THE GDC EAGLE
"Soaring to Greater Heights of Exc ellenc e"
Volume 5, Issue 1
Governor Breaks Ground on
New Corrections Headquarters
Governor Sonny Perdue broke ground on a renovation project at the vacant campus of T ift College in Forsyth-Monroe County. Once complete, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) will consolidate it's five metro Atlanta headquarter locations into one new facility in Forsyth, Georgia. Gove rnor Pe rdue was joined by officials from the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, the city of Forsyth, GDC and members of the Board of Corrections.
" Moving the Department of Corrections headquarters to central Georgia is a wise business decision," said Governor Sonny Perdue. " Not only will this relocation save taxpayer dollars, but the department will be better positioned to protect the people of Georgia because it s headquart ers will be closer to most of it s facilit ies." The new Forsyth headquarters will be closer to the department's geographical-
center of operations. The GDC has five prisons located north of Atlanta and 35 prisons south of Macon.
Governor Sonny Perdue
Moving the GDC headquarters to Forsyth will relocate up to 400 central office jobs to the T ift College campus, an estimated annual payroll of $25 million. The consolidation and reduced rent payments will save the GDC $4 million annually. The GDC will keep a small office
in Atlanta for use by the Board of Corrections.
Renovations of the campus will begin in fall 2006. Governor Perdue included $7.5 million in his 2007 budget for design and abatement planning for the renovation project. Final consolidation of the GDC Headquarters will occur in 2009.
"We are grateful for Governor Perdue's vision and leadership and the continued support of our state legislators for this move to Central Georgia," said Commissioner James Donald. "This ground-breaking ceremony is the first step in an extensive relocation process that will position us too increase our operational efficiency and make Corrections more accessible to the citizens of Georgia."
Forsyth Mayor Jimmy Pace, Chamber of Commerce President T iffany G. Andrews and a host
(Continued on Page 7)
INSIDE T HIS ISSUE
Page 2 -
Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 -
In Memory Of;48th Brigade; Commissioner's Message
Sex Offender Administration Unit PERW Recognition
PERW Recognition continued Variable Pay
Groundbreaking Ceremony (con't) Education Fair; Mentoring Program Captiva's HQ Relocation Info.
Page 9 - UGA @ Arrendale SP Page 10 - Health & Welness Page Page 11 - Pocketbooks and Belts;
HR Corner
Page 12 - NW PDC Chili Cook-off Page 13 - Retirements Page 14 - Retirements Page 15 - Promotions Page 16 - Mission, Vision, Core Values
IN MEMORY OF Sgt. Phillip Dodson
Burruss CTC
Commissioner's Message
Sgt. Phillip Dodson
It is with the deepest regrets that we inform you of the death of Burruss CTC Correctional Sergeant Philip Dodson on December 2, 2005 in Iraq as a result of a vehicle accident.
Sgt. Dodson was a member of the Army National Guard, 148th Support Battalion HSB, as part of the 48th Brigade. He began his service to the Department in 1987 at Bostick SP, transferred to Burruss CTC in 1990 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2003.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Sgt. Dodson's wife and daughter and extended family. Sgt. Dodson was a great member of the GDC team and a true American hero. There is no greater sacri fice one can make than giving their life in the protection of the freedoms and values that we cherish most.
GDC W elcomes Home the 48th Brigade
Georgia Corrections Academy staff and BCOT Cadets participate in the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce "Welcome Home" for members of the 48th Brigade. Several members of the 48th Brigade are also Correctional Officers in the middle Georgia Area. Soldiers arrived by bus and private vehicle on Friday May 19, 2006 with a police escort. Tift College Drive was lined with Boy scouts, school children, GDC employees, private citizens and em ergency vehicles.
Dear Teammates,
What an exciting time to be a member of the Department of Corrections team! This edition of the Eagle features articl es on our upcoming relocation from Atlanta to the beautiful and historic Tift Campus in Forsyth, the welcome home celebration for our heroes in the 48th brigade, and 5% to 7% pay raises for our hard working sworn officers. I cannot tell you how proud we are of each and every one of you!
Thank you for your dedicat ed commitment to our core mission of "protecting and serving" the public. You are the cent erpiece of our department. Thanks to you we have had one of the safest years in recent memory. Our priorities will not change in the coming year. Our goal will be to continue to focus on initiatives to enhance your well being while running the most efficient corrections system in the nation.
The past three years have been a time of sweeping change within the department, indeed, even transformational change. As we look at our future, however, the challenge lying before us is to sustain the change, and focus on moving the department from a good organization to a great one.
In his book Good to Great, author Jim Collins contends that "good is the enemy of great," if an organization is satisfied with just being good, it will never be great. He also discusses the concept of " first who, then what." The lesson is that if you have the right people on the team the problem of how to motivate and manage goes away. Conversely, i f you have the wrong people on the team it matters not what the vision or direction is because it will never be achieved. We believe that we are building the strong team that Jim Collins writes about with our Chiefs, Wardens and Superintendents, to our PO III's, Deputy Wardens, Unit Managers and 15k professional staff.
GDC is on the move because of each of you, the right people, on the right team, supporting the mission of protecting and serving our fellow citizens ! We challenge you to continue to push as a team to make the Georgia Department of Corrections the best managed correctional system in the nation, and indeed a great organization.
One Team!
Page 2, Volume 5, Issue 1
New Sex Offender Administration Unit Created in Corrections Division
Last session, the Georgia General Assembly passed some of the toughest sex offender legislation in the nation. Governor Sonny Perdue signed HB 1059 into law and it became effective July 1, 2006. This piece of legislation impacts the entire Corrections Division and reaches across the boundaries of Probation Operations and Facilities Operations. It became cl ear that the Corrections Division could no longer effectively and efficiently manage sex offenders through a traditional silo approach among the respective operational units. In recognizing this, the Corrections Division's Sex Offender Administration Unit was creat ed. Creation of this unit will allow for consistency in the education of staff, dissemination of inform ation and implementation of policies.
