Neighborhood Happenings

 

 

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Fulton County Health Director Elected to AMA Board of Trustees

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Patrice A Harris, MD, Director of Fulton County Health Services has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association (AMA). 

 “My vision for our AMA is physicians working together for a healthier future, a healthier practice environment, a healthier population and a healthier collaboration within the federation of medicine,” said Dr. Harris.  “I look forward to serving the AMA as a member of the board of trustees.”

Dr. Harris joined Fulton County in 2005 as Medical Director of the Department of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases before accepting the role of Director of Health Services.  As Director of Health Services, she is responsible for the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

A licensed psychiatrist, she has been active in organized medicine for her entire career.  Dr. Harris served as a member of the AMA Women Physicians Congress and was chair of the AMA Council on Legislation.  She has served on the board and as president of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association and on the Medical Association of Georgia’s Council on Legislation and Committee on Constitution and By-laws.  Additionally, she is the founding president of the Georgia Psychiatry political action committee.

Dr. Harris received her medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed a psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.

We congratulate Dr. Harris on her appointment to the AMA Board of Trustees, stated Fulton County Manager Zachary L. Williams. We know that she will serve in this capacity with the same level of dedication and commitment that she exhibits serving the citizens of Fulton County.”

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Fulton County Safe Kids Offers Child Safety Seat Workshops

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Georgia Booster Seat Law goes into effect July 1

The new Georgia Booster Seat Law goes into effect July 1, 2011.  Unfortunately, nearly three-out-of-four child safety seats are not used properly putting young children at unnecessary risk of being injured or killed.  The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness’ Division of Safe Kids offers monthly child-passenger safety seat workshops for parents and caregivers to educate them about safely transporting children.

Fulton County Safe Kids certified child-passenger safety technicians educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation of car seats and Booster seats. Workshops are free and attendance is encouraged. Upcoming workshops: 

Date/Time:      July 7, 2011 - 11:00am – 1:30 pm - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Location:         Emory Medical Building, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. Atlanta 30303 –

Date/Time:      July 19, 2011 – 9:30 am

Location:         College Park Health Center, 1920 John E. Wesley Avenue, College Park 30337

Date/Time:      August 17, 2011 – 9:30am

Location:         North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs 30350

Date/Time:      August 25, 2011 – 9:30am

Location:         Center Hill Health Center, 3201 Atlanta Industrial Pkwy., Atlanta 30318

The Georgia Booster Seat Law requires children in Georgia to ride in car seats or Booster seats until 8 years old. Kids will be exempt from riding in the Boosters if they weigh at least 40 pounds or are 4 feet 9 inches tall or taller.  A child under 8 years old weighing at least 40 pounds is not exempt from the law; parents may use a lap belt only instead of a booster seat if the vehicle is not equipped with lap belt and shoulder belt or if all seating positions with lap and shoulder belts are being used to restrain other children.

The Georgia Office of Highway Safety wants to remind all parents of the following four (4) Steps for Kids guidelines for determining which restraint system is best suited to protect children based on age and size:

4 Steps for Kids

·         For the best possible protection, keep infants in the back seat in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat.  At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds;

·         When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds);

·         Once children outgrow their forward facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly.  Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall);

·         When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest). 

All children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat. The facts cannot be ignored—booster and child safety seats save lives.

To register for the Emory workshop and to get more information about Safe Kids Fulton, call 404-613-1309 or visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org.

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Fulton County Housing and Community Development to Offer Information on Housing Rehabilitation Program

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The Fulton County Housing and Community Development Office will host an information workshop on the County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program.  The workshop is entitled “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Fulton County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, But Didn’t Know Who to Ask.”  The session will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center.  The center is located at 510 Turner Avenue in Palmetto.

The Housing Rehabilitation Program provides Fulton County residents with Emergency Assistance Grants (EAG) and Deferred Payment Loans (DPL) funded primarily by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  EAG Grants help low and moderate-income residents obtain roof, electrical, heating/air and plumbing repairs.  DPL provides low and moderate-income residents with loans to obtain minor home repairs to correct health and safety violations.
 
