Edition Highlights: Thousands flock to Moonshine Festival Poker run benefits Shop with a Cop Pheasant shoot aids student scholarships Pichon speaks at luncheon
November 2011
The Member Newsletter of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 299 292 Hwy. 400, North Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-6278
CONSUMER EXPO
Local businesses in the spotlight
By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
A change in the name of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerces annual expo proved to be a successful move. “It was definitely a success. We brought in a lot of people off the streets,” said Marty Williams, chamber vice president and director of tourism. Organizers opted to change the
name from business expo to consumer expo in an effort to lure more members of the community to the event. The expo aims to promote the shop local initiative and showcases the businesses that shoppers may not realize are available in Dawson County. State Farm Insurance-Carla Boutin and Legal Shield-Rory Cunningham sponsored the mini-trade show, now in See SPOTLIGHT | 3
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Mandy Power and representatives from BB&T greet visitors Nov. 1 during the chamber’s consumer expo at the Lakeview Center.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
STEPHANIE MATHIS
If you are reading this in English, thank a veteran I’m not a bumper sticker girl. Mainly, I just don’t want sticky things on my car, but I do like reading other people’s opinions stuck on their vehicles. From politics to driving habits, there are some really clever bumper sticker writers making money and distracting curious drivers (“What does that
tiny sticker say? Oh: ‘If you can read this you are too close’… Yes, yes I am.”) Some of my favorites I have seen: • Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty. • Upside down on a Jeep: “If you can read this, please
roll me over.” • My other car is a broom. • Enjoy life, this is not a dress rehearsal. I have also always liked: “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, thank a veteran.” If you haven’t had the
chance to make good on that last request, you have the perfect opportunity this Friday at the seventh annual Veterans Day celebration in downtown Dawsonville. This year, as for the past five years, the event has been chosen as a Veterans Day Regional Site, one of only two
in Georgia. Formal ceremonies will be held in the Mathis Dawson County Middle School at 2:45 p.m. and the parade through downtown will See VETERAN | 3
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NOVEMBER 2011
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
LINDA WILLIAMS
A time to give thanks for blessings As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and gift giving, my mind turns to holidays past and I am reminded of how blessed I am. My mind goes back to my childhood and the blessings of loving, nurturing parents. Even as a very young child, I was aware that some of my friends in the neighborhood had parents that were quite deficient in their parenting skills. My parents were quite the opposite and I knew it. I often said a prayer of thanks to God for sending me to my parents and not some of those others on the block. My father was a 20year veteran of the U.S. Navy and most of his service years were spent on sea duty. Some of my most exciting memories were of the days he would return home after being gone weeks or months. My mother and I had a ritual of getting ready to go to Little Creek, where
he was stationed, when the ship would return home to port. I can remember Williams getting dressed in our Sunday finest and waiting in the sweltering Virginia heat for the PT boats to bring the servicemen to shore. Thinking of him walking toward us in his Chief Boatswains uniform still gives me cold chills today. I didn’t have a real concept of what he did, but I knew he had a very important job and I was proud of him. My mother was a stayat-home mom, as were many mothers of the 1950’s. She said she had vowed to herself during the depression that if she ever had a child, she would do everything she could to be a stay-at-home mother. She said the times her mother was forced to work to make ends meet left an empty place in her
and she did not like at all that her mother could not be home to greet her after school. My mother was an expert seamstress and I always felt so special in the custom made clothing that she made for me. I marveled that she could take a few yards of fabric and turn it into a beautiful dress that fit me perfectly. She taught me to sew at a young age and I appreciate the skills with needle and thread that she passed along to me. I suppose that creativity ran in her family as her mother and sister were both expert seamstresses as well. My father was creative too. He loved to work with wood and I still have my little play table that he made for me the Christmas I was 4 years old. A few other pieces of his handy work are in our home today. Both of my parents took the time to read books to me and I still have quite a few of my favorite Golden
Books. They are well worn and some have scribbly artwork that I added. Daddy liked to make up stories and he often told me exciting adventures of mice that lived quietly in the field, living lives much as we humans did. His storytelling was an interactive experience. He often interjected an opportunity for me to help fill in the details of the story and he would continue on, building on my contributions. Talk about feeling special. Moving forward in time, I am so blessed that my husband, Marty, and I were able to create a similar loving environment for our daughters. We enjoyed activities with our children and genuinely enjoyed time spent with them. Tent camping with our girls was a favorite activity. It was quite affordable and we had no problem entertaining ourselves without televisions, computers or video games; something we have not been
‘Why I Love Dawson County’ photo contest From staff reports
The board of commissioners would like residents to show them why they love Dawson County. The board is currently holding a photo contest to show why Dawson is the
best place to live, work and play. The winning photograph will be placed in a 30-year time capsule at the new government center. The time capsule will be opened in 2041. Photographs may repre-
sent anything local, including friends, fun, landscape, holiday events, festivals, favorite places, past events or growing up in Dawsonville. Deadline for submission is Dec. 2. There is no limit on number of entries.
