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Welcome and Congrats to Our New Hires, Promotions, & Retirees
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November/ December 2018
Chief Administrator
Porsche A. Brooks
Keaundre D. Ware
Human Resources
Alina Chalkley
Community Developnent
Devin D. Lang
Public Works
Jontay A. Reynolds
Christopher A. Dickerson
Richard F. Owens
Demetrice K. Hudson
Jesse L. Carpenter
Robert A. Jackson
John E. Jenkins
Marquez T. Davis
Miguel A. Massenburge
Reginald E. McCants
Christopher L. Brown
Clarissa K. Dennard
Martell T. France
Jaylen D. Culver
William K. Scott
Anthony N. Furlow
Parks and Recreation
Ashley D. Johnson
Mark A. Williams
Rafael J. Hogan
Kent T. Tarver
Police Department
Marissa N. Ingram
Karen A. Pinner
Ashlyn T. Buckmire
Zachery R. Waldie
Brittany A. Mott
Charee A. Warthen
Leandra Goodson
Jason A. Goessi
Dennis J. Grover
Issac R. Sanchez
Gerald L. Klug
Olin M. Powell
Raul Castell
Fire and EMS
Skyler R. Baldwin
MCP
Anthony L. Ward
Tyanna l. Bell
Jeremy T. Potts
David J. Gonzales
Shemar M. Whitaker
Shayvon V. Chambliss
Alonta A. Moore
Dwight J. Walton
Samantha R. Lee
Damond R. Wyatt
Superior Court
Kristian B. Mounts
Starla D. Glenn
Probate Court
Marina C. Farrugia
Sheriff's Department
Bradford J. Brundage
Brandon J. Thomas
Danyell Ingersoll
Amber M., Coldiron
Julie M. Johnson
Abena Mooney
Kwame D. Holt
Ashley M. Mills
Autumn B. Powell
Miscellaneous
Aadil B. Muwakkil
Transportation
Moses Ragland
Llias Khidr
Shayla Y. Hyman
Eric E. Wofford
Taneichia Jackson
Michael D. Swanson
Trade Center
Lisa L. Milam
JTPA
Nathan Chambliss
Curlexis Green
Jayla Thomas
Daejah Vicente
Tierra N. Shelton
Braylon Culpepper
Justin L. Feagins
Kadarious M. Griggs
Malik J. Harvey
Promotions
Human Resources-
Anne-Marie Amiel
Public Works
Timothy D. Holloway- CRW Leader Stormwater
Jack Owens- Equipment OperatorIII
Austin D. Linander- Equipment Operator III
Boris Q. Hamler- Equipment II
Orbe D. Smith- Equipment Operator III
Shannon D. Brown- Tree Trimmer Crew Leader II
Connethian L. Miles-
Fleet Maintenance Tech II
Marcus J. Heard-EO II
Tommy L. Beauchamp- Assistant Wate Disposal Manager
Paige E. Shields-Animal Control Officer I
Rodney K. Green-Equipment Operator III
Francis F. Regulus- Public Services Crew Leader
Marco R. Miller- Landfill Operator
Todd J. Henderson- Landfill Operator
Jeffery D. Geter
Maintenance Worker II
Matthew R. Dolan-
Waste Disp Division Manager
Parks and Recreation
Carolyn M. Evans- Administrative Secretary
Quenton P. Brantley-Aquatic Center Division Manager
Tax Assessors's Office
Leilani Floyd- Administrative Assistant
Police Department
Arthur J. Cook- Police Officer
Fire and EMS
Timothy A. Smith- Deputy Fire Chief
MCP
Micheal T. Nelson-
Corrections Technician
Phillip D. Tipton-SR Corr Officer
Michael A. Gilbert- Correctional Officer
Michael J. Underwood- Correctional Officer
Sheriff's Department
Stacey L. Horan- Deputy Sheriff
David Williamson-Investagator ID
Cibert L. Diggs- Sheriff
Aaron D. Franks-Deputy Sheriff
Aliyah B. Miller- Deputy Sheriff
Artavious S. Moore-Sheriff
Jayson M. Martin- Deputy Sheriff Tech AD
Kimberly M. McClain- Field Training Officer
Ryan C. Killingsworth- Deputy Sheriff
Kayla A. Colon- Deputy Sheriff
Tabitha J. Blunt-Deputy Sheriff
Kiarra R. Maffett- Sheriff
Lora J. Dueser- Deputy Sheriff MD
Micellaneous
Amber L. Clark- Airport Director
Trade Center
William M. Lewis- Events Attendent I
Jonleal L. Farley- Events Attendent I
Retirees
Public Works
Andrew R. Lee- Equipment Operation I
Leonard Williams- Equipment Operator II
Stanley Thomas- Corr Detail Officer Parks
Police
Alton Brundage-Command SGT BD
Fire & EMS
Rodney D. Fuller- Fire Captain
Thomas W. Streeter- Deputy Fire Chief
Gary W. Elkins- Fire/ EMT/ Lost
Sheriff
Richard Hammock- Deputy Sheriff Technician
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Newsletter Staff
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Aron Torbert
Sheila Risper
Donnie Kent
Cindy Ware
Vickie Hughes
Carmen D. Hood
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Suggestion Box
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Do You Have An Idea That Will Improve Our City Government?
