ROY WILSON A MOMENT WITH DIRECTOR better than it was the day before. • We are committed to public and employee safety. • We strive to provide outstanding public service. • We support the preservation of natural areas. • We encourage healthy living. • We cultivate and foster partnerships. • We are committed to professionalism, integrity, respect and honesty. • We value transparent stewardship and fiscal responsibility. I am proud of who we are and making it through yet another year is quite an accomplishment. Our success confirms what we’ve always believed – that the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs team prefers a true community park system. We’re not perfect, but when we make a mistake we recover quickly and learn to improve. at’s what makes us positively different! We have BIG plans for 2015 that you and our customers are going to love. I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind’s deepest values and highest aspirations. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world for the opportunity to work in this amazing department with all of you. Let’s make 2015 an amazing year! Happy New Year! 2014 has ended and if I had to summarize it in a few words I would say, “In the face of significant challenges, we made significant progress”. I thank you for your continued commitment and delivery on our purpose to be our best selves. 2014 was a building year for our department; from completing major projects to welcoming new team members. rough it all we continued to execute the County’s Strategic Initiatives: To Enhance Public Safety, Facilitate Jobs and Economic Development, Promote Fiscal Integrity, Ensure Efficient Operations, Invest in Employees, Develop & Maintain Sustainable Neighborhoods and Communities and focus on Children and Youth Services. In fact, all of this “building” is for one reason – to continue to provide positive community quality of life experiences. Your commitment to making our parks and facilities positively different through the exceptional personal service and care for our customers through the recreational programs and cultural opportunities we offer. In 2014, our unique accomplishments provided support to thousands of children, adults, families and seniors, and we were humbled and grateful to receive special recognition for our efforts. As we begin 2015 let us not forget our core values: • We are parks and recreation professionals who come to work every day determined to make our department “In the face of significant challenges, we made significant progress” DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS FIRST QUARTER 2015 / WINTER The DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Park Bench
Transcript
ROYWILSON
A MOMENT WITH
DIRE
CTOR
better than it was the day before.• We are committed to public and employee safety.• We strive to provide outstanding public service.• We support the preservation of natural areas.• We encourage healthy living.• We cultivate and foster partnerships.• We are committed to professionalism, integrity, respect and honesty.• We value transparent stewardship and fiscal responsibility.
I am proud of who we are and making it through yet another year is quite an accomplishment. Our success confirms what we’ve always believed – that
the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs team prefers a true community park system. We’re not perfect, but when we make a mistake we recover quickly and learn to improve. That’s what makes us positively different!
We have BIG plans for 2015 that you and our customers are going to love. I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind’s deepest values and highest aspirations. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world for the opportunity to work in this amazing department with all of you.
Let’s make 2015 an amazing year!
Happy New Year! 2014 has ended and if I had to summarize it in a few words I would say, “In the face of significant challenges, we made significant progress”.
I thank you for your continued commitment and delivery on our purpose to be our best selves. 2014 was a building year for our department; from completing major projects to welcoming new team members. Through it all we continued to execute the County’s Strategic Initiatives: To Enhance Public Safety, Facilitate Jobs and Economic Development, Promote Fiscal Integrity, Ensure Efficient Operations, Invest in Employees, Develop & Maintain Sustainable Neighborhoods and Communities and focus on Children and Youth Services. In fact, all of this “building” is for one reason – to continue to provide positive community quality of life experiences.
Your commitment to making our parks and facilities positively different through the exceptional personal service and care for our customers through the recreational programs and cultural opportunities we offer. In 2014, our unique accomplishments provided support to thousands of children, adults, families and seniors, and we were humbled and grateful to receive special recognition for our efforts. As we begin 2015 let us not forget our core values: • We are parks and recreation professionals who come to work every day determined to make our department
“In the face of significant challenges, we made significant
progress”
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS
FIRST QUARTER 2015 / WINTER
The
DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
ParkBench
OURYEAR
2014
Vanessa Amos recipient of the 2014 Customer Service Award (also pictured: Roy Wilson and ICEO Lee May)
Carol Underwood, Marvin Billups & Sylvia Williams supporting the March of Dimes walk.
Al Sheppard & Jessica Hill serving at the Annual Employee Luncheon
Parks Citizen Advisory Board member Rochelle Callendar supporting the Race for the Arts walk
Recreation Team Annual Adopt - A - Family Luncheon West Parks District Employee Appreciation Cookout
Community Service Day at Senior Connections Parks crews helping build the Kaboom playground at Fairington Park
Atlanta Hawks Summer Basketball Camp
Ed Venson helping build the Kaboom playground at Fairington
Park
Anya Shepherd, Erica Brooks, Tamika Williams and Cynthia Benefield at the
2014 Senior Olympics Opening
Charlie Monroe in the community garden at Exchange Rec.