As noted in Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, it is essential to have the right people not only on the bus but, more importantly, in the right seats. There's no doubt that his advise and guidance was adhered to
L to R: Angela Grant, Holly Wilson, Michele Knox, Ahmed Holt
while forming this new unit. All of the team members bring a wealth of community and facility correctional experi ence to the table.
Michele Knox will serve as Manager of the unit. Michele has been with GDC for over 20 years. She has been involved with sex offender supervision for over 14 years serving as a Sex Offender Supervisor for eleven years and most recently as the Field Services Specialist responsible for sex offender supervision for Probation Operations.
Angela Grant will serve as the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Coordinator. Angela brings a wealth of knowledge from Facilities. She has worked in various capacities within the Department with her most recent being Mental Health Unit Manager at Coastal State Prison. As PREA Coordinator, she will be involved in reviewing; revising and devising operating procedures as it pertains to PREA, provide consultation and guidance to facilities staff with respect to PREA implementation and monitoring, as well as, provide oversight of PREA T raining to staff.
Ahmed Holt, Program Development Consultant, will serve as the Probation point of contact. Ahmed worked as a Sex Offender Supervisor in the Clayton Judicial Circuit. He was promoted to Probation Officer III in the Columbus Probation Office in March 2006 and came aboard as a developmental assignment for Probation Field Services in May 2006. Ahmed's duties will encompass a wide range of sex offender rel ated issues speci fically establishing and maintaining the GPS electronic monitoring program for the Corrections Division.
Holly Wilson, Program Development Consultant, will serve as the Facilities point of contact. Holly worked as a Sex Offender Supervisor in the Cherokee Judicial Circuit for four and a hal f years. She cam e to Central Offi ce on developmental assignment to Probation Field Services in May of 2005. Holly's duties will also include a wide range of sex offender relat ed issues to include staff training, policy development, and field support.
This team was created to ensure HB 1059 implementation and other sex offender related issues were consistent throughout the Corrections Division. A process action committee is already in place consisting of both facilities and probation staff. T his committee is studying existing procedures and working to develop innovative techniques to better facilitate managem ent of sex offenders. Any questions regarding sex offender managem ent or supervision should be directed to this new unit. By doing so, we will be able to more effectively manage and supervis e offenders for which we are responsible while carrying out our mission of protecting the public.
Page 3, Volume 5, Issue 1
GDC's best honored during National Public Employee Recognition Week
T he week of May 1 - 7, 2006 was Public Employee Recognition Week (PERW) across the United States. Various GDC locations sponsored a number of events to show their appreciation for hard work and dedication. Events included picnics, blood drives, scavenger hunts and various other contests. This was a time for the managers and supervisors to show their appreciation to their employees.
Governor Sonny Perdue presented awards in eight categories at a ceremony onWednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Georgia WorldCongress Center, honoring state employees who made outstanding contributions. Awards were presented in the following seven categories: Community Service; Customer Service; Heroism; Humanitarian; Innovations/Suggestions, Leadership and Safety.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is honored to have 6 GDC State Level Nominees, in various categories, that competed at the state level.
Marcus Carter of Metro State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Community Service. Mr. Carter is very active in the community by serving on various boards and committees. He is a Director on Greystone Power Foundation's Operation Roundup, Board of Directors. He serves as a ruling Elder in Southwest Christian Fellowship in Atlanta, GA. He co-directs Young Life Urban Ministries youth camp inWeaverville, NC. He is also a member of several community and national organizations as well.
Randy Yarber of Walker State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Customer Service. Mr. Yarber is the Firefighter Captain and has set a countywide standard for vehicle appearance. His Unit is the only one in the area certified to handle hazardous material response calls. In addition to saving numerous lives and millions of dollars in property damage, he and his crew have reduced the ISO rating in Walker County saving the county citizens on fire protection insurance. Chief Yarber's department has received countless citations from local Fire / Rescue services for efforts above and beyond the call of duty in Community Fire Support Services.
Kevin Trimiar of Arrendale State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Heroism. Mr. Trimiar witnessed an accident in which an SUV was struck by another vehicle causing the SUV to flip 3-4 times before coming to rest upside down. He immediately ran to the scene and freed a woman from the SUV, initially thinking that she only had a hand injury. However, due to head trauma, the woman went into a seizure. He stayed with her, comforting her until the ambulance arrived. At the time of the accident, Mr. Trimiar didn't realize it, but the injuredwoman was also a co-worker.
Arthur Woodson of Men's State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Humanitarian. Mr. Woodson and his wife became foster parents for 22 children over a 3-year period, in addition to having four children of their own. Mr. Woodson's motivation for becoming a foster parent stems from having to care for himself as a child due to his mother's illness.
The Care & Treatment Diagnostic Staff of Baldwin State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Innovations/Suggestions.. Their task is to make significant reductions in the jail backlog and thereby reduce the amount of money spent for jail subsidizes. During the 2005 calendar year, the team exceeded it's performance measures of the proceeding year without the addition of new staff realizing the savings of $10,500.00. This team consisted of Susan Bray, Cathy Carroll, Greg Curry, Amy Fortner, Linda Heath, Belinda Hurley, Julie Huskey, Dudley Johnson, LindaKnowles, Vonceil Lester, Rebecca Resseque and Dee Tighe.