Send your suggestions here
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Employee Spotlight
Sheriff Andrew Einsel |
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Deputy Andrew Einsel has the honor of being Muscogee County's 2018 Deputy of the Year. His professionalism and concern for his duties provides him with positive energy for helping the community.
By Vickie Hughes
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Jessica Messer - Senior Engineering Technician
Engineering Department - GIS Division
Jessica has recieved the category of
"Best Professional Map" at the GAURISA Geospatial Conference .
Read more on Jessica's achievements in the featured article
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Daylight Savings Time!!!!
Please remember to set your clocks back one hour.
Veterans Day is November 11th, 2018.
Thanksgiving is November 22nd, 2018.
Hanukkah begins on December 3rd- December 10th.
Christmas Eve is Monday, December 24th, 2018 .
Christmas Day is Tuesday, December 25th, 2018.
New Years Eve is Monday, December 31st, 2018.
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Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States
The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving.
The pilgrims arrived in North America in December 1620
They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621
They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth, Massachusetts
The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land
The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621 and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians also to the feast.
The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days
Abraham Lincoln issued a '
Thanksgiving Proclamation
' on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held
President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state.
Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onwards Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
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Ingredients
1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, juiced
1 orange, sectioned
3/4 cup cranberry-grape juice frozen concentrate, thawed
Tiny pinch of ground cinnamon
3 cups seltzer water (or half seltzer and half white wine)
In a medium pitcher, make the sangria mixer by adding the apple slices and lemon juice to the pitcher and stir. Add in the orange juice, orange sections, the cranberry-grape frozen concentrate and the cinnamon. Let the mixture sit for an hour (up to 12 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the seltzer to the pitcher. Serve in glasses filled with ice.
By: Aron Torbert
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SWEET POTATO ROUNDS WITH HERBED RICOTTA AND WALNUTS
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large sweet potato sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- Ground cinnamon
Herbed Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Topping:
- 1 cup walnuts, roasted & chopped
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- Honey
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add all ingredients for the herbed ricotta to a small bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Preheat oven to 400°. Add sweet potato slices to large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle cinnamon on both sides. Arrange on large baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the rounds, then bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, or until rounds are cooked through and crispy on the edges.
3. Spread walnuts on baking sheet. 10 minutes before the rounds are finished baking, place walnuts in the oven to roast.
4. Remove sweet potato rounds and walnuts from the oven. Place walnuts on cutting board and chop coarsely.
5. Increase oven temp to high broil setting, move oven rack to middle. Place a dollop of herbed ricotta on each round and place in oven for 2 minutes, just until ricotta is melty and warm.
6. Add chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, then drizzle with honey and serve.
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On the Job Winter Safety
If you or your employees work in a field and location where winter weather presents some safety concerns, you may wish to take some precautions.
Winter presents safety hazards in possible frostbite, wind-chapped skin, and hypothermia, and winter weather can often be severe enough to cause amputation or death.
The following are some free tips to offer your employees if they are working in severe winter elements:
Dress warm enough to withstand the lowest forecasted temperature or wind chill temperature. Dress in layers you can remove if you begin to sweat, because sweating will increase your chance of hypothermia. Cover all of your exposed skin in sub-zero weather, including your face, your hands, your neck, and your eyes (wearing goggles can protect the skin around your eyes). Wear long underwear rated for cold weather. The best winter weather underwear will be made of polypropylene to keep water away from the skin. Wear mittens instead of gloves, if possible, because when your fingers touch one another, they will maintain more warmth. Do not take your mittens or gloves off for extended periods of time, and never take them off in extreme sub-zero temperatures. Your fingers and toes are subject to frostbite the quickest because they are farthest from your core and have the smallest surface area. Wear proper socks and boots. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry, while multiple layers of socks and spare socks offer you the opportunity to remove or add layers. Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas to warm up. Drink warm, sweet beverages that do not contain caffeine or alcohol. Eat hot, high-calorie foods to encourage your body to burn the foods and keep you warm. Work during the warmest part of the day, and work in pairs or groups Do not overwork yourself or work to exhaustion, because you may expend all of the energy needed to keep your muscles warm.