The session leader will explain the scope of each program and discuss five eligibility requirements to qualify for an EAG or DPL.  The application process for the EAG is currently open.  The July 27 Information session seeks to prepare interested homeowners for the pre-application process.
 
For more information on the session, contact Audra Pender at 404-612-3024.  Residents may also obtain more information about the Housing Rehabilitation Program by calling Ronald Edwards at 404-612-8111.

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Construction-related Contracting Opportunities Available for Fulton County Health Center

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Construction of FultonCounty’s new Adamsville Regional Health Center is scheduled to start late July 2011. 

Companies interested in construction-related contracting opportunities are encouraged to attend a Small Business Inquiry Day on Monday July 18^th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Adamsville-Collier Heights Library located at 3424 Martin Luther King Jr. DriveAtlanta.

The Adamsville Regional Health Center project involves all divisions of construction including site work, concrete, masonry, steel, millwork, waterproofing, glass and glazing, doors and hardware, drywall, finishes, fire protection and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Interested parties should submit questions and the following information to emily.gossett@bdrpartners.com:

·        Name

·        Address

·        E-mail address

·        Phone number

·        Trade of Expertise (carpentry, mechanical, drywall, etc.)

·        Years of Experience in the trade

·        Credentials/Certifications

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Tax Commissioner Offering Expanded Summer Hours at Satellite Offices

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The Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office is offering expanded summer hours at its four satellite tax offices. The expanded hours will make it easier for customers to buy car tags or access other services before and after traditional work hours.
From Monday, July 11 through Friday, September 2, the satellite tax offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Normally the offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Tax Commissioner’s Satellite Offices are located at:

• 7741 Roswell Road (North Fulton Government Service Center)
• 5600 Stonewall Tell Road (South Fulton Government Service Center)
• 3155 Royal Drive (Alpharetta)
• 2841 Greenbriar Parkway (Greenbriar Mall)

Hours at the main Tax Commissioner’s Office at 141 Pryor Street will remain 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, log on to www.fultoncountytaxes.org or call 404-730-6100.

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Fulton County District 3 Commissioner Liz Hausmann Launches New TV Show on FGTV

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Fulton County District 3 Commissioner Liz Hausmann breaks new ground by becoming the first North Fulton District Commissioner to launch a monthly television show on Fulton Government Television (FGTV).

“The View from North Fulton” makes its debut on FGTV this week.  This first show welcomes the 93rd Professional Golf Association’sChampionship to the Atlanta Athletic Club in Commissioner Hausmann’s North Fulton district.  Special guests Ryan Cannon, the PGA Championship Director and Lou Douglas with the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, will shed light on the decision to bring the tournament to Johns Creek and the economic impact it’s expected to have.

The August 8-14, 2011 event will bring thousands of visitors to North Fulton. Commissioner Hausmann is proud the Fulton County Board of Commissioners was able to play a role in the coordinated state and local effort to support the tournament. 

Join District 3 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and “The View from North Fulton” this week at 7:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 4:30, both AM and PM.  The show will air again at the same times August 1-7, 2011. Future shows will keep residents informed about Fulton County programs and services and community events taking place in the northern neighborhoods and cities of the county. 

For more information on the show, call the District 3 office at (404) 612-8213 or email liz.hausmann@fultoncountyga.gov. FGTV is located on Comcast Cable channel 23 in Fulton County and on channel 21 in the City of Atlanta.

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Most Fulton Residents to See Tax Decrease - 5 Year Tax Levy History

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Most Fulton County residential property owners will see a decrease in the Fulton County portion of their 2011 property taxes, compared to 2010. The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at their meeting today that will advertise the General Fund rate at 10.281 mills.

This rate is equal to the rate maintained for the General Fund since 2008, and is 24% mills lower than the millage rate for 2000. Fulton County has the second-lowest General Fund rate among metro Atlanta counties.

In addition, Fulton County’s homestead exemption will increase to $30,000 this year, compared to $10,000 for most other Georgia counties. The Board also proposed a revenue-neutral millage rate for the South Fulton Tax District (unincorporated South Fulton) at 8.969 mills. While this rate is 0.81 mills higher than the 2010 rate, most property owners will still pay approximately the same amount in property taxes for the South Fulton Tax District portion of their bills.