Alexis E. L. Chase, Warden of Men's State Prison was a GDC State Level Nominee in the category of Leadership. Ms. Chase routinely recognizes her staff/team's performance, promotions and special achievements with a special reward. She personally sends get well and sympathy cards to all staff and their families in times of illness or death. Ms. Chase instituted a Mentoring Program for her SecurityStaff motivating retention and a higher level of job responsibility. Warden Chase has also been proactive with programming for inmates who are deaf, hearing impaired, and blind. She has instituted numerous network services at no cost to the Georgia Department of Corrections to aid in their development/transition into mainstream society. In addition, Ms Chase exemplified the importance of education by spending her lunch breaks reading to the Midway Elementary School Kindergarten class.
Page 4, Volume 5, Issue 1
GDC's best honored during National Public Employee Recognition Week (con't)
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Community Service: Marcus Carter, Brenda A. Caviness and Secanda R. Jewell
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Customer Service: CERT Team - ASMP, Susan Cooper, Kathie Jackson, David P. Mitchell, Dianne Register, Paige Seagraves, Workforce Development Team and Randy Yarber.
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Heroism: John C. Clanton, James Hammock, Carlos Bruce Moody and Kevin Trimiar.
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Humanitarian: Marta Bradford, Lester Brown, Probation Team One - Hurricane Katrina and Arthur Woodson.
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Innovations/Suggestions: Care and Treatment Diagnostic Staff of Baldwin State Prison.
The following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Leadership: Alexis Chase, Roberta Freeman, Sherri Gassaway, J. Daryl Hart, Mark Morris, Cynthia Pearson, Chris Smith and Patricia Williams,
The following GDC employee was nominated in the category of Safety: Carolyn Gilbert.
T he following GDC employees were nominated in the category of Team: Autry State Prison CERT Team, Carrolton Specialized Probation Team, Focus Group - Probation Operations - Atlanta, GDC Statewide Specialized Probation Supervision Committee, Constance Rouse and Ware State Prison Security & Medical Staff.
Statewide PERW Activities
This one week program has evolved, into a year-round program. Under the slogan " One Team!", the program honors i ndi vi duals and t eam s for outs tandi ng cont ri but ions in custom er servi ce, community service and excellent performance. Events such as department award ceremonies and t eambuilding events build camaraderie and emphasi ze the customer service/public safety mission of the department.
Homerville SP Volleyball Co mpetition
Ware SP Fish Fry
Employee Picnic at Grant Park
Dunki ng Booth @ Macon SP Page 5, Volume 5, Issue 1
Lee SP Employee Appreciation Day
Georgia Department of Corrections Employees get a Pay Increase
On January 1, 2007 GDC employees will receive an annual Performance Based Increase (PBI). The decision of the General Assembly calls for a variable pay increase for those employees who receive at least a "Meets Expectations" for the 7/1/05-6/30/06 performance period. Most state employees will receive a 2-4% increase with the exception of employees in designated Law Enforcement jobs. Those employees will receive a 5-7% pay increase. The highlight of this years' salary increases is that most GDC employees will get at least a 5% pay increase. This is a result of the Governor and the General Assembly making it a priority to reward GDC's law enforcement officers during the 2006 session. Variable pay can be confusing. This year the focus is on accelerating the pay of those who are lower in a pay range and moving them towards the midpoint of the range. Variable pay means that the percentage of the pay increase for an employee is based on how close they are to the midpoint of their pay range. The further they are below the midpoint, the greater the percentage increase they will receive. Variable pay increas es were implemented in an effort to bring employees at the bottom of all pay ranges more toward market pay. Note: The graph below depicts variable pay. The vertical axis is % of the increase. The horizontal axis depicts any pay range. The line on the graph (depicting an employee's salary increase) declines as the employee's place on the pay range is closer to midpoint. Employee questions regarding pay increases to be awarded 1/1/2007 should be directed to facility personnel managers. To calculate the percent increase you personally will receive, visit www.gms.state.ga.us/employee/salaryplancalc.asp. You will need to insert your current annual salary or semi-monthly salary and pay grade to calculate your increase.
Page 6, Volume 5, Issue 1
Groundbreaking Ceremony (continued)
Commis sioner James Donald
of business and community leaders played an important role supporting the GDC move to the historic T ift Campus.
The new site will free critical housing and training facilities currently at the
Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPST C) for other municipal and
state law enforcement training requirements. Some 12,000 GDC employees
will be trained and more than 200 classes will be offered for staff develop-
ment at the new GDC training academy, which will also be a part of the
complex on the T ift campus. With the exception of firearms training, GDC
will be able to perform all Corrections and Probation Officer training at the
new
headquart ers
lo cat ion .
More than 200 GDC employees already work in the Forsyth-Monroe County community. The Al Burruss CorrectionalT raining Center, located in Forsyth, currently houses 300 inmates and will support the new headquarters. The Georgia Corrections Training Academy and the Care and Custody
Warehouse are also located in Forsyth-Monroe County.
" Our core mission is to incarcerate inmates and supervise probationers and maintain public trust by the level of excellence we invest in our work," said Commissioner Donald. "We're committed to making Corrections the best managed agency in the best managed state in the nation."
The Department of Corrections is responsible for supervising more than 50,000 state prisoners and 140,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with nearly 15,000 Corrections professionals.
Governor Perdue, Commiss ioner James Donald a nd other dig nitaries
GDC Hosts Job Fair at Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Tuesday, May 23, 2006 the Employment Services staff of Central Personnel Administration hosted a Career Fair in Forsyth. The event was held as part of the Groundbreaking Ceremonies scheduled for this day. The Career Fair was held at the historic Forsyth Train Depot located just outside the main entrance to Tift College. Approximately 100 applicants were presented with information on potential employment opportunities with the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Employment Services staff, and Correctional Offi cers from Burruss Correctional Training Center and Macon State Prison, spent the day discussing current and future openings within the department. Many resumes were accepted from applicants and processed for consideration for vacanci es with GDC.
