The GDC Eagle, Dec. 2004

THE GDC EAGLE
"Soaring to Greater Heights of Excellence"

Volume 3, Issue 2
3000 ASSEMBLE AS GDC HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN CORRECTIONS CONFERENCE

The 1st Annual Excellence in Corrections

Conference (EICC) was held at the Macon

Centreplex in Macon, Georgia, October 18 - 20,

2004. The conference focused on developing

partnerships with criminal justice agencies and

community stakeholders while enhancing

professionalism.

Governor Sonny Perdue,

Ambassador Andrew Young, Speaker of the House

Terry Coleman, Justice Robert Benham, Macon

Mayor Jack Ellis, Judge David Smith, State

Representative Brooks Coleman, Dr. Joan

Petersilia, and many other distinguished speakers

headlined a successful conference.

The EICC was hosted jointly by the Georgia

Department of Corrections, the Department of

Juvenile Justice and the State Board of Pardons

and Paroles. Conference sponsor organizations

included

the Georgia Prison Wardens'

Association, the Georgia Probation Association

and the Georgia Corrections Association. The

event attracted over 3000 criminal justice

professionals and others from across Georgia and

the nation.

Conference Opening Ceremony

Governor Perdue Commissioner Donald
PT Competition

The Opening Ceremony featured the presentation of Colors by the Georgia State Patrol Color Guard and the National Anthem performed by Inmate Sally Windhorn followed by the Welcoming Address. Keynote Speaker Justice Robert Benham's positive message was very well received by the opening day crowd. GDC Commissioner
James E. Donald, Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairman Milton E. "Buddy" Nix, DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray, DOL Commissioner Michael Thurmond, DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker, Georgia Sheriffs' Association President Thomas Smith, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Terry Norris, and Georgia Chiefs of Police Representative George Coleman participated in an interesting panel discussion on Partnering for a Safer Georgia. A Plenary session titled, They are Coming Home: Offender Reentry in America was held featuring Dr. Joan Petersilia, Professor of Criminology at the University of California.

The EICC featured many distinguished speakers in breakout sessions that focused on successful offender reentry into society. Highlights included visits and presentations from Governor Sonny Perdue and Georgia Speaker of the House Representative Terry Coleman.

Dr. Joan Petersilia

GSAAC is a Big Hit!
More than 700 people participated in the 1st Annual Georgia State Agency Athletic Competition (GSAAC) held in Macon and Forsyth Georgia on October 16-17, in conjunction with the EICC. GSAAC promoted friendly competition among state employees while supporting the Governor's goal of a healthier Georgia. Events included a 1K, 5K & 10K Run, Basketball Tournament, Bench Press Competition, 3 Bicycle Races, Golf Tournament, Obstacle Course, PT Competition, Pistol Competitions, Rifle Competitions and a Softball Tournament. Competition participants were awarded T-shirts and medals while individual event winners were presented trophies at the opening ceremony of the EICC.

INSIDE THIS EDITION: Page 1-- EICC & GSAAC Page 2,3-- EIC Awards Banquet Page 4--New Board of Corrections members Page 5-- Central Office Reorganization New Management Staff Page 6,7 -- TCP Page 8 -- Website updates and PEN Program

Page 9-- Nursing opportunities and Golf Tournaments
Page 10-- GDC Employees recognized
Page 11, 12, 13-- Promotions
Retirements
Page 14--HR Corner, Fitness Corner & Commissioner's
Message.
Page 15-- Macon DRC opening Chaplain's Prayer, Misc.

Employee and Community Supporters Honored at
GDC Awards Banquet
GDC hosted the 1st Annual Excellence in Corrections Awards Banquet on the evening of Monday, October 18, 2004 in the Ballroom of the Macon Centreplex. The elegant dinner honored GDC and DJJ Employees, Volunteers, Corporate Sponsors, Faith Based Contributors and Partner Agencies. Guest were treated to a presentation by the Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young.
In keeping with it's benevolent tradition the Georgia Prison Wardens' Association awarded five $1,000.00 Scholarships to GDC employees and family members. The recipients of the scholarships were Megan Fowler, Kenneth Hodge, Kenneth Large, Joshua Kennedy and Marcus Stanley.

Commissioner Donald Ambassador Young Mayor Ellis

In appreciation for the contributions made to GDC by individuals and community support organizations GDC honored them by presenting Volunteer, Faith Based Contributor, and Corporate Sponsor of the Year Awards, as well as Partner Agency Awards. Volunteer of the Year Awards went to Suzanne Bassett, Dottie Benson, Angela Patrick, Donald Pender, Rosaline Smith and Rosie Walling.
Faith Based Contributor of the Year Award recipients were Rev. Hazel Horne, Dot Pinkerton, Andrea Shelton, Rev. Thurmond Tillman, Dr. James Waits, Courts of Praise Church, Mustard Seed Faith Center, The Kairos Ministry of Georgia, and Victory Baptist Church.

Partner Agency Award winners included Gale Buckner of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Beth Oxford of Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Tom Wellman of Middle Georgia Technical College.

Recipients of the Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award were businesses that support GDC by employing Center detainees. These organizations included American Woodmark Corporation (Jackson Plant), Cagles Incorporated, Carbo Tech, Incorporated, Crown Candy Company, Doubletree Guest Suites of Atlanta, Duracell Corporation, Flint River Services, General Produce, Goodyear Midtown Tire, Incorporated, KwikServ Staffing, Longstreet Caf, McDaniel Supply Company, McDonalds of Athens (Stores # 0553, 3410, 11470), Piccadilly Restaurant of Atlanta, Publix Supermarket of Marietta, Red Lobster of Macon, Rogerwood Foods, Shapiro Meat Packing Company, Signius Communications Company, Snelling Personnel Services of Savannah, The Beautiful Restaurant, United Egg Marketing Corporation, Western Sizzlin Restaurant of Rome and Wight Nurseries.
Three awards (Correctional Officer of the Year, Probation Officer of the Year and Employee of the Year) went to individuals who were designated by their peers to be the best performers in their group in 2004.

Freda D. Lewis of Patten Probation Detention Center was named Correctional Officer of the Year. Officer Lewis received this award for her actions while assuming the duties of a Shift Sergeant who had been deployed to Military Duty. She performed these duties in an extraordinary manner.

The Probation Officer of the Year award honored John D. Davis III of the Homerville Probation Office. Officer Davis received this award for his willingness to take on additional duties that provided protection to his community.

The agency recognized Diane M. Hassett of Colwell Probation Detention Center as GDC Employee of the Year. Ms. Hassett received this award for being fair-minded, level headed, and possessing a positive attitude that serves as a morale booster for those around her.

Chairman Powell Freda D. Lewis - CO of the Year
Commissioner Donald

The Bobby Franklin Award given for extraordinary bravery and valor beyond the call of duty, was awarded to Mr. Jack Fuller (not pictured) of Augusta State Medical Prison. This award is presented in memory of Correctional Officer Bobby Franklin who was killed in the line of duty while serving his country in Iraq. A memorial trophy was also presented to the Bobby Franklin family.