The required photo release form can be found at www.dawsoncounty.org or contact the commissioner’s office at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 235 or e-mail countyclerk@dawsoncounty. org.
able to accomplish with our grandchildren. But times do change. So this season I am grateful for the blessed life that I have been given. I hope you will take the time to reflect on your blessings too.
One thing for sure, we are all blessed to live in this great country and with that I send thanks to all of our veterans and the active military who protect our freedoms every day.
DAWSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Askew United Community Bank Brooke Anderson (ex-officio) Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Pat Anderson Anderson Family Medicine Charlie Auvermann (ex-officio) Development Authority of Dawson County, executive director
Peter Hill Hill Design Associates Architects Warren King Individual Stephanie Mathis (2011 chair) Bank of the Ozarks Kristie Myers The Norton Agency Keith Porter (ex-officio) Dawson County schools
Jennifer Baker (2012 chair elect) United Community Bank
Denny Putlak Denny Insurance Group
Mike Berg (ex-officio) Dawson County Board of Commissioners
Carol Tyger Ambassador representative
Carla Boutin State Farm Insurance
Mike Underwood (2010 chairman) First Citizens Bank of Georgia
Doris Cook Etowah Water and Sewer Authority James Grogan (ex-officio) Dawsonville City Council
Linda Williams (ex-officio) Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Kathy Fuller K.C. Fuller and Associates
Gloria Wyatt Northside HospitalForsyth
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 9: Join the chamber at 11:30 a.m. for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Blur Hair Salon, 66 South Center Lane, Suite 115, Dawsonville. For more information, call Ginny at (706) 2166299. Nov. 10: Lunch with the Chamber will be held at noon at the Lakeview Center. The guest speakers will be Churl Woods and Dwight Bearden of the new Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. Details will follow. Register at www.dawson.org. Special thanks to luncheon sponsor, Northside Hospital-Forsyth. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call (706) 2656278 or visit www.dawson.org. Nov. 10: White Interiors presents its Christmas open house from 4 to 8 p.m., at 278 Hwy. 400 North. For more information, call (706) 216-1230 or e-mail staff@ whiteinteriorsllc.com. Nov. 10-13: The Dawson County Arts Council andThe Old RockTheatre Company will present “Annie Jr.” performed by the children’s theatre actors at Riverview Middle School.The show will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 10-12 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 13.The show will be directed by Nathan Gerrells.The cast of 35 actors will charm the audience with their voices and acting talents. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Bowen Center for the Arts by calling (706) 216-2787. Tickets will be available 30 minutes prior to show time. Nov. 11: TheVeterans Affairs of Dawson County, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Dawsonville and Dawson County officials will hold the 7th annual Veterans Day Celebration in downtown Dawsonville.The event has once again been designated as a regional site.The parade line up will begin at 1:15 p.m. at Dawson County Middle School and start at 4 p.m. Formal ceremonies will be held in Dawson County Middle School at 2:45 p.m. Captain Larry Freeland will be the Master of Ceremony.The keynote speaker will be Col. James “Lindy” Linder, one of the top 50, highest decorated in the country. Grand Marshals will be wounded warriors.The public is invited to line the streets and show support for our veter-
ans and active military. Nov. 12: Join the chamber at 11:30 a.m. for a special event ribbon cutting/one year anniversary at Kauffman Tire in Dawsonville. The business will have great service, door prizes, drawings, free food and more. Nov. 12: Triple T Bed & Breakfast will have a grand opening gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hosts will be Steve Hughes and Andrea Sumner. The business is at 86 Young Place, Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 216-6860. Nov. 17: Chocolate Moose Interiors presents its Christmas open house from 5 to 8 p.m. at 4055 Hwy. 53 East. For more information, call Diane Cowart at (706) 265-1990. Nov. 19: Dawson County Arts Council will present George F. Handel’s “The Messiah” performed by the Dawson Community Chorale and the North Georgia College & State University Orchestra directed by Dr. Joe Chapman, accompanist Kathy Duren. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Dawsonville. General admission is $5. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Bowen Center for the Arts or call (706) 216-2787. Nov. 22: The Dawson County Arts Council will host Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Co-hosts are welcome. For more information, call Marcia Chelf at (706) 2162787. Special thanks to the cash drawing sponsors; AFLAC-Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers and United Community Bank-James Askew. Remember, you must be present to win if your name is drawn. Dec. 23-26: The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will be closed in observance of Christmas holidays. The staff wishes all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and happy holidays.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
More than 60 local businesses participated in the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual Consumer Expo on Nov. 1.
