OCTOBER 2014
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Citizen Response Center
770-730-5600Answering calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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Welcome to the October 2014 edition of the Sandy Springs E-Newsletter, a publication that highlights news and events happening within the City. More information from City Hall can be found online at sandyspringsga.gov. You can also telephone our Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 770-730-5600.
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CITY HIRES A NEW FIRE CHIEF -
Keith Sanders joins Sandy Springs from the City of Alpharetta
Following an extensive selection process, the city of Sandy Springs has hired Keith Sanders as the city's new Fire Chief. Sanders will take over from Fire Chief Jack McElfish, who retires at the end of October.
Sanders joins Sandy Springs with more than 35 years experience in fire service and public safety. He was previously with the City of Alpharetta, where he served as Fire Chief and most recently as Deputy Director of Public Safety. Under the public safety role, Sanders oversaw operations for the fire department, as well as police and 911 operations. In addition to fire service, Sanders is a sworn police officer and recently graduated the FBI National Academy, an invitation-only program.
"Keith is highly respected within the industry, bringing to Sandy Springs a well-versed background in fire rescue and public safety. His operational experience in managing an entire public safety delivery system will enhance our department's efforts as a leader in fire rescue and public safety initiatives," said Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough.
"Sandy Springs Fire Rescue is recognized nationally as one of the best. The department is staffed with experienced personnel who are committed to providing superior medical and fire services to the community. I look forward to meeting each member of the organization and serving the city as its fire chief," added Sanders.
Sanders was selected from a field of candidates through a national search for the position. He holds a B.S. from Toccoa Falls College and an M.P.A. from Columbus State University.
Sanders will be introduced to the City Council at their regular meeting on Oct. 7, 2014 and is expected to begin work on Oct. 20, 2014.
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WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES - THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S FIRE PREVENTION SAFETY WEEK
 Almost three of five (60%) of reported home fire deaths from 2007 to 2011 resulted from fires in homes with either no smoke alarm present or a smoke alarm that didn't work. In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, Sandy Springs Fire Rescue offers the following advice: - Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
- An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms - a combination ionization and photoelectric alarms are recommended.
- Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Change the batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings on Sunday November 2, 2014.
Find more safety facts and tips at www.nfpa.org |
Don't forget to register to vote or update your information if needed!
Those wanting to vote in the November 4 general election must register by October 6.
Residents can register to vote:
- Online (citizens must have a valid Georgia driver's license for online registration),
- At City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg 500
- At the Georgia Department of Driver Services,
- At any Atlanta-Fulton County Library branch
- At one of the three registration and elections offices or by mail
- New this year, an app for Android and iPhones (search for "GA Votes" in the app store).
Register online at www.fultonelections.com.
Information: (404) 730-7072
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24 HOURS OF BOOTY - ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BICYCLE EVENT RETURNS - PLEASE BE AWARE OF ROAD CLOSURES
 24 Hours of Booty is a 24-hour cycling event that raises funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. This year's event, scheduled for Saturday October 4 and Sunday October 5, will raise money for the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Participants ride in teams or solo, three miles or 300 miles. Hosted by the Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, the course is situated on a 2.6 mile loop, and will require round-the-clock road closure. Impacted streets include sections of: Mount Vernon Highway, Glenridge Drive, Johnson Ferry Road, Hunting Creek Lane, Carriage Drive, Cherry Tree Lane, Vernon Woods Drive, and Bridges Creek Trail. Please click here to race route map.
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SAVE THE DATE:
FIFTH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE
 The community is invited to the City of Sandy Springs 5th Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. at the Concourse Corporate Center. Mayor Rusty Paul will emcee the event that will feature a keynote address given by Jack Solomon.
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WELCOME TO SANDY SPRINGS!
 Last month, Mayor Rusty Paul "cut the ribbon" to welcome Modern Emergent Care to the Sandy Springs business community. Located at 5505 Roswell Road, the 5,000 square foot Modern Emergent Care functions similarly to a stand alone emergency room, equipped to handle a wide scope of emergent conditions. Care is available 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday and from 1-9 p.m. on Sundays. for more information, visit: modernemergentcare.com
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SANDY SPRINGS EDUCATION FORCE
WINS STEM AWARD
Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) and program partner Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have won the 2014 Georgia STEM Award for Extracurricular STEM Program. This competitive award was presented by TAG, the Technology Association of Georgia. With over 200 entries, SSEF is pleased to have been chosen for their 2014 STEM Event and Outreach Program in Energy that reached over 3,000 students and community members.
