D A W S O N
C O U N T Y
Dress Barn offers women’s fashions June 2010
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 “Old Jail” west of the square Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
Hamalainen, Chambers recognized
‘When I started working for the chamber, I told Linda [Williams] I wished we could do more for the veterans.’
By Michele Hester
Pam Hamalainen
Crowd honors fallen heroes michele@dawsonnews.com
A Memorial Day service May 31 welcomed more than 200 people to Veterans Memorial Park, where a new component has been added to the county’s Veterans Memorial. Flags representing the nation’s five military branches now proudly fly over the memorial, which
Vietnam veteran Wayne Watkins calls “a place for reflection, a place for peace, a place to remember those who have given us our freedom.” With donations from the community, Veterans Affairs of Dawson County also added a fountain and a brick walkway at the memorial, which was dedicated to
Veterans affairs president
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
See HONORS | 4
Evelyn Hawkins, left, presents Pam Hamalainen with the Reagan Award for “outstanding and unselfish efforts” in regards to veterans.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Weekend a great way to kick off summer Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer. What a great way to begin the season by remembering our heroes. Words cannot express how indebted we are to all the young men and women who have, as Abraham
Lincoln said, “given their last full measure of devotion” in order that we have the freedoms we enjoy today. Let us never forget their sacrifice. Let’ s look at the ending of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “It is for us the
living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us ... that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ... that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain ... that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom ... and that
government of the people ... by the people ... for the people ... shall not perish from the earth.” Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, given Nov. 19, 1863, on the battlefield near See SUMMER | 5
Underwood
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JUNE 2010
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Do you have an hour a week to give? variety of things, This month I which of course want to share will depend on with you a the interests of great experiyou and your ence of mine student and his that you may or her age. choose to have You might also. want to play Almost 10 games, do crafts, years ago I Williams shoot basketsigned up to be a mentor for a child in our balls, take a walk or simply sit and talk. school system. I was I love to sew and one matched with Lorrie year Lorrie and I made when she was a third a teddy bear together. grader at Robinson Another year we made Elementary School. On May 29, I was present to tiny Christmas stocking ornaments for her famisee her graduate from ly and friends. high school. What an Though mentors are exciting time in her life, not expected to be and mine too. tutors, you and your The Dawson County student might work on Mentoring Program is a some assignments great way for folks like together if you choose. you and me to make a Field trips through the difference. school specifically for If you can give one hour per week during the the mentoring students were varied, fun and school year and have a educational. genuine interest in While my commityoung people, then menment of time with the toring might be for you. mentoring program was Students in the mentoring program are there limited to school hours, I will tell you that over for a variety of reasons. the years, Lorrie and I Requests for a mentor may be made by parents, grew to be great friends and our relationship teachers, counselors or eventually expanded the students themselves. The goal is one on one outside of the school with mentor and mentee. day, with her mother’s permission of course. However, the need for As she grew, our activmentors currently ities evolved too. From exceeds the number of cartoons at the movies volunteers and some we eventually enjoyed mentors agree to meet lunch outings together with a small group of and of course shopping students instead of just once in a while, and this one child. year preparing for the During your one-hour prom! visit with your mentee, So you might be thinkyou may choose to do a
ing, OK, so it sounds like a good program but how does this tie into business and the chamber of commerce? My answer is that investing in our youth is investing in our future. The young people are our future leaders and our future work force. We need to do our part to make sure that every
student has what they need to succeed in school and in life. Mentoring may be the missing piece. Some of our members are mentors and some business owners or managers allow their employees to participate in the program during the workday. If you want to know
more, please give me a call or call Bindy Auvermann, the director of our local mentoring program. Bindy is available at (706) 265-1981. I hope to see you at a chamber event soon. Won’t you join us?
‘The young people are our future leaders and our future work force.’
