Awesome Dawson 2013

Awesome Dawson THE PREMIER NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO DAWSON COUNTY 2013-2014

Everything you need to know about living and working in Dawson County

Explore

Dawson’s Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountains Plus:

Schools, Government, Festivals and Health Services Directory A publication of the Dawson

News & Advertiser

The only thing better than spending the day at Amicalola is spending the night . . .

In themidst midst the Chattahoochee In the of theofChattahoochee National National Forest, Amicalola Falls Lodge Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers motel rooms, a family restaurant offers hotel rooms, a family restaurant and and meeting facilities surrounded by meeting facilities surrounded by pristine pristine rivers, lakes and wooded trails. rivers, lakes and wooded trails.

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Visit GeorgiaStateParks.org orcall call1.800.573.9656 1.800.864.7275to tomake makeyour yourreservations reservationstoday. today.

AmicalolaFalls.com or

418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 AmicalolaFalls.com 2 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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4 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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AWESOME DAWSON 2013-2014

EXPLORE ...

W DAWSON

ELCOME TO

Welcome to the 2013-14 edition of Awesome Dawson magazine.

This special publication is brought to you by the Dawson News & Advertiser, Dawson County’s oldest and most read newspaper. We have been covering news and events here for more than 126 years. That’s right.

As a relative newcomer to Dawson County and an outdoor enthusiast, I’ve been experiencing all the great things about the area like a wide-eyed child — on foot, on my bicycle, in a canoe, and by car.

This year, we pay homage to our county’s spectacular parks and recreational activities. What makes Dawson County so unique is our geography. There’s nowhere else in North Georgia where you can start your morning with a hike on the Appalachian Trial and then spend your afternoon boating on Lake Lanier.

The crown jewel of Dawson County’s parks is Amicalola Falls. At 729 feet, it is considered the highest set of falls east of the Mississippi River.

Up close, the 729-foot drop is actually seven consecutive cascading falls.

If you prefer indoor activities, the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall will surely delight you. With more than 400 stores, you are certain to find that something special you’ve been looking for.

And, in between our mountains and lakes you can discover what adds to the allure of Dawson County — racing and moonshine. In 2012, the Georgia State Legislature approved on-site tastings of moonshine, which happened to be the same month that the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery opened for business. How’s that for fortuitous? You can take a free tour of the distillery and sample a moonshine recipe that’s been passed down for seven generations.

What makes the experience especially memorable is that the distillery is literally steps away from the Dawsonville City Hall and Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (GRHOF). Dawsonville is the birthplace of NASCAR, and it all makes sense. The first NASCAR drivers hauled moonshine from our mountains to thirsty patrons in Atlanta starting in the 1930s and 40s. Some of their original cars are on display at the GRHOF as is Bill Elliott’s #9 Ford Thunderbird in which he set the track record for fastest qualifying speed at Talladega at 212.809. The record still stands.

We hope you can get out and explore Dawson County’s incredible scenery and attractions. We think you’ll agree — it’s Awesome!

Kimberly Boim

DAWSON HISTORY

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GOVERNMENT

9

EDUCATION

10

ATTRACTIONS

12

AMICALOLA STATE PARK

14

HUNTING & FISHING

16

PARKS & RECREATION

18

VOLUNTEER

22

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

23

COUNTY MAP

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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ON THE COVER Fausetts Lake located in the northwest corner of Dawson County. Photo by Kimberly Boim

This guide is a publication of the Dawson News & Advertiser, Dawson County’s oldest and most-read newspaper.

Dawson News & Advertiser NEWS EDITOR: EDITOR/PUBLISHER:

Kimberly Boim

Carly Sharec

STAFF WRITER:

Angela Williamson

ADVERTISING REP.: Tom

Tucker 5

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY

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awson County’s history is as pure as the illegal liquor that once ran through the area. ����������������� ���������������������� ����������� ������������� �����������

MB Resources LLC

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Carl Gerding, Manager (706) 265-4587 499 Hwy. 53 E. Fax (770) 234-5212 Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 mbresourcesllc@hotmail.com

6 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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he region was first settled by the Cherokee Indians, whose spirit remains in name throughout much of the county’s landmarks. The Etowah River’s valley was one of the first areas settled during the time of the American Revolution. Native Americans made a home on the river banks and utilized the rich, fertile farmland and the strong water power needed to operate good mill sites.