Chairman Powell John D. Davis, III - PO of the Year
Commissioner Donald
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Chairman Powell Diane M. Hassett - Emp. of the Year
Commissioner Donald

Chairman Powell Greda Murray - James Henderson
Award Winner Commissioner Donald

Chairman Powell Annette Polote - Cynthia Floyd
Award Winner Commissioner Donald

EICC -- Banquet (continued)
The James Henderson Award honors officer James Henderson who was killed in the line of duty while working at Georgia State Prison. Officer Greda Murray was presented the Henderson award for placing service above self and extraordinary bravery beyond the call of duty. A memorial award was created for the James Henderson Family.

The Cynthia Floyd Award was presented to Annette Polote of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Officer Polote was given this award for humanitarian acts and personal sacrifice beyond the call of duty. This award is given in memory of Officer Cynthia Floyd who was killed in the line of duty while working as a Probation Officer for the Georgia Department of Corrections. The Floyd Family was presented with a memorial award.

The agency also chose to recognize those leaders who have made major contributions to the agency and have been identified as agency legacies. The Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Allen Ault, Mr. David Evans and Mr. Lanson Newsome. Dr. Ault served as GDC Commissioner, Assistant to the Commissioner and GDC Commissioner again. Mr. Evans served as GDC Commissioner, Chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and DOAS Commissioner. Mr. Newsome served in many capacities including Warden and Deputy Commissioner.

In keeping with the Governor's goal of a healthier Georgia, GDC promotes fitness and a healthier lifestyle. The Individual Fitness Award was presented to Tracy Page of Rogers State Prison. Mr. Page was presented this award for his dedication to become physically fit through diet and exercise. The Facility Fitness Award was presented to Macon State Prison for creating a motivational program for staff to encourage each other to create goals for weight loss and physical fitness.

Smith State Prison Employees

Those Facility and Probation Circuits that were identified as best in their category were identified and recognized with a presentation of handsome trophy cups. The winners of the facility and circuit awards were as follows:

Celebrate Success

GDC Facility of the Year - Smith State Prison GDC Center of the Year - Emanuel Probation Detention Center GDC Probation Circuit of the Year - Alapaha Judicial Circuit County Correctional Institution of the Year - Richmond County Correctional Institution

Employees of Smith State Prison took time out on Monday November 1st to participate in a program and luncheon to celebrate their award as Facility of the Year. Warden Bill Terry brought the trophy home from the Excellence in Corrections Conference in Macon to the Smith State Prison family in Glenville. "This trophy is for you," Warden Terry told his employees. Warden Terry continued the celebration by honoring those Smith S.P. employees who were nominated for agency awards with a plaque recognizing their nomination.

The facility was praised by dignitaries including State Senator Jack Hill, State Representative Terry Barnard, Board of Corrections member Wayne Dasher, and Glenville Mayor Jean Bridges.

Chairman Powell Tracy Page--Rogers S.P.
Commissioner Donald

Chairman Powell John Terwilliger--Supt. Emanuel PDC
Commissioner Donald

All State Prisons were judged using various critical success factors. Smith's record for the year allowed them to rise to the top of the group to capture what has rapidly become the most coveted annual award.

Chairman Powell Steve Benton--Warden Macon S.P.
Commissioner Donald

Chairman Powell William D. White--Alapaha JC Chief P.O.
Commissioner Donald

Chairman Powell Bill Terry--Warden Smith S.P.
Commissioner Donald
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John Irby Welcomed as new Chairman Powell honored Board of Corrections Chairman by Corrections Board

John H. Irby

John Hampton Irby was voted in as the new Board of Corrections Chairman at the December 2, 2004 meeting of the Board. Mr. Irby was appointed to the Board of Corrections in October of 1999. John Irby is currently a partner with Wilson Brock and Irby, L.L.C., a law firm located in Atlanta. Mr. Irby serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the W.C. Bradley Company in Columbus, Georgia, Board of Advisory for Synovus Wealth Management and serves various civic and charitable organizations.
Chairman R. Carlton Powell was presented with the GDC Legacy Award trophy and framed certificate by Commissioner Donald for his service as Chairman of the Board of Corrections. Chairman Powell was selected as Chairman in March of 2003 and will complete his service as Chairman on December 31, 2004.

R. Carlton Powell

Seven New Members of the Board Corrections Announced
Wayne Dasher, Member-at-Large, is currently the Vice President and Director of Satilla Community Bank. He received the Meritorious Service Award from the Georgia Sheriff's Association in 2003 and is also an Honorary Life Member of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, and Peace Officers Association of Georgia and the Georgia State Patrol.
Roger Garrison, 7th District, is currently serving as Cherokee County's Sheriff. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society and the Chamber of Commerce, Georgia County Council on Child Abuse, and the Multi-Agency Narcotics Units in Cherokee County.

Rob Jones, 9th District, is a partner at Robert E. Jones, P.C. He served as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Southeastern Regional Business Torts Committee and the ABA Business Torts Committee CLE Seminars.

Bill Massee, Member-at-Large, is presently serving his fourth term as Baldwin County's Sheriff. He was previously employed as a Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
John Mayes, 11th District, is the owner and founder of Pro Systems Clean Care. He is currently the chair of the Floyd County Public Safety Committee and the former chairman of the Floyd County Commission.

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Tommy Rouse, 1st District, is a retired District Manager for Behavioral Intervention, Inc. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Georgia Probation Association and received the Georgia Department of Corrections Lee Broome Award of Excellence for Excellence in Probation while serving as a Region Director.
Ellis Wood, Member-at-Large, currently serves as Chairman of the Statesboro-Bulloch Co. Airport Committee and Chief Pilot for the Bulloch County Sheriff's Department. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and founder of Ellis Wood Contracting.

Positive Organizational Change
Effective July 1, 2004 the four divisions of GDC were reorganized. The Human Resources Division was eliminated and various functions were reorganized to form three new divisions. The new divisions are: Corrections Division; Operations, Planning & Training Division; and the Administrative Division.
COMMISSIONER

Confidential Secretary Diane Avery
Executive Assistant Brian Owens
- Public Relations - Legislative Services - Victims Services

Comm on Family Violence Rebecca Bukant
Asst. Comm/Chief of Staff Joe Ferrero
- Legal Services - Special Investigations - Internal Investigations - Personnel - Georgia Correctional Industries

Operations, Planning & Trng Div Arnold Smith
Harris Hodges, Asst Div Dir
- Planning & Strategic Mgmt. - Training - Risk Reduction Services - Health Services - Information Technology - Engineering & Construction Svcs. - Communications Center - Safety Officer - Fire Services - Chaplaincy

Corrections Div Alan Adams

Michael Nail Probation

Brenda Murrell Facilities

Rick Jacobs Special Ops

- State Prisons - Probation Detention Centers - Transitional Centers - Boot Camps - Diversion Centers - County Prisons - Probation Supervision - Court Services - Food & Farm Services - Inmate Affairs