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JUNE 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS June June 10:The chamber luncheon will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road. This month's guest speaker will be Frank Norton Jr. of the Norton Agency. For more information, call the chamber at (706) 2656278. June 11: Join the chamber at 11:30 a.m. for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for AmeriVap Systems, 31 Successful Way. The building was formerly the North Georgia Events Center and 84 Lumber Company. For more information, call Wendy at (404) 350-0239. June 15: Leadership Dawson Alumni Luncheon. Graduates will receive invitations by mail or you may call the chamber if you are a graduate and not on the mailing list. For more information, call (706) 265-6278. June 17: Join the chamber in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at Jos A Banks Clothiers. The store is located at the North Georgia Premium Outlets. June 18: Family Connection's 2nd Annual Celebrity Waiter Breakfast at Longhorn's Steakhouse will be held from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278 or Family Connection at (706) 265-1981. June 18: The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Tournament will be held at Crystal Falls Lake & Golf Club. Players and sponsors are needed. Come tee off at one of the most beautiful golf courses in Northeast Georgia. There will be food, fun and prizes. For
more information, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278. June 22: Join the chamber from 5 to 7 p.m. at the RIC Rack, as they host the June Business after Hours. They are on Hwy. 9 North about 1 mile from downtown Dawsonville on the left. They are looking for co-hosts. For more information, call Mary at (706) 265-1371. Special thanks to AFLAC Sharon Reagan; Anderson Family Medicine - Dr. Larry Anderson; HealthyEatingOnTheRun.com - Barbara Roberts; The Norton Agency Kristie Myers; United Community Bank - James Askew & Van Keith Insurance of Dawsonville - Ann Grizzle for sponsoring the cash drawing. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. The cash drawing is currently at $950.
July July 3: Dawson County and Dawson Community News present Dawson Day "Sparks in the Park" at Rock Creek Park. The Independence Day celebration will be from 5-10 p.m. and will include children's activities, inflatable moonwalk, a giant rock wall, face painting, dance contests, popcorn, boiled peanuts, a dunk tank, live entertainment and the fireworks display at dark. For more information, call (706) 3443646. July 9: Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, through its Government and Community Affairs Council announces it will sponsor a candidate's debate at 6 p.m. at the Dawson County Middle School, 332 Hwy. 9 North. For more information, call Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County at (706) 265-8761.
File photo
From left, golfers Al Brown, Herb Burnsed and Tom Darr plot out the next move during the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament last year at Chestatee Golf Course.
Golfers hit the green for tourney By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce golf tournament will be held a little earlier in the year this time around. The event, which is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. June 18 at Crystal Falls Golf Club, is one of the chamber’s larger annual fundraisers. Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams said several golf teams have already signed up, but there are still plenty of spots open. There are also opportunities for sponsorships. “It’s a good fundraiser for us, so whether people are going to be playing golf or sponsor a hole, we will appreciate their support however it comes,” she said. Last year’s tournament in November netted $5,000 for the organization. “We appreciated the support from our sponsors, team players and volunteers,” Williams said. “We could not have put on such an event without the manpower of our volunteers.”
Williams said the tournament, which has been held for more than 10 years, is “a chance to spend the day with business associates and friends and support the chamber in the meantime.” There will be lunch served at the June 18 event. In addition, there will be a cookout following the tournament, door prizes and awards for first and second place gross and net. Prices are as follows: $125 individual player; $500 team of four; $150 hole sponsor; $600 corporate sponsor; $1,000 awards dinner sponsor; and $500 box lunch sponsor. Winner of the hole in one competition will take home a $10,000 cash prize. Other competitions include longest drive and closest to the pin. Williams said participants “don’t have to be great golfers to have a great time. There are many opportunities to help at this year’s event.” For more information, visit www.dawson.org.
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JUNE 2010
Locals dish out breakfast By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
The annual Celebrity Waiter Breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. June 18 at Longhorn Steakhouse in Dawsonville. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Dawson County Family Connection, a local nonprofit organization. Linda Williams, a board member with Family Connection, said it’s a rare opportunity “to have your breakfast at Longhorn Steakhouse.” The fundraiser features a buffet-style meal along with several community leaders and celebrity impersonators serving food. Williams said the identities of the waiters and waitresses are “a surprise ... you’ll have to come out and see who’s serving breakfast.” Tickets can be purchased from Family Connection board members or at the door June 18 for $10 each. At last year’s event, more than 200 meals were sold to patrons.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Lucy and Rick Harris, whose son Noah was killed in Iraq in 2005, stand next to a wreath honoring fallen soldiers at Veterans Memorial on May 31.