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Spotlight its 11th year. Held Nov. 1 at the Lakeview Center, the expo featured more than 60 local businesses, ranging from banks and financial services, to real estate professionals and non-profit organizations, among others. Several local restaurants and caterers also offered samples to promote their restaurants. Williams said there was also a great deal of interest from the public regarding small business ventures. “We had representatives from the small business development center and they said they spoke to several people interested in information on
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Veteran begin at 4 p.m. On Friday, school has early release and government and
‘We had representatives from the small business development center and they said they spoke to several people interested in information on starting new businesses.’ Marty Williams
Vice-president, chamber starting new businesses,” he said. Businesses that participated in the expo will soon receive a survey from the chamber to offer comments on the event. financial offices are closed. Chances are you have the afternoon available, so come celebrate the men and women here in our county who fought for our freedom. It is a not so random act of kindness and gratitude.
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Rotary team ‘Smarter than a 10 year-old’ By Michele Hester
Doug Powell, Kathy Fuller and Warren King won the annual “smarter than a 10 year-old” contest.
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle said a poker run to benefit the department’s annual Shop with a Cop program raised nearly $2,700.
Poker run aids Shop with a Cop By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
A poker run late last month raised nearly $2,700 for children at Christmas. Proceeds from the inaugural Dawson County Sheriff’s Poker Run, held on Oct. 30, benefit Shop with a Cop. Sheriff Billy Carlisle said the Shop with a Cop program is a “way of giving back to our community.” “The officers enjoy going shopping with the kids and seeing them not only buy things for themselves, but a lot of the time the kids buy things for their families first,” he said. Organizer Lt. Doug Boyle said many of the riders represented area motorcycle clubs that support local charitable efforts. “I really want to thank the Gray Beards organization,” he said. “They support us wholeheartedly. They sent a lot of bikers out here. “They actually called me twice before the run letting me know they were definitely going to be out there
supporting this cause, and they want to do more for the county.” About four or five years ago, the initial Shop with a Cop effort provided Christmas presents to 10 local children. “Last year, they had 47 kids. We may have 100 kids needing help this year with the economy the way it is,” Boyle said. “I knew there were going to be a lot of families doing without this year. “I like riding, so why not have a poker run. This is something I can do to help raise money for Shop with a Cop.” The poker run began at the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center, then went through Suches to Vogel State Park, with riders collecting cards for their poker hand at each stop. The ride ended at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, where riders drew their last card and enjoyed a barbecue lunch. Carlisle said officers have a couple more events planned to support the program over the next few weeks.
It’s not technically a trick question, but tricky all the same to nearly everyone gathered recently at Dawson County Middle School. “Name all of the states that border the Great Lakes,” said emcee Gary Pichon during the Reading Education Association of Dawson County’s annual “Are You Smarter than a 10 Year-Old” competition Oct. 11. When Warren King, a retiree who traveled the world during a career as a fuel executive, heard the question, he knew he had the win in the bag. “Everyone always forgets Minnesota,” he said. King and his Dawson County Rotary team of Kathy Fuller and Doug Powell answered correctly to claim the title. In addition to Minnesota, the correct answer includes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The annual competition, which benefits the literacy group Reading Education Association of Dawson County, is set up like Jeff Foxworthy’s game show, asking questions taught at the elementary school level. Fifth-graders from each of the county’s elementary schools were on hand to help out if the questions were too difficult, a com-
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
ponent that pleased Georgia first lady Sandra Deal, the evening’s keynote speaker. “Learning that education can be fun is half the battle, and you’ve made it fun tonight,” Deal said. “[Gov.] Nathan [Deal] and I both believe that literacy is key to success. There are very few people who make it without an education.” Three of the 10 teams made it to the grand prize, million point round, but only King was able to answer correctly, defeating two-time reigning champions Dawson County Woman’s Club. “Without reading, it’s difficult to do anything else,” King said.
Office: 706-216-4806 Fax: 706-216-4807 kfuller@alltel.net
Sandy Lipkowitz, the organization’s executive director, called the contest, which raises funds for literacy initiatives in the community, a success. “And we are so proud and honored the First Lady joined us tonight,” she said. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go toward a scholarship for a graduating Dawson County High School senior this spring. READ will sponsor the scholarship in the name of Walmart, which was selected from among about two dozen local businesses and individuals that helped sponsor the event by purchasing letters in an alphabet raffle.