Administration Div Diane Bell
Scott Poitevint, Asst Div Dir
- Accounting/Payroll - Budget Services - Care & Custody - Contract Admin - Fiscal Audits - Fleet/Risk Mgmt - Property Audits - Purchasing - Priv. & Bus Enhancement - Telecommunication

New Management Staff

Arnold Smith
Operations, Planning & Training Division Director

Brenda Murrell Facilities Director

Arnold Smith is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. His most recent position was as a Sr. Analyst for Science Applications International Corporation. Mr. Smith has been hired as the Division Director of the Operations, Planning & Training Division. He is responsible for overseeing Risk Reduction Services, Health Services, Training, Engineering & Construction, Planning, the Communication Center, Safety, Fire Services, Chaplaincy and the Office of Information Technology.
Brenda Murrell, has 30 years state employment. She has served in the capacity of Warden at numerous prisons and Superintendent for centers over the past 12 years. Ms. Murrell was most recently the Warden at Dooly State Prison. Ms. Murrell has been promoted to Facilities Director, responsible for overseeing all state prisons, probation detention centers, county and private prisons, transitional centers, diversion centers and boot camps.
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Department Develops its Strategic Plan:
GDC Launches Tranformation Campaign Plan
Governor Perdue's strategic vision for our state is to create a safer, healthier, better-educated and growing Georgia while simultaneously making Georgia the best managed state in the nation. Our Transformation Campaign Plan, after two lengthy offsite planning meetings and literally thousands of conversations with staff throughout the state, supports the Governor's vision. The organizational principles that underpin our Transformation Campaign Plan are:
We are a values-based organization. With over 10,000 sworn peace officers we have a special bond and trust with the citizens of Georgia.
We must embrace change. Change and transformation are inevitable. We must employ a better business acumen to the decisions we make. Better business practices should guide our decision
making process. A professional organization is a learning organization. Our people are our most important resource.
Today we have over 54,000 people incarcerated in our facilities and another 130,000 under probation supervision. Our prison population has doubled the past ten years. A decade ago we had about 25,000 inmates, 15,000 serving for violent offenses and 10,000 serving for non-violent offenses. After a decade of tougher sentencing laws and strict parole policies we now have a prison population of about 50,000. The violent to non-violent ratio remains about the same, 30,000 serving for violent offenses and another 20,000 serving for non-violent offenses.
Current projections suggest that we could add another 10,000 inmates over the next five years alone if the current trend continues. If we continue to take the "brick and mortar" approach to crime we'll need another ten 1000-bed prisons over the next five years. At $52 million per copy to build, then another $17 million per prison each year to operate, our current budget of $882 million per year could easily double. Clearly, as the old saying goes, "we cannot get there from here."
As Georgians, we need to decide who we are afraid of and who we are just mad at. If we are afraid of them, if they are predators, habitual criminals, or violent felons, then we need to lock them away in prisons until they are too old to ever prey on us again. If, on the other hand, we are just mad at them, they are committing non-violent property crimes, oftentimes driven by addiction, then perhaps we ought to find some alternative solutions that attack the problem rather than the symptom.
Alternative Solutions
Alternative solutions are at the centerpiece of our transformation campaign plan as we seek to flatten the growth of the prison population. One new alternative solution that attacks the problem rather than the symptom is day reporting centers. Once selected for this sentencing alternative, probationers and parolees found in violation of their Court or Board imposed conditions are offered one final opportunity prior to being revoked to custody. They report to the center every day where they receive an intensive assessment of their criminogenic risks and needs and are then placed in the appropriate evidence-based intervention. They are drug tested every other day but allowed to go home in the evening where they remain under the supervision of a surveillance officer. After thirty days they are required to work and report to the center nightly to continue to participate in interventions. Currently one in three inmates released from prison will be reconvicted within three years. According to research conducted by Georgia State University less than one in three graduates of the day report center have been reconvicted within three years after having completed the nine-month program.
We will be opening four new day report centers early next year in Floyd, Bibb, Clayton and Tift Counties. Other alternative solutions include a mental health diversion program being piloted in Hall County and new probation detention and diversion centers preparing to open once operating funds become available.
Offender Reentry
Every week approximately 350 inmates leave prison and return to communities across Georgia. We have an obligation to insure that to the best of our ability, we prepare these former inmates for their reentry into society. We know that inmates released through transitional centers are far less likely to recidivate than those released directly from prison. We will expand work release opportunities by offering counties incentives to operate work release programs at county facilities.
Realizing the importance of employment in offender reentry, Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI) is piloting a partnership with a non-profit, private sector employment service to find living wage jobs for inmates released from prison after obtaining GCI job skills. The Department has also created a Corporate Advisory Board to offer assistance in insuring that we are providing inmates with marketable skills.
Page 6

GDC has also created a Faith-Based Advisory Board to offer insight into effective faith and character based programs. As a result of this partnership we have opened six faith and character based housing units targeting those inmates nearing their release. This initiative complements the ongoing One Church, One Inmate program.
Finally we will be seeking legislative approval this session that would allow private industry to place light industry into our prisons to offer inmates an employment opportunity. Forty-one other states currently have this authorization that requires inmates to pay restitution to victims, pay child support and pay the state to offset the cost of their incarceration.
Optimizing Existing Infrastructure
Realizing that some growth in the prison population is inevitable as the population of Georgia continues to grow, we need to employ the better business practice of optimizing existing infrastructure for additional prison capacity. This simply means that rather than building new facilities from the ground up we expand existing facilities at a significant savings to both construction and operating costs.
With a footprint spreading across Georgia, the Department maintains $2.3 billion worth of infrastructure and owns tens of thousands of acres. At the same time we lease office space throughout the state. Again the better business practice would be to channel the funds currently used for leases into the construction of new multi-purpose community corrections campuses on existing state land.
Community Outreach "Choose Freedom"
Analysis reveals that 25% of our prison population comes from just 2.5%, or 25 zip codes across Georgia. In early 2005 GDC and partners will launch a prevention oriented community outreach initiative in these "at risk" communities. Plans include school adoption, posters, print, television and radio public service announcements and inmate testimonials. The community outreach theme is "Choose Freedom."
Well-Being and Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
The management philosophy of the Department is centralized management with decentralized execution. This philosophy pushes the decision-making responsibility down to the individual warden, superintendent and chief. This philosophy also requires that we have highly competent, motivated and trained professionals in these positions. The Commissioner has set a goal for all GDC personnel to have, at a minimum, an Associates Degree within five years and a Bachelor's degree within ten years. Through a partnership with local community colleges, and with the benefit of the HOPE grant, which does not require a minimum high school GPA, we are working to bring the colleges to the facilities to conduct credit-earning classes.
Affordable housing for our great staff is the goal of the Peach State Residential Community Initiative. This initiative combines the Department of Community Affairs' interest free $7,500 loan for Protectors, Educators and Nurses (PEN) for first-time homebuyers, with less than retail interest rates, and in some cases mortgage buy-downs and lease to own programs for Corrections employees. Our initial efforts are planned for Southwest Georgia, Dodge, Tatnall and Baldwin Counties.
Initiatives to include professional development assignments both inside and outside the Department, community outreach, reduced cost daycare, and fitness and health programs are also part of the vision of the Department.
Conclusion
The Georgia Department of Corrections has a non-negotiable mission of protecting and serving the public we will not compromise public safety. Knowing that we face up to 10,000 new inmates over the next five years we realize that we cannot continue to try to "build our way out" of a growing prison population in fact, no jurisdiction has been able to do so. We will continue to seek new and innovative ways to accomplish that mission. Change, and indeed transformation are inevitable. As our business theory changes we need to continue to be good stewards of the public resources. Education is the key to advancement and mentoring and counseling are the keys to professional development. Finally, we can only succeed with you, our dedicated team of professionals. You are the strength of this organization, management is fully confident that if we take care of you, you will take care of the mission.
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GDC Website Updates Revealed