They continued to thrive until the discovery of gold in 1829.

When Georgia announced the region as a new territory, the native people were forced to the path leading to the Trail of Tears. For the next 20 years, prospectors mined the area, and later the region was considered part of the first gold rush in America. Many of the local roads, such as Nugget Ridge and Gold Mine Road, carry the legacy of the county’s gold mining days.

In 1857, Georgia’s 118th county seat was formed deriving from parts of Pickens, Forsyth, Lumpkin and Gilmer counties.

Dawson County would remain a predominately agricultural area for the first hundred years of its existence. The county lacked sources of mass transportation. However, Highway 9, one of the

hottest highways during the Prohibition Era, ran straight through the heart of Dawson County and was a main artery to Atlanta.

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nsanctioned races began in the corn fields located in the Etowah River’s bottoms and local residents gathered to watch. Soon, the sport of stock car racing was born. Dawson County would soon be the home to many successful drivers ...

Dawson County was a well-known source of illegal alcohol. During the Prohibition Era, distillers (moonshiners) saw an increase in demand and began making modifications to the cars that hauled illegal liquor to Atlanta. The cars were modified for speed and to out-maneuver the state revenue agents (revenuers). Moonshiners began placing bets on their cars and drivers (bootleggers). Unsanctioned races began in the corn fields located in the Etowah River’s bottoms and local residents gathered to watch. Soon, the sport of stock car racing was born. Dawson County would soon be the home to many successful drivers including one of the founders of NASCAR, Raymond Parks and “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” Elliott, the 1988 Winston Cup Champion and his son Chase Elliott, now making a name of his own in the business.

The folks of Dawson County embrace our history and there are many opportunities to learn about it through various avenues including the Dawson County Historical and Genealogical Society, the Dawson County Library, the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and museum, and the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery.

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A L LY E Q U A L KIDS ARE RE

e, c a l P r e t h g i r B a d l r o W e h t Making me i T a t a d l i h C One 46th ANNUAL

MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE FESTIVAL

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Dawsonville, Ga.

October 25-27, 2013

Donations needed for DCHS Prom!

5th Annual

Miss KARE for Kids Pageant October 2013 For registraton information contact: Nicki Knight nickiknight@hotmail.com

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For all donations call KARE for Kids 706-216-KARE (5273)

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EVERLASTING TREASURES PHOTOGRAPHY

March 30th, 2013

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Veterans Memorial Park

March 23, 2013

����������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� KARE’s main focus is providing the opportunity for every child in Dawson County to have a wonderful Christmas!

For Christmas 2012, KARE provided presents to more than 700 deserving children! We also provide year-round assistance with winter coats, clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, ����������������������������������������������������

��������������������������������������������������� All monies raised go directly to helping children in Dawson County. All members are volunteers.

For More Information Please Visit K I D S A R E R E A L LY E Q UA L

www.kareforkids.us or call (706) 216-KARE (5273)

8 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

GOVERNMENT IN DAWSON COUNTY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

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he governing authority of Dawson County is the Board of Commissioners, a five-member board with four district commissioners and a chair. Commissioners serve four-year terms and are elected on a staggered basis. The commissioners hold two voting sessions each month on the first and third Thursdays at 6 p.m. Work sessions are held the second and fourth Thursdays at 4 p.m. All meetings are held in the Assembly Room at the Government Center.

Current commissioners are, from left, Jimmy Hamby (District Three), Gary Pichon (District One), Julie Hughes Nix (District Four), Mike Berg (Commission Chair) and James Swafford (District Two).

For more, visit dawsoncounty.org or call (706) 3443500.

DAWSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL

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he governing authority of the city of Dawsonville is the city council, composed of a mayor and four council members. Each council member serves a four-year term. The City Council meets on the first Monday of every month at 5 p.m. at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex.