P.O Box 1096 137 Prominence Court Suite 240 Dawsonville, GA 30534
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Racing hall honors this year’s inductees By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Stephanie Griffin Dawson Community News
Crowds fill the streets last month during the 44th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival. Officials said the two-day event posted record attendance.
Record crowd attends Moonshine Festival By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Organizers say last month’s 44th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival in downtown Dawsonville was a record breaker. Proceeds from the weekend festival held Oct. 22 and 23 benefit KARE for Kids’ efforts to provide Christmas presents to children in Dawson County. The event drew an estimated 140,000 people. “Right now, we’re looking at about $133,000 that we’ve raised,” said Calvin Byrd, KARE for Kids president. “That’s up about $20,000 from last year.” Byrd said about $30,000 will be distributed to local organizations, including Boy and Girl Scouts and the Dawson County High School JROTC, for their help during the festival. The remaining funds will be used to buy Christmas gifts and necessities for local children in need.
“We have definitely turned our focus to Christmas now,” Byrd said. “We’ve already set up some Christmas shopping days.” The group is now accepting applications for holiday assistance. Last year, proceeds from the festival allowed KARE for Kids to provide more than 750 children with Christmas gifts, clothing and a holiday feast. “Probably 80 percent of our revenue comes from outside the county, since we only have a handful of Dawson County vendors,” Byrd said. “It’s great that other people are helping us buy toys for our kids in Dawson County to have Christmas.” Byrd thanked the community for supporting KARE for Kids through the festival. “I want to thank all the people that were interrupted by the festival for being patient and all of our volunteers,” he said. “Without them, it wouldn’t be possible.”
The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame honored five new inductees for their contributions to racing last month. Among those inducted Oct. 21 was patriarch of Dawsonville’s legendary racing family George Elliott. “He was instrumental in a lot of people’s careers in racing, especially ours,” said Ernie Elliott. “It was just a sport that he loved. If it wouldn’t have been for him getting it started, starting us in it, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we did.” Appearing on stage at the 2011 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame banquet, Ernie, Bill and Dan Ellioot brothers accepted their father’s induction into the hall. “I just wish he could be here to be a part of this. It would have been a fantastic day,” said NASCAR champion Bill Elliott. “He has sacrificed so much, not only for myself and Ernie and Dan, but a lot of things he did in
his life, he gave up a lot of what he could do for himself to other people.” Mike Head, Harold Kite, Swayne Pritchett and Ken Ragan were also inducted. Sprint Cup driver David Ragan was on hand to support his father, Ken Ragan. “Dad’s been a part of the sport in many ways, driving at a NASCAR level, driving at a local level, owning racetracks, promoting the Legend cars racing,” David Ragan said. “If it wasn’t for dad, I would not have been racing. For me as a young kid, he was a good coach. Things like that were big influences, positive influences for me being a better racecar driver.” Ken Ragan said having his family and friends made the evening special. The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame also honored Gordon Pirkle for his dedication to the hall, Bubba Pollard as driver of the year and JB Day, who received the Annie Dean Samples Spirit Award.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dan, Bill and Ernie Elliott accepted an award in honor of their late father George Elliott who was inducted Oct. 21 in the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
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Golfers hit greens for the chamber By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Golfers hit the greens earlier last month for the annual Dawson County Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. Marty Williams, organizer and vice president of tourism for the chamber, said: “You couldn’t ask for a better day for a round of golf.” The 11 teams that played “had a great tournament. It was a wonderful fall day at Chestatee Golf course,” Williams said. One of several fundraisers for the chamber of commerce, the Oct. 7 tournament netted more than $6,000 for the organization this year. “Thanks to all who participated and for all our wonderful sponsors who purchased hole signs,” Williams said. “And to Northside Hospital-Forsyth for sponsoring our awards dinner and North Georgia College & State University as our box lunch sponsor.” Chamber President Linda Williams said funds from the annual event support the chamber’s efforts to show “Dawson County
‘It’s a great way to network, meet new people and get your business name in front of the public.’ Linda Williams
Chamber president is a great place to do business. “It’s a great way to network, meet new people and get your business name in front of the public,” she said. First place gross went to the team of Taylor Wallace, Chris Gaines, Rick Palmer and Robbie Kassouf. Second place gross was Mike Kelly, James Johnson, Tony Bruno and Tom Mackay. First place net was won by Chris Ledford, Michael Stewart, Nathan Stewart and Ricky Bennett. Second place net went to Charles Buckner, Mike Underwood, Blake Underwood and Josh Underwood.