Can't afford your dream home? Check out Peach State Housing
Initiative & the PEN Loan Program.

Did you know that the Georgia Department of Corrections public website (www.dcor.state.ga.us) has an average of 2.3 million hits per day (72 million hits per month)! The website has been a huge hit since its initial launch in May of 2000.
Over time the agency realized a need for the website to evolve to better meet the needs of the general public as well as to increase the efficiency of site maintenance. Effective 7/30/04 a new GDC website was launched! It has an exciting new look and functionality.
The site has been changed to make it faster and leaner. The new home page displays more than twice the links than the previous home page, yet it "weighs" less. The new inner pages are about 1/2 the weight of their previous counterparts with the identical content. In addition, there are textual elements displayed on the new home page, such as the most current press releases. The result of these changes are; faster download time for all end-users, more than double the information than the previous website, and the utilization of less bandwidth.
The general public is entitled to the most updated information available regarding our agency. Site changes allow for faster development and updates. The new public website layout leverages development time by allowing for easier updates and additions to the information provided on the site.
One of the goals of the change to the website was to bring a more official look to the website and to make it more useful. The typical user to the GDC website wants information on demand, delivered in a concise, timely, and user-friendly manner. The nature of the agency calls for a stronger, more official look. The new design is optimized for performance, speed, ease of navigation, and strength of presence. It easily stands up against comparable agencies not just at the state, but at the federal level.
The new public website allows the user a similar experience to the State of Georgia public web site in navigational layout and functionality. Therefore, we refer to it as "Co-branded" with the State of Georgia, yet unique to the GDC. However, the appearance is still
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Possible Townhouse Design
Several other models available
ATTENTION GDC EMPLOYEES! CAN'T SEEM TO SCRAPE TOGETHER A DOWNPAYMENT? LEARN ABOUT AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME!!!
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has developed the PEN loan program to assist Georgia's heroes, who help others in times of need, purchase a home of their own. The Protectors, Educators and Nurses Program (PEN) is designed to provide increased down payment assistance. Eligible borrowers may borrow $7,500 at 0% interest to use towards the down payment, closing costs, and other loan related expenses while contributing only 1% of the sale price to the purchase. As Public Protectors the program is available to all fulltime Georgia Department of Corrections employees. To determine if you qualify for this program, contact a local lender participating in the program. A listing of participating lenders is available at: www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/SFH/LenderList.pdf or you may call the brochure line at: 404-679-4850 or 800359-4663.
Affordable housing will soon be available in some rural communities in Georgia thanks to the Peach State Housing initiative. Through a cooperative effort between GDC and DCA, planned traditional neighborhood communities will be developed for the purpose of housing for GDC staff and other state employees.

uniquely geared toward the Department of Corrections. This assists in providing a cohesive "branding" for the GDC as an individual agency functioning within the larger state government.

Each of these changes are excellent examples of how the

agency strives to serve the general public in the best way

possible. The site will continue to evolve since continual

updates are planned.

Get on the web and visit the new

site. We

know it will be a great experience!

Nursing Opportunities Abound
Nursing is a field of opportunity with a predicted need of 18,310 more RNs and 4,570 more LPNs in Georgia by 2010. The Georgia Correctional Healthcare System currently has 105 RN vacancies and 76 LPN vacancies. Starting salaries are $28,000 for LPNs and $38,000 for RNs employed by GDC's health care partner, the Medical College of Georgia.
Georgia's technical schools and colleges offer education as a LPN at locations statewide. A complete list of technical schools with LPN programs can be found by visiting Georgia's technical institution website at http://www.dtae.org
Under the "HOPE Grant" program, Georgia residents may attend a Georgia public technical college to earn a certificate or diploma. Full-time enrollment is not required, but a student must continue satisfactory academic progress to maintain eligibility. A student is not required to maintain a B average to renew a HOPE Grant. A HOPE Grant covers tuition, approved mandatory fees and a book allowance up to $100 per quarter.
HOPE scholarships are also available to assist in paying for nursing education. A Georgia resident who graduated from high school in 1993 or later with a 3.0 grade point average as a "HOPE scholar" is eligible for this scholarship. Even if you finished high school before 1993 or had a grade point average less than 3.0, you may still be eligible for HOPE once you have completed 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in a nursing program. Additional information on HOPE may be found by visiting www.gsfc.org on the web.
The Medical College of Georgia has a tuition remission program for LPNs seeking RN degrees. After completing six months employment with MCG, you may work toward a degree as a Registered Nurse while employed by MCG and nine semester hours of tuition at any University System of Georgia College or University will be waived.
For more information on educational opportunities for aspiring nurses in the Georgia Department of Corrections, contact Bill Kissel, Director of Health Services, GDC at 404-657-8237.
GDC Employees Reap Benefits from Golf Tournaments
The 1st GDC Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at The Commons Golf Course located on Fort McPherson. The tournament was sponsored by Georgia Corrections Association and helped raise money for the EIC Conference and scholarship Programs. The Tournament began at 1:30 p.m. with 32 teams participating. There were golf clinics and various contests held during the day.
There were 30 volunteers from Central Office and other GDC locations throughout the state along with some special guests in attendance. Some of those in attendance included Bud Black, Board of Public Safety; Albert Murray, Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice ; Buddy Nix, Chairman of Pardons and Paroles; Alan Powell, State Representative, and Robert Rosenbloom, Assistant Director of Juvenile Justice.
A special thanks goes out to Georgia Corrections Association's Board Members; President Patricia Smith, Co-Chair Dan Stone and Co-Vice Chair Tony Howerton. The funding of this event was made possible by the following organizations:
Brookers Unlimited, CCA, CGL, Conagra Foods Slim Jims, Conwood Tobacco, Forum Development Services, Georgia Sheriff's Association, Great Southern Marketing, Keefe Supplies, Lane Limited, McDaniel Supply, MCI, Mechanical Services, Milledgeville Coca-Cola Bottling, Phoenix Research, Republic Tobacco, Stewart Candy, Sugar Foods, Swedish Match, Swisher International and US Tobacco.
After the tournament was over and all the day's activities ended, everyone went to the clubhouse, Reggie's, for dinner, award presentations and comments from Commissioner Donald.
Congratulations go out to the 1st Place team of Tom Boyd, Ralph Clay, Pitt Edwards and Jim Grove.
Also a SPECIAL THANKS to Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Milledgeville Bottling Company and Stewart Candy Company of Waycross for being the largest sponsors of the event.
On August 16th, 2004, the Georgia Prison Wardens' Association sponsored a Fall Classic Excellence in Corrections Golf Tournament in McRae, Ga. The tournament was one of the largest golf tournaments ever coordinated at the Little Ocmulgee State Park including representatives from all of Georgia's State Agencies. With over 150 golfers and over 20 volunteers present in McRae, the weather cooperated after a close call from Hurricane Charley.
Flash Foods/Distribution South was the major sponsor of the event. Flash Foods owners Carl Jones and Patrick Jones participated in the event and reiterated their support of Georgia Corrections. McDaniel Supply Company sponsored the Barbecue Lunch Meal and a putting contest, Ingalls United Services, MCCBC, and Stewart Candy Company also assisted in sponsoring the event.
A special thanks goes out to B.J. Blair, Warden Randy Tillman, Personnel Director Cindy Schweiger, and G.P.W.A. President Wendy Thompson for their work on the course during tournament play.
One of the highlights of the tournament was the Par 3, 12th hole where golfers had a chance to win a new Ford Pick-up. None of the players made the hole-in-one but several came very close.
Congratulations go out to 1st Place Team of Warden Tony Turpin, Retired Warden Teddy Rewis, Farm Services Supervisor Steve Spivey, and Food Service Regional Director Richard Hilton. The team compiled a score of 15 under par on 18 holes.
Thanks to Dan Stone and retired Warden Ronald Fountain for coordinating the event.
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GDC employees recognized for great Work!