Jared Hudson honoring his soccer coach at Exchange
Verna McGhee doing an experiment with afterschool kids at Gresham Rec.
Dawn Cribb, Ruby Lewis, Bernita Reese, LaDell Richmond, and Portia Perry delivering Meals-on-Wheels for Community Service Day
Anya Shepherd participating in the Wear Red Annual Fashion Show
Wannetter Terrell and her 4-H team
GRPA Facilities and Grounds Section Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Linda Cotton Taylor
William Smith and Papasan Canty preparing food for Camp Superstars culminating event at Southeast Athletic Complex
Kaboom Fairington Park Playground Build Day Radio Personality Wanda Smith and PSPACC Director David Manuel during Race for the Arts
Steve Wesson and Debra Cole at the West District Employee Appreciation Cookout
Dave Butler working the Community Service Day at
Senior Connections
Camp Superstars counselors at Tucker Recreation Center
Evelyn Ellington and Gentry Buchanon coordinating the arts and crafts session during summer camp orientation
De’Onna Hayes working in the community garden at Exchange Rec.
with mini camp students
Shannon Murray discussing nature with afterschool students at Tobie Grant Rec.
Donnie Stallings on a field trip with the summer camp from Midway Rec.
Carolyn Brown displaying some of the art by students at Exchange Rec.
1K Stiletto Walk against Domestic Violence at Arabia Mountain
Post It UpIdentifying & Stopping Human
Trafficking Campaign
The month of January is now proclaimed as the “Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” a title that underscores
the need to destigmatize important discussions about human trafficking and call attention to key facts and realities about human slavery.
The Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Department along with DeKalb County Human Development and Interfaith Children Movement took the opportunity to remove ourselves from the frenzy of our lives and redirect our time, energies and resources to brainstorming and investing in concrete solutions to the problem of human trafficking with the “Post It Up in the Parks” Day. The silence and taboos that impede conversation about slavery don’t only cause the atrocities of human trafficking
to slip our minds, they also provoke the petri dish in which intolerable oppression and incomprehensible i n j u s t i c e s flourish.
On Saturday, January 10 every one came together to not only pause for the recognition of “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” but to ensure that the issue of human trafficking is visible on the public radar screen, and more importantly mobilizing us to take steps to effect sustainable change in the lives of trafficked individuals across our county.
On that Saturday our recreation centers in solidarity took time between their regularly scheduled games to educate their audience and players along with posting up signage with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center telephone number in their respective centers. We are encouraging all to become involved with helping to end human trafficking.
In the Parks
F O R H E L P O R A S S I S TA N C E C A L L1 ( 8 8 8 ) 3 7 3 - 7 8 8 8
N a t i o n a l H u m a n Tr a f f i c k i n g R e s o u r c e C e n t e r
Today is a great day to visit a park or recreation center!Find activities near your neighborhood, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks
RECREATION CENTER ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Youth Valentine’s Day Dance February 13 Tobie Grant Rec. Ctr 6:30 -8pm $1 plus a can good
Visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks for more activities and programs in our
recreation centers and parks.
ARABIA MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVEInterpretive and Recreational Hiking with Ranger RobbyEvery Fri. and Sun. 8 am (moderate 2-3 hour hikes)Explore the Preserve’s hiking trails and learn about the natural, cultural, and historical resources. Please wear closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water.FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Story Time2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sat. 10 am Escape into the wonderful world of books. This youthful adventure varies and the experience is educational and FUN! For more details, email [email protected] FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Monadnock MadnessMarch 1, 21 and 28 8 -11:30 amSpecial guided hikes and several events that will get you close and personal with Arabia, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain. Please visit www.monadnockmadness.com for details and registration. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Family DayHealth and Fitness Workshop with London Sloane Sat., March 14 and Sat., April 11 10 am Enjoy two opportunities to learn health and fitness tips in a natural and friendly environment. Learn fun ways to eat healthier from meal preparation to evaluating nutritional content. There’s fun activities for all ages. For more details, contact [email protected] AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Forestry and Wildlife Workshop with Devin HayesSat., March 21 and Sat., April 18 10 am Learn and explore the identifying features, management options and benefits of native trees, insects and wildlife. This fun hands-on workshop is fun and beneficial for all ages. For more details, contact [email protected] AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Natural Resource Workshop with Ranger RobbySat., March 28 and Sat., April 25 10 am Learn ways to become better stewards of the environment from habitat identification, trail maintenance to invasive plant removal. This workshop is fun and educational for all ages. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
PORTER SANFORD PERFORMING ART CENTERAtlanta Young Singers Choral and Musical TrainingThurs. 4:45pm - 6:15pm (coed, grades 2-12)For information and to register, call 404-873-3365 or email [email protected]
Dwayne Boyd Premier Actors’ NetworkMon. - Wed. 7:30pm - 10pmSat. 11am - 1pm Kids ages 7-14 For more information and to register, call 770-873-8974 or visit www.premieractorsnetwork.com
Ebony StitchersEvery 4th Sat.1:30pmFor more information, email [email protected]
The Peach State Steppers “East Side” Steppin’ Every 3rd Fri.8pm Beginner Lessons | 9pm Dance begins
Today is a great day to visit a park or recreation center!Find activities near your neighborhood, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks
General Admission - $10For tickets and information, call 404-244-6409 or visit www.peachstatesteppers.com
YOUTH SERVICES2015 DeKalb County My Brother’s Keeper Young Men’s Leadership Development ProgramVisit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parksPlease submit your completed application to Jashawn Williams, via email [email protected] by Feb. 20 at 4pm.