Page 7, Volume 5, Issue 1
GDC/GAHEA's Second Annual Education Fair at Twin Towers was a
success!
Due to the overwhelming feedback following last year's Education Fair, the Georgia Department of Corrections co-sponsored an Education Fair again this year with the Georgia Higher Education Alliance. It was held on April 19th at the Sloppy Floyd" Twin Towers office building in Atlanta.
The fair consisted of 22 colleges, universities, and technical colleges, as well as, 4 financial aid/assistance organizations. Over 350 state employees took advantage of the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives about continuing either their own education or the education of a family member. Questions were answered regarding specific program curriculum, requirements, admission processes, financial aid/assistance possibilities, etc. The fair was filled with an air of excitement as employees learned about the endless possibility of continuing education and financial aid/assistance opportunities!
Since the two Twin Tower Education Fairs have been so successful, we are expanding education fairs to field sites. An Education Fair is currently being planned for Hays State Prison for October 17, 2006.
In the meantime, employees who are interested in continuing their education, please access information on Captiva under the OPT Division link and select GDC Education Initiative. It will provide information that you will need to begin any education endeavor.
Now on CAPTIVA
L.E.A.A.D.S M entoring Program
Law Enforcement Agencies Assisting in the Development of Students
L.E.A.A.D.S. in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections and surrounding law enforcement agencies provided an opportunity for members of GDC to partner with the Georgia Department of Education in a joint effort to reach out to the surrounding community to help mentor `at risk' students. During the 2005 2006 school year, The Dekalb County School System and the 'Partners n Pals' mentoring program provided members from GDC the opportunity to join them in mentoring 'at risk' students.
During the 2006 2007 school year, the L.E.A.A.D.S Mentoring Program will include Atlanta Public and Fulton County School Systems to join in this venture.
"It is my expectation that our participation in the mentoring program will have a lasting and monumental affect. As Law Enforcement Officers, we show that we are not only interested in providing a safe environment for others to live, but are contributing in an effort to proactively prevent our youth from ever entering the criminal justice system", stated Probation Officer Karen Herbin-Foote.
"One person CAN make a difference"......John F. Kennedy
To develop a Human Resources plan to support GDC's move to Forsyth/Tift Campus that ensures the well-being of the department's Central Office employees is being considered and addressed; information is available in the following areas of interest:
Q &A Employee Reference Documents News Related Items
Photo Diaries Survey results HQ Relocation P ersonnel Timeline Area Colleges/Universities
Atlanta Judicial Circuit
First Row: from left to r ight: (participant from outs ide agency); Dr. Vasanne Tinsley w/Dekalb County Guidance and Instruction (Center); Karen Herbin-Foote PO II Atl Midtown; Tamecha Buck PO II Atl Midtown; Second Row: Ronnie Thompson PO III Atl Ct Svc; Kamwanya Belle PO II Ct Svc; Sheron Padgett Hearing Officer; Timothy Anderson PO I A tl Ct Svc; Third Row: Karen Heard PO I Atl Ct Svc; Coburn Shaw PO II Atl Ct Svc; Michael Sublett PO II Atl Midtown; Richard Jenkins PO II Atl South; (participant from outside agency); Cherese Thomas PO I Atl Midtown; Otis Stanton PO II Atl Ct Svc Not pictured: CPO Elfreida Crawley Atl Ct Svc and Estelle Gordon Atl support staff.
Residential Relocation Information
Page 8, Volume 5, Issue 1
UGA Comes to Lee Arrendale State Prison
Three years ago, Lee Arrendale State Prison, in conjunction with the University of Georgia, began a Public Speaking/Debate program. The University of Georgia, through the help of Dr. Edward Panetta, supplied LASP with books and graduate students to teach the cl ass. There was a core group of 20 men who were in the program for over two years. At any given time there coul d be as many as 35 in the group. UGA students provided inmates with research material and methods for research. Through the program, the inmates got to debate not only each other, but also were able to compete with a debate team from England's Oxford University, a Japanese debate team, and UGA's debate team.
One unique thing that happened with the inmate debate team was watching them support each other's strengths and openly compliment each other. This was most unusual at LASP. There was a collective desire for everyone to succeed, which promoted a level of cooperation not often seen inside a close security prison. The better, brighter debaters were willing to spend time with those whose skills needed improvement. They helped with research, structure, and present ation of another's debate. In this program, we saw men look beyond personalities and see the benefits of working towards the greater good.
The ability to honestly evaluate themselves was most notable during the cross examination phas e of a debate. In the beginning of the program, men would argue, seemingly, for the sake of argum ent. They now realize there must be substance to their argum ents and that volume does not override reason. T o this end, they committed to hours of research both in our prison library and through their contacts in the " free world." This awareness carried over into their daily lives in prison. Attitudes changed towards one another as inmates learned new ways to communicate with staff.
Through the debate program, improvements in the following areas were observed by both LASP and UGA staff: Ease and com fort in speaking in front of a group Grammar, diction, language mechanics, and expanded vocabularies Increased ability to focus Vastly improved listening skills Great er substance to their speeches Critical thinking/ability to analyze and synthesize ideas Increased desire to keep up with current events Desire to do research Willingness to honestly evaluate themselves Ability to take criticism from both staff and inmates
Now that the female inmates have arrived at LASP, UGA is offering two Public Speaking classes that will lead into debating. UGA is also continuing to offer debate to the male inmates through a new program at Washington State Prison. Dr. Edward Panetta, Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Communication at UGA, who is to be credited with coordinating the GDC debate programs, continues to go to both prisons to work with inmates. Dr. Panetta enlisted the help of Dr. Donald Rubin, also a UGA Professor in the Department of Speech Communication. They are currently working on a $750,000.00 grant to ensure the continuation of the program at both prisons. Also, because of Dr. Panetta and Dr. Rubin's involvement, other professors at UGA are working with our Parenting program to teach interpersonal communications skills to our women inmates.