For the Dawson Community News
The First Citizens Bank of Georgia team of Charles Buckner, Mike Underwood, Blake Underwood and Josh Underwood contributed to the chamber’s efforts in the Dress and Drive contest. The team won second place net in the tournament that raised more than $6,000 for the chamber.
Halloween festivities
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Wanda Tallant, an employee at Kroger paints 4-yearold Ellen Walker’s face while Aiden Day, dressed as Spider Man, watches Oct. 27 during the store’s annual Halloween festival. Right, Alex Robertson, 3, was thrilled to find a couple of fire engines parked outside the store.
• Improve your skills … take an online class. For more information, visit www.dawson.org. • Are you certified Work Ready? For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org. • Past issues of the Dawson County Chamber Chronicle can be found on the chamber’s Web site, www.dawson.org. • Remember to shop local. Please let the chamber know when you have a special event.
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Still the #1 place to celebrate a birthday A birthday. It’s a day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your baby’s special day. No one is more prepared or has more experience. We’ll make the big day a celebration from day one. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
NOVEMBER 2011
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November event at Bowen Center C&S welcomed chamber in October By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Zoya Sarab, owner of Salon Zoya in downtown Dawsonville, cuts a ribbon to celebrate her rejoining of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 1.
Downtown salon offers premier services By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
With nearly 35 years as a professional stylist, Zoya Sarab offers premier hair services at her salon in downtown Dawsonville. Salon Zoya, located at the intersection of Academy Avenue and East 1st Street, is a full service salon, providing hair services for women, men and children. Sarab specializes in modern, easy to maintain haircuts, innovative coloring techniques and special occasion up-dos and hairstyles. Prior to opening her salon in Dawsonville, Sarab owned and operated several successful salons in metro Atlanta. “I had five other salons before I came to Dawsonville,” she said. Passionate about her craft, Sarab continues her training by attending
There were no ghosts or goblins lurking through Community & Southern Bank during the chamber’s October Business After Hours. Instead there were angels, pirates and a puppy dog dressed up like a parrot. Community & Southern Bank employees welcomed chamber members and guests to the bank Oct. 25 for an annual Halloween after hours event of networking, fun and tasty treats. The chamber would like to thank the individuals and businesses that donated door prizes for the evening. They would also like to congratulate
all the winners that took home gifts that night. Although Kara Hewatt, with United Community Bank, attended the event, she could not claim the $100 grand prize, because she left before the monthly drawing was held. Remember, you must be present to win the cash drawing, which will grow to $200 for the November event at the Bowen Center for the Arts. Special thanks go out to the chamber’s cash drawing sponsors: AFLAC- Sharon Reagan, Anderson Family Medicine-Dr. Larry Anderson, The Norton Agency-Kristie Myers and United Community Bank-James Askew. The Dawson County Arts Council welcomes everyone to the center from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 22. For more information or to help co-host the event, call Marcia Chelf at (706) 216-2787
workshops at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Schwarzkopf, Aveda and the Regis Institute, where she learns the latest trends in hair and color techniques. According to Sarab, owning a salon in Dawsonville is allowing her to fulfill her dream in a small town where she can build solid relationships with clients and help them to develop individual styles that are flattering, as well as functional, within their lifestyles.
Hours • 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday • Closed Sunday and Monday For appointments, call (706) 2656551.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Sari Reid and her dog dressed up for Halloween during the chamber’s Business After Hours on Oct. 25 at Community & Southern Bank.
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NEW MEMBERS Nuskin Enterprises Donna Scohier (678) 427-1933 405 Robertson Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 donnas@windstream.net Category: Anti-aging and Nutrition Products
Thank You Chamber Building Fund Sponsors
Doris and Ricky Cook (706) 265-6910 645 Cain Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 Category: Individual member North Georgia Premium RV & Boat Storage LLC David Sellers (404) 891-5362 31 Successful Way Dawsonville, GA 30534 dsellers@amerivap.com Category: RV, Motor Home and Boat Storage Mattress USA Guy Bottorff (770) 416-1950 6625 No. 485 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534 guyb@matt-usa.com Category: Mattress Store Bam Tree Experts Louise Cook (770) 292-1998 5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. Suwanee, GA 30024 louise@bamtreeexperts.com Category: Tree Services Horizon Christian Academy Tami Nolting (678) 947-0711 2160 Freedom Pkwy. Cumming, GA 30041 Tami.noltinh@hcaga.org Category: Private Christian School
OCTOBER MEMBER RENEWALS D.N.H. A.D.S. Inc.