Council members are, front row, from left, Angie Smith, Mayor James Grogan, Mike Sosebee, back row, Jason Power and Chris Gaines.

For more, visit dawsonville-ga.gov or call (706) 265-3256.

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POOLROOM

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EDUCATION IN DAWSON COUNTY DAWSON SCHOOL SYSTEM

by Keith Porter, Superintendent of Dawson County Schools

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he Dawson County School System (DCSS) benefits greatly from a very supportive community. The community and parents have been integral in the growth and prosperity of the educational services provided in Dawson County. These educational services continue to expand with the opening of the new Dawson Campus of Lanier Technical College.

The DCSS is a system comprised of eight schools: four elementary schools, two middle schools, one non-traditional school, and one high school. It has been important to our community for us to maintain schools at enrollments that allow each student to have a personal identity, and we believe that this has been accomplished. Additionally, students have access to some of the finest educational facilities available in the state.

The DCSS takes pride in being a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredited school system since 1984. This advanced accreditation allows our graduates to more readily enter colleges and universities and is extremely valuable to the growth of the community. The system also has completed

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leadership, and literacy.

The schools, students, and faculty have been recognized in many ways for outstanding achievement through the years.

The accomplishments of our students have included multiple Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and Title I Schools of Distinction awards, and a National Blue Ribbon Award winner as well. Student achievement and extra/co-curricular participation are extremely high among the students of our county.

LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE

he new Dawson campus of Lanier Technical College opened in September 2012. Located at 408 Hwy. 9 N. (next door to Dawson County Middle School), the college offers a wide array of programs in adult education.

Classes at the Dawson campus include early childhood care and education, accounting, dental assisting and business management, among many other programs. For more information, visit laniertech.edu or call (770) 531-6300.

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Superintendent Keith Porter

the Charter School process and been designated as one of the first fourteen systems in the state to achieve the charter distinction.

The charter allows the system to have increased flexibility along with a higher level of accountability. It also allows for greater parental and community input as individuals serve on school and system governing councils. We are using the charter to focus on the three tenants of technology,

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10 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

DAWSON COUNTY LIBRARY

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awson County is part of the Chestatee Regional Library system that serves our community and Lumpkin County. The mission of the system is to enhance our community’s quality of life by offering lifelong learning opportunities, family and local history resources, and recreational materials to everyone. And, they have an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to help you.

“I’m new to the community, so the library was really helpful,” said resident Lee Gardiner. “The assistants helped me with my resume, which lead to me getting a job. I don’t have a computer or Internet at home, so I like going there for that and to check my emails and Facebook. I also really like to read.”

The library has a current collection of popular materials for users of all ages and interests as well as free public-use computers with high-speed Internet. Patrons enjoy free access to more than 100,000 items including bestsellers, paperbacks, large print editions, eBooks, audio books, and popular DVDs, newspapers, magazines, and video games — just to name a few. Special requests can be submitted to retrieve books from other libraries if they are unavailable in Dawson County. Plus, printing and photocopying are available for 20 cents per page.

The library is located at 342 Allen St., Dawsonville, (706) 344-3690. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 - 3:30 p.m..

Closed Sunday. Email dawson@chestateelibrary.org

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ATTRACTIONS IN DAWSON COUNTY DAWSONVILLE POOL ROOM

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he Dawsonville Pool Room was made famous by its owner and legendary racing historian Gordon Pirkle. It offers a family atmosphere and is packed with an interesting collection of history and memorabilia on Bill Elliott’s NASCAR career and early moonshine runners. The menu includes the famous made-fromscratch Bully Burgers and fresh-cut fries. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Pool Room and Pirkle are known throughout the world.

The restaurant has been a backdrop for various television shows and videos. and its black-and-white checkered floor has been graced with the likes of celebrities including musicians Roger Daltry of The Who, AC/DC’s lead singer Bryan Johnson, comedian Larry the Cable Guy, cast members of the hit television series “Moonshiners” and, of course, Bill Elliott.

