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Delivering the latest news to Henry County employees
October ‘16 Published by Henry County Communications Department & Henry County Board of Commissioners
Once a Privilege, Now a Right: A Vote is a Voice
Editors Melissa Robinson Samantha Watson Graphic Designer Samantha Watson
Please contribute to the monthly employee newsletter! Email Communications Specialist, Samantha Watson at swatson@co.henry.ga.us. Contributions can include: original artwork, comics, pictures, announcements, classifieds or columns.
By Samantha Watson
Contributors Meredith Butler Melissa Robinson Samantha Watson Chyah Williams-Thompson Kevin Williams
Robert Frost once said, “Thinking isn’t agreeing or disagreeing. That’s voting.” I didn’t register to vote until I was 24 years old and only now do I realize that for six years I missed opportunities to change the outcome of my life, my community and my country. I foolishly thought that my vote wouldn’t count; “how could it,” I thought, “when we operate in an electoral system?” I was undereducated about our voting policies and the history of voting rights in America. For six years I took voting for granted, never remembering that 96 years ago I wouldn’t have even had the option to vote. The “right to vote” that I understand now is not a right at all; it is a privilege that so many U.S. citizens had to fight for. I now appreciate that casting a vote is having a voice. Instead of ranting about injustices on Facebook, I can stickit-to-the-man with my vote. Instead of rolling my eyes and scoffing at
legislation I disagree with, I can let my representatives know what I think about them with my vote. I am one of roughly 319 million voices in this country but I have a platform to speak with my vote, because even if my voice gets lost in the shuffle, my vote will be heard. If you have something to say, then vote. If you agree and disagree with people and legislation on the ballot, then vote. If you want to shape the outcome of your future, then vote. Vote because can; vote because others before you fought for the right to vote. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” You remain silent when you do not vote. Early voting in the U.S. is currently underway. To view early voting times and locations visit the Elections page on the County’s website at www.henrycounty-ga. org/registrars or call their office at 770-288-6448.
October ‘16
Strong with sam
= Tabata interval training =
Tabata-style interval training is an aerobic exercise routine that consists of 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest (30 seconds per move). The following ten minute routine can be completed as a beginner and can be extended to 20 minutes for intermediate and advanced levels by simply repeating the whole routine again. Each of the five sets equal two mintues each. Jumping jacks Lunge (left leg) Jumping jacks Lunge (right leg) High knee run Wide push ups High knee run Tricep push ups Squat jumps Front kick (left leg) Squat jumps Front kick (right leg) Mountain climbers Jab, cross punch combo (left arm) Mountain climbers Jab, cross punch combo (right arm) Speed skaters Side lunge (left leg) Speed skaters Side lunge (right leg)
High Intensity Interval Training is a form of cardio that burns more fat than traditional cardio. *Consult your health care provider before starting rigorous exercise.* The Inbox
October Health Observances Domestic Violence Awareness October may be a time for ghouls and goblins but there’s something even scarier lurking in the shadows; something that affects one in three women and over 15 million children every year. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence is a pattern or coercive, controlling behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse (using money and financial tools to exert control). It is a pervasive, lifethreatening crime that affects millions of individuals across the U.S. regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or education. More than one in three women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime and approximately seven million women are raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former intimate partner each year. Nationwide, an average of three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day. Women are 90-95 percent more likely to suffer domestic violence than are men. Approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year. One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. The severity and frequency of abuse can increase when factors associated with a bad economy are present, such as job loss, housing foreclosures, debt and other factors that contribute to higher stress levels at home. And as the violence gets worse at home, a weak economy limits the options available to survivors who are seeking safety or escape. Despite all of these challenges, there is hope
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Health Literacy Month, Eye Injury Prevention Month, National Breat Cancer Awareness Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, National Dental Hygiene Month, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, National Physical Therapy Month and National Medical Librarians Month. for victims and they are not alone. Survivors have many options, from obtaining a protection order to staying in a shelter, or exploring options through local support groups or anonymous calls to a local domestic violence shelter or hotline. There are thousands of local shelters across the U.S. that provide safety, counseling, legal help and other resources for victims and their children. There is essentially no way to spot an abuser in a crowd, but abusers do tend to share common characteristics. Some of the subtle warning signs include, insisting on moving too quickly in a relationship, insisting that their partner stop participating in leisure activities or spending time with loved ones, getting extremely jealous or controlling, not taking responsibility for their actions and blaming others for things that go wrong, criticizing their partner’s appearance and engaging in bullying behavior. What can you do to help? Speak out! The devastating problem of domestic violence will continue until we as a society stand up with one resounding voice that shouts “no more!” You can also donate to local, statewide or national antidomestic violence programs or victim assistance programs. You can teach your children about what healthy relationships look like and break the chain of violence through leading by example and you can call on your public officials to support life-saving domestic violence services and hold perpetrators accountable. Together we can end domestic violence! If you or someone you know is a victim, call the Henry County Domestic Violence Task Force at 770-288-6400 or the Henry County Haven House 24hr crisis line at 770-954-9229 for help and support.