FROM 1
Honors
File photo
Commissioner Gary Pichon brings orange juice to Bill Sexton, left, and Ed Combs. Pichon was one of 10 “celebrity waiters” who participated in a fundraiser last year to benefit Dawson County Family Connection. The event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. June 18.
Dawson County Family Connection is a part of a Georgia statewide initiative of 159 community collaborative partnerships committed to making measurable
improvements for children and families in Georgia. The local family connection collaborative serves as the community’s decision-making
body, bringing community partners together to develop, implement and evaluate plans that address the serious challenges facing Georgia’s children and families.
Norton to speak at June luncheon From staff reports
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce welcomes renowned economic forecaster Frank Norton Jr. as the guest speaker for tomorrow’s luncheon at the Lakeview Center. Norton, a Gainesville native and president of The Norton Agency,
outlines growth and business trends in the Northeast Georgia region in an annual report based on data collected by The Norton Agency’s Native Intelligence Division. The report is a resource that guides many area companies and organizations in making their business decisions.
The luncheon begins at noon and the Lakeview Center is at 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Reservations are encouraged by calling the chamber at (706) 265- Norton 6278.
the military personnel of Dawson County. “As Americans, it is our solemn obligation to remember their sacrifice,” said Watkins as he led the service, which included a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps and a dedication ceremony of the new Walk of Honor and Serenity Garden. The service also recognized two women who are not veterans, but are passionate that the service of veterans is forever remembered. World War II veteran Evelyn Hawkins presented Dawson County Veterans Affairs President Pam Hamalainen and Treasurer Rosalind Chambers with the Reagan Award for “outstanding and unselfish efforts” in regards to veterans. Both said the honor was not just theirs alone. “When I started working for the chamber, I told Linda [Williams] I wished we could do more for the veterans,” said Hamalainen, who was encouraged by the chamber president to follow that dream. “Linda deserves so much credit. I’m honored to have her as a friend and as a boss,” Hamalainen said.
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Cash drawing grows to $950 for June event Will be at RIC Rack By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
RIC Rack is the place to be June 28 when the charity thrift store and food pantry stays open late for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours affair. Arrive early to check out the the great deals RIC Rack has on everything from clothing for the entire family to home decor and a basement stocked full of furniture. Then stay from 5 to 7 p.m. and enjoy an evening of networking as the chamber
tries to give away its monthly cash drawing prize, which is now up to $950. Last month, First Citizens Bank of Georgia played host to the May after hours where Bobby Smith of Worldwide Manufacturing would have won $800 in cash if he had been in attendance. The chamber would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring the monthly cash drawing: AFLAC - Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine Larry Anderson, Norton Agency - Kristie Myers, United Community Bank - James Askew, Van Keith Insurance - Ann Grizzle and Healthy Eating on the Run - Barbara Roberts. The chamber would also like to thank those members who donated door prizes for last month’s event.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
INTERSECTION TOPIC OF LUNCHEON Steve Gooch, the local representative on the State Department of Transportation board, discussed proposed changes to the Ga. 400/Hwy. 53 intersection last month at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
FROM 1
Summer Gettysburg, Pa. So, as we begin this “new season,” we should be reminded to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us. What is this great task that Lincoln is referring to? I think it is continuing to be a nation that is truly a “government of the people ... by the people ... for the people.” Let’s remind our elected officials not to forget they are elected to represent each of us. It should be the people’s agenda, not theirs.
In that same thought, we are your chamber of commerce. We are here to support you, our local business and individual members. Please let us know if you have a concern, or if you would like for us to bring some light to a particular subject. Collectively we can accomplish much as we strive toward our goal of making Dawsonville and Dawson County the preferred locations for businesses and families. If quality jobs and quality of life are important to you, please help us by getting involved with your chamber of commerce. Chairman Mike Underwood
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Mike Underwood, chairman of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, makes announcements during last month’s business after hours at First Citizens Bank of Georgia.
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CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
Photos by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Ashley Kahler hands Doug Powell a tomato plant as a gift during Customer Appreciation Day at Edward Jones last month, while Norm Donald looks on.