Georgia Farmgirls Chestatee Golf Club
MONTHLY TOTALS Newcomer pkgs: 72 Telephone ref.: 3,144
Visitors: 436
Property Investment Associates
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AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Jay Thomason is this month’s Ambassador By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Jay Thomason, office coordinator at the local H&R Block, was named the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for October. A lifelong Georgia resident, Thomason has lived in Dawsonville the last 10 years. Thomason joined the Ambassador Program in 2007 to meet new people and become better acquainted and involved in the community. “I think it is very important to give back to the community,” she said. “Being an Ambassador has given me the opportunity to meet some great people and make many new friends. I have really enjoyed participating in the various events and watching Dawsonville grow and flourish.” A huge college football fan, Thomason said: “Thank goodness the football season ends just as the tax season gets into full swing.” She also enjoys floral design. “I enjoy transforming someone’s day from ordinary to spectacular and it is a huge creative outlet for me personally,” she said. H&R Block has been involved with the chamber since 1993. “I enjoy working at H&R Block in Dawsonville because we are not just your run of the mill tax
‘Being an Ambassador has given me the opportunity to meet some great people and make many new friends.’ Jay Thomason
Ambassador of the Month office,” Thomason said. “We are open all year long to support our clients. Not only do we prepare taxes but we also provide business services to our small business clients.” Services include bookkeeping, payroll processing, preparing monthly and quarterly payroll tax reports and sales tax reports, among others. “We have many clients who have been coming to us for years who are more like friends than clients,” she said.
Veterans announce scholarships From staff reports
The Dawson County Chapter No. 970 of Vietnam Veterans of America announces its scholarship program for 2012. Two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 to a high school senior. There will be one winner from Dawson County High and one from Lumpkin County High, or an equivalent, accredited home schooling program. Applicants must be a graduating senior and be a descendant of a U.S. military veteran of the Vietnam War or wartime ser-
vice to present. Descendant, as defined by the chapter, includes natural or adopted children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Applicants must be in financial need to meet college or university educational expenses, maintain above average grades, and most importantly, demonstrate a spirit of volunteerism and community involvement. Applications are available through the counselor’s office at the high school. Submission deadline is March 9, 2012.
Grand park was topic at luncheon By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Commissioner Gary Pichon talked about his idea for a grand park on land adjacent to a proposed reservoir in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area during last month’s chamber luncheon. Owned by the city of Atlanta, the 10,000-acre Dawson Forest Wildlife Management tract was originally purchased as a second airport site. Pichon said he doesn’t want the county to own the proposed park, but he would like local entities to have a say in what happens to the property. “I want to preserve as much as I can in greenspace for the use of the people of the state of Georgia,” he said. Pichon has spent the last couple months meeting with area residents and organizations promoting his plan for the grand park, which has
Pichon the potential to bring tax dollars to the region through tourism, he said. Guest speakers for the chamber’s November luncheon also say their business will bring tourism dollars to the area. Cheryl Woods and Dwight Bearden are scheduled to talk about the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery at noon Nov. 10 when the chamber meets at the Lakeview Center for lunch. The chamber would like to thank Northside HospitalForsyth for sponsoring the luncheon. For more information, call (706) 265-6278.
BOARD ELECTS OFFICERS The Georgia Mountains Workforce Investment Board elected Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby as chairwoman. First Citizens Bank of Georgia Executive Vice-President Will Wade will serve as vice-chairman. The Georgia Mountains Workforce Investment Area is one of 20 in Georgia. It For the Dawson Community News serves the 13 county Georgia Mountains Regional Commission area. From left, John Phillips, director of the Workforce Investment Area, Wade, Gibby and Mike Berg, chair chief elected official of the Georgia Mountains Workforce Investment Area.
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Georgia Mountains Hospice joins chamber By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
The Graphic Edge recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of a retail apparel showroom on Majors Road in Cumming. The Graphic Edge is a one stop solution for marketing, design, apparel and production professionals.
The Graphic Edge is a one stop solution By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Twenty years ago, Tim Bauer operated his small graphics company out of his basement. Today, The Graphic Edge is a one stop solution for marketing, design, apparel and production professionals with a team serving notable clients such as Verizon, UPS Stores, Blue Ribbon Foods and e-Company to name a few. Built on the simple foundations of quality, service and top-notch support, The Graphic Edge provides solutions in print, fulfillment, creative services and multimedia all under one roof, leaving clients free to build their business. Located on Majors Road in
Forsyth County, The Graphic Edge recently expanded its services to offer a showroom of retail apparel. And with a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, as well as additional resources, orders can be filled in as few as 48 hours. Additionally, The Graphic Edge has programs that keep specialty items in stock and ready to ship. From key chains to coffee cups, plastic bags and trade show giveaways, The Graphic Edge is sure to have a specialty promotional item available that can be imprinted with business logos and messages quickly and within a variety of budgets. The Graphic Edge is available online at www.tgedirect.com or by calling (770) 888-1525.