The Pool Room is located in downtown Dawsonville at 78 E. 1st Street (behind the News & Advertiser office). For more information, call (706) 265-2792.

12 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

GEORGIA RACING HALL OF FAME

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he beginnings of stock car racing are remembered at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to Georgia’s racing history stemming from its roots in Dawson County. Complete with authentic and replica cars, trophies, rare photos and artifacts, the museum offers a mix of past and modern-day Georgia racing history.

The museum is open seven days a week and has a gift shop with assorted hometown souvenirs, officially licensed NASCAR diecast and stock-car racing memorabilia.

The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame is located in downtown Dawsonville, in the same building as the Dawsonville City Municipal Complex. For more information, to schedule a tour, or inquire about an event, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/georgiaracinghof, or call (706) 216-RACE (7223).

DAWSONVILLE MOONSHINE DISTILLERY

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he Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery is keeping spirits alive with the legal production of moonshine.

Visitors of the distillery can soak up the history of making moonshine, while witnessing its process through guided tours where they will be treated with a free tasting. A gift shop with a broad selection of moonshine-inspired novelties also serves as a museum offering history lessons about families in North Georgia who saw moonshining as a way of life. Although not sold on the premises, the product is available at over 50 liquor retail stores and restaurants across Georgia . The Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery is located inside the City of Dawsonville Municipal Complex and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m.

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

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he Dawson County Courthouse is the oldest working courthouse in the state of Georgia, and its history is deep and rich. During the mid-1800s, workers constructed the courthouse which replaced a log structure that had served temporarily as the county’s headquarters. The log structure was built by James Foster for $30, and the benches were made by James Jackson for $1.25.

Plans for a permanent courthouse were drawn up and accepted in May 1858 to construct a building 50’ by 30’ with four gables, and the window sills and steps were to be made of “good plant”. The contract was given to Wesley McGuire, John Hockenhull and Anderson Wilson.

However, in August 1858, the plans were changed on the recommendation of the grand jury. The new plans called for an enlarged building of 54’ x 38’, two gables, the use of good bricks or other materials, similar to the courthouse in Gainesville, and windowsills were to be made of granite, soapstone or marble.

The courthouse became the center of activity in the county until it deteriorated and was updated in 1984 largely due to the efforts of the Dawson County Women’s Club, Mrs. Stella Bigham, Commissioner Joe Lane Cox (who later became the city’s mayor), Mrs. Norma Glascock, Mrs. Betty Turner, Sheriff Randy Chester, Leo Glascock, and builder Joe Conowal.

The courthouse currently houses the Dawson County public defender’s office and the Dawson County Historical and Genealogy Society. Hours are Wednesday, noon - 5 p.m.

13

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK & LODGE

This ‘crown jewel’ of the southeast is located right here in Dawson County.

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14 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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One of the many breathtaking views from inside the park, at the top of the falls.

ne of the crown jewels of Georgia, and the southeast, is located right in Dawson County — Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, clocking in at 729 feet. There are several options from which to view the Falls, from an accessible pathway to an ambitious 604-step staircase to the top of the falls.

Many people think simply of hiking or picnicking at the state park, but it’s also an educational resource for children and adults. The visitors center itself is a destination with a small gift shop, several area maps, a taxidermic animal display, and several live snakes on display, including copperheads and rattlesnakes. Behind the visitors center is a small seating area where many live demonstrations are performed.

Visitors may also fish in the reflection pond, which is stocked twice yearly with a selection of trout.

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any people think simply of hiking or picnicking at the state park, but it’s also an educational resource for children and adults. The visitor’s center itself is a destination ...

Relax in the Lodge at Amicalola Falls. The lobby and porch offer a breathtaking mountain view, as do the windows lining the dining area, making it a great location to relax with a glass of wine (or maybe hot chocolate on cool fall and spring evenings). There is also a gift shop in the Lodge.

Around the lodge is an exercise hiking trail. The paved route provides a way for anyone to enjoy the outdoors and get in a bit of exercise.

