Each week ACCG shares snapshots of counties, highlighting activities from around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.

Note: Local Lens submissions submitted prior to 12:00 p.m. on each Friday will be included in that week's edition. Submissions received after that will be included in the following week’s newsletter.

November 2, 2024

Cherokee County Hosts Inaugural Live Like Laken 5K Race

Cherokee Recreation and Parks raised more than $29,000 for the Laken Hope Foundation through the inaugural Live Like Laken 5K, which drew 731 in-person and virtual participants. Funds raised for the foundation will support organizations that promote women’s safety awareness, provide tuition assistance for nursing students, and improve children’s healthcare.

Photo Credit: TrueSpeed Photo

ACCG Kicks Off First Round of District Meetings

District Meetings have officially begun. This week, four Georgia counties welcomed commissioners, ACCG staff, and legislators from across the state to network and join in discussions about important issues being faced by counties. District meetings will continue throughout the month of November. Make sure to register for future meetings by clicking here.

The District 12 meeting was held in Glynn County at the College of Coastal Georgia.

The District 9 meeting was held in Candler County at the Georgia Grown Innovation Center.

Glynn County Health and Wellness Fair Aids Employees with Health Resources

The Glynn County Human Resources Department hosted its Annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair, themed "Riding the Waves to Wellness" to encourage employees to prioritize their health. The health fair offered various services to support employee health and well-being, including blood pressure screenings, flu shots, mental health resources, and financial guidance on retirement plans. 

Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Family Connection Coordinator Christina Young and Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Parks and Recreation Director Mordie Askew hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to promote awareness and honor breast cancer survivors. The event included a walk from the park to the courthouse, a balloon release in memory of those lost to breast cancer, and an evening filled with food, fun, fellowship, and giveaways.

Cobb PARKS Receives Recognition from GRPA

Cobb PARKS was named 2024 Agency of the Year for the fifth district by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) for the department's contributions, community engagement, events and more. Additionally, Debbie Parrish was named Outstanding Programmer for her contributions to therapeutic recreation services. 

Lowndes County Animal Shelter Awarded Grant for Dog and Cat Sterilization Program

The Lowndes County Animal Shelter received a $3,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. This funding will allow the shelter to offer resources for spaying and neutering pets, directly supporting efforts to reduce pet overpopulation in Lowndes County.

GCIP Intern Assists with UGA Extension Project

Emma Harris, a senior agricultural education student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, interned with the University of Georgia County Extension in Charlton County where she focused on collaborative educational projects with Georgia 4-H. During her internship, she developed programming for students, led seminars, coordinated field trips to agricultural sites, and completed a personalized research project on agricultural education in the county.

Calhoun County E911 Dispatchers Prioritize Professional Development

Calhoun County E911 Dispatchers Natasha Martin and Latoya Miller completed the training course “Answering the Call: Family Violence Response Training”. This comprehensive two-day training program equips professionals with essential knowledge and skills to address family violence calls effectively. 

Government Leaders Connect at the Columbus-Muscogee County Annual Legislative Event

State legislators and city councilors convened at the Columbus-Muscogee County 17th Annual Hometown Connection/Legislative meeting. The primary goal of the event is to discuss the city’s recommended legislative agenda items for the 2025 legislative session. ACCG's Director Governmental Affairs Todd Edwards attended the event.

Nominations Welcome for the 2025 Georgia County Excellence Awards

ACCG and Georgia Trend are once again hosting the Georgia County Excellence Awards. Counties that have taken innovative and cost-effective approaches to solving local issues with local programs and initiatives are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 6, 2024. To apply, click here.

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