Georgia Mountains Hospice, a nonprofit organization, now serves Dawson County and recently joined the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. “We offer patients and their families help during difficult times. We do this with a spirit of service and partnership, providing nursing care, emotional and spiritual support,” said executive director Kim Conine. “We care for people with life-limiting illnesses.” Located in Jasper, Georgia Mountains Hospice offers nursing support, personal care, OT, PT, speech therapy, dietician services, assistance with medical equipment, supplies and medications. The hospice team includes physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers,
bereavement professionals, volunteers and various therapists. A physician’s referral with the agreement of patient and family is required to receive hospice care. Generally, the patient will have a limited life expectancy of six months or less if the life-limiting illness follows a normal course. Hospice is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. “We have an incredible care team, many who have been with us for five, 10, 15 years, and a lot of places can’t say that. There’s typically a lot of turn over, but we love what we do,” Conine said. Georgia Mountains Hospice serves residents of Dawson, Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Murray, Gordon, and Whitfield counties, as well as parts of Bartow and Forsyth counties.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
In celebration of National Hospice Month, Georgia Mountains Hospice recently joined the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and held a ribbon cutting celebration Nov. 1 at the chamber office.
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Dawson County is Camera Ready By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Production companies filming in Dawson County the last year have set the area on the radar as a true CameraReady community. “This year we have had many production companies filming in our county,” said Marty Williams, vice president of tourism for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Projects filmed locally include Larry the Cable Guy, Powderhouse Productions of “America’s Wildests Roads” for the Travel Channel and a travel series for Yahoo. com called Wanderlust filmed “Best Places To Visit Where You Can’t Take A Car,” which featured the Len Foote Hike Inn. “These along with many more smaller
projects for the Discover and History Channel have increased our credits and produced the word of mouth of our county’s cooperation that can lead to larger projects down the road,” Williams said. Recently, producers for American Pickers inquired saying they are interested in filming an episode locally. As a Camera Ready Community, Williams also receives requests from upcoming motion pictures. “These requests are either from producers or scouts that are looking for a particular place or certain scenery they need for a movie,” Williams said. “North Georgia Mountains have been very popular this year with several production companies looking for just the right place to shoot.”
Nordson closing plant By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Corporate officials confirmed Oct. 10 that Nordson will be closing its manufacturing plant in Dawson County next year. “We are restructuring operations in the state of Georgia,” said Jim Jaye, director of corporate communications and investor relations. The manufacturer’s 53 local employees and nearly 70 employees at the Norcross location have been offered transfers to Nordson’s plant in John’s Creek or its Swainsboro facility. Those who are unable to relocate will receive severance packages, Jaye said. The restructuring is part of the Ohiobased manufacturer’s plan to provide efficiency and to serve a more global market, according to Jaye.
“We’ve certainly had a very good relationship with the Dawsonville community. This is merely a business decision and has nothing to do with our experience in Dawsonville,” Jaye said. The local division manufactures specialized machiner y for applying adhesives to products such as tapes and elastic diapers. Jaye said the plant closing is currently scheduled for mid to late 2012. Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, said Oerlikon Neumag, a division of DuPont is currently leasing a part of Nordson’s Dawsonville plant. “We’re waiting to see if Neumag is going to lease the rest of the building,” he said.
NOVEMBER 2011
Lanier Tech fundraiser to help provide scholarships Pheasant shoot set for November 12 By Patrick Stoker DCN regional staff
Recent changes to the HOPE Scholarship have put a strain on students and their families, but the Lanier Technical Foundation is seeking to ease that financial burden. The foundation plans to hold its first European Pheasant Shoot on Nov. 12 to raise money for Lanier Technical College student scholarships. Technical College System of Georgia students were greatly affected by the recent changes, a reason Foundation Chair Kevin Tanner decided to organize the fundraiser. “Due to budget restraints and decreased funding there’s going to be a lot of students, specifically at the technical school level that are currently in their program, that are not going to be able to receive HOPE in the spring semester of next year,” Tanner said. Rather than the previous 2.0 grade-point average standard, technical students are now required to maintain a 3.0, and the scholarship will only cover 90 percent of tuition. Those changes will begin following the fall 2011 semester. Tanner said the changes will have the biggest impact on current students rather than students still in high school. “Those folks who have already been in the system for a while that maybe were maintaining what they felt like they had to maintain to be successful, that’s
changed and they’re not going to have time to bring their GPA up to the acceptable levels,” he said. “We’re concerned and we want to try to find a way to help offset that need,” Tanner added. Another concern the foundation has is costs of textbooks, which Tanner said is often half the cost of technical college expenses. Tanner, who is also the Dawson County manager, said the idea came from an event previously held to benefit the Dawson County Senior Center. “It’s been very successful, so we thought it would be good to do it in Hall County,” Tanner said. The shoot will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Walters Farm in Lula. “We’ll just have a nice day, nice event and raise money for scholarships,” he said. The shoot will be limited to 40 shooters and involve 20 hay bale stations spread out in a circle around the field. In the center will be a release station with birds released two or three at a time. The birds will be equally divided, iced and given to shooters to take home. Tickets are being sold for $275. Hay bale sponsorships are also being sold to businesses to support the event.
Lanier Tech’s European Pheasant Shoot What: Fundraiser to assist student scholarships When: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12 Cost: $275 for a ticket, $200 or $400 for sponsorship For more information: Contact Russell Vandiver at (770) 531-6304 or rvandive@laniertech.edu or Kevin Tanner at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 247 or ktanner@dawsoncounty.org.
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NOVEMBER 2011
Gilleland receives leadership award By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Nicky Gilleland thought he was attending the Leadership Dawson luncheon last week as an alumnus of the 2004 graduating class. He soon learned otherwise when he was called to the front of the room and presented the prestigious Lake Gibson Leadership Award. “I appreciate this and I appreciate Lake and what he’s done for this community,” Gilleland told his fellow Leadership Dawson alumni Nov. 3. The award pays tribute to individuals who have made an impact on the community through their leadership. A former teacher, coach, principal and school superintendent, Gilleland put the children of Dawson County first, according to longtime friend and colleague Keith Porter. “He led by example. I’ve seen him get up in the middle of the night to make sure that the roads were safe for kids. I’ve seen him drive students home from school in his own car when they missed the bus,” Porter said. Porter also recalled a day several years ago when his courage as a leader shined. “He’s going to kill me for telling this Doris Cook presents Nicky Gilleland with the Lake Gibson Leadership Award on Nov. 3 during the 2011 Leadership Dawson Alumni Luncheon.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
story, but … one time when he was the principal at the elementary school, they called him to the cafeteria back when there was the anthrax scare,” Porter said. “They said there was a white substance on the shelf and he needed to check it out. He walked down there, looked at it real close and put his finger in it to taste it. And said it tasted like sugar.” Gilleland was also instrumental in working to bring Lanier Tech to Dawsonville. “He was integral in all those discussions, and I believe that is going to be his legacy that he leaves for us,” Porter said. Gilleland graciously accepted the award and said he is proud “of what we’ve accomplished here. I think we have a great future ahead of us. “I love this community and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else or do anything else. I hope I can continue to be a part of what happens in this community,” he said. Established in 2007, the Lake Gibson Leadership Award honors service to the chamber and the community of Dawson County. Gibson was in attendance to see the award presented to Gilleland.
Natalie Burt, left, was crowned Miss KARE for Kids 2012 on Oct. 15 at Riverview Middle School by last year’s winner Morgan Bennett.
For the Dawson Community News
Burt named this year’s Miss KARE for Kids By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County native Natalie Burt was crowned Miss KARE for Kids 2012 last month at Riverview Middle School. A junior at Dawson County High School, the veteran beauty queen, who has been competing in pageants since elementary school, is excited to be the face of KARE for Kids for the next year. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to go out in our community and help people,” Burt said. Now in its third year, the pageant serves as one of several fundraisers for KARE for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that provides Christmas presents to local children in need. “I think this will be a fun experience,”
said Burt, who plans to attend a fouryear university and study interior design. Burt, 16, is the daughter of Eugene and Jennifer Burt of Dawsonville. She attends Juno Baptist Church, plays on the high school softball team and is active in Y-Club and FBLA. More than 70 contestants competed in the Oct. 15 pageants in seven different age divisions. Judging was based on beauty, poise and personality. Each division queen received a crown, sash and bouquet of flowers. Trophies were also awarded to the runners-up of each age division. KARE for Kids spokeswoman Robin Smith said the pageant has nearly doubled in the last few years. “We had such a good turn out and everything went great,” she said.
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NOVEMBER 2011