Russell Hewatt, left, and Brian Huff fix food for Chestatee State Bank’s Customer Appreciation Day last month.
Amy Stapler of Dawsonville and her grandson, Elijah Stapler, enjoy a cookout at United Community Bank’s annual customer appreciation day last month.
• Congratulations to Kristie Lott of K.C. Fuller and Associates for earning a CPA. • Shop chamber members first. • Shopping local keeps sales tax dollars working for you. • Are you certified Work Ready? Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON CHAMBER CHRONICLE | 7
JUNE 2010
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JUNE 2010
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JUNE 2010
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JUNE 2010
New high school principal named By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Jullian “Jute” Wilson will soon join the Dawson County School System as the next high school principal. The school board voted unanimously to hire Wilson for the 2010-11 school year during last month’s work session, following Superintendent Keith Porter’s recommendation of the Cook County administrator. Porter said what made Wilson stand out from the rest was “an unusually vast and varied field of experience.” In addition, Porter said, Wilson’s references praised his professional abilities. “Every person we’ve talked to has indicated this his character is out-
standing,” Porter said. For the past two and a half years, Wilson has served as the Cook County High School Principal. During his tenure, the school earned the Governor’s Cup as Region Champion for SAT improvement. “Accolades like these,” Porter said, “also helped in our decision-making process.” Wilson said he “can’t wait to get up [to Dawsonville] and get started. Most of the work for the school year is done in the summer, so we’re really ready to get going and hit the ground running.” Wilson, 38, believes the best part about being a high school principal is “being around young people ... they’re really the lifeblood of the community.”
‘When this opportunity came up, the more we looked at it the more we liked it.’ Jullian ‘Jute’Wilson Dawson County High School principal One thing that attracted the Jacksonville, Fla., native to Dawson County was the community’s size. “You can really get to know that size faculty and staff and develop a family-type atmosphere,” Wilson said. “It’s very similar in size to the school I’m at now.” Wilson said moving to Dawson County “seems like a great fit. It’s the kind of place we want to
raise our family.” His family includes wife Becky, daughter Hannah and son Zeke. “When this opportunity came up, the more we looked at it the more we liked it,” he said. Following former principal Wayne Chelf’s resignation, the spot has since been filled by longtime Dawson County High School educator Neil Harrison as interim administrator.
Richardson completes internship For the Dawson Community News
Amanda Richardson is completing a fourmonth internship at Rushton and Company, a Gainesville accounting firm. During her internship, Richardson organized client information into 1040 work papers, prepared basic 1040 tax returns, helped with payroll preparations, printed W-2 and 1009 forms, catalogued client engagement letters for tax preparation and
assisted i n va r i ous projects. Richardson completed her Richardson accounti n g degree from North G e o rg i a C o l l e g e & S t a t e U n iv e r s i t y o n May 1. The Dawson County native enjoys hiking, reading and drawing. Founded in 1981, Rushton and Company p r o v i d e s bu s i n e s s e s throughout North
G e o rg i a w i t h a w i d e variety of accounting services including auditing, tax planning and return preparation, management consulting, payroll services and business valuation. It is one of the area’s l a rg e s t bu s i n e s s accounting firms with ove r 2 5 s t a ff p r o f e s sionals.
In addition to general bu s i n e s s o p e r a t i o n s , Rushton and Company offers financial expertise in a number of spec i fi c i n d u s t r y fi e l d s such as construction, agribusiness, government, healthcare, notf o r- p r o fi t o rg a n i z a tions, professional services, manufacturing and distribution.
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
Christian Ergle aims for the corner pocket while classmate Tyler Hamby looks on at the Dawsonville Pool Room.
Fourth graders take field trip By Frank Reddy frankreddy@ dawsonnews.com
Fourth grade students in Dawson County took a day-long community tour last month during the annual partners in education field trip. Young people ate and played at the Pool Room, toured Thunder Road USA and got a lesson in government from Dawsonville’s city administrator, Kim Cornelison. Cornelison talked with the children about the role government plays in their daily lives.