2015 DeKalb County Young Women’s Leadership Development ProgramVisit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parksPlease return all application and materials via mail, fax or email to:KaCey Venning, [email protected]. by Feb. 20.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION2015 Plant SaleAll orders will be available for pick up on Sat., March 21 ONLY!9 am - 3 pmFor more information, call 404-298-4080 or visit www.ugaextension.com/dekalb
2015 Homeowner SeriesControlling Weeds in the Home Landscape Feb. 10Learn to identify and control those pesky, hard to control weeds.6:45 - 8:30pm / $10
Square Foot Vegetable Gardening Feb. 19Learn how to vegetable garden in limited space and still get production.6:45 - 8:30pm / $10For the entire calendar or to register visit www.ugaextension.com/dekalb
Although the morning temperature was barely 40 degrees, on Saturday, January 24 it proved to be a great day
for the community and Friends of Springbrook Park to come together and officially open the park which they have worked hard to make happen. Springbrook Park is a one-acre neighborhood park located at 1502 Springbrook Drive, in Decatur that was developed and supported by the Friends of Springbrook, Park Pride and The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs using monies from the 2003 Greenspace Bond Fund. The park includes a pavilion, terrace, slate chip paths, sodded areas and an Oodle swing.
The event on this day kicked off with the grand entrance of The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Atlanta’s wildest community band, who thrilled, amused and entertained the audience with not only their outfits but their engaging performance and dancing and climaxed with the official ribbon cutting by park and county officials. The Grand Opening of Springbrook Park was a huge success! The Friends of Springbrook are hoping to raise enough funding to eventually add to the park a community garden, plantings and a toddler area. Until then . . .Welcome to Springbrook Park!
SPRINGBROOK PARKGrand Opening
Some of Our NEWFACES
Travis CherryAdmin.Operation Mgr. Maloof
Mary WindhaMGrants & Admin. Mgr. Maloof
JessiCa hudsonAccountant SeniorMaloof
raChael allenAdmin. Assistant IIP & R District Mgrs
ayana MayersCenter DirectorLucious Sanders Rec. Ctr.
debbie riveraOffice Assistant SeniorMaloof
nena hoodCourier
a. sabrena FarMerOffice Assistant Senior & Receptionist Maloof
Jaleika WaTerManRecreation AssistantMaloof
MiCheal reynoldsCenter DirectorTobie Grant Rec. Ctr.
Parks and Cultural Affairs’ mission is to provide safe parks and facilities,
enhance the quality of life as a provider of recreation and cultural
experiences and ensure a customer focused parks system.
Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs
1300 Commerce DriveSuite 300
Decatur, Georgia 30030404-371-2711
www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks
JashaWn WilliaMsProject Manager IYouth Services
lidia QuinonesProject Manager I Youth Services
kaCey venningProject Manager II Youth Services
angela WalTonProg. Promo Spec. Sr.Porter Sanford Arts Ctr.
OTHER NEWTEAM MEMBERS OR PROMOTIONS IN 2014Vanessa Amos Administrative Assistant II PromotionSylvia Williams Pavilion Reservations PromotionFrederick Custis Recreation Center Leader New HireJantzen Kendall Recreation Center Leader New HireNicholas DeLoach Recreation Center Leader New HireRobert Swain Recreation Center Leader New HireDe’Onna Hayes Recreation Center Leader PromotionGentry Buchanon Recreation Center Director PromotionCorlan Beasley Recreation Center Director PromotionMelvin White Recreation Center Leader PromotionShannon Murray Sports Program Coordinator PromotionWilliam Thomas, Jr. Crew Worker New HireEsran Broderick Grounds Service Technician New HireEldridge Brown Grounds Service Technician New HireCedric McMullen Parks Maint. Constr. Supervisor Promotion
The Park Bench Newsletter is designed and written by Dawn Cribb, Program Promotion Specialist for the
Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural AffairsTo submit content or ask questions, email dmcribb@