The Georgia Capitol Ornament 2006
The Georgia Capitol Museum announces the third in a series of annual ornaments. This year's ornament features the G eorgia Coat of Arms: a recognizable symbol of strength and courage to all Georgians.
This 3" x 3" three dimensional ornament is finished in 24k gold is a perfect gift for your family and friends.
Cost: $20.00 each. Questions: 404.656.2846
P roceeds benefit " Save Georgia's Historic Flags" preservation project.
2005 Miss Freedom Ornaments still available.
Name Address City P hone Quantity:
State 2005
Zip 2006
Make checks out to: Secretary of State 400-42
Mail order form and check to:
G eorgia Capitol Museum 432 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334
Page 9, Volume 5, Issue 1
Health & Wellness Page
WATER It does a body good
A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration; fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen. Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. All cell and organ functions made up in our entire anatomy and physiology depend on water for their functionality.
Water:
-serves as a lubricant
-forms the base of saliva
-forms the fluid that surrounds the joints -regulat es the body temperature -helps to alleviate constipation
-regulat es metabolism
The average person should drink 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
DRINK UP!
Get Diet Conscious
The Georgia Department of Corrections has initiated a new program, " Get Diet Conscious". This program promotes employee awareness of the steps necessary to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Throughout this 12-week program, those who have registered are becoming better educated on the reasons for and the benefits of eating well. We currently have 63 people participating for the fi rst program and over 15 people anticipating the start of the second twelve week program. Each week participants receive a different topic of interest related to nutrition or exercise, along with five questions to spark some thought. They've also been provided with nutrition and exercise journals to help track their progress.
Costs of Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity contributes to numerous physical and mental health problems and is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year. About 25 percent o f all trips made in the United States are less than one mile in length, and 75 percent of those short trips are made by automobile. A study of individuals aged 15 and older without physical limitations found that the average annual direct medi cal costs were $1,019 for those who are regularly physically active and $1,349 for those reported being inactive. The Centers for Diseas e Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health estimate direct and indirect costs associated with obesity at $117 billion per year nationwide. Being overweight increases yearly per person health care costs by $125, while obesity increases costs by $395.
The incidence of overweight or obesity among adults increas ed steadily from 47% in 1976 to 56% in 1994, and 64% in 2000.
In 2000, 15.3% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 15.5% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in the United States were overweight, tripling the numbers from two decades ago.
Nearly 80% of obes e adults have diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease of other ailments.
LET'S GET MOVING!
OCTOBER IS
Having healthy diet is not the same as dieting. Having a healthy diet means eating nutritious foods that your body needs for good health. This program is not a dieting program that aims to deprive you of foods. Instead, it is a roadmap to a healthy lifestyle. Overall, deciding to improve your lifestyle is a great move- " Get Diet Conscious" just makes it easier to incorporat e healthy eating and activity into your life. For more information or to register, contact Claire Pate at patec00@dcor.state.ga.us or 404.463.7493.
Children's Health Month is celebrated in October, but children's health is important year-round. Please visit the following web ad d r es s fo r ad di ti o n al i n fo r m at io n : http://Yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/chm.htm.
Page 10, Volume 5, Issue 1
Lifers Donate "Pocketbooks and Belts"
"Community of Hope" Li fer's Group, at Scott State Prison, was established in January of 2005. There are 60 inmates participating in this group.
Inmate Richard Glass and Inmate William Jackson were instrumental in making the pocketbooks and belts for children.
Both inmates volunteer their time by receiving supplies donated from other members of the Li fer's Group, to make pocketbooks and belts. These items are made with the use of potato chip bags, soup bags, and dental floss. All of the items are donated as Christmas gifts to the children and families less fortunate.
The items, this year, were donated by the Lifer's Group to Central State Hospital, Crittenden building, Child and Adolescence Unit. The C&A unit of Central State Hospital is a short-term unit for children and adolescents with mental health issues. The clients are referred from various agencies due to being in crisis in the their community.
The group is looking forward to making more items for 2006.
Georgia Department of Corrections receives 2005-2006 Charitable Contributions Award
The Georgia Department of Corrections was awarded the Governor's Award for the 2005-06 State Charitable Contributions Program. The awards ceremony was part of a luncheon that was held in Atlanta, in the Floyd Room, on Wednesday, April 5, 2006. This award was pres ented to recognize the agency for increasing their previous year's contribution by $20,180.
HR CORNER
State Charitable Contributions Campaign
It's that time of year again and Commissioner Donald has been selected as General Campaign Chair for this year's campaign!!!!
As you know, this campaign provides state employees with the opportunity to contribute to the charities of their choice through payroll deduction, cash contribution, fundraisers, or any combination thereof!!!! This is the opportunity for us to make a difference in someone's life.
ObpeaegenninadndtEss4no:orn0on0lOlNPmcMoteovne.btmerb1e0r 9
We suggest that you form a co mmittee at your work location and discuss ways to collect for this worthwhile cause while also providing a change of pace from the normal routine for your employees. Make it fun! However, please be careful regarding the events you select. As state employees, we must be very careful to ensure that the public's perception of the events we hold will be positive.
The official campaign began on September 1, 2006 and will end prior to our November holidays as contributions must be tallied and forwarded for inclusion in this year's campaign results.
Page 11, Volume 5, Issue 1
Time to begin thinking about Open Enrollment and the possible changes you are considering...