LEN FOOTE HIKE INN Len Foote Hike Inn is located in Amicalola Falls and can only be reached in a five-mile hike from the top of Amicalola Falls. (The trail itself is labeled easy-to-moderate, and usually takes two to four hours to complete.)

As for the inn itself, there are 20 guest rooms and bathroom facilities for both men and women. Family-style breakfasts and dinners are served daily (trail lunches are available upon request). All guests must check in at the visitor’s center by 2 p.m.

Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance.

While the inn was established for hikers, it’s also a great place to just get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

There is a community room for families and friends to hang out, complete with board games and books. The park staff also provides various educational programs, like a session on wildflowers, or a walk-through of Dawson County history from 200 years ago.

15

Deer and turkey are two of the county’s most hunted big game. The following dates and seasons are tentative and may change. All hunters must possess proper licensing. Visit georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations for updated regulations prior to any hunting activities.

Turkey Season opens: March 23 (Statewide), Ends: May 15, 2013 Limit: 3 Gobblers per season License Required: Hunting and Big Game Deer Archery Season: September 14 - October 11, 2013 Primitive Weapons Season: October 12 - 18, 2013 Firearms Season: Opens: October 19, 2013 (Statewide), Ends: January 1, 2014 (Northern Zone), January 15, 2014 (Southern Zone) License Required: Hunting and Big Game

FISHING Trout Fishing: The Amicalola is by far the most popular trout fishing destination, especially if you are concerned about space. There is plenty of public access as it starts within Amicalola Falls State Park and later flows through Dawson Forest WMA. Except during the Delayed Harvest period on the Amicalola, anglers can keep up to eight trout per day.

Fishing on Lake Lanier: Lake Lanier is known as a productive fishing lake.

With approximately 39,000 surface acres of water at its full level, many species of fish thrive in the lake. The Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources actively manages fish habitat on Lake Lanier.

Each year volunteers help build and maintain fish attractors around the lake. The following species are the most common in Lake Lanier: striped bass, spotted and largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. More information can be found at gofishgeorgia.com/Fishing/Lanier.

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16 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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DAWSON PARKS & RECREATION

With four county-maintained parks, there’s no shortage of space for residents and visitors to enjoy the great ourdoors.

18 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

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The beach and pier at Lake Lanier, War Hill Park.

awson County Parks & Recreation offers a multitude of activities, classes, camps and recreational sports. No matter if physical activity is your top priority, or you are just getting started on the path to a healthier living, there are activities available for all ages.

Rock Creek Sports Complex Rock Creek is home to several ball fields, including soccer, baseball/softball, and tennis courts. There is also a paved walking trail, outdoor basketball courts, a full-service gym including membership options, and outdoor covered pavilions for picnics or simply for taking a break in the shade!

To get to Rock Creek, take Hwy. 9 S. from downtown Dawsonville. Rock Creek will be on the right.

Veterans Memorial Park Home to the county swimming pool, Veterans Memorial Park was originally known as Dawson County Park, and was renamed in 2007. A walking trail winds around the park, which is home to the Dawson County Senior Center as well as a football field, an indoor gym, and a few other outside ball fields. A memorial is on display for all of the county’s veterans.

From downtown Dawsonville, take Hwy. 9 N. toward Dahlonega. Veterans Memorial Park will be on the left.

War Hill Park War Hill Park consists of 14 primitive campsites, day-use areas (picnic tables, benches), a bath house (including restrooms and showers) and boat launches (four on-site).

War Hill Park is Dawson County’s access to Lake Lanier, with a small piece of “beach” and some opportunities for walking in the area.

From Ga. 400, take Hwy. 53 E. to War Hill Park Road. Turn left, and follow until it goes into War Hill Park. The host campsite is on the right as you enter the park.

River Park River Park is located on Hwy. 9 S., near Riverview Middle School. From River Park, kayakers and others can gain access to Etowah River. Entry into the river is free, but there is a $3 fee for the Kelly Bridge take-out.

River Park is located next to the Rock Creek Sports Complex off of Hwy. 9 S. The driveway is right before the entrance to Riverview Middle School.

