every indication is that although the worst of the fiscal challenge is over, managers need to recognize that there will not be a return to the way things were prior to 2007" (p.10).  I look forward to hearing about the future success of the Fire Consolidation Exploratory Committee.  Although communities face extraordinary challenges there also exist extraordinary opportunities, if we choose to act.

 

I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward.

Yours for a better Camden,

Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator

 2013 "Showcase Camden County"
Photo Contest!
Take your Best Shot!  

The "Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest calls for photographers to submit their best photos of Camden County, Georgia to include its activities, people, 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. 

 

The 2013 contest calls for photos to be submitted under one of four categories:

  • Landscapes
  • Nature/Wildlife
  • Transportation
  • Current Events/People 

One winner per category will be awarded. Each winning category participant will receive a $50 Visa gift card. An overall photograph will be chosen among all of the submitted photos of each category. The overall winner will receive an additional $100 Visa gift card. Gift card prizes are not County funded and are generously donated by sponsors.

 

The deadline to submit photos is Friday, November 8, 2013. Detailed information regarding the photo contest & rules can be found by clicking the link below:

 

 "Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest

  
Camden County Launches "New" Free Discount Prescription Savings Program
                             
The new Coast2CoastRx  card will allow all County residents, regardless of income, age, or health status to participate in the program and save on the cost of their medications. 
Important Facts:
  • The card is NOT insurance
  • There is No registration fee
  • One Card can be used for all family members
  • Medicare Part D participants can benefit
  • Cardholders with a High deductible health insurance plan can use until deductible is met 
  • No limits on usage
  • Savings on Lab work, Imaging, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Diabetics and Veterinary Services.  

Residents who have used the card saved 50% on their prescriptions.  YOU CAN TOO!!

 

The Coast2CoastRx card is available for residents at all governmental offices, Camden County Library and County health facilities.  Residents are also able to print a Rx card and view the nearest participating locations at www.coast2coastrx.com

  
The Coast2CoastRx card will provide residents with a valuable tool to help maintain their health and wellbeing at an affordable cost. 
Opportunities to Support United Way
 The United Way is into their campaign season and have several opportunities for you to help with the fundraising.  Please come out and support Camden. 
Saturday, November 9th - Belk Charity Sale A $5.00 ticket fee for the Belk Charity event are located at the United Way office, Your $5 Charity Sale Ticket supports local organizations and schools.  You can make a difference just by shopping.  Present your Charity Sale Ticket and get $5.00 off your first purchase. First 100 people in the store get a Free Belk Card up to $1000 value.
Saturday, November 16th - Ruby Tuesday Give Back Night Bring your family and friends and present your flyer to your server and Ruby Tuesday will give back 20% of your purchase to United Way. 
Saturday, November 23rd - Zumbathon Fiesta Fitness will be hosting the event at Just Dance Studio from 9:00am to 11:00am. Tickets are $10 and will benefit United Way. 
  
 For more information on these events please call 912-729-5362.
Commissioner Jimmy Starline Received Recognition from ACCG Leadership Development Program
Commissioner Jimmy Starline

ACCG, Georgia's county association, and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia recently recognized county officials throughout the state with certificates for completing one of several training programs.

 

Camden County Commissioner Jimmy Starline received a certificate for completing requirements in the Commissioners Training Program. Certificates were awarded at the 2013 Legislative Leadership Conference at the Classic Center in Athens-Clarke County.

 

ACCG and the Vinson Institute have worked in partnership to provide leadership development and training certification programs for county commissioners and county staff for more than two decades. These training programs are voluntary, but encourage lifelong learning and offer educational opportunities that further develop an understanding of county governance and keep county officials updated on current trends and management practices. Over 2,600 county officials have received certification from these programs.

 

"Leadership training is one of the many essential services ACCG provides for Georgia's county officials, and our valued relationship with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government has allowed us to provide comprehensive training for Georgia's local officials for over two decades," said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. "The commissioners who participate in our training programs both recognize and realize the value of continuing education."

 

ACCG has recently transitioned its Commissioners Training Program and Certified Commissioners Advanced Program into the new Lifelong Learning Academy. The Lifelong Learning Academy allows commissioners to receive a specialty certification after they complete core requirements. In addition, they have the opportunity to receive credit toward obtaining their certification by attending continuing education sessions at various ACCG conferences and meetings.