Northwest PDC Chili Cook-off
On January 25, 2006, the Northwest Probation Detention Center hosted its 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off. The Chili Cook Off, an employee function designed to provide recognition for achievements made, as well as, express appreciation for the job done by a very dedicat ed staff of Corrections Professionals.
T he following were sponsors of prizes awarded:
Custom Rods by Fuzz (Lewis Morgan), Georgi a Correctional Industries, Robinson Muffler Shop, Andrews Tire & Wrecker S ervice, Pizza Hut / Cedartown, Ga., Impala Grill, McBrayer Furniture Co., Joe Darnell Livestock & Co., Nation Nails, Zorba's Restaurant, Advance Auto Parts, Polar Cub, Beauty Oasis, Polk Co. Oil & Lube, Wallace's Hickory House, AC Delco, Farmers Furniture, Cedartown Automotive & Quick Lube, Ed's Cleaners, Rudy Woods' Appliances, Subway, The Steakhouse, Sidekick's, Pizza Perfect, Cedartown Health Spa, Polk Co. Public Service Co. and Sonic.
Judging began at 11:00 AM, with lunch at 11:45 AM. Judges for the event were Jean Crane, Chief Magistrate/ Polk County Judicial Circuit, Billy Wills, Chief/ Polk County Police Department, and Chuck Graves, Repres entative/ Georgi a Correctional Industries. At the conclusion of judging the following winners were announced:
1st Place: Kristi Ivie, Counselor OR 2nd Place: Cecila Mitchell, Food Service Supervisor
3rd Place: Marlys VanKleef, Accounting Paraprofessional Peoples Choice: Brenda Darnell, Clerk/ Offender Commissary
"Chili Cook-off Winners"
Special Guests Included:
Nathan Dean, State Senator (Retired), Jerry Watson, Executive Director/ Georgia Correctional Industries, Anne Murray, Director of Sales & Marketing/ Georgia Correctional Industries, Billy Croker, Commissioner/ Polk County, Sandra Galloway, Commissioner/ Polk County, Roger Waldrop, Commissioner/ Polk County, Ray Merrit, Commissioner/ City of Cedartown, James Stephens, Manager/ City of Cedartown, Jeff Ellis, Manager/ City of Rockmart
A fun time was had by employees' family members and event sponsors. A special thanks was made by Eri c Sellers, Superintendent and James Payne, Assistant Superintendent to
L to R: Sg t. Greg Hall, Assistant Superintendent James Pay ne, 1st Place Winner - Kristi Ivie, 2nd Place Winner - Cecela Mitchell, 3rd Place Winner - Marly s Van Kleef, People's Choice Award - Brenda Darnell, Superinten-
dent's Award - Dottie Shelton, Superintendent Eric Sellers
all staff and guest attending, and especially the 2006' Chili Cook Off Committee members, whose diligent efforts for several months prior, ensured the event was a success:
Greg Hall, Chairman, Sharon Hogue, Co-Chair, Betsy Odom, Member, Kay Cook, Member, Brenda Darnell, Member, Dottie Shelton, Member, Darla Johnson, Member and Jeannie Mears, Member.
Page 12, Volume 5, Issue 1
Recent Retirements: W e are grateful for your YEARS of excellent service!
T he follow ing list includes the employees w ho retired November, 2005 through August, 2006.
November 2005 Allmond, Danny Bass Jr., Carl Dyal, Curtis Engelbird, Don Harvill Jr., Daniel Highsmith, Virginia Howard, Anthony Lesher, James Mullis, Gerald P oole, Dennis P ride, Reedis Simmons, W.J. Spear, Rickey Strong, Robert Washington Jr., Henry Wood, Carole
December 2005 Bedsole, Jackie Bennett, Kenneth Carter, Nadine Christian, Eileen Clark, Clinton Combes, Ben Doran, Steve Easley, Jeanette Grimes, P hyllis Johnson, Barbara Loucks, James Morris, David Morrow, Billie Rhodes, Becky Smith, Betty Smith, Gerald Smith, Victoria Zittrouer, Judy
January 2006 Barron, Laura
January 2006 con't
Montgomery SP
Bowen, Tresha
Correction' s Division Brown, Annie
Ware SP
Brown, Robert
P aulding P rob. Cir.
Byrd, John
Budget Services
Cobb, Sandra
Ware SP
Cook, Albert
Montgomery SP
Irion, Lynne
Rogers SP
McKenna, Carlton
Central SP
Moore, Arthur
Rivers SP
Mosley, Carl
Valdosta SP
P aris, Joseph
GD & CP
St. Clair, Richard
Rivers SP
Stokes, Janice
Augusta SMP
Williams, Lloyd
Autry SP
Wynne, Suzanne
Coastal SP
February 2006
Allen, Richard
GD & CP
Allen, Virginia
Inmate Construction Bass, Kathy
Augusta SMP
Binion, Jeffrey
Rockdale/Dekalb PDC Blackshear, Dorothy
Augusta SMP
Blackstock, Dan
Macon TC
Brantley, Mary
Arrendale SP
Campbell, Lamar
Inmate Affairs
Chapman, Linda
Training
Clark, Jerry
Metro TC
Clarke, Mary
Calhoun SP
Dalton, Caroline
Stone Mtn.P rob. Cir. Dennard, Cynthia
GD & CP
Dunn, David
Montgomery SP
Griswold, David
Central P ersonnel Adm. Irvin, Trenton
Rockdale/Dekalb PDC Johnson, Mack
GD & CP
Murdock, Michael
Ogeechee P rob. Cir. P hillips, Bessie
P hillips, Harold
P oesing, Gisela
Baldwin SP
Ragan, Wayne
February 2006 con't
Georgia SP
Richardson, Clyde
Augusta SMP
Health Services
Roberts, Debra
LaGrange TC
Central SP
Sharp, Mary
Chattahoochee P . C.
