Month: June 2013

 

Joseph Mancuso, PIO GIP Fellow

Judge Jenkins recognized and honored in Dallas County Commissioners Court on June 25 the service of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada and Australia.

The organization, commonly referred to as UA, assists military veterans through the Veterans in Piping program. This program aims to help reduce the high unemployment rate for US veterans by offering training for skilled labor positions to veterans and active duty military personnel and assisting them in finding career opportunities after completion of the training. The training is comprised of 18 weeks of courses and allows participants to earn industry-recognized certifications.

Jenkins praised the efforts of the UA program and the results it brings, saying the program ensures that veterans have the opportunity to “continue to be productive, working members of society.”

 

Joseph Mancuso, PIO GIP Fellow

Commissioner Price, in Dallas County Commissioners Court on June 25, praised the efforts of the Dallas-Forth Worth Vitiligo Support Group and Vitiligo Support International in hosting the first annual Vitiligo Walk-a-Thon on June 22.

The Walk-a-Thon was held in Breckenridge Park in Richardson, Texas, and raised more than $4000 to combat Vitiligo, an autoimmune disease which results in the depigmentation  of the skin. More than 70 people participated in the event and the Vitiligo Support Group is still accepting donations to assist in their cause. There is no known cure for the disease, which affects nearly 3 million people in the United States.

When reading the resolution, Commissioner Price was noticeably affected and revealed that he was personally diagnosed with Vitiligo a few years ago. While he said he was greatly impacted by it, he is now in remission. Commissioner Price went on to say that “the psychological effects of Vitiligo on individuals are vast, with many feeling stigmatized by their condition.”

 

 

Joseph Mancuso, PIO GIP Fellow

In a resolution passed June 18 and read by Commissioner Daniel, the Dallas County Commissioners Court declared June 2013 to be an official month of Pride for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The Pride month is intended to commemorate the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, which sparked the liberation movement for the LGBT community. Dallas County is the only county in Texas to have enacted LGBT-friendly employee policies and health benefits, including a full-time liaison to in the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and a employee non-discrimination policy.

Commissioner Daniel lauded the County for being inclusive and protecting the rights of all, saying “Dallas County’s LGBT community has the right to feel safe and not live with fear of harassment and persecution.” She added, “Tolerance and acceptance is something we must all practice and teach future generations.”

 

Joseph Mancuso, PIO GIP Fellow

Patrick McMacken, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Irving, was formally recognized by the Dallas County Commissioners Court after he announced his retirement  following nearly 15 years of service to the City and the surrounding area.

McMacken, a qualified FEMA instructor, assisted with events such as Super Bowl 45 and helped to handle public shelter operations following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Gustav.  He was also responsible for coordinating with emergency responders on a regular basis.

Judge Jenkins spoke of the value of teamwork and diligence exhibited by McMacken. “He is well respected among his colleagues, partners, elected officials and the public,” he said.