Students followed the lecture with a mock city council meeting in which they talked about local issues. Dawson County’s Gordon Pirkle said the children “really enjoyed the mock council meeting ... they really got into it. I mean, they were well-spoken and did a nice job of presenting their opinions.” Pirkle said the annual field trip has been held for more than 20 years. “It’s one of my favorite things I get to do here,” he said. “The kids that come here, I never forget them.”
Timothy A.Annis,D.C.
May totals Walk-in visitors: 427 Telephone referrals: 2,209
Dr.Timothy A.Annis 66 South 400 Center Lane,Suite 105 Dawsonville,GA 30534
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JUNE 2010
Forum slated for July 9 From staff reports
If you’re looking to meet local, regional and state candidates seeking public office, there’s no better place than the local candidate forum. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event July 9 at Dawson County Middle School. Chamber President Linda Williams said candidates for Dawson County Commission will begin with a debate, followed by a forum for the 10 candidates on the ballot for clerk of courts. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for candidates to meet with voters and pass out literature on their campaigns. The formal question-and-answer session follows at 6 p.m., beginning with the candidates having a few minutes to introduce themselves to the public. Candidates for each respective office will be asked the same questions and have an opportunity to respond.
Williams said “due to time constraints, clerk of courts candidates may be restricted to a forum format ... because of the high number.” The chamber holds similar forums prior to major elections and worked this year to make sure the date selected was secured early. “There is a great deal of interest in the elections this year,” Williams said. “We wanted to make sure we got our date early and are working to insure that all candidates know to mark July 9 on their calendars.” Williams said invitations are being sent to the gubernatorial candidates, all candidates running in regionally important races and all candidates for local offices. The last day for voter registration is June 21. The general election is Nov 2. For more information about the scheduled debate, call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
MEMBER RENEWALS BROGDON, CPA Denny Insurance Group Discovery Point No. 50 FASTSIGNS
Kelo Company Inc. Nature's Health Store Premier Landcare, LLC R.E.A.D.
NEW MEMBERS Jos. A Bank Clothiers Phillip Abercrombie 800 Hwy. 400 South Suite 1035 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-9938 Category: Retail abercrombiephillipP180@yahoo.com Big Canoe Homeowners Association Carl Deane 10755 Big Canoe Jasper, GA 30143 (404) 625-0052 Category: Non-Profit cdeane@windstream.net Serenity Medical Health & Beauty Spa Sharon Keating 1080 Lumpkin Campground Road Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 265-6467 Category: Medical Spa advocate4kids@windstream.net Ballet, etc. Mary Warnke 6002 Hwy 53 East Ste 130 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 974-9161 Category: Dance Studio mary@balletetc.org Ga Mountain Candle Company & More Tina Everett 33 Hwy 9 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 708-6286 Category: Candles, Novelty, Home Décor tina@gamountaincandles.com
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JUNE 2010
AMBASSADORS CORNER
Power is Ambassador of the Month By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
BB&T Financial Center Leader Mandy Power was selected as the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month during the group’s June 2 meeting. The Dawsonville resident joined the Chamber Ambassadors in January to become involved in the community and be closer “to our businesses here in the community.” A University of Georgia graduate with a degree in economics, Power has worked for BB&T for five and a half years, transferring to the Dawsonville location in
September from a branch in Dahlonega. “Part of BB&T’s mission is to get involved in the community in Power which we work and live,” she said. “I’ve really been able to meet a lot of people in the community.” The ambassadors are an informed, select group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate businessmen and women who serve as the liaisons to the chamber’s membership and represent the chamber at many civic and social functions.
Their efforts include attending regularly scheduled chamber programs, attending grand openings and ribbon cutting celebrations, obtaining possible new member leads and making personal visits to new and potential chamber businesses. The Ambassador Program is currently seeking additional volunteers and encourages chamber businesses to have a representative in the program. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. for breakfast at Comfort Inn on Beartooth Parkway. If you or an employee is interested, call the chamber office at (706) 265-6278.
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT Ambassadors give ‘Shop Local’ testimonials The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce encourages members to continue the “Shop Local” campaign and take advantage of the many great businesses in Dawson County. During last month’s chamber ambassador meeting, several ambassadors recalled positive experiences they had while shopping local.
