February 2015
The
Scoop
The Month of February
February 1, 1862
“Battle Hymn of the Republic” first performed
February 2, 2015
Ground Hog Day in Banks County….Hurry Spring!
February 3, 1952
“Dragnet” first time on TV…”Nothing but the facts”
February 4, 1824
B.F. Goodrich invents rubber shoes
February 7, 1804
John Deere invents the plow and hard work begins!!
February 9, 1811
Robert Fulton rolling on the river—first steamboat
February 11, 1847
Light comes on the birth of Thomas Edison
February 14, 2015
Valentine’s Day in Banks County …….Pucker up!!
February 16, 2015
President’s Day—County Office closed for holiday
February 17, 1827
Washing Machine invented
February 20, 1872
Paper bags are patented
February 25, 1902
First patented submarine
February 27, 1900
Aspirin invented….No more headaches!!
February 28, 1983
M.A.S.H. television shows ends
HS
Bits from the Board
Mrs. Martha Ramsey has
agreed to serve as a member of the Banks County
Planning Commission. Martha is a lifelong resident of
Banks County with a great
understanding of our past
and a greater desire to see
our county prosper. Welcome aboard Martha!!
February is the shortest month of the year. In common years it has 28 days and each
fourth year (Leap Year) we have 29 days. The month of February is considered by many
to be the month of LOVE. From the time of the Roman Empire this month has seen
attention given to romance and LOVE. We celebrate by showing our LOVE for others
through cards, flowers, candy and gifts. Many husbands dread this day especially if they
happen to forget!! The month of February is unique in that it can have on rare occasions four complete weeks. This is one of those years. It will begin on Sunday and end
on Saturday.
Inside this issue:
Banks Snippet:
The longest kiss recorded in the USA was Rich Langley
& Louisa Almedovan (boy & girl). The couple’s kiss lasted
30 hours & 59 minutes. This kiss was lip to lip and the
couple were standing the entire time.
Kudos Korner
2
Human Resources
2
News and Info
3-5
THE BACK PAGE
Page 2
“KUDOS KORNER”
February Anniversaries:
Yrs
Carroll Andrews
33
Nancy Sims
25
Becky Murray
10
Herbert Ruark, Jr
10
Chris Dietrich
9
Brian Westmoreland
7
Randall Whitlock
5
Lloyd Willis
5
Justin Anglin
3
Joshua Smith
3
David Wilson
3
Karen Ferguson
2
Shane Presgraves
2
Ralph English
1
From Arlene’s Desk
Payroll Check Emails
Gmail, Hotmail, Windstream and Yahoo are notorious for deciding to put
emails in the SPAM or JUNK folder even though they had been previously putting them
in the INBOX. So, if for some reason you don’t received your email and you’ve received
it in the past with no problem, check your SPAM or JUNK folder. The emails are all compiled in an email box when the check is created and all are emailed at the same time. If
one of your colleagues receives their verification, you should receive yours.
2015 Tax Changes
A new federal tax packet was added for 2015 and any applicable changes will be reflected on your January 23, 2015 payroll check.
February is High Cholesterol Awareness Month
We all know that our primary physician can detect high cholesterol through routine
bloodwork. But, did you know that your eye doctor can spot signs of cholesterol just by
looking in your eyes. A regular eye exam is just another way of identifying high cholesterol early and get a head start on treatment.
There are three kinds of cholesterol:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) a.k.a. “good cholesterol”
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) a.k.a. “bad cholesterol”
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) a.k.a. worse form of LDL
February Birthdays:
Day
Elizabeth Smith
02/01
Timothy Clay
02/03
Jason Davey
02/07
Kent Hinson
Joseph Newkirk
02/07
02/07
Angela Gailey
Anthony Flaherty
Chuck Rutledge
Hayley Baird
Teresa Mason
Carroll Andrews
Philip Cronic
David Farmer
Kathy Mize
Janice Rylee
Julie Payne
02/08
02/10
02/10
02/12
02/12
02/16
02/16
02/18
02/19
02/20
02/21
Arlene Ivey
Blake Simpson
Liz Gardiner
Elizabeth Mize
02/25
02/26
02/27
02/27
As you might guess, LDL and VLDL pose the biggest threats. They can create plaque on
your blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This could result in a heart attack or, in your
eyes’ case, a ruptured or obstructed blood vessel that could impair your vision.