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October ‘16
SAFETY FIRST Office Building Fire Safety with Chyah Williams-Thompson
Michele Weaver
employee spotlight
Executive Assistant to the BOC “Service is the one word I would use to describe the role of the BOC. Working with elected officials presents opportunities to serve others daily. Throughout my time with the Board, I have learned firsthand that every individual and department is essential to daily process as well as the future growth of Henry County. It is encouraging to work with individuals that believe in a cause greater than themselves, and who exude dedication and passion for our County. When I am off the clock I enjoy time spent with loved ones, including my furry family!”
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According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to an estimated 3,340 office building fires annually. Additionally, these fires lead to an average of four deaths and 44 injuries in addition to the $112 million in direct property damage. A recent infographic published by Eastern Kentucky University, reveals that more than 50 percent of office fires occur due to cooking, electrical, lighting and heating equipment. Some fire facts: Most office fires occur between noon and 2:00 P.M. on weekdays. Thirty one percent of fires occur between 7 P.M. and 7 A.M. but account for 67 percent of total property damage. Office blazes are less common on weekends because fewer people on location means fewer opportunities for ignition. What can cause fires in the office: Twenty nine percent of fires are caused by cooking equipment yet account for only six percent of damage. Twenty three percent of blazes are caused by electrical, lighting or heating equipment, accounting for a combined 18 percent of damages. Surprisingly, only ten percent of fires are ignited intentionally but comprise 20 percent of damage. The Henry County Risk Management Department has selected October to be Fire Safety Month; you can find this information and more on our Risk Management Intranet Page located within www.henrycommunicator.com.
Making Us Proud We wish to honor our newest Police Academy Graduates. Officers Camron Sanjar, John Freeman, Vincent K. Allen, Grant Palmer, and Talia Pope have completed Basic Mandate Training and have started the Field Training Officer program. Congratulations as well to the HCFD Recruit Class 16-02 who completed their 16-weeks of training on September 30. Kaylee Chitwood, Cameron Falberg, Matthew Harris, Brandon Jagielski, Nicholas Martin, Jospeh Phlegar, Jesse Rosenberg and Bryson Wood have already begun their fire service. After rescueing a dog named Bama from a 40-foot-deep well and reuniting him with his family, the Henry County Fire Department was awarded the Compassionate Fire Department Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on October 4. Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA delivered the good news in a letter to Cheif Nish Willis accopanied by vegan cookies and a vegan novel. Lieutenant Vance Rosen was recognized as part of Georgia Southern University’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2016. He attended Georgia Southern from 1995 to 1998 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He started his career with the HCPD in 2002 as a Patrolman and served as a Detective Sergeant, S.W.A.T. Team Sniper, Training Division Commander and Special Ops Division Lieutenant. Recently retired E911 employee, Kim Evans was nominated by her daughter and selected as a winner for the Atlanta Falcons’ annual Dazzle and Dine event that recognizes women who have or have had breast cancer who volunteer time or resources for breast cancer awareness. Kim, who was diagnosed cancer free after six surgeries dedicates her time to the non-profit My Destiny Foundation, which provides support to those at risk for developing breast cancer. She will be recognized at this Sunday’s game against San Diego!
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October ‘16
Office Notes
The filament in an incandescent light bulb is made of what element? The Yangtze River is entirely located in which country?
Retirement Party • Please join HCFD in wishing Lt. Scott Gray a fond farewell upon the occasion of his retirement after 29 years of service within the HCFD. The reception will be held on October 22 at Cotton Fields Event Center from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
HCFD Appreciation • O.B.’s BBQ is hosting an appreciation night for the HCFD on October 21 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at their McDonough location on Old Industrial Blvd. There will be live music, a cornhole tournament, SPARKY the fire dog and plenty of good food. A portion of all food sales go to benefit the HCFD.
leave donations • An annual leave donation request was submitted on October 6 and an employee-wide email was sent out asking for annual leave donations for an employee experiencing an approved, extreme hardship situation. Employees interested in donating time can do so by completing the donation form attached to the email or found on the HR intranet page. All donations must be submitted to and approved by the donor’s department head and then submitted to Angie Wilkerson or Doris Patterson in HR for processing. Refer to Article VII, Section IV of the Personnel Policy Manual if you have any questions. The Inbox
Which book was famously rejected by 12 publishers before finally being accepted by Bloomsbury? Who played Dracula in the 1931 vampire-horror film “Dracula?” Who was the first Tudor monarch in England?
What is the regulation height for a basketball hoop? Frankenmuth, a U.S. city nicknamed “Little Bavaria” is located in what state? Who declined the 1964 Nobel Prize for literature? What is the largest internal organ of the human body? Who directed the movie “Harry Poter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?” Answers to the triva questions are listed on the employee intranet on the communications page.
Halloween Word Search AFRAID BAT BLOODCURDLING BLOODY BONES BROOMSTICK CACKLE CANDY CASKET CAULDRON COBWEB COFFIN FANGS
GHOST GHOUL GOBLIN HAUNTED HOWL MAGIC MUMMY OWL PHANTOM POTION PUMPKIN SCREAM SKELETON
SKULL SPELL SPIDER SPOOKY TRICKORTREAT VAMPIRE WARLOCK WEREWOLF WITCH WIZARD ZOMBIE
The first person to answer all of these questions correctly wins a prize! Submit your guesses to Communications Specialist, Samantha Watson at swatson@co.henry.ga.us. 1. How much money per year have Americans spent on Halloween candy for the last three years? 2. Nationally, what were the top three most searched Halloween costumes on Google last year? 3. What is the number one most hated Halloween candy?
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