McEver Signs A chamber member and an Ambassador had the occasion to need new signs made for his real estate business. Thinking of the “Shop Local” campaign, he decided to visit a Dawson County sign company. He went to chamber member McEver Signs & Graphics. Carter McEver was very helpful, professional and the
signs were completed quickly and were reasonably priced. Shopping local was easy and is highly recommended for their attention to detail, whether you are shopping for posters, banners or signs.
Dress Barn After reading that Dress Barn, at the North Georgia Premium Outlets, joined the chamber, a member decided to pay the store a visit. In search of a white or cream colored skirt, she was greeted by a very helpful sales associate who helped her find one identical to what she had in mind. However, it was not available in her size. The associate took her name and phone number and said she would call around to find the right size. A few days later, Dress Barn called to say they had located the skirt in her size at a store in Virginia. The skirt is being shipped and will arrive in time
for the social event the chamber member is attending.
Tri-Star Trophy Another chamber member received a call from her granddaughter in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. The granddaughter had won second place in a city wide spelling bee. The chamber member remembered seeing that a trophy and awards company called Tri-Star Trophy had just opened in Dawsonville and was a new chamber member. She stopped by to see what she could find to send to the 11-year-old, fifth grader. Owner Byron Arceneaux showed her a bobblehead bee which was just perfect. The engraved trophy was ready in three days and mailed within a week. Her granddaughter was delighted and the chamber member was also delighted that she got a great gift, great service and all within Dawson County.
‘Sparks’ event honors Fourth From staff reports
Dawson County’s Independence Day Celebration, Sparks in the Park, is scheduled for 5 - 10 p.m. July 3 at Rock Creek Park. Linda Williams, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, said the organization is gearing up for the event. “We’re really excited to be a part of this,” she said. Williams said the chamber of commerce will be operating the dunk tank as a fundraiser for the Dawson County parks and recreation department. “That was one of our most popular booths last year,” she said. “It’s always a lot of fun. We encourage people to come out and see which locals will be on the platform.” There will be no charge to get in to the event, which
features live entertainment and a fireworks display. Parking is free as well. The event is presented by Dawson County and Dawson Community News. Children’s activities include inflatables, a giant rock wall, face painting and dance contests. Snacks such as boiled peanuts, popcorn and snow cones will be available as well. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the festivities. The event is made possible through sponsorships and vendor contributions. Rock Creek Park Sports Complex is located at 445 Martin Road. Gates open at 5 p.m., and live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at dark. For more information, call (706) 344-3646.
‘We encourage people to come out and see which locals will be on the platform.’ Linda Williams Chamber president
File photo
Tim Satterfield took the plunge at a previous Independence Day celebration.
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JUNE 2010
Dress Barn offers women’s fashions at a lower price By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Frank Reddy Dawson Community News
At the May city council meeting, city of Dawsonville officials and councilmen present an award they received from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals for best operated groundwater system.
City recognized for water system By Frank Reddy frankreddy@dawsonnews.com
Last month, the city of Dawsonville was honored by a statewide association that recognizes exceptional water systems on a local level. The Georgia Association of Water Professionals named the city of Dawsonville award winner for the 2010 best operated groundwater system serving a population of 1,0002,499. Officials with public works delivered the news to the city council at the May meeting. Gary Barr, public works director, spoke at the meeting with excitement. “I knew our water system was really good, but we didn’t know just how good it was,” Barr said. Russ Chambers, public works associate, said
inspectors from the GAWP “gave us just a moment’s notice to get ready. They came and sat with us for about eight hours, inspected all our buildings and went through our filing cabinets and systems.” Chambers said signs will be placed in front of city hall “to celebrate this lifetime achievement ... we want to show the community how the city has effectively used their money for water and sewer.” According to its Web site, the GAWP is a notfor-profit professional association “dedicated to exceptional professional education, dissemination of sound technical principals and scientific information, increased public understanding and promotion of valid public laws and programs.” For more information, visit www.gawp.org.