Three public meetings will be held that will allow residents to respond to this proposed revenue-neutral millage rate increase.

The Board also proposed a Bond Fund millage rate of 0.27 mills. Funds will be used to repay voter-approved Library Bonds sold in 2010. Fulton County has led the metro Atlanta area in millage rate rollbacks for the past decade.

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National Night Out 2011

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The Fulton County Police Department, in partnership with Fulton County agencies and local neighborhoods are joining forces with thousands of communities across the nation for the 28^th “Annual National Night Out” (NNO) a crime and drug prevention event.  Fulton County residents are invited to join the Fulton County Police Department at their “National Night Out” event Tuesday, August 2, 2011, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., at 5495 Old National Highway, College Park, GA 30349.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime awareness and support for crime and drug prevention efforts sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are working together and fighting back against crime.  Additionally, it strengthens neighborhoods and police and community partnerships.

I’m excited to take part in National Night Out. This event provides the community with an opportunity to see the scope and depth of the agency’s community-oriented policing philosophy, stated Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones. “The personnel of the Fulton County Police Department take personal pride in increasing awareness and strengthening involvement in   anti-crime efforts, and they share in my enthusiasm.”

National Night Out participants will have the opportunity to get information on police safety and how neighbors are working together with law enforcement to make their communities safe.  Other Fulton County agencies participating include; the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Court Watch, Office of Behavioral Health Services, Health and Wellness and the Safe Kids Coalition.  The Fulton County Fire Department Fire Safety House will also be on hand for kids to enjoy and learn about fire safety. Visitors can talk to representatives from local homeowners associations, enjoy live entertainment, food and fun activities for the kids.    

For more information about Fulton County Police Department’s “National Night Out” contact   Corporal Maureen Smith at 404.612.5321, Lt. Reginald McCain at 404.358.6413 or Jolene Butts Freeman at 404.234.8945.

 

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Fulton Board Votes to Maintain General Fund Millage Rates at Current Level

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On Thursday, July 21, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to maintain the General Fund millage rate at 10.281 mills.

As a result of the Board’s action, most homeowners will see lower property taxes for the Fulton County portions of their property taxes, due to lower assessments and a $5,000 increase in Homestead Exemption for qualifying Fulton County residential property owners.

The Board has maintained the 10.281 millage rate since 2007, which is 24% lower than the millage rate in 2000.  Fulton County has the second-lowest General Fund rate among metro Atlanta counties, and is the only metro County that has not increased its General Fund millage rate during the current economic downturn.

The Board also adopted a revenue-neutral millage rate of 8.969 for the South Fulton Tax District (unincorporated South Fulton). Most property owners will still pay approximately the same amount in property taxes for the South Fulton Tax District portion of their bills.  The County held four public hearings related to this millage rate.

The Board also approved a Bond Fund millage rate of 0.27 mills. Funds will be used to repay voter-approved Library Bonds sold in 2010.

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The Passing of Ms. Pamela Anne Young / NPU-X Vice Chair:

 

 

Atlanta News 11:11 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Officers ‘give a hoot,' rescue injured owl

By Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 

Police officers made an unusual discovery early Wednesday while patrolling southwest Atlanta.

The officers were driving along Metropolitan Parkway near Langston Drive just after 3 a.m. when they noticed a small object moving in the roadway, Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones told the AJC.

"It was discovered to be an injured owl in the roadway," Jones said.

Police were unable to reach state wildlife officials or someone from Zoo Atlanta,  Jones said.

Finally, officers were able to contact a private company "that deals with these type birds," Jones said. "Personnel came out and took possession of the owl."

She said the injured owl will be treated and returned to its natural habitat.

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Dec 23, 2010 ... Officer Astorga spent two hours protecting and guarding the bird in the middle of Metropolitan Parkway. "He observed an owl in the roadway ...

 www.wsbtv.com/news/26255040/detail.html

 

Police officers made an unusual discovery early Wednesday while patrolling ... The officers were driving along Metropolitan Parkway near...Police officers made an unusual discovery early Wednesday while patrolling southwest Atlanta.

The officers were driving along Metropolitan Parkway near Langston Drive just after 3 a.m. when they noticed a small object moving in the roadway, Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones told the AJC. "It was discovered to be an injured owl in the roadway," Jones said.

