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September-October 2019

CCG Insight Newsletter

Columbus Consolidated Government

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Newsletter Staff

Aron Torbert

Sheila Risper

Vickie Hughes

Carmen D. Hood

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Welcome and Congratulations to our Promotions, New Hires and Retirees.

Promotions:

July

^{Valencia Evans- Civic Center}

^{Angelia Jones- Boards and Commissions}

^{Shannel Johnson- Finance}

^{Montoya Reyes- Sheriff's Office}

^{Kennekia Battle- Sheriff's Office}

^{Samantha Decosta- Parks and Recreation}

^{Sabbath Muhammad- Parks and Recreation}

^{Felicia Davis- Municipal Court}

^{Cydney Clark- CPD}

^{Kathryn King- Parks and Recreation}

^{Krista Gross- CPD}

^{Carly Cole- Sheriff's Office}

^{Taylor Dirkse- Parks and Recreation}

^{Alan Malone- CPD}

^{Darrell Peebles- Sheriff's Office}

^{Floyd Trawick- Sheriff's Office}

^{William Scott- Public Works}

^{Steven Lovell- Public Works}

^{Daniel Holland- Fire and EMS}

^{David Watson- Fire and EMS}

^{Benjamin Braddy- CPD}

^{Christopher Connally- CPD}

^{Matthew Fuller- CPD}

^{Alan Sinquefield- CPD}

^{Allex Robinson- Sheriff's Office}

^{Jared Johnson- Parks and Recreation}

^{Jeffery Hudson- Public Works}

August

^{Robert Benedon- Sheriff's Office}

^{Shawn Dial- Sheriff's Office}

^{Jarvis Echols- Public Works}

^{Collin Grant- Transportation}

^{James Hamler- Public Works}

^{Daniel Hamrick- Trade Center}

^{Natasha Harris- Transportation}

^{William Hoover- Sheriff's Office}

^{Bryan Ireland- Sheriff's Office}

^{Robert Ivey- Sheriff's Office}

^{Timothy Martin- Sheriff's Office}

^{John McCarley- MCP}

^{Collin Minard- Parks and Recreation}

^{Donald Newman- Engineering}

^{Chrystal Phillips- Boards and Commissions}

^{Daryll Scott- Parks and Recreation}

^{Jonathan Tate- Public Works}

^{Monreko Walton- Public Works}

^{Abel Wilson- Parks and Recreation}

^{Raymond Zapata- Sheriff's Office}

New Hires:

July

^{DeAundra Adams- JTPA}

^{Zanarah Butts- Parks and Recreation}

^{Zyion Butts- Parks and Recreation}

^{Alysha Donahue- Information Technology}

^{Alorie Feagins- Parks and Recreation}

^{Donald Forsyth- Sheriff's Office}

^{Michael Hayes- Parks and Recreation}

^{Cantrell Holt- Parks and Recreation}

^{Stephen Jones- Sheriff's Office}

^{Charles Mears- Superior Court}

^{Curtis Bone- Public Works}

^{Joseph Raven- Public Works}

^{Derrick Weaver- Public Works}

^{Ja'Marcus Fitzpatrick- Transportation}

^{Jeffery Link- Trade Center}

^{Tavion Pass- Parks and Recreation}

^{Christopher Stewart- Transportation}

^{Dylan Blakely- Public Works}

^{Deaundray Williams- Public Works}

^{Michael Bailey- Trade Center}

^{Caitlyn Brock- Parks and Recreation}

^{John Broom- Information Technology}

^{Antaevyon Burden- Sheriff's Office}

^{Denise Fitzpatrick- Sheriff's Office}

^{Alisha Hackley- Sheriff's Office}

^{Shelly Key- Parks and Recreation}

^{Dennis Lewis- Parks and Recreation}

^{James Arendt- Bull Creek}

^{Raven Clements- Probate Court}

^{Justin Funderburk- Parks and Recreation}

^{Garrett Galczynski- Parks and Recreation}

^{Alfred Hermitt- Transportation}

^{Grace Nagel- Superior Court}

^{Mariel Pomeroy-Trade Center}

^{Jeremy Thompson- Miscellaneous}

^{Kevin Jackson- MCP}

^{Jesse McClain- Public Works}

^{Sybonne Reed- MCP}

^{Edward Spaudling- MCP}

^{Volkan Yilmaz- MCP}

^{Nazaarah Day- Brown- Superior Court}

^{Leonard Forsyth- Sheriff's Office}

^{Arsenio France- CPD}

^{Chauncey Guess- Parks and Recreation}

^{Theresa Highsmith- Parks and Recreation}

^{Debra Jackson- Transportation}

^{Tydashia Lawrence- Parks and Recreation}

^{Kamala Wynn- Parks and Recreation}

^{Tina Granville- Sheriff's Office}

^{Lorenzo Manuel- Parks and Recreation}

^{Ronald Mills- Civic Center}

^{Talitha Ramsey- Brown- Superior Court}

^{Lashaunda Richardson- Superior Court}

^{Dorothy Stringer- Transportation}

^{Karla Graham- Public Works}

^{Yusef Shleibak- MCP}

^{Bianca Smith- Recorder's Court}

^{Tavaris Freeman- Public Works}

^{Kristen Bradford- CPD}

^{Erica Elder- Superior Court}

^{Jerlandria Henry- Public Works}

^{Ellen Boyd- Transportation}

^{Jeffery Blanton- Public Works}

^{Barbara Williams- Public Works}

^{Tanisha Habersham- Superior Court}

August

^{Ralston Jarrett- Parks and Recreation}

^{Antonio Jones- Public Works}

^{Tiffany Biggs- Trade Center}

^{McKayla Hilderbrand- CPD}

^{Amanda Kelley- Municipal Court}

^{Ethan Calvin- MCP}

^{Ebony Hammond- Public Works}

^{Garrett Perez- MCP}

^{Bryce Ransome- MCP}

^{Melvin Shorter- Public Works}

^{Christopher Sims- Public Works}

^{Lindsay West- Public Works}

^{Anthony Wynn- Public Works}

^{Gage Hancock- Sheriff's Office}

^{Jason Laws- CPD}

^{Anthony Masciovecchio- Sheriff's Office}

^{Keith Palumbo- Coroner}

^{Michele Reynolds- Boards and Commissions}

^{Leah Spafford- Superior Court}

^{Christopher Staton- Sheriff's Office}

^{Ty'keria Williams- Sheriff's Office}

^{Hannah Williamson- Sheriff's Office}

^{Kenneth Simmons- Transportation}

^{Phillip Copeland- Public Works}

^{Jaron Phillips- Public Works}

^{Alexandria Brannon- Parks and Recreation}

^{Antron Johnson- CPD}

^{Chase Lawrence- CPD}

^{Shaina Miller- CPD}

^{Bryan Rhodes- Parks and Recreation}

^{Brenda James- Transportation}

^{Terana Crawford- Transportation}

^{Christian Roeder- Parks and Recreation}

^{Detervious Gibson- Parks and Recreation}

^{Joseph Sims- Public Works}

^{Cortney Butts- Transportation}

^{Tyler Cinelli- CPD}

^{Aaliyah Giadoo- Sheriff's Office}

^{Casey Ledbetter- Sheriff's Office}

^{Jake Mangan- CPD}

^{Anthony Montgomery- Finance}

^{Lexa Robles-Colon- Sheriff's Office}

^{Brittany McSwain- Transportation}

^{Joey Brown- Public Works}

^{James Byrd- Public Works}

^{Christopher Reynolds- Public Works}

Retirees:

July

Henry Brooks- Public Works

Norris McKay- Public Works

Arthur Sheldon- CPD

Alvin Woodard- Sheriff's Office

Michael Waites- Public Works

Russell Anderson- Superior Court

John Perez- Parks and Recreation

Joseph Yawn- Sheriff's Office

August

Grover Gunterman-Public Works

Jose Marrero- CPD

Ronald O'Neal- CPD

Anthony Powell- MCP

Stuart Carter- CPD

Charlene Podger- State Court

Andre Belhomme- Transportation

Terry Vaughn- Community Development

September Health Observance

Blood Cancer Awareness Month- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

October Health Observance

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- American Cancer Society

2019

United Way Campaign

Ms. Lisa Goodwin, Assistant City Manager pulled the winning raffle ticket for Job Training Division’s United Way Raffle.

The winner is:

Kim Dennis

Congratulations Kim! We would like to express our appreciation for everyone who participated.

Muscogee County Sheriff's Office

Under the leadership of Sheriff Donna Tompkins the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office has raised $4,140.00 for the United Way with our “Badges and Beards” and “Going Red for Girls Inc”

2019 Supplemental Benefits and Health Fair

Physician Attestation Form

Click Here to view the Columbus Consolidated Government

2020 Benefits Enrollment Guide

Click here to view the

Columbus Consolidated Government 2020 Tobacco Cessation Program Services and Affidavit

Congratulations

Public Works

Rainwater Division

Winner of the Wellness T- Shirt Contest

Employee Spotlight

Allen "Barry" Brown

Public Works

Barry Brown was employed in 2002 as Urban Forestry Tree Trimmer Crew Leader

and was promoted to Urban Forestry Assistant Manager in 2017. He coordinates and oversees the daily operations of the Urban Forestry department. His job can be challenging since it involves working within ordinances while doing his best to meet the citizens’ demands. For example, Tree Ordinances prohibit removal of trees that are not classified in a certain area.

Regardless of his job’s demands, Barry has found the teamwork within the department to always be encouraging. It’s also been encouraging to be honored as recipient of the 2nd Quarter Individual Excellence Award. To him, this is confirmation that his attitude and work performance have been recognized as valuable.

Barry has been married to Jennifer for 30 years. They are the parents of three daughters, have three grandchildren, and are excited to have two more grandchildren on the way. He was born in Columbus and all of his immediate family resides in the Columbus area. He is grateful that the teamwork which exists on his job also exists in his community.

As a Christian, his philosophy is “Put God first and let the kingdom walk with you.” In the workplace, he stresses “Always put forth the best you can do while doing it. ”

Veterans:

You May Be Eligible for On the Job Training Benefits

The Georgia State Approving Agency for the GI Bill wishes to spread the word about an On-the-Job Training benefit program. It seems that most people, including veterans, are not aware of this benefit. Recently hired (up to 36 months ago) Columbus Consolidated Government employees who are veterans may be eligible for GI Bill benefits. Veterans must have left the service with an honorable discharge no more than 10 years ago.

Members of the Reserve Components may also be eligible. More information may be obtained by calling the Georgia Department of Veterans Services at 404-656-2306/2322 or e-mail saasmb@vs.state.ga.us Additional information is available at the following website: www.sdvs.georgia.gov – then select “State Approving Agency,” Or contact Human Resources, 706-653-4059.

Fall Observances

Monday, October 14th, 2019- Columbus Day

Thursday, October 31st, 2019- Halloween

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019- Daylight Savings Ends

( Set your clocks back 1 hour)

Columbus Day Facts

It c ommemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492.

Columbus Day first became a federal holiday in 1937 after the Knights of Columbus pressured President Franklin D. Roosevelt into recognizing it.

However, many cities and states have been celebrating the day much longer than this.

The first Columbus Day celebration took place in New York in 1792.

Christopher Columbus was attempting to map a trade route to China, India and other parts of Asia, but landed in the Bahamas.

After leaving the Bahamas, he sighted Cuba and believed it to be China.

It wasn’t until his third journey across the Atlantic Ocean that he realized he wasn’t visiting Asia, but the New World.

The holiday has grown to be one that celebrates Italian heritage, with many people fixing Italian foods to celebrate.

Some Native Americans also use Columbus Day as a time to teach lessons about their ancestors.

Choose Safe Props- If a prop is part of your child's costume, be sure it won't be mistaken for the real thing. Props such as guns, knives or swords can be mistaken for real weapons. If one of these props must be used, it should not look authentic. Choose one that definitely.

Don't Go Alone- Children, regardless of their ages, should not go trick or treating alone.

Stay in populated and lighted areas.
Never go into a house of someone they do not know.
Never get into a stranger's car.
Don't cut through alleys, fields, or parks.

Halloween Safety Tips

Look for Flame-Retardant Costumes- It is important that parents understand that when a costume is exposed to an open flame such as those in a Jack-O-Lantern or decoration it is possible that the costume could catch on fire.

Make Sure Children Can See Clearly- Although masks can really up the scary factor in any costume, there's a hidden danger that would frighten even the toughest superhero or fiercest werewolf: some masks can dangerously interfere with kids' ability to see clearly. If your child wants to wear a mask, the eye holes should not limit or block the child's vision in any way and it should allow good peripheral vision.

Keep Costumes Short- Keeping costumes short will help prevent trip hazards as trick or treaters are running up steps and across streets.