Rogers SP
Simmons, Norman
Southeast P DC
Rome DRC
Tompkins Jr., William Smith SP
Valdosta SP
Williams, Sammie
Atlanta P rob. Cir.
Baldwin SP
Coastal SP
March 2006
Helms DC
Brown, Maceo
Metro SP
Dodge SP Health Services Mountain P rob. Cir.
Croy, William Evans, Joanne Fleming, Althea
Hays SP Gainesville DC Athens DC
Central SP Montgomery SP
Fletcher, James Ford, Johnny
Baldwin SP Rivers SP
P ulaski SP
Fountain, Elaine
Treutlen PDC
Jackson, Leolius
Central SP
Jernigan, Jerry
Coastal SP
Metro SP
Johnson, Herman
Rutledge SP
Treutlen PDC
King, Mary Ann
Rogers SP
Terrell PDC
Smith, Carol
Middle P rob. Cir.
Coweta P rob. Cir.
Stone, Sandra
Ware SP
Washington SP
Thornton, Frank
I.W. Davis P DC
Arrendale SP
Walsh, Larry
Coastal TC
Washington SP
Worsham, William
Food Distribution Unit
Rivers SP
Yancey, Frances
Inmate Administration
Appalachain P rob. Cir.
Arrendale SP
April 2006
Gainesville DC Fire Services Scott SP
Akers, Mitchell Allison, Jimmie Ardoin, Arthur
Augusta SMP Arrendale SP Savannah Men's TC
Augusta P rob. Cir. Bostick SP
Brown, P aul Buchanan, Joyce
Johnson SP OIT
Montgomery SP
Burkhalter, Debby
Georgia SP
Long P RC
Crusenberry William
Business Management Grant, Johnnie
Training Rockdale/Dekalb PDC
Rouse DC Fleet Management Macon SP
Harris, Aubrey Henderson, Sherry Higdon, Clifford
Macon SP Walker SP Scott SP
Chattahoochee P .C. Horton, Neva
Milan Unit
Page 13, Volume 5, Issue 1
Recent Retirements: W e are grateful for your YEARS of excellent service!
T he follow ing list includes the employees w ho retired November, 2005 through August, 2006.
April 2006 con't
May 2006 con't
Inman, Ja mes
Columbus TC
Wooten, Jack
Jackson Jr., Willie
Middle P rob. Cir.
Lucas, William
Compliance & Audits June 2006
Merrick, Claudia
Metro TC
Alford, Ralph
Miller, Bennencia Morgan, Maggie
Arrendale SP Baldwin SP
Boutwell, Aaron Burgamy Jr., Gordon
Murray, Thomas
Washington SP
Carson, P atricia
Murrell, Brenda P ritchett, Maelene
Corrections Div. Off. Walker SP
Collins, Richard Cuspard, Eugene
Reeves, Harriet Roach, Robert Seago, Cindy
Toombs P rob. Cir. Inmate Construction Long P RC
Dalton, Helen Dunagan, Martha Dyches Sr., Danny
Ty s o n , E u ra Ware, William
Inmate Administration Grimsley, Willie
Augusta SMP
Horton, Carolyn
Webb, Mervin Wiles, Nanon Wilson, Donna
Homerville SP Enotah P rob. Cir. Arrendale SP
Hurst, Betty Jones, Bobby Kitlasz, Charles
May 2006
Lewis, Joan Lively, Spencer
Boney, Doris
Milan Unit
Maughan, Richard
Buffington, Michael I.W. Davis P DC
Newsome, Martha
Coley, Barbara
Eastern P rob. Cir.
Riner, Janice
Crane Jr., Frank
West Central P DC
Roberts, Mitchell
Fender, John
Lagrange TC
Snell, David
Goodwin Jr., Herbert GA Corr. Academy
Spears, Albert
Hall, P atricia
Conasauga PO
Thompson, Ronnie
Hill, Fannie
Valdosta SP
Whipple, Barbara
Jones, Arthur
Western P RC
Woodard, Ronald
Knisley, Ralph
Hays SP
Riner, Debbie
Emanuel P DC
July 2006
Rouse, Raymond St. John, Dianne
Coastal TC
Abbott, Richard
Central P ersonnel Adm. Battle Jr., Ja mes
Stanley III, Cornealious Hancock SP
Bentley, Glenda
Strickland, Charles Walker, Robert
Smith SP Macon SP
Bowers, Stephen Cobb, James
Watson, Rose Wise, Charlene Wood, David
Augusta SMP GD & CP Arrendale SP
Corker, James Cronic, Gerald Dessau, Sammie
July 2006 con't
Montgomery SP
Finney, Calvin
Hammack, Ja mes
Jones, Ronald
P hillips SP
Kirk Jr., Ja mes
Chattahoochee P . C. Scott SP
Mannion, John Martin, Florence
Arrendale SP
Martin, Samuel
Wayne SP Coastal SP
Mobley, Juanita Renfroe, Gregory
Washington SP Wilcox SP Augusta SMP
Robinson, George Rodgers, Audrey Rowell, Patricia
Dodge SP
Taylor, Elaine
C & C - Milledgeville Thomas Jr., Daniel
Helms DC
White, Corbitt
Ogeechee P rob. Cir. Valdosta SP
August 2006
Arrendale SP
Ayer, Kenneth
Tallapoosa P rob. Cir. Berglin, Allen
Augusta SMP
Brown, Danny
Mens SP
Cooper, Leola
Mgmt & Org Dev.
Giles, William
Central PDC
Jackson, James
Georgia SP
Johnson, George
Central P ersonnel Adm. Mask, Rebecca
Burruss CTC
Nall, Carol
Baldwin SP
Norton, Marilyn
Central PDC
Scott, Gary
Singletary, Donnie
Tatum, Brenda
OIT
Usher, David
Dodge SP
Clayton P rob. Cir.