The week of May 2 8, 2004 was Public Employee Recognition Week across the United States. There were many activities that took place during this week for GDC Employees. Various GDC locations sponsored a number of events to show their appreciation for hard work and dedication. Events included picnics, blood drives, softball games, scavenger hunts, baby picture days, etc. that were held throughout the Department and enjoyed by staff members. This was a time for the managers and supervisors to show their appreciation to their employees.
Blood Drive--Johnson SP
Exceptional employees from all state agencies received recognition in various categories, such as customer service, community service, innovations and suggestions, leadership, heroism, teamwork and safety. GDC led with 29 nominees with two state winners and two honorable mention winners in the categories of innovations and suggestions, heroism, community service and customer service.

Picnic--Hays SP

Roy T. Edgerton of Hays S.P. was a State winner in the category of Innovations and Suggestions. Mr. Edgerton suggested that instead of discarding inmate boots they could be repaired. After research, machines were purchased to repair the inmate boots, at a cost that saved the Department over $21,000.00.

Terry Hicks of Lee S.P. was a State winner in the category of Heroism. Mr. Hicks saw a small child pinned beneath a car. He stopped and orchestrated an effort to lift the car and free the child. This action was the ultimate factor that saved the child's life.

Debra Roberts of LaGrange Transitional Center was an Honorable Mention winner in the category of Customer Service. Ms. Roberts was instrumental in securing funding that allowed residents at the Center to obtain their GED.

Michelle Owens of Valdosta Probation Office was an Honorable Mention winner in the category of Community Service. Ms. Owens is very involved in various community organizations, such as The Haven Rape Crisis Center, Adopt-A-Family, Kids safety awareness, etc. Her work in the community has helped a number of residents in the area.

The following individuals were nominated in the category of Customer Service: Annette Anderson, Kandes Byrdsell, Nancy Carlton , Fred Johnson, Rodney McCloud and Debra Roberts.

The following individuals were nominated in the category of Community Service: James Holland, Jr., Kaije McDougald and Michelle Owens.

The following individuals were nominated in the category of Innovations and Suggestions: Roy T. Edgerton, Jr., Yvonne Fraser and Rex Swain.

The following individuals were nominated in the category of Leadership: Martha Brawner, Johannes Causey, Alexis Chase, Arnold DePetro, Jr., Diane Hassett, Herman Hill, William Kissel and Jimmy Sikes.

The following individuals were nominated in the category of Heroism: James Atwater, Judy Fair, Terry Hicks, Jahn Warrener and Arona Welsh.

The following teams were nominated in the category of Teamwork: Canine Unit (Statewide), Lookout Mountain Probation Circuit and Rome Diversion Center.

Congratulations to all the Winners and Nominees!

Page 10

Bar-B-Que Lunch Pataula Circuit

Softball Game Ware SP Warriors

Picnic Hays SP

Autry, Henry Baden, Joseph Bearden, Billy Biddle, Robert Brandful, Hilton Brooks, Henry Bryan, Ricky Caldwell, Antoine Coile, Robin Conley, T.J. Covington, Vickie Czachowski, Clara Daves, Michael Day, Marci Fowler, Israel Gallman, Dennis Gay, Eric Gerald, James Goodrum, Ricky Green, Deborah Haas, Michael Harrell, Kenneth Harris, Van Mario Hickman, Guy Hill, Solomon Housley, Timothy Hurley, Walter James, Richard

P R O M O T I O N S
CONGRATULATIONS to the following employees for a JOB WELL DONE!!!!

PO 3 Chief PO Chief PO PO 3 Security Chief DW Sec/C&T Chief PO Security Chief PO 3 Superintendent PO 3 PO 3 PO 3 PO 3 PO 3 Security Chief Chief PO Security Chief Security Chief Superintendent DW Sec/C&T Superintendent Security Chief Warden PO 3 PO 3 PO 3 Superintendent

South GA Circuit Macon Day RC Rome Day RC Blue Ridge Circuit Autry SP Metro SP Tifton Day RC Dooly SP Alcovy Circuit Augusta DC Southwest Circuit Gwinnett Circuit Appalachian Cir. Ocmulgee Circuit Stone Mtn. Circuit Arrendale SP Douglas Circuit Arrendale SP GD & CP Alcovy DC Lee SP Colwell PDC Treutlen PDC Pulaski SP Tifton Circuit Mountain Circuit Macon Circuit Savannah Men's TC

Jefferson, Jerry Jefferson, Tracy Johnson, Lula Jonas, Michael Jones, Brian Jones, Donald Kasper, Jeanie Kinservik, Mark Kraft, Michael McKinley, Maple Mullis, Milton Nash, Richard Jr. Norman, Karen Parsons, Cheryl Plante, Paul Pope, James Pressley, Dan Redd, Larry Sanders, Marvin Smith, Marlene Stewart, Britt Stone, Stacey Taylor, Gregory Thomas, Betsy Thomas, Sandra Washington, Anitra Watkins, Freddie Weathers, Debra

