Special to the Herald

SPRINGFIELD – An idea that started hopping around in Griffin Korzeniewski’s lively mind months ago is on the verge of escaping into the real world.
The “Code Toad” and some of his friends are set to debut at the Sheriff’s Spring Roundup at the Effingham County Methodist Campground on March 9. They are featured in a comic-style book that will be included in Easter baskets at the 10 a.m. fundraiser for Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.
“I am very proud of it,” said Korzeniewski, a code enforcement officer who doubles as Effingham County’s solid waste coordinator. “I always wanted to draw cartoons ever since I was a little kid.”
The vibrantly colorful work – Korzeniewski is its author and artist -- is entitled “Penny and the Code Toad Learn About Codes and Code Enforcement.” It breaks common code violations into their simplest terms.
“The idea of making it educational was attractive,” Korzeniewski said. “It’s kind of like a dream come true, and the best part is that it’s part of my job. I like to help people understand what we do.
“My target audience is anybody who likes color, optimism, a little bit of humor and to learn.”
Code enforcement officers have a variety of responsibilities, including:

·       Inspecting homes, businesses, land, abandoned cars and commercial properties

·       Investigating complaints from officials or citizens about potential code violations

·       Enforcing building codes by giving permits, citations, warnings, noncompliance notices, fines and stop work orders

·       Creating reports

·       Educating citizens about local ordinances

·       Researching and interpreting codes

Korzeniewski tried to make his book particularly appealing to children despite the breadth of his target audience.
“I believe the most important social responsibilities are always things you learn as a little kid,” he said. “That’s when you learn the Pledge of Allegiance and a lot of the things your local government does for you and a lot of the things you can do for your local government. As people get older, they get a little more set in their ways and may not be as interested.
“Children, though, can be taught that they can be a part of something, part of something that makes things work and that their contributions matter. I think here is nothing more important.”

Korzeniewski pitched his book idea to his immediate superior, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Greg Hood, about five months ago. After Hood embraced it wholeheartedly, it continued to garner rave reviews as it made its way to the desks of Development Services Director Steve Candler, Human Resources Director Sarah Mausolf, County Manager Tim Callanan and the Effingham County Board of Commissioners.
“We have an incredible team here and it has been very supportive,” Korzeniewski said. “They are just as interested in getting the message out about code enforcement as we are to explain it.”
Korzeniewski remains thrilled by the encouragement he has received. Additional issues are planned.
“I thought about (the first book) for five months but it only took about three months of serious work to get it done,” he said. “I was just waiting for approval the first couple months and thinking of ideas (for storylines).”
Korzeniewski said “Code Toad” and “Penny” are the stars of his creation.
“The Code Toad is an ornery, grumpy, grouchy toad who is always doing the wrong thing – not necessarily because he wants to but often because he doesn’t know any better and is very stubborn,” Korzeniewski said. “Penny is a ’possum that is very optimistic and happy, and a very devoted friend to the Code Toad who learns along with him how to be productive members of our community.”
In the first issue, Ted E. Bear, a code enforcement officer, teaches the Code Toad how to get into compliance regarding issues with his yard.
“I have lots of ideas (for future issues),” Korzeniewski said, “and what makes it better is that I’ve had a lot of suggestions. It’s the team that will make it work the best.”
Copies of the debut edition, which includes a coloring page, trivia questions, and a Code Toad sticker, will soon be available at the Effingham County Administrative Complex at 804. S. Laurel St.