Bostick SP
Rogers SP
Thomasville DC
Baldwin SP
Rivers SP
Baldwin SP GD & CP Fleet Mgmt. Engineering Engineering ASMP Southern P rob. Cir. Gainesville DC Walker SP Central SP Atlanta TC Bacon P DC Wilcox SP Coastal SP Dodge SP
Georgia SP Ocmulgee P rob. Cir. Rogers SP Albany TC P atten PDC Coastal SP Southern P rob. Cir. Alcovy P rob. Cir. Inmate Construction Calhoun SP GD & CP Coastal TC Rogers SP Rogers Caning P lant
Page 14, Volume 5, Issue 1
PRO M O TI O NS
CONGRATULATIONS to the following employees for a JOB WELL DONE!!!!
Adams, Robert Badgen, Joseph Beggs, Cory Blakely, Don Brown, Billy Cantrell, Sara Cody, Darryl Cole, William Crowder, P reston Dabbs, Thomas Davis, Belinda Davis, Cathy Dean, James Del Rossi, Anthony Dennis, Fred Duffey, Terry Durrence, James Elliott,P eggy Eutsey, Keith Evans, Bryan Frazier, David Gilbert, Derrick Gilmore, Brian Goggans, Gary Green, Aimee Hall, P hillip Harris, Shameka Hatcher, Shay Henderson, Tony Herndon, Lester Holt, Ahmed Hunnicutt, Gregory Ivey Jr., George Jefferson, Jerry Johnson, Lula Lee, Dennis Morris, Jeff Norman, Karen Oubre, Sheila Reese, Laurence
Security Chief Superintendent PO 3 Security Chief Warden Chief P O Security Chief PO 3 Security Chief PO 3 Superintendent PO 3 Chief P O Security Chief Chief P O Director Security Chief PO 3 Superintendent, Asst. Chief P O Warden PO 3 PO 3 PO 3 Security Chief Security Chief PO 3 Security Chief Warden Warden PO 3 Security Chief Security Chief DW Sec/C&T Chief P O Superintendent PO 3 Chief P O Superintendent Superintendent, Asst.
Washington SP
Rhodes, Luanne
Macon TC
Roberts, Elizabeth
Enotah P rob. Cir.
Simmons, P atti
Macon SP
Smith, Richard
Dodge SP
Strickland Jr., Don
Appalachian P rob Cir. Stroud, Leslie
Colwell PDC
Thompson, Joseph
Appalachian P rob. Cir. Weaver, Rodney
West GA P BC
Webb, Stephanie
Rome P rob. Cir.
McEver P DC
Dublin P rob. Cir.
Tallapoosa P rob. Cir.
Calhoun SP
Coweta P rob. Cir.
Training
Wayne SP
P ataula P rob. Cir.
Alcovy DC
Macon DRC
Hancock SP
Western P rob. Cir.
Tallapoosa P rob. Cir.
Mountain P rob. Cir.
Metro SP
Wilcox SP
Houston P rob. Cir.
Northwest PDC
P hillips SP
Walker SP
Chattahoochee P . C.
GD & CP
Macon SP
Calhoun SP
Stone Mtn.P rob. Cir.
P aulding P DC
Douglas P rob. Cir.
P aulding P rob. Cir.
West GA P BC
Augusta TC
Page 15, Volume 5, Issue 1
PO 3 DW Administration PO 3 Superintendent Superintendent Security Chief PO 3 PO 3 PO 3
Middle P rob. Cir. Ware SP Ogeechee P rob. Cir. Rockdale/Dekalb PDC Bainbridge P SATC West Central P DC Augusta P rob. Cir. Conasauga P rob. Cir. Clayton P rob. Cir.
Sonny Perdue Governor
James E. Donald Com m issione r
B rian Owens Assistant Commissioner
GDC BOARD Charles D. Hudson
Cha irm a n
Ellison G . Wood Vice-Chairman
Wayne Dasher Secretary
Laura Jones Board Liaison
Roger Garrison B ruce Hudson B ill Jackson Robert E. Jones William C. Massee, Jr.
John Mayes Patricia Miller
Cecil Nobles Carlton Powell Tommy Rouse Avery T. Salter, Jr. Tyson Stephens
If you have a story that you would like to see in
the G DC Eagle, please contact us at:
G DC Central Personnel Administration
#2 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 770, East Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-656-4730
Fax: 404-656-6496 G DCEagle@dcor.state.ga.us
GEORGIA DEPARTM ENT OF CORRECTIONS
MISSION, VISION, CORE VALU ES
MISSION: The Georgia Department of Corrections protects and serves the public as a
professional organization by effectively managing offenders while helping to provide a safe and secure environment for the citizens of Georgia.
VISION: The Georgia Department of Corrections is the best correctional system in the nation at
protecting the citizens from convicted offenders and at providing effective opportunities for offenders to achieve positive change. We are a leader and partner in making Georgia a s afer, healthier, better educated, growing and best managed state. We do this by:
Ensuring public safety Ensuring the rights of victims Operating safe and secure facilities Partnering with public, private and faith-based organi zations Providing effective community supervision of offenders Sustaining core values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and
Personal Courage Creating opportunities for restoration to offenders Ensuring the well being of employees and their families.
CO RE VALUES:
Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiances to the Constitution of the United States and the State of Georgi a, the GDC and other employees.
Du ty - Fulfill your obligations.
Respe ct - Treat people as they should be treated.
Selfless Se rvice - Put the welfare of the Public, the GDC and other employees before your own.
Honor - Live up to all the GDC values.
Integrity - Do what's right - - legally and morally.
Person al Cou rage - Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral).