Working hard today for an even better tomorrow. Chairs of the city's Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority and Development Authority hosted a productive, collaborative meeting on ways to work together to continue bringing capital investments and commercial progress to Forest Park. Exciting new projects are in store for Clayton County's largest municipality. Stay tuned for more updates!

The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce announced that Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, along with Fire Chief Latosha Clemons and Economic Development Staff Assistant Charise Clay, have been selected as members of the Leadership Clayton Class of 2024. Since 1972, Leadership Clayton has engaged emerging and existing leaders in a nine-month program that broadens their knowledge of community issues, sharpens their leadership skills and challenges themselves and others to seek solutions to key issues affecting our communities. Learn more about the program by visiting www.claytonchamber.org/leadership-clayton-program.

A little sweat never hurt nobody! Shoutout to everyone who showed up for the first workout session of Wellness With Wells. Don’t wait until the new year to start implementing your personal fitness goals. Stop by the Forest Park Recreation Center each Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. (specific dates are provided on the flyer below).

The City of Forest Park was proud to recognize several local business owners in celebration of National Small Business Week. Each year, the special commemorative week showcases small businesses and vendors as the gear up for the holiday shopping season. A big shoutout to the following businesses for participating in the city's promotional campaign: Forest Park Army Navy Store, Special Rims, Trustee Drugs, Best Country Donuts, Bulldog Insurance and Madgalena African Hair.

A little rainy weather didn't stop dozens of families, residents and visitors from coming out and enjoying our recent El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration presented by Councilman Hector Gutierrez (Ward 3). The city also had the opportunity to present an official proclamation to Principal Monique Drewry and the Forest Park Middle School Football team in recognition of its first-ever undefeated season. Way to go, Panthers! 

Meet the Forest Park team! This month's Employee Spotlight features Samaria McCoy, who serves as the Executive Assistant for both Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, and City Manager Ricky L. Clark, Jr. Samaria has been with the City of Forest Park for more than six months and has worked in local government for 20 years. Her duties include prioritizing emails and phone calls, scheduling meetings on behalf of leadership, graphic design, coordinating travel, organizing reports and much more. Samaria says the best part of her job is being able to use her creativity within her role.

The Forest Park Police Department is proud to introduce the following new staff members: Andreas Smith, Police Major; Jennifer Johnson, Communications Manager; Ervin Swain, Police Officer; Joshua Knox, Police Officer; Jamal Mustafa, Police Officer; and Steve Brown, Police Officer.

We have some very special promotions we'd like to announce! Members of the Forest Park City Council, city staff, residents and community members officially recently recognized three outstanding members of the Forest Park Fire & Emergency Services Department - all of whom were recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Join us as we congratulate the following individuals: Lt. Chris Harris, Lt. Tad Busby and Lt. Jesse Cook. Job well done, gentlemen. Thank you, as always, for what you do each and every day for our constituents!

The Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department is encouraging residents to learn about winter weather threats, review or create a family communications plan and consider what items are best for their Ready Kits in preparation for the potential inclement weather this winter. Knowing winter weather terms can certainly help individuals when it comes time to put a personal preparedness plan into action. Visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for more information on winter weather preparedness tips.

Spread some holiday cheer this season by participating in the Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department's annual Holiday Toy Drive! From now until Dec.14, the department will be collecting unwrapped toys to be donated to families in need right here in Forest Park. Make a child's day by dropping off a new teddy bear, action figure, doll or game at any of our three fire stations. For more information, contact Anthony Gallman at agallman@forestparkga.gov.