Welcome Aboard!
Barbara Langston
E911
Scott Neumyer
Sheriff
Skyler Westmoreland
Scott Gailey
Roads
Water Distribution
Page 3
“Keep love in your heart. A life
without it is like a sunless garden
when the flowers are dead.”
DEPARTMENT NEWS
February Activities:
Magazine Hunt
Harmony Foods
Jerry Chitwood Singing
Balance Exercise
Judy’s Wellness
Healthy Bingo
Birthday Social
Tai Chi Exercise
Dance
Walking Club
Website Calendar
If you have any meetings or events you
want the public to know about or attend.
Send it to Jenni Gailey for posting on the
website event calendar.
over and beyond the call of duty.
The image she displays to the public is always a smile and she promotes professionalism as she does well in call handling and
dispatching and these qualities continue to
improve, as seen in quality assurance. But,
what knocked it out of the park this year is
the work that has been above and beyond
the normal day-to-day. It is the Santa Shoe
Boxes, it is the scheduling, it is the delivering treats, it is the ‘playing the part’ in a
very important public safety exercise…it is
for her heart and the rising star in 9-1-1
that she truly is. Go Elizabeth!!
HS
~Wilde~
February Is
American Heart
Month: Are You
at Risk for Heart
Disease?
During the month of February, Americans
see the human heart as the symbol of
love. February is American Heart Month, a
time to show yourself the love. Learn
about your risks for heart disease and
stroke and stay "heart healthy" for yourself and your loved ones.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including
heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number 1 killer of women and
men in the United States. It is a leading
cause of disability, preventing Americans
from working and enjoying family activities.1 CVD costs the United States over
$300 billion each year, including the cost
of health care services, medications, and
lost productivity.1
Taking It One Step at a Time
You can control a number of risk factors
for CVD, including:
 Diet
E911/EMA
 Physical activity
Elizabeth Mize -2014 911 Dispatcher of Black History Month—February
 Tobacco use
the Year!
As we strive as a Nation for peace and un-  Obesity
derstanding of each other - our founding
 High blood pressure
Fathers in the document that describes our
 High blood cholesterol
Nation states: “that all men are created
 Diabetes
equal”. Let us strive for unity and underAs you begin your journey to better heart
standing not only in Banks County but
health that can last a lifetime, keep these
around the world.
things in mind:
 Try not to become overwhelmed.
Every step brings you closer to a
healthier heart, and every healthy
Elizabeth was chosen based on the folchoice makes a difference!
lowing: Attendance – not having any
Plans are well underway for the establishunexcused absences.
ment of an Art Gallery in Banks County. An
Team Player – always helping others
organizational meeting is planned for the
Professional – Always professional, never very near future. A place to exhibit the
letting personal or other issues interfere great works of our local artists is way overwith performance.
due.
Quality Assurance Excellence – always
exceling in quality in call handling and
dispatch handling.
Stepping up – always pitches in; goes
Page 4
“Love one another deeply, from the
heart.” ~NIV-I Peter 1:22(b)~
DEPARTMENT NEWS ~continued~

Partner up. The journey is more
fun—and often more successful—
when you have company. Ask
friends and family to join you.
 Don't get discouraged. You may not
be able to take all of the steps at
one time. Get a good night's sleep—
also important for a healthy heart—
and do what you can tomorrow.
Reward yourself. Find fun things to do
to decrease your stress. Round up some
colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a
singing group, or have a healthy dinner
with your family or friends.
Plan for Prevention
 Try out these strategies for better
heart health. You'll be surprised how
many of them can become lifelong habits!
 Work with your health care team.
Get a checkup at least once each year,
even if you feel healthy. A doctor, nurse,
or other health care professional can
check for conditions that put you at risk
for CVD, such as high blood pressure and
diabetes—conditions that can go unnoticed for too long.