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/officers-give-a-hoot-785413.html

 

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2 Die in Southwest Atlanta Fire;

Agencies' Hands Tied

(Sylvan Hills Neighborhood)

 

Posted By -  Bill Liss

Last Updated On:  12/22/2010 12:34:41 AM

ATLANTA -- A shell is all that's left of a private home on Estes Drive in Southwest Atlanta.

Inside were a 76-year-old woman and her 56-year-old daughter, who have not yet been officially identified by Atlanta fire or police officials.

They died over the weekend in a house fire that investigators say was caused by a space heater being too close to combustible materials.

The two residents had remained in the home even though it was cited for numerous code violations.

The Council on Aging, an advocacy group headed by Diane Williamson, couldn't believe it.

"The house had been cited for unsanitary conditions because of the mold," Williamson said. "There was no running water in the house. There was no commode, no bathroom services and the house was unlivable."

With two agencies involved in the case, Georgia's Adult Protective Services Division and Atlanta's Code Enforcement Bureau, a key question is why the two residents were still in the house when the fire broke out.

Dr. James Bulot, Director of the Georgia Division of Aging Services, says the reason is frighteningly simple.

"All adults over the age of 18 have the capacity to make their own decisions," Bulot said. "Once an individual says he or she would prefer not to have our services or refuses to consent, there is nothing we can do."

And that's just what happened.

The State's Adult Protective Services Division offered an alternative place to live, but the residents turned them down.

"One of the struggles we have in aging services is people do have the right to say no," Bulot said.

The division, through emergency funding, found a private home for the residents and was about to arrange a down payment when the fire broke out.

There was also a second factor -- the Atlanta Bureau of Code Enforcement.

The city agency says the court could not act on the code violations or order the house condemned because of five court postponements granted to the homeowner. They dated back to October and only the court can order a condemnation.

The next court date was set for January to hear the case -- too late to save the residents.

Police and fire officials continue to investigate. The names of the victims have not yet been released by authorities.

***Atlanta News 4:09 p.m. Sunday, December 19, 2010

 

Dec 22, 2010 ... 2 Die in Southwest Atlanta Fire; Agencies' Hands Tied ... question is why the two residents were still in the house when the fire broke out. ...  www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=169232

 

Dec 19, 2010 ... Two women died Sunday morning in a southwest Atlanta house fire caused by a space heater being too close to combustibles, Atlanta fire ... www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/2-women-die-in-781898.html

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The year of 2008 was a major year in which PCA worked with the Atlanta Fire Department to get smoke detectors into the homes of as many neighbors as possible in the Perkerson Community. Neighbors came to the Historic Jeremiah S. Gibert House to pick up smoke detectors and receive details from Ms. Claudie Nash, Atlanta Fire Outreach, on how to operate and place safely in the home. There were over 300 smoke detectors distributed during this effort.The goal was to get upper and lower levels protected in homes.

We also distributed water conservation equipment to neighbors as well.

Smoke detectors were installed in approximately 79 trailers located in the Trailer Inn located at 501 Connell Avenue off Metropolitan Park. The residents at this trailer park, previously from Mexico, are now predominantly from Central America: areas of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

The entire year was an outreach effort to resolve to lower the loss of lives and property due to continual fires happening in the neighborhood. The last major fire that we had occurred in the traier park with three people losing their lives.

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Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

 

SMOKE ALARMS:

· Have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, inside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.
· Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Do not change the battery if you have a lithium battery.

   The alarm will let out a periodic “chirping” sound when it needs a new battery.
· Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
· Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
· When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
· Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.

ESCAPE PLANNING:

· Develop a fire escape plan with the members of your household and practice often.
· Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.
· Make sure that safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.
· Crawl low, under smoke.
· Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit.
· Identify a place to meet outside in case of fire. Never re-enter a burning building.
· Escape first. Then call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

FIRE SAFETY:

· Keep clothes, blankets, curtains and other combustibles at least three feet from portable heaters.
· Place portable heaters where they will not tip over easily.
· Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
· Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables and decorative materials.
· Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
· Keep clothes, towels and other combustibles away from stove burners.
· Never leave cooking unattended.