ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 25^th, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. –  The Olivia Haydel Senior Center was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for elder abuse awareness and prevention. The award was presented by the Rockdale County PEARL (Protecting our Elderly and At-Risk with Resources for Better Living) Program at their annual senior luncheon on August 10.

PEARL increases awareness of abuse and safeguards the vulnerable members of our community.  Senior Services, a member of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), provides specific resources and case management for elderly and disabled adults who are affected by exploitation and neglect.  PEARL Coordinator Bernadette Synder says, “The greatest thing about teamwork is that you always have great people on your side” regarding the program’s success.

The Olivia Haydel Senior Center is part of the Senior Services umbrella organization that has been part of the Rockdale County government for over 35 years.  Senior Services is a proud Division of the Parks and Recreation Department and provides creative outlets, activities, and resources for residents aged 60 and over.

Residents who need to report adult abuse or neglect or desire more information about the PEARL program may call 770-278-8216.

For additional information about Senior Services and the many programs available, call 770-278-7230 or visit www.rockdalecountyga.gov.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Aug. 24, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County is holding its ever-popular Paper Shredding event for Rockdale residents and business owners on Sat., Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the rear parking lot of Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) at 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, 30094. The free, half-day event will provide the public with a place to safely discard and recycle old documents.

For several years the event was known to be held at 1400 Parker Road, but due to other events in the area, this year, it will take place in the rear parking lot at RCA. At this location, participants should access the rear parking lot via the school’s entrance on Flat Shoals Road. There is a maximum of 4 banker boxes per vehicle allowed for paper shredding. Participants must provide a photo ID as proof of an address in the County. A Cut Above Shredding, a professional paper shredding company, will have paper shredding trucks on site and will securely handle all items under the close supervision of government staff. This event operates on a first-come,first-served basis. There will be two shredding trucks on site for the event. However, once the shredding trucks are full, shredding services for the day will end. Papers that are loose, folded, or in envelopes are accepted.

Please remember to remove all foreign objects from papers to be shredded, including spring loader/binder clips or glue and adhesives. Additional items that are not accepted include photographs, hanging metal file folders, and three-ring binders. The event is weather-dependent. Should the forecast predict rain, this will render the equipment inoperable, and the event will have to be scheduled for a later date and time.

For more information, please contact Rockdale County Public Relations at public.relations@rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7050.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 16, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. has been appointed as a member of the International Economic Development (IED) Task Force, the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Steering Committee, and the Membership Standing Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The IED Task Force consists of 72 members and facilitates the exchange of information, ideas, and resources concerning county-level engagement in international economic development activities. Members serve a one-year term on the Task Force but can reapply each year and remain on the Task Force as long as they would like.

The Task Force typically holds 2 in-person meetings per year at NACo’s Legislative and Annual conferences and 2 conference calls per year. The meetings focus primarily on how counties can help their businesses export and how they can attract foreign investment and trade policy issues. The Task Force has brought in speakers from different federal agencies, foreign embassies, think tanks, and other organizations to also facilitate networking opportunities for members.

The LUCC Steering Committee is the premier forum for urban county leaders and is the voice for America’s metropolitan counties before Congress and the Administration. Comprised of county executives, governing board members, and other senior elected officials, the committee focuses on urban challenges and solutions, engages in peer-to-peer information exchanges, and informs national policy discussions.

The Membership Standing Committee actively recruits and retains member counties, parishes, and boroughs in order to increase NACo’s total membership. The term length for each committee is from July 2023- July 2024. “I’m extremely excited about these opportunities and look forward to bringing some fresh ideas on how to continue the growth that Rockdale County is experiencing,” Chairman Nesbitt said.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) has recognized Rockdale County Public Relations Department with five awards highlighting their works in digital
media and public education. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen communication with the community. The following media projects were awarded:

• The New Rockdale County Website – Meritorious – Electronic Communications – Specialized Websites
• Rockbridge Road Reopening – Excellence – Campaigns – Public Safety
• We Are PR – Superior – Audio Visual – Short Video
• Thank You SPLOST – Superior – Campaigns – General Information
• Granade Sidewalk – Superior – Campaigns – Public Safety

“Rockdale County Public Relations is proud to be recognized for its hard work and creativity. Our team strives to educate, inform, and keep open channels of communication with our stakeholders and community while also telling the stories that make this community great. Being recognized on a national level among peers in our industry is a true honor and further pushes us to provide excellence in the works we produce,” said Melisa Mims, Director of Public Relations.

The National Association of County Information Officers was founded in 1966. This organization aims to unite government communicators from counties and state associations nationwide. With 192 submissions, it proved to be the most competitive year.

For more information or a list of all winners, visit: https://www.nacio.org

###