Security Chief Security Chief PO 3 PO 3 DW Sec/C&T Security Chief DW Sec/C&T PO 3 Chief PO DW Sec/C&T Chief PO PO 3 PO 3 Superintendent Security Chief Security Chief PO 3 Security Chief Security Chief Chief PO Superintendent DW Sec/C&T PO 3 PO 3 Chief PO Chief PO Security Chief PO 3

Lee SP Scott SP Stone Mtn. Circuit Atlanta Circuit Autry SP Central SP Walker SP Southwestern Circuit Alcovy Circuit Bostick SP Oconee Circuit Stone Mtn. Circuit Douglas Circuit Treutlen PDC Terrell PDC Coastal SP Mountain Circuit Augusta SMP Bleckley PDC Ocmulgee Circuit Bleckley PDC Ware SP Coweta Circuit Oconee Circuit Piedmont Circuit Atlanta Day RC Burruss CTC Cherokee Circuit

Recent Retirements: We are grateful for your YEARS of excellent service!
The following list includes the employees who retired October, 2003 through October, 2004.

October 2003
Bond, Joseph Culp, John Daughtrey, William Jr. Davis, Jimmy Gavin, Arthur Jr. Grieser, Gail Hall, Robert Harper, Michael Lively, Eddis Marks, Jerry Morris, Larry Moss, Martha Parrott, Shirley Pritchett, Nancy Sikes Rayford Spears, Larry Sr. Tweed, Barbara White, Jerry
November 2003
Bailey, Isiah

Ware SP Coastal SP Blue Ridge Circuit Tallapoosa Circuit Fac. Div. Dir. Office Legal Svcs. Coastal SP GD & CP Fleet Mgmt. Lee SP Appalachian Circuit Colwell PDC Coweta Circuit GD & CP Southeast PDC Rouse DC Macon TC Hays SP
Arrendale SP

Nov. 2003 Con't.
Benton, Kay Bowman, Robert Bryant, Nancy Davis, Calvin Dukes, Norma Dyer, Wendell Gillis, Elaine Howard, Ruth Humphries, Jean Hunt, Abraham Johnson-Sellers, Grace Jones, Thomas Kelsey, Cecil Lee, William Lowery, Marie Mikell, William Pearson, Rhonda Pollett, Joann Pressley, Roger Reece, Annette Scott, George

Patten PDC Augusta Circuit Treutlen PDC Dodge SP Georgia SP Arrendale SP Georgia SP Atlanta TC Metro SP Central SP Georgia SP SE GA Corr. Academy Internal Investigations Chattahoochee Circuit Telfair SP Rogers SP Georgia SP Johnson SP Northeast Circuit Risk Reduction Rutledge SP

Nov. 2003 Con't.
Tenney, Robert Terry, James Warren, Joseph Young, Jannette
December 2003
Anderson, John Beckom, Lucius Callaway, Donald Carnes, Inez Cook, George Daniel, Ingrid Deck, Franklin Gillis, John Heller, Larry James, George Kingery, Lucy Lawson, Carl Napier, E. Pender, Caryl Ragan, William

GD & CP Rivers SP Baldwin SP Womens PDC
Arrendale SP Bostick SP Telfair SP Milan SP Macon SP Mens SP Albany TC Pulaski SP Georgia SP ASMP Georgia SP Mens SP Southwest PDC Augusta Circuit Pulaski SP
Page 11

Dec. 2003 Con't.
Reid, Bernice Seabrooks, Paulette Sikes, Charles Stuckey, Dedrick Tanner, John Timmons, Lorraine Youngblood, Karen
January 2004
Banks, Haral Beal, Ronald Coon, Joseph Copeland, Everett Fouche, Jim Jr. Gourley, Ralph Hall, Willie Hunter, Willie Jenkins, William Johnson, Maurice Kirkland, Charlotte Scott, Shirreka Sellars, Ken Sibert, Robert Smith, Danny Wickersham, William
February 2004
Britt, Spencer Collins, Dobbie Fletcher, Lucia Gibbs, James Gosa, Forrest Jr. Hammer, Merlyn Harris, Percy Johnson, James Kent, Hal Kimbell, Robert Laplume, Andre McRae, Georgia Morgan, Lennie Pittman, Bobby Seymour, Walton Sikes, Willard Stephenson, Emmett Tibbitts-Ratteree, Joan Young, Alan
March 2004
Aldridge, Charlie Alford, Martha Bauer, Richard Benton, Harold Bishop, Donald Bryson, Larry

Recent Retirements -- Continued

Savannah DC Metro SP Wayne SP Rogers SP ASMP Savannah DC Georgia SP
GD & CP Valdosta SP Homerville SP Inmate Construction Atlanta Circuit Ware SP Washington SP Rutledge SP Burruss CTC Oconee Circuit Griffin Circuit Johnson SP Engineering Montgomery SP Inmate Construction GD & CP
Georgia SP ASMP GD & CP ASMP Lee SP Valdosta SP Georgia SP Rutledge SP Homerville SP GD & CP ASMP Milan SP Valdosta SP Dodge SP Western Circuit Rogers SP Arrendale SP Cherokee Circuit Appalachian Circuit
Bacon PDC Baldwin SP Rutledge SP Central SP Ware SP Northeast Circuit

March 2004 Con't.
Durden, Rhonda Foster, James Gray, Robert Grice, Dennis Hand, Jerry Harrison, Garrie Lewis, Ida Lockhart, Pearlie Lovelace, Marguerite Music, Daniel Petain, Konstantine Powell, John Rickman, Wilbur Smith, William Thomas, Paul Tillman, John Vines, Marlon Walker, Charles Williams, John Woodard, Roosevelt

Hancock SP ASMP GA Corrections Acad. Smith SP Metro SP Inmate Affairs Coastal TC Rogers SP Macon TC Ware SP Georgia SP Homerville SP Albany TC Georgia SP Valdosta SP Wayne SP Hays SP Rome Circuit Central PDC Coastal SP

April 2004
Adams, Walter Anderson, Lawson Blaxton, Janice Brown, Howard Burden, Diane Carmony, H. Carnahan, Merl Carter, James Darby, Roscoe Day, Eugene Douglas, Charlie Gorin, Cynthia Hamby, Larry Harrison, Ruth Hoagland, Harold Loggins, Mardean Morgan, John Pate, Judy Pelt, Diane Sampson, Wilma Strickland, William Sumner, George Thigpen, Melvin Thompson, Fred Way, Vicki Whitaker, Billy Young, Debra

Larmore PDC Georgia SP Rogers SP Central GA Corr. Acad Engineering Accounting Hancock SP ASMP Wilcox SP Baldwin SP Rutledge SP Gateway DC GD & CP Griffin Circuit Hays SP Lookout Mtn. Circuit Wayne SP Tifton Circuit Walker SP Training Ware SP Smith SP Telfair SP Dodge SP Middle Circuit Rogers SP Scott SP

May 2004
Adams, Linda Burden, Charles Carter, Nathaniel

Mountain Circuit OIT Rutledge SP

May 2004 Con't.
Chaffin, Johnny Chandler, A. Channell, Horace Cochran, Charles Davidson, Terry Deloach, Patricia Frady, Robert Geiger, Gary Harper, Martin Held, Billy Horn, Bobby Jackson, Thomas Johnson, Henry Mayfield, Newton McAdams, Helen Nix, Donald Okelley, Evelyn Pontes, Joseph Shirah, Pam Strickland, Phillip Thomas, Ross III Thompson, Linda
June 2004
Arrington, Mary Barnes, Nancy Bellflower, Joyce Blaxton, Billy Clark, Dennis Cochran, Howard Dennis, Paul Edwards, Allen Faircloth, John Gibbs, David Hamby, Arlie Higdon, Dan Hinson, Guylynn Hudson, William Ingram, Kenneth King, Tony Lane, Charles Lee, Henry Lively, Dianna Manley, Margaret Price, Franklin Shinhoster, Ruby Smith, Michael Welch, Jene Wicks, Stanley Zoll, Gary

Inmate Construction West Regional Office Burruss CTC Walker SP Engineering Special Investigations Sub. Abuse Georgia SP Homerville SP Purchasing Wilcox SP Macon SP Cordele Circuit Burruss CTC Inmate Admin. Georgia SP Piedmont Circuit Gainesville DC Budget Svcs. Autry SP Calhoun SP Wayne SP
Atlanta Circuit Cobb Circuit Scott SP Georgia SP Prob. Div. Dir. Off. South GA Circuit Northeast Circuit Rivers SP Calhoun SP Arrendale SP Walker SP Rutledge SP Milan SP Accounting Hancock SP GD & CP Lee SP Metro SP Augusta TC Clayton DC Bostick SP Metro TC Treutlen PDC Rivers SP Metro SP Phillips SP

Page 12

July 2004
Baggett,Ruth G Bennett, Jeannette Boone, Charles Bryant, John Cloyd, Stephen Cranford, Herman Cross, David Cross, Floyd Daugherty, Fleda Eller, Deborah Fellows, Jacquelyn Henderson, Thomas Huckaby, Robert Johnston, Joyce Little, Lee McCoy, Margie Miller, Albert Pouncey, Janice Price, Franklin Rainer, Rikki Ritch, Marlene Simmons, Roy Smith, Shirley Stanley, Frederick Teasley, Jack Vinson, Patricia Zoll, Gary
August 2004
Barge, Alphonzo Bibbings, Clinton Brooks, Joel Burgamy, James Cook, Sherry Cory, Janice Dunn, Gary Edwards, Milton Gomillion, Vincent Greer, Bobby Hawkins, Sarah Johnson, Durie Jordan, Patricia Knighton, Wallis Moore, James Register, Sanford Shaw, Jane Sikes, Eustace Sikes, Jimmy Singliterry, Willie Smith, John Sullens, Larry Thomas, Robert Thompson, Maudie Wright, Melvin

Recent Retirements -- Continued

Western Circuit Ware SP Hancock SP Middle Circuit Coastal TC Rogers SP Stone Mtn. Circuit Washington SP Arrendale SP Arrendale SP McEver PDC Hancock SP Burruss CTC Ware SP Rutledge SP Homerville SP Valdosta SP N GA Corr. Academy Bostick SP Scott SP Wayne SP Telfair SP Scott SP Rogers SP Lee SP Ware SP Phillips SP
Calhoun SP CCI Dodge SP Baldwin SP Dodge SP Western Circuit Baldwin SP GD & CP Atlanta Circuit Probation Operations Walker SP Scott SP Rivers SP Mountain Circuit GD & CP Scott SP Central Personnel Rogers SP Corrections Division Office Rutledge SP Valdosta SP Phillips SP Clayton DC Valdosta SP Scott SP

September 2004
Barnard, James Brown, Tyrone Cauley, Ernestine Cheeks, Benny Curl, Velma Deal, Sandra Diggins, John Dozier, Ralph Goldstein, Marsha Greene, Mary Hardy, E. Rebecca Heath, Sharon Howington, Don Lewis, Steven Luke, Sandra Maxwell, Henry Meeks, Max Morris, Peggy Price, Anita Quinn, George Rice, Lynden Rider, Patsy Rowell, Charles Russell, Herbert Scotland, Emily Suggs, Dolphus Sutton, Richard Taylor, Michael Taylor, Ray Tucker, William Tyler, Hank Williams, John Wilson, Henry
October 2004
Alligood, Charles Ashley, Levy Barbee, William Bedgood, Robert Cox, Conrad Emeott, Thomas Goldson, Betty Howe, Glinda Johns, Eugene Johnson, James Jones, Byron Jones, Thomas Mitchell, Sherry Morris, Thomas Norman, Carol Parker, Susan Rose, Darrell Rudzinski, Donald Spivey, Bernard

Georgia SP Terrell PDC Georgia SP Arrendale SP Georgia SP Arrendale SP Augusta SMP Pataula Circuit Cobb Circuit Baldwin SP Phillips SP Ware SP Atlanta TC Scott SP Alapaha Circuit Dodge SP Phillips SP Central SP Cobb Circuit Alcovy Circuit Valdosta SP Enotah Circuit Georgia SP Cobb Circuit Western Circuit GD & CP Bell Forsyth Circuit Central PDC Rogers SP Rogers SP Bainbridge PSATC Stone Mtn. Circuit Arrendale SP
Valdosta SP Telfair SP Valdosta SP Scott SP Alapaha Circuit Coastal SP Inmate Administration Brunswick Circuit Ware SP SE GA Corr. Academy Towaliga Circuit Ware SP Bell Forsyth Circuit Central PDC Southwest PDC GD & CP Augusta SMP Stone Mtn. Circuit Rogers SP

October 2004 Con't

Swinney, Lillie

Washington SP

Tench, Ronald

Arrendale SP

Underwood, Welton

Chattahoochee Circuit

Walton, Roger

Helms DC

West, Hubert

Southwestern Circuit

November 2004
Brown, Kelly Carr, Kathy Crum, Charles Dotson, Samuel Farmer, Gloria Flanders, Byron Ford, John Paul French, Gwendolyn Gibbs, Betty Gibbs, Brenda Johnson, Beatrice Lyon, Harvey McGill, Robert Mills, Blanche Panick, Daisy Reeves, Debra Scott, Johnny Staff, Glenn Taylor, Mary Louise Turcotte, Ronald

GSP Baldwin S.P. Inmate Construction Rutledge S.P. Alcovy PO ASMP Corr. Div. Dir. Office Baldwin S.P. Bainbridge PSATC Bleckley PDC Hancock S.P. Flint PO Gwinnett PO Atlanta PO Rogers S.P. Mens S.P. Hancock S.P. Rivers S.P. Metro S.P. Smith S.P.

Page 13

FITNESS CORNER

" The most effective hedge against the rising cost of medical care is a balanced diet and fitness plan." - Commissioner Donald

The Right Diet

Finding the "right diet" can be tough with all of the many different types of diets that are currently out on the market. Too, because all of our bodies and make-ups vary, no one diet is good for everyone. So how can you pick the "right diet" for you? The best commercial diet programs focus on smart food choices. No plan is perfect, but the good ones all have the following features in common:
Recommend food that is low in fat and sugar, high in complex carbohydrates, such as breads and vegetables.
Teach you how to cook delicious low-fat meals that are quick and easy to prepare.
Include an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals.
Ask you to eat at least 1,100 calories a day.
Allow you to eat a variety of foods and foods you like in moderation.

Let you eat in restaurants occasionally.

Encourage new eating habits and exercise.

The GDC congratulates the following employees for their recent significant weight loss:

Francine Scott 89 lbs.

Linda Craig:

83 lbs.

Nancy Phillips 84 lbs.

Randy Harris

For dietary options see the following websites:

79 lbs.

www.southbeachdiet.com, www.atkins.com, www.weightwatchers.com, www.diabetes.org/homepage.jsp

HR CORNER
*Article Excerpt From "Motivating Your Staff in a Time of Change" and "Business: The Ultimate Resource"

In today's turbulent, often chaotic, environment, commercial success depends on employees using their full talents. Yet, in spite of the myriad of available theories and practices, managers often view motivation as something of a mystery. In part, this is because individuals are motivated by different things and in different ways. In addition, these are times when the flattening of hierarchies can create insecurity and lower staff morale.
Twyla Dell writes of motivation, "The heart of motivation is to give people what they really want most from work. The more you are able to provide what they want, the more you should expect what you really want, namely: productivity, quality, and service." (An Honest Day's Work (1988))
AdvantagesA positive motivation philosophy and practice should improve productivity, quality, and service.

Motivation helps people:
achieve goals;
gain a positive perspective;
create the power to change;
build self-esteem and
capability, manage their own development and help others with theirs.
Disadvantages
There are no real disadvantages to successfully motivating employees, but there are many barriers to overcome.
Barriers may include unaware or absent managers, inadequate buildings, outdated equipment, and entrenched attitudes. Such views will take persuasion, perseverance, and the proof of experience to break down.

COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE
During my first year as your Commissioner my top priority has been to spend time with you, in the field, where our real mission is accomplished. The one constant I have seen is the high level of professionalism and dedication to the mission. I've seen professionalism exemplified by the men and women in blue, as they keep our facilities safe and secure, and in those men and women dedicated to keeping us safe from offenders serving their sentences at home. I've witnessed professionalism from the tactical squads who perform their tasks flawlessly in unannounced shakedowns, and fugitive squads who quietly, yet professionally re-capture those who have strayed from our custody.
I have witnessed numerous examples of selfless service, personified best, perhaps, when Roger Vining, David Lastinger, Nancy White, Debbie Thomas and Lonnie Clemmons from the Milledgeville Training Academy took down a purse-snatcher in Macon and delivered him to the custody of the local police. Simply put, I am extremely proud of what each and every one of you do each day in performing our mission.
As I reflect on our first year together, one of the highlights has to be our 1st Annual Excellence in Corrections Conference. One of our core organizational principles is that as a professional organization we need to be a learning organization and one of the goals of the conference was to enhance our level of knowledge and inter-agency collaboration. Thank you to all who helped to prepare the conference and to all who attended.
We are entering that time of year when once again the budgeting process moves to the forefront. Early indications leave me cautiously optimistic that we will weather the process. As you know we opened three alternative facilities, the Bleckley, Bacon and Emanuel Probation Detention centers earlier this year and we will open four new day report centers early next year. Sentencing alternatives like these are the key to our future as we work to flatten the growth of the prison population.
Finally it is also that precious time of year when we pause and give thanks for the special blessings that have been bestowed to all of us. I ask that you join me this year in remembering the sacrifices that 256 of our teammates are making on our behalf as they serve our nation around the globe in the Guard and Reserve. I know you already are, but please make an extra effort to show your support to the families that are left behind.
One Team!
Commissioner

Page 14

Retired U.S. District Judge Anthony A. Alaimo receives a Lifetime Achievement Award (Pictured with Field Operations
Manager Johnny Sikes.)
See the GDC home page at www.dcor.state.ga.us
for details of the November 19th press release.

Macon Day Reporting Center Opens its Doors

Commissioner James E. Donald Beth Oxford -Board of Pardons and Paroles
Mayor James Ellis - Macon Georgia

The new Day Reporting Center was opened in Macon on Monday November 29th. The Macon DRC is expected to receive probationers in February. Probation violators will not spend the night at the facility but will receive intensive training at the center during the day. The DRC will give judges an alternative to sentencing non-violent offenders.

Those who attended the ceremony included Commissioner Donald who called Macon DRC the "Centerpiece of the transformation" of the agency. Addressing earlier community concerns Beth Oxford of the board of Pardons and Paroles said "Programs like this are not soft, programs like this are safe."

Special Operations unit recaptures escapees from Montgomery State Prison.
See the December 7th GDC Early Bird News for more details of the escape and capture.

Access additional information about the opening of the Macon DRC and the facility mission via the GDC Early Bird News at www.dcor.state.ga.us
Chaplain's Prayer
-By Woodrow Hudson
This is your day created for us to honor you, O God. Remind us, O God that this day is like money; we can spend it anyway we wish, but we can only spend it once. Therefore, O God help us to cherish every moment today. Remind us that each moment, each encounter, each conversation is special and that moment will never visit us again in the same way. Help us to see every problem as an opportunity to honor you and encourage someone else in their journey through life. Enable us to have a warm and welcome smile that will bless another even when no words are spoken. Teach us not to expect more of others than we expect of self. Then, O God enable and empower us to accomplish the tasks set before us. Bless our families--Thank you for a faithful partner and good children. These O God are our greatest riches. Guide our children today. Remind them of the values such as honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, and especially enable them to have godly character. Keep them safe and in your love. Thank you O God for choosing us to serve you as Commissioner and Chaplain of DOC. Bless the people who do the work for the department and guide those who make the final decisions that the lives of men and women will be changed for good. Bless our Governor, President and protect our military and their families today. We pray. Amen.

If you have a story that you would like to see in the GDC Eagle please contact us at:

GDC Central Personnel Administration

#2 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 770, East Tower

Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4900

Phone: 404-656-4730 or fax 404-656-6496

Email: GDCEagle@dcor.state.ga.us

Happy Holidays!
This newsletter is available on the web at www.dcor.state.ga.us

Page 15

Georgia Department of Corrections Central Personnel Administration #2 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 770, East Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4900

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