Go for a hike

Go for a hayride

Collect colorful fall leaves

Rent a cabin in the mountains

Tailgate at your local football game

Plant bulbs in your garden for next spring

Run a race

Take a drive in the country

Fun Fall Checklist

Go apple picking

Go leaf-peeping

Get lost in a corn maze

Take a hot-air balloon ride

Play a game of two-hand touch football

Fall Fitness

Worst Fall Health Habits

Overeating- Obesity puts you at risk for heart disease. During the fall many Americans tend to eat larger portions. Eating theses over-sized portions that may include high-calorie carbohydrates will only make you gain more weight.
Becoming a Couch Potato-sitting for over 8 hours a day at work can turn into a habit of sitting more than 6 hours at home. In fact sitting increases your risk of weight gain, heart attack and stroke. Get up and moving around for a least 30 minutes per day will increase positive blood flow to your heart.
Avoiding Fruits and Vegetables- As it grows cooler, it may be harder to obtain certain fruits and vegetables. Try loading up on these instead of refined sugar filled canned products. The fresher the healthier you will be.
Hibernating Inside- Using the elements as an excuse to stay inside will have you in terrible shape for the Winter. We all need sunshine, which provides you with Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to balance your mood and combat depression. Plus getting some fresh air will reduce your stress levels as well.
Withdrawing from Social Activities- Some days, we all just want to go home from work and bury our heads. Avoiding the Fall blah's means getting out with your friends and family a few times per month. This will boost you mood and social connections.
Avoid your favorite Comfort Foods- We naturally put on a few pounds during the Fall and Winter time. That should not be an excuse to stuff yourself with fatty comfort foods and gain a bunch of Winter weight. Break the empty Carb cravings and try sticking to complex carbs. Brown rice and whole grain breads and cereals are the best ways to stick to your meal plan.

Fall Recipes

Roast Chicken with Mushroom Jus

Ingredients

Chicken

½ teaspoon ground sage

½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

4 – 6 chicken drumsticks and/or bone-in chicken thighs

Mushroom Jus

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

½ ounce dried porcini or other dried mushrooms

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

¾ cup quartered cremini mushrooms

¼ – 6 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

Pinch crushed red pepper

Pinch dried thyme

¼ cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon butter, chilled

1 lemon, zested

1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley

Directions

Step 1- For chicken: Preheat oven to 425°. In a small bowl, combine sage, thyme, crushed red pepper and the salt. Sprinkle over both sides of chicken pieces and rub in with fingers. Place chicken, skin sides up, on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes. Remove chicken from pan; pour off and reserve pan juices. Return chicken to pan. Bake until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest parts (not touching bones) registers at least 175° and juices run clear, about 10 minutes. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2- Meanwhile, for mushroom jus: In a small saucepan, bring broth to boiling. Add porcini mushrooms. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving broth. Rinse porcini mushrooms, drain them well, then chop and set aside.

Step 3 - In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cremini mushrooms and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, crushed red pepper and thyme. Cook 1 minute more. Remove pan from heat. Carefully add wine; return to heat and increase to medium-high. Cook and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of pan, until wine has nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Step 4 -Add reserved mushroom broth, juices from the baking pan and chopped porcini mushrooms. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in vinegar and butter. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 5 -Serve chicken with mushroom jus, garnished with parsley.

Southwest Corn Pudding

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (3 ears), or thawed frozen whole kernel corn

½ cup chopped red sweet pepper

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ cup cornmeal

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 14.5 ounce can cream-style corn

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 4 ounce can diced green chiles, undrained

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1 tablespoon butter

^Directions

Step 1- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy oven-going skillet over medium-high heat. When butter is melted and begins to bubble, add onion. Cook for 5 minutes or until onion is soft and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally. Add corn kernels, sweet pepper and cumin. Cook and stir for 3 minutes more. Remove skillet from heat to cool slightly.

Step 2- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add cream-style corn, eggs, undrained chiles and cheese; stir just until combined.

Step 3- Fold onion mixture into cornmeal mixture. Return skillet to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. When butter is melted, tilt skillet to coat bottom with butter. Pour batter into skillet.

Step 4 - Transfer skillet to a 350°F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Ingredients

1 cup of heavy cream

2 cups of milk – I used skim milk

1 cup of good quality white chocolate chips, Ghirardelli recommended

1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice

Whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice to sprinkle on top.

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Directions

1. Heat cream and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling.

2. In a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and milk over white chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted.

3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice.

4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice