Woodstock Fire Department 2017 Award Recipients Woodstock Fire Departments Chief Dave Soumas and Assistant Chief Jimmy Eley recently recognized department personnel for their outstanding achievements in 2017. The following received annual awards signifying their great work and contributions to the Woodstock Fire Department.
New Executive Director of Cherokee County Educational Foundation Congratulations to Lisa-Marie Haygood! She has accepted a new role as executive director of Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF). The CCEF is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) by promoting teaching and learning and celebrating achievements. CCEF seeks funding and resources to enrich CCSD schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program. This includes, but is not limited to, grants for schools; grants for teachers and other staff; grants for students for academic and after-school/extra-curricular programs; and support for specific CCSD initiatives. The Foundation is a partner with the Cherokee County School District, and it is supported by the Cherokee County School Board.
Safe Kids Cherokee County Receives New Van Safe Kids Cherokee County recently received a new van to assist the organization with their many safe-related events. According to Captain Chad Arp, lead advisor for Safe Kids Cherokee County, Funding for the new van was provided by Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, Lead Agency for Safe Kids Cherokee, and Northside Cherokee Hospital, a proud program community sponsor. Safe Kids Cherokee County is a local coalition through Safe Kids Worldwide, which is a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Injuries are the number one killer of kids in the United States. Around the world, a child dies from an unintentional injury every thirty seconds, and millions of children are injured in ways that can affect them for a lifetime. Safe Kids Cherokee County is dedicated to thwarting those types of preventable injuries to its young citizens.
Chamber Names Volunteer of the Quarter The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Joan McFather, a longtime Chamber member and community volunteer, has been named the Chairmans Council Volunteer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2017. Members of the Chairmans Council are accepted by invitation only from the Chambers board chair. The Chairmans Council members are invited to attend ribbon cuttings and ground breakings, Coffee & Connections for new members and special invitation Chamber meetings that arent open to the general membership. In determining the Volunteer of the Quarter, attendance at Chamber events is evaluated for all members of the Chairmans Council. Joan is a committed volunteer who gives 100% to the Chamber and its programs, said Bryan Reynolds, Chamber Board Chair and director of Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency.
Cobb EMC Home Energy Makeover Accepting Entries Cobb EMC is now accepting applications for the electric cooperatives annual home energy efficiency makeover, in partnership with Gas South and the Cobb Heating and Air Conditioning Association. The makeover includes new, energy-efficient appliances, two years of free natural gas from Gas South, and a new HVAC unit and smart thermostat, among other energy upgrades. Nominate a Cobb EMC member in need by January 19. Once submissions are received, finalists will be chosen based on which homes can most benefit from the installation of energy efficient measures. To view application details, visit CobbEMC.com/makeover.
WPD Awards Recipients for 2017 Woodstock Police Departments (WPD) Command Staff recently recognized department personnel for their outstanding achievements in 2017: Supervisor of the Year Lt. Paul Gentile Officer of the Year Cpl. Yvonne Letzin Rookie of the Year Officer Michael Smart Civilian of the Year Patti Behrend Volunteer of the Year Gil Feldman Legacy Award Roger Garrison Special Recognition Award Marc Vincent was recognized for his contribution to public safety in Woodstock during his tenure with GEMA/Homeland Security Tessa Basford Community Service Award Jeff Moon Tessa Basford Community Service Award Mary and Art Ogg The Tessa Basford Community Service Award may be awarded to any person who makes significant contributions to the WPD through their time, actions, talents, and dedication to making the City of Woodstock a better place.
CCSD Schools Earn High Marks for School Climate According to new data from the Georgia Department of Education, the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) earned high marks from students, parents, and employees for school climate. CCSD earned an average of four stars on a five-star scale in the annual rating, which measures how a school community views the quality of its schools culture and character. The highest possible rating is five stars. The rating is calculated based on a survey of students, parents, and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance. Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy earned a perfect score of five; all CCSD middle schools earned four stars each; and no CCSD school scored less than three stars. Reports on individual schools climate ratings are posted online by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). According to the GaDOE, research has found that schools with positive school climates usually report better test scores and graduation rates, and they create a culture of feeling socially, emotionally, and physically safe. While much of the focus on how to measure a schools success is placed on academic achievement and progress, its just as important for us to know that students, their families, and our employees feel welcomed, safe, and appreciated, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. Were committed to improving our schools culture and ensuring that every child, parent, employee, volunteer, and partner feels like theyre part of a family that cares about them and their future success.
Bascomb Elementary School Collects 1,149 Pounds of Food for Charity Bascomb Elementary School students, staff, and families donated 1,149 pounds of food for its holiday charitable food drive! The donations benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Woodstock Mayors Outstanding Citizen Award Recently, Mayor Pro Tem Rob Usher and City Council Member Tracy Collins presented Woodstock resident Nancy Wolfe with the Mayors Outstanding Citizen Award for her efforts in saving the life of another individual. According to the fire report and other eye witnesses, Nancy Wolfe was enjoying lunch with friends at Semper Fi Bar and Grille when she noticed a female was choking on a hotdog. Prior to public safety personnel arriving, Nancy attempted the Heimlich maneuver on the choking female, and at the direction of 9-1-1 dispatch, she also performed CPR. The female patient was treated by fire personnel on the scene and then transported to a local hospital. The female has since fully recovered from the incident.
Woodstock Police Department Receives Distinguished National Accreditation Recently, the Woodstock Police Department (WPD) received its accreditation from CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). This achievement demonstrates the departments commitment to professional excellence in policy and practice. This process involved meeting or exceeding 177 standards, the culmination of self-evaluations, and was concluded by a review from independent assessors as well as a review by CALEAs commissioners. The WPD joins with just 20% of law enforcement agencies its size in the nation in receiving this distinguished honor. Further, the WPD is among the just 5% of law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia that are both State Certified and nationally accredited law enforcement agencies.