Dress Barn at North Georgia Premium Outlets prides itself on affordable, quality women’s fashions in sizes 4-24. The first store opened in Connecticut in 1962 after the founder realized women had too few options in business wear. Dress Barn now has more than 800 stores across the nation and strives to maintain its distinctive position in the marketplace by providing private labels and contemporary fashions at great value in an environment that is friendly and trustworthy. “It’s called Dress Barn because the first store was in a barn,” said Manager Tameka Howell, who recently joined the Dawson County Chamber of
Commerce on behalf of the store. The Dawsonville location has a variety of women’s fashions, from dresses to pant suits, in petite to woman’s sizes, as well as jewelry and accessories. Now traded on the NASDAQ Exchange, Dress Barn “remains customer centric, extremely sensitive to and focused on the needs and desires of women in the 21st century,” according to the company Web site. Howell said the Dress Barn and its employees are excited about being a part of Dawson County and the chamber of commerce. She also offered chamber members who attended the May 19 ribbon cutting celebration a discount to shop that day. For more information, call (706) 216-4144.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Angela Harben browses through a rack of summer dresses at Dress Barn on May 19.
SYMPHONY COMES TO TOWN
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The North Georgia Chamber Symphony, made up of musicains from across North Georgia, performed classics such as Clair de Lune during a concert at the Bowen Center for the Arts May 20. The symphony has been playing together for about six years, performing classical and occasionally other styles as well, for all ages and various levels of playing ability.
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JUNE 2010
Relay for Life raises more than $43,000 By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County is well on the way to collecting the $53,000 fundraising goal for Relay for Life 2010. Suzanne Hendricks, community manager with the American Cancer Society, said as of the end of May Dawson County’s 22 teams, made up of local citizens, civic organizations, church groups and professionals, had raised more than $43,000. There is a Relay for Life event each year in Dawson County to raise money for cancer research initiatives. More than 150 cancer survivors took a victory lap around the Dawson County High School gym to kickoff this year’s event May 21 when teams set up camps in celebration of “More Birthdays,” this year’s theme. “What a fun night,” Hendricks said. “It was so great to see how many cancer survivors were able to still celebrate their birthdays.” Throughout the evening, participants
took turns walking around the gym to honor those who are winning the battle against cancer. For the second year in a row, cancer survivor Rhonda Stone of the Dawsonville First Baptist team walked the entire 12 hours and was awarded for her dedication, according to Hendricks. Stone walked the full 12 hours in honor of an aunt who died a few days before the event. The year before she walked for a friend Danny Albertson, who lost his battle with cancer. Before his death, Albertson participated in Relay for Life and would walk or run all night in support of the cause. At dusk Friday night, hundreds of luminaries lined the gym and were lit to honor those who lost their fight. “I’m so proud of our teams, our team leaders and of this community that give their time and talents to make Relay such a success,” Hendricks said. “I’m grateful for the time and work everyone put in to further our mission of saving lives and creating more birthdays.”
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
4-H PROTECTS PETS FROM RABIES Clint Decker, right, took advantage of the annual rabies clinic sponsored by Dawson County 4-H on May 8 at Dawson County Middle School, where his 3-year-old St. Bernard, named Meat, enjoyed some attention from volunteers Joseph Lawson and Amber Yard, who administered the vaccine.
Swafford graduates from certification programs From staff reports
‘It was so great to see how many cancer survivors were able to still celebrate their birthdays.’ Suzanne Hendricks ACS community manager Shelby Collett, an 11year-old from Chestatee Elementary School in Cumming, gets her face painted May 21 at Relay for Life. The event raised more than $43,000 for cancer research.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
District 2 Commissioner James Swafford was recognized by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia for completion of the Commissioners Training Program and the Certified Commissioners Advanced Program at the association’s 96th annual meeting held recently at the Savannah Civic Center in Chatham County. “ACCG has an excellent training program and I was fortunate to be able to complete the Certified Commissioner Training and the Certified Commissioners Advanced Training Program,” said Swafford. “I feel I am obligated to do my best and take advantage of every opportunity to better serve the citizens of this great county,” he added. Swafford began training prior to taking office in 2009 and was able to complete both training programs in less than 16 months. These training programs are offered by
ACCG in conjunction with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia and have educated more than 2,600 elected and appointed county officials in the last two decades. Swafford was one of more than 100 county officials from across the state to graduate at the recent Savannah meeting. “Our training programs are nationally recognized as an outstanding example of training for county commissioners and other county officials,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “We are extremely proud of this year’s graduates, who committed the time to complete these training programs and expand their knowledge in many key areas of local government operations,” he added. In addition to the training, Swafford serves on two policy committees with ACCG. “Participation on the policy committees and having discussions on issues with other commissioners from around the state has been very beneficial,” Swafford said.
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JUNE 2010
Local community members mourned Samples, Weaver left legacies
‘[S]he organized a group of volunteers to run the gift shop and kept the doors open.’
By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Four of the world’s “most famous detectives” were in Dawsonville May 8 trying to figure out who “murdered” the heir to the cursed Potter Diamond. The mystery dinner theater was held to raise money for the Dawson County Humane Society.
Show benefits critters By Michele Hester michele@dawsonnews.com
A theme of murder and mayhem raised money for the Dawson County Humane Society on May 8 with the presentation of The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond at Peach Brandy Cottage. South Carolina theater group “The Show Offs” kept the audience laughing and wondering who killed Reginald Potter, owner of the infamously cursed Potter Diamond. With a cast of characters, including “four of the world’s most famous detectives,” the show offered an evening of clues and audience participation, including a Vegas style showgirl routine with some of Dawson County’s finest men dancers. Proceeds from the mystery dinner theater benefit the cash-strapped
‘We think this mystery dinner event is a great way to raise money for the shelter.’ Virginia Matteson Shelter fundraising chair Dawson County Humane Society, which has began an aggressive fundraising campaign of about $85,000 over the next few months. “We think this mystery dinner event is a great way to raise money for the shelter,” said shelter fundraising chair Virginia Matteson. Several other events are also planned. For more information on the shelter or the upcoming events, call (706) 2659160.
Two members actively involved in the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the community passed away during the month of May. Annie Dean Samples, who is credited by many for saving Thunder Road and keeping Dawsonville’s unique racing history alive, died May 10 following a brief illness. Three days later, the Rev. Dr. Mark Weaver, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, lost his life following a sudden illness. A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Samples, 70, will be remembered for her tireless efforts to promote Dawsonville’s heritage as president of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. “Some of us old timers had about gave up when Annie Dean got involved,” said friend and fellow racing enthusiast Gordon Pirkle. “When we realized [Thunder Road] was going to go under, she organized a group of volunteers to run the gift shop and kept the doors open. I bet people don’t realize she probably raised more than $50,000 for the cause.” She and her husband
Gordon Pirkle
Samples
Racing enthusiast
‘The community is going to miss him, because of his involvement in just about everything.’ Wayne Watkins Friend of Mark Weaver
Weaver Charles also owned and operated a jewelry business, The Rock House, a chamber business. The couple regularly attended chamber functions. Like Annie Dean Samples, Weaver also made a substantial impact in the community. Weaver played integral roles in efforts to feed the hungry with a twice a week soup kitchen and nurse the sick through a free clinic established in the church’s basement. He was also involved in numerous community
organizations, including Dawson County Rotary, United Way, Meth Task Force, Wee Books, Family Connection, Leadership Dawson, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, United Church of Dawson and the mentoring board, among others. Weaver also helped to raise awareness of the need for Habitat for Humanity in Dawson County. “The community is going to miss him, because of his involvement in just about everything,” said friend Wayne Watkins.
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“A very special thanks goes to Chestatee State Bank. A talented group of truly service oriented people who creatively take dreams and make a fantastic reality possible. They have always helped us pursue our passion which is taking care of you. With a leader like Mr. Philip Hester, you know its going to be a win-win situation.” Dr. Matthew Dunford & Dr. Michelle Morrow Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry “We have been banking with Chestatee State Bank since 1998. They have truly made banking more efficient for us, by providing the most up to date banking technologies, including remote deposit and a variety of user friendly online banking interfaces. Their customer service is just as extraordinary. They have always met all of our needs, and more. It has been a blessing to have been partnered with Chestatee State Bank for the last 11 years.”
JUNE 2010
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Drs. Craig and Wendy Harris Harris Family Dentistry
Main Office, Hwy. 53 & 400 • (706) 216-BANK With locations in downtown Dawsonville, Keith Bridge Commons-Cumming & Marble Hill