19

Anytime Fitness

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ACTIVITIES

For information on specific dates and additional classes, visit dawsoncounty.org.

Classes offered: Zumba Fitness, Kindermusik, Swimming, Water Aerobics, Basketball Camp (for boys and girls), Athletic Camp

Important Dates: January • Spring Sports Online Registration February • Spring Sports Walk-In Registration (deadline) • United Futbol Academy Soccer Walk-In Registration • Swim Team Registration • Spring Sports Open House at Rock Creek March • Spring Adult Softball Registration • Spring Sports Opening Day at Rock Creek April • War Hill Park Campsites Open • Football Online Registration May • Pool Party Reservations Begin • Football and Cheerleader Walk-In Registration (deadline) • Pool Opens June • Fall Adult Softball Registration July • Travel Team Registration • Fall Baseball and T-Ball Online Registration August • Fall Baseball and T-Ball Walk-In Registration (deadline) • Football Begins • Fall Baseball and T-Ball Open House September • Last Day for Pool • Fall Baseball & T-Ball Games Begin • Basketball & Wrestling Registration (online and walk-in)

4055 Highway 53 East Dawsonville

7062651990 20 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

October • Basetball & Wrestling Registration (deadline) • Winter Sports Open House • War Hill Park Campsites Close December • Instructional League Basketball Begins • Basketball & Wrestling Begins

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Dawson County Courthouse www.dawsoncounty.org (706) 344-3640 Chamber of Commerce www.dawson.org (706) 265-6279 City of Dawsonville www.dawsonville-ga.gov (706) 265-3256

Driver’s License (DMV) dds.ga.gov Water & Sewer • City of Dawsonville Water & Sewer (706) 265-3256 • Etowah Water & Sewer (706) 216-8474 Health Department (706) 265-2930

Dawson County School System www.dawsoncountyschools.org (706) 265-3246

Natural Gas (deregulated) • Atlanta Gas Light Company www.aglc.com

Sheriff’s Office (in case of emergency, dial 911) www.dawsoncountysheriff.org Tip line: 706-265-4744 Office line: 706-344-3535

Electricity • Georgia Power (888) 660-5890 • Sawnee EMC (800) 635-9131 • Amicalola EMC (800) 992-6471

Post Office

(706) 265-2677

Voter Registrar (706) 344-3640 Auto Tag Office www.dawsoncountytax.com (706) 344-3520

Propane Gas • Amicalola Propane (706) 344-1427 • Ferrellgas Gas (706) 864-6151 • Mark Heard Fuel Co. (770) 887-5235

Propane Gas (continued) • Mills Fuel Service (706) 864-5037 • Folger Gas (706) 265-1495 Phone/TV/Internet • Windstream (866) 961-9463 • High-speed Fiber Optics North Georgia Network (706) 754-5323 Trash Pickup • City of Dawsonville (706) 265-3256 • Evans Garbage (706) 216-4232 • G&G Sanitation (770) 887-6063 • AAA Sanitation (706) 864-4860 • Landfill (Burt Creek) (706) 344-3645 • Wallace 400 Waste Disposal (706) 216-1485

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22 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

GET INVOLVED — VOLUNTEER! Community Emergency Response Team Contact: Richard Sims, (770)833-4533

Dawson County Library Contact: Stacey Leonhardt, (706) 344-3690

Ninth District Opportunity Contact: Alice Williamson, (706) 265-3744

Dawson County 4-H Club Contact: Ian Cowie, (706) 265-2442

Dawson County Ric Rack Contact: Angie McKenzie, (706) 265-1371

No One Alone (NOA) Contact: (706) 864-1306

Dawson County Adult Education Center Contact: Pat Story, (706) 265-1690

Dawson County Rotary Club Contact: Pepper Pettit, (404) 401-8586

Dawson County Arts Council Contact: Marcia Chelf, (706) 216-2787

Dawson County Senior Center Contact: (706) 344-3700

Reading Education Association of Dawson County, Inc. Contact: Sandy Lipkowitz, (706) 579-1771

Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Contact: Kara Hewatt, (706) 265-6278

Dawsonville Lions Club Contact: Marty Horne, (404) 323-9683

Dawson County Family Connection Contact: Nancy Stites, (706) 265-1981

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Contact: Faye Abercrombie, (706) 216-7223

Dawson Historical & Genealogical Society Contact: Jackie Anderson, (706) 265-3985

Hall-Dawson CASA Contact: Connie Stephens, (770) 531-1964

Dawson County Humane Society Contact: Debra Maxwell, (706) 265-9160 Dawson County Kiwanis Club Contact: Becky Holbrook, (706) 265-3514

Safe Kids Dawson Contact: Lanier Swafford, (706) 344-3666 United Way for Dawson County Contact: Lindsay Bohannon, (770) 7814110 Veterans Affairs of Dawson County Contact: Don Brown, (706) 265-7613

KARE for Kids Contact: Calvin Byrd, (706) 216-5273

Vietnam Veterans of America, Dawson County Chapter #970 Contact: Wayne Watkins, (706) 429-5002

Keep Dawson County Beautiful Contact: Kristi Hudson, (706) 344-3501

Wee Books Contact: Lionel Graves, (706) 216-0173

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24 | AWESOME DAWSON 2013 | www.dawsonadvertiser.com

25

CALENDAR OF ANNUAL EVENTS

I

f there is one thing Dawson County residents enjoy, it’s community gatherings. The following is a list of annual community events.

JANUARY

Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Location: TBD Information: dawson.org

FEBRUARY

Leap for Literacy hosted by Dawson County WEE Books Location: War Hill Park Information: (706) 216-0713

MARCH

Shine and Swine Festival hosted by KARE for Kids Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: kareforkids.us Community Easter Egg Hunt hosted by KARE for Kids Location: Veterans Memorial Park Information: kareforkids.us

Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival, October

Moonlight Flight 5K/Fun Run hosted by Five Star NTP Location: War Hill Park Information: fivestarntp.com

Jan’s Family Daycare Center

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Day Care

CALENDAR OF ANNUAL EVENTS APRIL

11th Annual Dogleg Charity Golf Tournament hosted by Dawson County Humane Society Location: Chestatee Golf Club Information: dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org Relay for Life Dawson County Location: Veterans Memorial Park Information: dawsoncountyrelay.com

MAY

Spring Fling Car Show - Art in the Garden Festival Location: Bowen Center for the Arts Information: dawsonarts.org or dawson.org Georgia Racing Hall of Fame 11th Anniversary Celebration Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: facebook.com/georgiaracinghof Dawson County Memorial Day Celebration Location: Veterans Memorial Park Information: rebdon@windstream.net

JUNE

Chamber of Commerce Clay Shooting Location: War Hill Park Information: dawson.org

JULY

Dawson Day - Sparks in the Park Location: Rock Creek Park Information: dawsoncounty.org

Annual Lumpkin Campmeeting Location: Lumpkin Campground Information: drdrew@murrayvilledc.com

AUGUST

Annual Lakewood Speedway Reunion Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: facebook.com/georgiaracinghof

SEPTEMBER

POW MIA Day Location: Veterans Memorial Park Information: rebdon@windstream.net

OCTOBER

46th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival Location: Downtown Dawsonville & Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: kareforkids.us Trunk or Treat Location: Rock Creek Park Information: dawsoncounty.org

Lucky Dog Casino Night Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org

Chamber of Commerce Business & Consumer Expo Information: dawson.org

Bootlegger Half Marathon & Four Miler, presented by Five Star NTP Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Information: ďŹ vestarntp.com

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade Location: Throughout Downtown Dawsonville Information: (706) 265-7613

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade Location: City of Dawsonville Municipal Complex Information: dawsonville-ga.gov Breakfast with Santa Location: Rock Creek Park Information: dawsoncounty.org Taste of Dawson County Location: Dawson County High School Commons Area Information: profmom1@hotmail.com

Historic Lumpkin Campground

27

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