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SANDY SPRINGS READS 2014
 At the September 16, 2014 City Council meeting Mayor Paul prroclaimed the day, Sandy Springs Reads Day." He is photographed with Sandy Springs Library Children's Librarian Leah Germon, Art Sandy Springs Executive Director Terry Tomasello and Christine Heller, chairwoman of Sandy Springs Reads. To commemorate Sandy Springs Reads 2014, there will be a a series of events this month including children's story times, a book cover contest, book discussions, a film screening and family walks. For a complete listing of the events, please visit their page on their Art Sandy Springs website: |
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CITY CELEBRATES WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY WITH LOCAL STUDENTS
Students from Springmont Montessori School joined City of Sandy Springs staff for an exciting day of stream monitoring at Heritage Green Park in Sandy Springs. This is the fifth year the City and Springmont have participated in World Water Monitoring Day where students around the world test local water for four parameters: Turbidity, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen and pH. City staff taught the elementary and middle school students ways to evaluate the health of a stream by both biological and analytical means. The World Water Monitoring Challenge is designed as an education and awareness-raising activity to connect communities to their water resources.
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MAYOR PAUL PARTICIPATES IN RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GROUND BREAKING
 To better meet the demand for its services, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) broke ground on a new facility on September 30, 2014. The ground breaking coincides with the launch of a public campaign to raise funds for a new Ronald McDonald House to replace the current House located on Peachtree Dunwoody Road near Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.
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SANDY SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT-
OCTOBER SAFETY CLASSES
The Sandy Springs Police Department sponsors monthly safety classes at no cost. Here's the schedule for October 2014:
- Firearms Safety Class - Wednesday, October 15, from 6-9 p.m. at Sandy Springs Gun Range - For more information, contact Sergeant Ron Momon, Sandy Springs Police Crime Prevention Unit at 770-551-6947 or [email protected]
- Teen Safe Driving Class - Wednesday, October 22, 6-8:15 p.m. at Sandy Springs Police Headquarters. For more information contact Sergeant Dan Nable at 770-551-3311 or [email protected]
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INTERSTATE 285 TOP END PERIMETER
VARIABLE SPEED LIMITS EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2014
 If you're driving the top end of the perimeter, you'll want to pay close attention to the speed limit signs. This month, variable speed limits along the Top End of Interstate 285, the area north of its interchanges with Interstate 20, will go into effect; and the speed limit will increase to 65 miles per hour.
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HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Visit the weekly Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings through November and check out The Civil War in Sandy Springs" on view through April 1, 2015
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SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER
 The CAC Food Pantry shelves are nearly empty and food donations are greatly needed. Please donate non-perishable foods or make a financial contribution online where your dollar goes further when CAC buys in bulk. Most needed items include canned vegetables, canned meats, tomato sauce, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, rice and soup. The CAC Food Pantry receives about 1,200 visits a month from families and individuals in need. Get a complete list of needed items online or donate at www.ourcac.org. 
Tickets are now available for the Vintage Affair, CAC's largest annual benefit, on Saturday, October 18 at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church. Enjoy a night of food, wine and auction fun to raise funds to Uplift Our Community and help prevent homelessness and hunger. Sample the best local restaurants, taste fine wines from around the U.S. and take part in exciting live and silent auctions with unique items and getaways! Tickets are $110 per person/ $200 per couple and are available at www.vintageaffair.org. |
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HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM
THE RED CROSS
 Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and traffic accidents. The American Red Cross offers these following tips to make your Halloween a safe one: - Look for flame-resistant costumes.
- Plan the Trick-or-Treat route and make sure adults know where children are going.
- Make sure the Trick-or-Treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
- Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door - never go inside.
- Instead of masks which can cover the eyes, use face paint instead.
- Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don't cut across yards or use alleys. Don't cross between parked cars.
- Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters, keep the light on, restrain any household pets and use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard |
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