 Monitor your blood pressure. High
blood pressure often has no symptoms,
so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office. Find more information at
CDC's High Blood Pressure Web site.
 Get your cholesterol checked. Your
health care team should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5
years. Talk with your health care professional about this simple blood test. You
can find out more from CDC's High Cholesterol Web site.
 Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you
The Most Important Person In
Banks County Is You!
avoid CVD and its complications. Limiting
sodium in your diet can lower your
blood pressure. Be sure to eat plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables—adults
should have at least five servings each
day. Eating foods low in saturated fat,
trans fat, and cholesterol and high in
fiber. For more information on eating a
healthy diet, visit CDC's Nutrition page
and ChooseMyPlate.gov.
 Maintain a healthy weight. Being
overweight or obese can increase your
risk for CVD. To determine whether your
weight is in a healthy range, health care
professionals often calculate a number
called body mass index (BMI). Doctors
sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person's body
fat. If you know your weight and height,
you can calculate your BMI at CDC's Assessing Your Weight Web site.
 Exercise regularly. Physical activity
can help you maintain a healthy weight
and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends
that adults should engage in moderateintensity activity for at least 150 minutes
per week. Remember to incorporate
exercise into your day in different ways:
take the stairs instead of the elevator, or
rake the yard instead of using the leaf
blower. Exercising with friends and family can be a great way to stay healthy and
have fun. For more information, visit
CDC's page on physical activity.
 Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking
greatly increases your risk for CVD. If you
don't smoke, don't start. If you do
smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your
health care team can suggest ways to
help you quit. For more information
about tobacco use and quitting, see
CDC's Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site
and Smokefree.gov.
 Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking
too much alcohol, which can increase
your blood pressure. Men should stick to
no more than two drinks per day, and
women to no more than one. For more
HS
information, visit CDC's Alcohol and Public Health Web site.
 Manage your diabetes. If you have
diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels
closely, and talk with your health care
team about treatment options. Visit
CDC's Diabetes Public Health Resource
for more information.
 Take your medicine. If you're taking
medication to treat high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, diabetes, or another
condition, follow the instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something. If you have side
effects, talk with your health care team
about your options.
Need more inspiration? The "28 Days to
a Healthier Heart" tips can inspire you
throughout February and all year long.
Follow Million Hearts® on Facebook and
Twitter for even more ways to protect
your heart and live a longer, healthier
life. Million Hearts® is a national initiative
to prevent 1 million heart attacks and
strokes by 2017.
Together, we all can prevent and manage heart disease, one step at a time.
Heart Health Recipe: Curried pork tenderloin in apple cider
Dietitian's tip:
Apple cider is unfiltered juice from apples. In the United States, cider is referred to as sweet (unfermented and alcohol-free) or hard (fermented and
contains alcohol). In this recipe, the sweet flavor of the apple cider and
chopped apples nicely complement the pork tenderloin.
Nutritional analys is per serving
Number of servings
S er ve s 6
Ingredients
16 ounces pork tenderloin, cut into 6 pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 cups apple cider, divided
1 tart apple, peeled, seeded and chopped into chunks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
S e r v i n g s i z e : A b o u t 3 ou n c e s
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Cholesterol 70 mg
Calories 244
Sodium 48 mg
Total fat 8 g
Total carbohydrate 19 g
Saturated fat 2 g
Dietary fiber 2 g
Trans fat 0 g
Sugars 13 mg
Monounsaturated fat 4 g
Protein 24 g
Season the pork tenderloin with curry powder and let stand for 15 minutes.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tenderloin and cook, turning once, until browned on
both sides, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
Add the onions to skillet and saute until soft and golden. Add 1 1/2 cups of the apple cider, reduce the heat and simmer until the
liquid is half the volume.
Add the chopped apple, cornstarch and the remaining 1/2 cup apple cider. Stir and simmer while the sauce thickens, about 2
minutes. Return the tenderloin to the skillet and simmer for the final 5 minutes.
To serve, arrange tenderloin on a serving platter or divide onto individual plates. Pour thickened sauce over meat and serve immediately.