Many organizations have membership levels based on financial contribution. Be sure to include the various benefits of each level and suggest membership upgrades. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.
Commissioners Recognize Heroic Actions that Saved Woman's Life
Camden County Commissioners recognized and acknowledged the heroic actions of Shannon Gibson and Ronnie Moore at the regular meeting on October 22, 2013. 
On the night of Thursday, October 10, 2013, Ronnie Moore and Shannon Gibson performed a selfless act of heroism by saving a woman who was trapped in a burning vehicle.  Mr. Moore spotted a vehicle which left the roadway, struck a tree and caught fire.  Without hesitation, Mr. Moore immediately called for help and sprung into action.  Mr. Moore was able to wave down a passerby, Mr. Shannon Gibson, who deployed a fire extinguisher and the two fought past the flames towards the injured woman.
After freeing the woman from the vehicle Mr. Moore took additional actions to extinguish the flames from the victims clothing.  The uncanny timing, quick thinking and fearless act of bravery from these men saved a woman's life on this remote stretch of roadway in Camden County.
Put Life Back into Your Life & Live Well.  Sign Up for Living Well Coastal Workshop. 
Do you want to learn how to take control of your health and be more independent?
Do you suffer from a long-term health problem such as fatigue, heart disease, cancer, strokes, injuries, breathing problems, kidney disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, arthritis, Parkinson's or more?
Join a FREE Living Well Coastal Workshop and learn better ways of coping and managing your health by:
  • Setting realistic goals
  • Working with others
  • Finding support and solutions
  • Making daily tasks easier
  • Relaxing and managing stress
  • Working in partnership with your doctors

After attending this workshop, you will feel more prepared to:

  • Cope with feelings of sadness
  • Deal with pain and extreme tiredness
  • Eat for better health
  • Talk with family, friends, and health professionals
  • Manage medications
  • Relax and enjoy life!

Who can Take Part?

Caregivers or anyone living with a long term health condition are seldom.  Living Well Coastal is a six-session workshop based on a widely acclaimed program developed by Stanford University's Patient Education and Research Center.  Best of all, it is ABSOLUTELY FREE (a $250 value).  You will also receive a free book, CD, and a certificate of completion.  Feel Free to bring or invite a family member, friend, or caregiver.

 

SEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTER NOW FOR NEXT AVAILABLE WORKSHOP.  CALL TODAY AT (800) 580-6860                

Mark Crews Appointed as Interim Chief of Fire Rescue                              Mark Crews, EMA Director

In October, Chief Dennis Gailey resigned as the Fire Chief to pursue some   personal and professional goals.  The Board of County Commissioners appointed Mark Crews as Interim Fire Chief. Chief Crews began his career in 1982, during his career, Chief Crews, rose through the ranks from Firefighter to     Interim Fire Chief prior to Chief Gailey being appointed as Chief. Chief Crews stated his focus will be preparing for the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Community Evolution and continue to lead the Fire Rescue Department that best serves all the citizens of Camden County.   We are proud to report that Dennis has stayed on with the County and is serving as the Camden County Public Protection and Compliance Officer.

Camden County Fire Rescue receives Two Pierce 3000 Gallon Tankers

The tankers approved by the Board of Commissioners back in March were delivered on October 22nd. 

 

One of the most important elements of fire service is its ability to transport water efficiently in the   absence of a county-wide water system.

 

These tankers are a needed addition to the fleet to meet the demands of the water delivery strategy and will be utilized on a regular basis. 

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. We hope you enjoyed reading the monthly Community Outreach newsletter and found it informative. We encourage and value your feedback and any input you may have to help us improve it in the future.  

 
By working together Camden County can continue to be "Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice."

Meet Your Commissioners

Commissioner Chip Keene, District 1
Chip Keene
District 1
Chuck Clark 2013
Chuck Clark
District 2
Commissioner Jimmy Starline, District 3
Jimmy Starline
District 3
Commissioner Gary Blount, District 4
Gary Blount
District 4
Tony Sheppard 
Tony Sheppard
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