By: Aron Torbert
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Workplace Holiday Safety Fire Safety Considerations for Holiday Decor
Be mindful of potential fire hazards when selecting holiday decorations and determining where to place them. Make wise choices about the types of holiday lights you use. Do not use any type of decoration in your office that has an open flame. If your Christmas tree is metallic, do not place any types of lights on it at all.
It's also important to make sure that you use holiday lights properly. Never place staples or nails through strings of lights, power cords, or extension cords. Do not connect too many strands of lights together. If you decorate the outside of your office, verify that any lights you use are rated for exterior use
OSHA Compliance and Holiday Decorations
Keep all relevant
OSHA regulations
in mind when deciding how to decorate your workplace for the holiday. Without proper planning, holiday decorations can result in dangerous tripping hazards. Think carefully before using extension cords to connect lights or to illuminate other types of decorations. Avoid placing Christmas trees, gifts, or freestanding decorations in heavily trafficked areas where people might run into them or trip over them.
Holiday Celebration Safety Considerations
If you'll be holding an office holiday party where alcohol will be served it's essential to make transportation arrangements for guests who should not
drive
. This is true whether the party is held at your place of business, in someone's home, at a restaurant, or at any other location. This is essential to keep coworkers and other guests protected from drinking and driving, and to mitigate potential legal liability to the employer.
Keep Your Workplace Safe During the Holidays
By following a few simple safety tips, it's easy to enjoy festive holiday decorations and events at work without having to deal with injuries or damage to property. When preparing to enjoy the holiday season at work, simply incorporate proper workplace holiday safety precautions into the planning process. You'll be on your way to a holiday season that will be remembered as one that is both enjoyable and safe
By: Aron Torbert
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5 Ways to Relax and Recharge During the Holidays
Start with solitude.
This is especially important for introverts. If you don't prepare yourself mentally each morning for the socializing and stimulation, you'll be running on empty for the holiday season. How you start your day will set the trajectory for the rest of the day. Adopt a morning ritual to clear your mind and mentally prepare yourself
Breathe, reframe, redirect.
Interacting with family and friends you haven't seen in a while can be a recipe for disaster. Make the decision to be responsive rather than reactive. People get angry and offended when comments or opinions become overly internalized. But it's not always about you. A simple technique is to externalize frustrations -- take a breath, then reframe anything negative as an issue that has to do with the other person rather than you. This isn't license to shift blame when you're at fault, but it's good to remember that you're not always the problem.
Intentional gratitude.
Make the holidays a time to strengthen relationships. Giving someone a hug and telling them why you're grateful for them causes your brain to release the "love" hormone, oxytocin. It's also a good time to reconnect with old friends and mentors. Take some time to send appreciative emails and handwritten cards.
Get outside.
If eather permits, getting outdoors in nature has many health benefits, including lowering your stress levels and blood pressure. It can even help you become more creative. After all the eating, get some fresh air and go for a walk rather than lounge on the couch.
End with reflecting.
Another brain chemical, serotonin, is released whenever you reflect on meaningful events and achievements from the past. Take time at the end of the day to think through people and personal accomplishments that you're grateful for. Revisit the "why" behind your work -- the people who inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals. Visualizing these events will fuel and energize you to get back to work after the holiday season.
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Holiday Fun Facts
Holidays are soon approaching and we all enjoy them.
Here are a few conversation starters for your holiday socials:
-Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made out of goose feathers & dyed green
-Rudolph was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930s for a holiday promotion. The rest is history
-Jingle Bells was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs
-If you received all of the gifts in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, you would have received 364 gifts
-Holly berries are poisonous
-Eggnog first became popular in England where it was considered a drink for the upper class
-Oregon produces the most real Christmas trees in the United States
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season with your family and friends.
By: Carmen D. Hood
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Holiday Blues?
How Could You Be S.A.D.?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that usually occurs during the fall and winter months. However, some individuals suffer during the summer months as well.
Some of the symptoms are:
Reduced energy
Loss of concentration and interest in activities
Trouble in sleeping
Weight loss or weight gain
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling depressed and worthless on most of the days or nearly everyday
Increased desire to be alone
These symptoms vary according to season.
Most symptoms pertain to being closed in during the winter months. Find things that can be done inside, such as, holiday socials, board game, family activities, etc. This will help ease most of the symptoms and help you feel a lot better.
Please keep in mind that this is a REAL condition and to seek medical assistance if you are in a depressed or suicidal state of mind. There always someone that can help you. You are never alone.
Carmen D. Hood
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6 Popular Holiday Destinations in Georgia
1. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
Chateau Elan, in Braselton, Georgia has many events for adults during the holidays. Bring in the new year with a black tie event featuring a full course dinner and cocktails or stay on site and take advantage of the golf course or spa.
2. Lake Lanier Islands
Lake Lanier Island Resort, located in Buford, Georgia is one of the most popular places to see Christmas lights. If camping is your speed, they have tent and camper lots. Their resort features golf courses, spas, nice restaurants and a winter theme park they call Lanierworld Winter Adventure. With rides, slides and snow play zones, Lanierworld is a popular Georgia destination for the holidays.
3. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park, just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta is a Georgia tradition for the holidays. With snow play zones, inner tube slides and a village complete with gift shops, Stone Mountain park is a very family-friendly holiday destination in Georgia. For the adults, it offers golf and spa packages.
4. Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is located on coastal Georgia south of Savannah. Beautiful rocky beaches and majestic spanish moss doesn't take away from the holiday spirit. They call it "Holly Jolly Jekyll." and offer artificial snow, ice skating and decorated house tours. Stay in one of the great resorts or campsites on this beautiful island.
5. St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island makes up part of the Golden Isles of southeast Georgia. If you're looking for a quiet escape from hectic holiday activities, you may want to book a stay in one of the resorts on St. Simons Island. Go ice skating, take a trolley light tour and check out the historic lighthouse for a peaceful vacation
6. Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia has long delighted visitors with its attractions in Georgia. The festival of lights is perhaps its most famous event as one of the world's "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights," according to National Geographic Traveler. During your stay, let the kids enjoy the rides, go see a show or take a stroll in the Christmas village
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10 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Holiday Theft
Theft overall tends to rise in the months of November and December. The best thing to do is to make sure you secure everything that you can. Lock up cars, trucks, and homes.
Leave The Lights On
Thieves usually don't approach homes that appear to be occupied. Leave on outside lights at night when you leave home during the day. Also, leave some lights on inside to give the apperance that someone is home.
Package Delivery
More and more people are purchasing gifts online and having them shipped to their homes. With this trend, more and more people are having packages stolen off of the porches. If you are expecting packages, request a signature confirmation or have a trusted neighbor recieve your packages for you.
Cooking Hazards
A fried turkey is delicious . A fried home due to a deep fryer accident isn't. Make sure that you read the instructions on how to prepare your turkey safely. Make sure to use the deep fryer outside your home!!!
Decoration Hazards
Christmas Tree fires can be devastating. If you have a live tree, make sure that you water your tree everyday. Also, make sure to check you lights for breaks and exposed wires.
Creative Disposal
Dispose of your presents boxes creatively. Placing an 60' in television box outside on trash day is asking for trouble. Try to break down your boxes and other bulky packaging as to not give away the wonderful gifts that your family has recieved.
Social Media
In today's interconnected age, it is very important to be very careful what you share on social media. Be very careful what you post and if you do decide to share your gifts, please make sure that a locayion is not tagged to the post.
Traveling
If you are going to vist family or friends on a holiday vacation, wait until after your trip to post about it. Have a good friend or neighbor to check on your home throughout the duration of your trip. They can ensure that your home remains safe and also give you a report on any mishaps.
Who's at the Door?
Criminals can try to scope out your home posing as an delivery person or someone looking for charitable donations. Be cautious when talking to poeple that you are unfamiliar with and do not let them into your home.
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Jessica Messer
Senior Engineering Technician
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CCG Employee Recognition Program (ERP)
CCG Employee Recognition Program recognizes employees who make consistent contributions to the CCG through outstanding job performance via two categories: PEER Award & Individual Excellence Award
PEER Award (Promoting Employee Excellence through Recognition)
- Employees are nominated by their peers and winners are selected by past recipients of this award
Individual Excellence Award
- Nominations must originate from a person in a supervisory relationship to the nominee and have approval of their department head
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John A. Sasso National Community Development Award
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Answer all of the Nutritional Quiz Questions for your chance to win a $7 Subway Gift Card
Please submit your answers to Torbert.Aron@Columbusga.org
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