The Paper January 9, 2014

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New Year greeted at historic program

By LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

Since 1927, Jackson County has been keeping alive the tradition of thanking God for New Year’s blessings.

As 2014 arrived, a small group convened in the auditorium of the Jackson County Administration Annex for the New Year’s Day Program, presided over by State Court Solicitor Don Moore. He has presided since 2005; the late W.W. Dickson presided at the initial observance of the service of thanks for good things of the previous year and to dedicate the New Year with prayer for continuing blessings.

For the 87th time, community leaders came together to commit to place social,

business, educational and spiritual life of the county at a higher level in hopes of promoting greater progress and development.

Moore said Psalms 100 about the making a joyful noise unto the Lord. “Worship the Lord with gladness…For the Lord is good… and his truth endureth for generations.”

Moore said the New Year’s Day Program began when Calvin Coolidge was president.

Moore prayed that “in this little corner of the Earth, Jackson County has been blessed by location” and has seen job growth and prosperity “all which comes from You.” He prayed that great things would come in the year ahead.

Moore ran through the list of presidents who have served through the years of the New Year’s Program from Coolidge to Her-

bert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and now Barack Obama.

“We are blessed to be here,” said Moore, who noted that in the early 1920s, a worker kept 92 cents of each dollar earned and Henry Ford was offering a worker a dollar a day for 10 hours of work. “We Moore are weighing the different blessings we have,” he said.

“God Bless America” was sung by Mary Burley, a retired educator. She is an an-

nual favorite at the New Year’s Program offering her beautiful voice to the patriotic tune.

Moore said he has seen interior work on the Jackson County Historic Courthouse is now under way. “Some of us suffered through one year with no heat,” he recalled of one of the New Year’s Day Program held in the historic structure after the county relocated offices.

“We look forward to the day we can return there for this program,” said Moore, who recalls working in the old, cold courthouse.

See NEW YEAR, 2A

Local couple sentenced in tax scheme

After decade of tax defiance, case results in prison terms for 4 in the Thomas family

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Brisk but picturesque Tuesday morning’s single-digit temperatures were brutal for those who had to venture out including emergency responders but the icy conditions made Sell Mill picturesque.

According to West Jackson Fire Chief Ben Stephens, it appeared people were heeding advice to stay indoors until temperatures were more forgiving. Area schools were closed because of the bitter cold. “Luckily, we only had a couple fire alarms overnight,” said Stephens. “The only real preparedness we are doing now is making sure that our engines are put in pump mode so that the water in the trucks doesn’t freeze while we are out at calls. “The firefighters are all wearing their turnout gear whenever we leave the station as well.

It was 7 degrees this morning according to the weather station on our roof,” said Stephens. See more weather-related coverage on Page 2A.

ATLANTA – Timothy Thomas, 51, and Mary Beth Thomas, 47, of Jackson County, have been sentenced for their respective roles in a criminal tax scheme.

“For over a decade, these two failed to file their federal tax returns and sent in a blizzard of obstructive correspondence to the IRS,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates announced Monday. “Individuals who seek to obstruct the tax system and cheat hardworking taxpayers will be exposed and prosecuted.”

On May 10, 2013, Timothy Thomas entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and Mary Beth Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of willfully failing to file an income tax return. United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr., ordered Thomas to serve two years in federal prison while his wife will serve 10 months in a federal prison.

Despite earning substantial money from their business, the Thomases failed to pay more than $350,000 in federal income taxes from 2003 to 2012. At sentencing, the couple was ordered to pay $506,350.57 in back taxes, interest and penalties to the IRS. Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Veronica Hyman-Pillot, said, “The term voluntary compliance means that each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and for paying the correct amount of tax.

“That responsibility should not be taken lightly. The defendants chose to take extreme measures in order not to file and pay taxes and they are now convicted with a prison term to serve,” said Hyman-Pillot.

According to Yates, during the 1990s, Timothy and Mary Beth Thomas, who were married and jointly owned and operated a deck and patio construction business in Maysville, stopped filing federal income tax returns.

They then hired American Rights Litigators (ARL), an organization that sold and promoted tax defiance schemes, to send obstructive and harassing materials to the IRS on their behalf. The IRS repeatedly sent notices to the couple notifying them that they had to pay their federal income taxes and that they had to comply with the tax laws.

ARL was later shut down by the IRS for fraudulent anti-tax actions, but the Thomases continued to send what the IRS and Department of Treasury officials called “a variety of obstructive, frivolous and harassing documents instead of paying their taxes.” These documents included statements that they were not United States citizens but instead were “American citizens”

See TAX SCHEME, 2A

Hoschton’s financial outlook for 2014 is brighter

By FARAH BOHANNON

fbohannon@clickthepaper.com

Jan. 6 marked the Hoschton City Council’s first work session and city council meeting of 2014. The meeting began with an introduction of a local Boy Scout, Jimmy Crain, who was in attendance to understand citizenship and community learning.

At the beginning of the work session, the agenda was approved and the group then moved into the business report.

City Clerk Ali Merk mentioned in December’s meeting that there are several businesses within the city limits that lack official business licenses. This remains the case, but Merk said she has accomplished a great deal

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by meeting face to face with the business owners and informing them of their task to submit a business license.

“We are only asking these businesses to pay for their 2013 and 2014 licenses – nothing else. We really need all of these businesses to submit their licenses so they can avoid consequences,” said Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly.

The following businesses are recently submitted their business licenses including New Community Church, Hoschton Food Mart, Heavy Tow and Tech Gas Solutions. All of these businesses had their licenses approved and are ready to move forward.

Lizzie’s Pantry, a specialty grocery store located in Merchant’s Walk, has asked to

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receive the appropriate business license paperwork, but city hall is waiting on business approval from the fire marshal.

There was no unfinished business.

As for new business, the Oak Street demolition is due to start this week, weather permitting. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money will be used to pay for this project, and Kenerly made the council members aware they will always be able to vote on how SPLOST money will be used.

“I am ready to wipe the slate clean,” said Merk, regarding the Oak Street project. Merk also mentioned assembling a committee to discuss the plans for a good price, which will come together soon since the project is now under way.

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Kenerly then reminded the council members of their ethics filing, and reminded them to finish this as soon as possible.

The work session concluded with Kenerly informing Jimmy Crain about what city hall meetings entail and why it’s important to be passionate about all things government.

The council meeting followed, and the group approved the consent agenda and minutes. The council also discussed final plans for the city retreat on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Unicoi State Park.

At the Dec. 30 council session, there were some concerns expressed about the expenditure of funds for an out-of-town retreat.

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TAX SCHEME

HOSCHTON

Continued from 1A

were not subject to the federal income tax laws. They also continued to maintain that paying income tax was voluntary.

According to Yates, at one point, Timothy Thomas sent a letter to the personal residence of an IRS revenue agent that stated he was “a non-tax payer” and then mailed the IRS a letter stating that a commercial lien had been filed against two IRS employees.

Finally, after a decade of not filing tax returns, the couple submitted four false tax returns claiming more than $1 million in fraudulent refunds from the IRS. That same year, they also submitted fictitious financial instruments to the federal government, to include a document purporting to be a $100 billion private registered bond, and instructed

Continued from 1A the government to use this bogus bond to pay any of their debts to the government.

In a separate case, Timothy Thomas’s brother, Stephen Paul Thomas, 47, and Patricia Denese Anderson, 52, both of Lawrenceville, were convicted for a similar tax defiance scheme and were sentenced Jan. 3, 2013, in the Northern District of Georgia. Stephen Paul Thomas was sentenced to five years in prison and Patricia Denese Anderson was sentenced to four years, three months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with Assistant United States Attorneys Sally B. Molloy and Thomas J. Krepp prosecuting the case.

The Hoschton City Council gathered Dec. 30 to approve the 2014 budget, with council members David Poteet, Jim Higginbottom, Jim Cleveland and Scott Butler were in attendance with Hoschton’s City Clerk Ali Merk. Mayor Kenerly was absent, so Mayor pro tem Butler presided in her place.

The meeting began with a second read of the general fund budget. Prior to the official start, Butler informed the group of a few thoughts that had been running through his head.

“I just want to say how excited I am about this upcoming year. Hoschton has grown and progressed a great deal. Four years ago, it was very difficult to see the city so behind in its bills,” said Butler. “It basically was a sinking ship. We’ve come afloat and I cannot wait to see Hoschton in another four years from now in excellent financial shape.”

His comments put a positive light on the meeting.

In the general fund, most everything remained the same from the Dec.16 budget discussion meeting except for

the addition of Ali Merk’s salary and the increase of the city portion retirement ($76.39 to $1,200 in 2014).

The net other income difference is $66,760.

As for the water and sewer budget, $335,291.46 was added to capital reserve, which is what it would have been in the positive. Of the total, $200,000 is from the general fund. Everything else remained the same from the original discussion.

At the end of the meeting, the group discussed the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) budget, which includes roads and bridges, park and recreation and water.

In 2014, there is $18,000 budgeted that will go toward project such as the repaving of West Jefferson Street.

This will run from White Street to the city limits, which is .678 miles.

There is $10,000 budgeted for the Oak Street Project, which is a piece of land the city was given to re-vamp.

The plan is to clean up the area and make it more people friendly by adding park benches and places for families to gather.

Lastly, there is $120,000 for water.

Butler opened the floor for questions and concerns, which led to a discussion about the planned retreat

to Unicoi State Park for the council members, mayor and city clerk. The plan for the retreat is to discuss goals for the city of Hoschton in a place other than city hall.

“I think having the retreat out of town offers a fresh perspective on the topics we will discuss. It’s a different environment than our typical meeting place. We got an awesome deal since we’ll be there during off-season, so we only need $2,500 budgeted for it,” said Merk.

Butler and Cleveland had different ideas.

“I think we should have our retreat in-house instead of going out of town.

Four years ago, we had to lay off a handful of people, so I don’t feel right spending money on hotel rooms and a meeting room,” said Butler.

Cleveland said he believes that having the retreat in-house on a Saturday would be a more efficient way to spend the city’s money.

“I’d rather spend $500 than $2,500 and use the extra money for something that is an urgent need,” said Cleveland.

No decision was finalized at the Dec. 30 meeting but the comments wer going to be shared with Mayor Kenerly before the Jan. 6 session.

Winter weather closes school but temps are rising From staff reports

The unusually frigid temperatures earlier this week were intense enough to cancel school, but what about those who work jobs with outdoor duties? The jobs that come to mind are firefighters, sanitation workers, and police officers, to name a few. It is impossible to cancel work when the temperatures plummet into single digits, so the show must go on.

West Jackson Fire Chief Ben Stephens reported the temperature was 7 degrees Tuesday morning according to the weather station on the station’s roof. By 8 a.m., the temperature had warmed to 9 degrees. Ironically, weekend temperatures are predicted to be into the 60s so the increase in flu and other winter ailments may soon be on the rise, too.

School systems of Jackson, Barrow, Hall, Gwinnett and Commerce and Jefferson City Schools kept the doors closed and students off buses on Tuesday as a safety precaution but plans were to get back into the classroom routine yesterday.

Commerce Superintendent Dr. Joy Tolbert had fingers crossed that normal schedules could be restore for Wednesday.

Tolbert said principals and maintenance crews have been checking the schools

and buildings periodically throughout the day and have yet to find any problems with the heat or pipes.

There should be no problem keeping the students warm. Commerce Schools Transportation Director Brian Wood has made sure all buses have the proper care and antifreeze levels so there have not been any issues there. He is doing a great job overseeing the outsourced maintenance crew as they crank the buses early in the morning to make sure they are nice and warm when the bus drivers get there for their morning routes.

While the Jackson County Board of Commissioners cancelled Monday’s meeting because of the weather, County Manager Kevin Poe said Tueday that all was well.

“We are having no major problems and where necessary employees are taking proper precautions to accommodate for the extreme cold,” said Poe. Jackson County EMA Director Steve Nichols said the community was able to dodge the weather bullet.

“We have been very fortunate. We have only seen several small power outages and those seem to be taken care of rather quickly. Our number of call has maintained about the same level with the exception we are seeing additional stranded motorist with mechani-

FIRE REPORTS ■■ Units from Jefferson, North Jackson and the Jackson County Correctional Institute Fire Departments responded to 1237 Academy Church Road in Jefferson to a reported structure fire at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, a single-family structure had smoke showing.

The fire was quickly contained and extinguished with moderate damage to the structure. The occupants were home at the time of the fire and reported working on frozen pipes.

■■ Units from North Jackson, Jefferson and the Jackson County CI Fire Departments responded at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 4 to 459 Lewis-

Sailors Road in Jefferson on a reported structure fire where a single-family structure had smoke showing.

The fire was quickly located and extinguished with minor damage reported to the structure. The occupants were home at the time and reported an electrical problem in the home.

No injuries were reported.

■■ Units from Plainview, Maysville, North Jackson and the Jackson County CI Fire Departments responded at 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 29 to 208 Pleasant Acres Drive in Maysville on a reported structure fire. Upon arrival of the first units they found a single-family

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cal issues,” said Nichols.

“Our units both emergency services and law enforcement are trying to check stranded cars we see or that are reported so as not to expose our citizens to these extreme temperatures no more than necessary.

“Hopefully we will remain at this level and not see any increases over the next few days,” said Nichols.

Jackson County Uniform Division Capt. Chuck Ledford agreed that area has been lucky.

“We have been very fortunate that we have had very few weather related problems during this cold spell, the roads in most spots dried prior to the temperature dropping which reduced the amount of accidents that we had to respond to. On any calls that we had to assist motorist or citizens we offered to take them to a location where they would be comfortable until assistance could be rendered if needed.

“Again I hope that we can make it through the next couple of days and not have to report any problems,” said Ledford.

Anthony Sullo, a Jackson County School Resource Officer, has been outside successfully performing his job even in the freezing conditions. He has found ways to stay comfortable during his shifts which include keeping his head warm, layer-

ing with wicking turtleneck undershirts and wearing jackets and gloves that do not constrict movement.

“I do not mind working in the cold weather as long as I wear a hat to keep my body warm. I also wear wicking turtleneck undershirts that help insulate my body. Since my hands do get cold, tight, but not too tight leather gloves help to keep my hands warm with little to no slipping when handling the tools for the job.

Another big thing is to keep moving when possible, especially when directing traffic in the cold weather,” said Sullo.

Sullo also regularly hydrates on the job even when he spends a lot of time outside in the cold. He ensures that he consumes an adequate amount of carbohydrates to keep him energized.

Officers from the Braselton Police Department say they believe that it is important to be advised of road conditions during intense cold snaps. While on the road, checking for patches of “black ice” is an excellent way to ensure safety on the job. Georgia residents are not used to single-digit temperatures since the lows in January usually hover between 30 and 40 degrees, so it’s smart to drive with caution when there is a large possibility of ice patches.

Little things that most

residence with heavy smoke showing.

The fire was quickly extinguished and confined to one bedroom with smoke damage throughout the structure.

Occupants were home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Plainview Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The American Red Cross was contacted for assistance to the family.

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people wouldn’t think of can happen to police officers while on the job on an extremely cold day. The Braselton Police Department Lt. Rob Holt said he has experienced something like this in the past few days.

“When the weather gets extremely cold, my pen tends to freeze. I know this sounds like something small, but it is frustrating when I need to get someone’s information or write down something important and my brand new pen is frozen and won’t work. It’s not exactly convenient to

search for a pen that isn’t frozen if the situation I’m in is an emergency or is urgent. When I realize that the temperatures are going to be below freezing, I ensure that I have extra pens that haven’t been sitting in my cold patrol car for several hours while I was off duty. I also try to keep them warm.”

Even though the intense cold isn’t ideal weather to work in, the local law enforcement officers and employees have adapted and are still able to perform their jobs successfully.

Jackson EMC UPDATE

By Bonnie Jones Jackson EMC has experienced scattered outages through the day on Tuesday throughout its 10-county service area, from a high of around 1,800 customers out of service between 3 and 5 a.m., which dropped rapidly to around 500 at 9 a.m. and is now around 70 customers.

As we had anticipated, these outages were mainly the result of equipment malfunctions in fuses and transformers due to the high electrical demand. The cooperative only experienced one extended circuit outage, which occurred in Gwinnett County but was the result of a traffic accident rather than the cold weather.

Because demand was so high, Jackson EMC implemented load management this morning from 6 to 10. Our load management program helps us control peak electrical demand by operating switches voluntarily installed on residential water heaters which cycle them off for brief periods, and either switching commercial loads off or using on-site generation.

Normally, the cooperative only implements load management on extremely hot summer days for part of the afternoon and early evening, but the blast of arctic air made this necessary to manage Tuesday’s high demand.

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NEW YEAR

Continued from 1A Jackson County Chief Magistrate Judge Billy Chandler, who has served since 1983, welcomed those in attendance to introduce themselves. Bob Griffeth, whose grandfather was the late Bob Griffeth who presided at early programs, recalled sharing good memories with his father as they would attend the program.

“Then he would take me all over the county visiting a lot of folks,” said Griffeth, who moved back to the county from Asheville, N.C., seven years ago.

Lucille Law, who retired from the Jackson County Senior Center in 1995, said she recalled attending programs at which Judge Griffeth presided.

Dee Pesaresi, who attends Corner-Stone Church, also attended.

Abbie Jones and her husband, who retired from the Gwinnett Department of Transportation, attended.

They now live in Jefferson and learned about the program in the newspaper. “I am so glad we live in a county this can take place,” he said.

Jackson County District 1 Commissioner Jim Hix was attending his first New Year’s Day Program.

Luther Wilkes said the program holds fond memories for him with his uncle, Bob Griffeth, and his late brother, J.T. Wilkes, having presided. He shared a story of tying a string between his big toe and the big toe of his brother so he would be awakened when their mother’s roused the older brother up to go and sell produce in Gaineville.

“You don’t forget the memories,” said Wilkes, who also noted Camie Thomas, his daughter, is a Wilkes.

When she was seeking the office of Clerk of Superior Clerk, his retirement made it possible for him to help her campaign across the county.

She was elected and an opponent noted he didn’t want to have to run against her daddy anymore.

“I look forward to it,” said Wilkes of the New Year’s Day Program. “I don’t know why more don’t come out.”

Wilkes also spoke of Lucille Law’s son Randy.

“When she brought Randy to Little League practice, she told me to take my belt off to him if he needed it,” said Wilkes, who said he was a fine young man. “Friendship means more than we can ever say.”

Sheriff Janis Mangum, Chief Deputy Daniel Thomas and Deputy Tom Graham attended. Thomas said it was hard to believe a year has gone by and he is again looking forward to working with Sheriff Mangum and serving again with her.

The Sheriff said she was proud of the men and each of her 173 employees. She said the public servant part is a special aspect of her position which she holds dear. She also told a story on Luther Wilkes related to campaign time. “He called and asked me if I was getting out there and to ‘see ‘em, tell ‘em and sell ‘em’.” She said she is humbled to have been elected and to serve. “God’s been good to us and we ask him for strength and wisdom.”

Malcolm Gramley looked at his watch and said he had officially been a Jefferson Councilman for nine hours and 22 minutes.

Moore said it was his honor to welcome Darrel Rewis, pastor of Corner-Stone Church, as the guest speaker.

“He makes a mean bowl of chili,” said Moore, who noted he enjoyed the meal at a men’s meeting hosted by Corner-Stone. He noted that Rewis and his wife Kimberly met at Cumberland College in Kentucky, now University of the Cumberlands, and he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth. After four years at First Baptist of Duluth, he and Kimberly were called to strike out to Jackson County with a new ministry that became Corner-Stone Church. He is also a Navy Reserves Chaplain attached to the 4th Marine Logistics Group at Dobbins Air Reserve Base and was wearing his uniform. Rewis said he was on the path to enter the Marines before college so he feels he has come full circle.

Rewis said he enjoys every opportunity to talk with those connected to government including military and police. “I like to talk with follow ministers,” he

LeAnne Akin The Paper

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Mary Burley sang “God Bless America” and, below, CornerStone Church Pastor Darrel Rewis, a Naval Reserves chaplain attached to a Marines logistics group, was the speaker.

said. While serving up free pancakes to the community at Beef O’Brady’s one Saturday morning, Rewis said he was asked to pray for a young political group and said he would be pleased to prayer with fellow ministers. Thinking Rewis was in the wrong room, the mouth of one member of the group dropped open but he assured them all have a role in ministering to others.

In Romans, the Bible says all government is ordained

by God and all are fellow ministers at home, church or in government. “Whether you are wearing a police uniform or a uniform like this, we are all in this together.”

Rewis said parents are the first line of defense in training up and teaching children in the way they should go and the church is the next line of defense. If a child goes rouge, it becomes the responsibility of law enforcement to intervene.

“That is how God planned it,” he said.

Rewis then shared six schemes of the devil which he likened to looking into the battle plan of the enemy. In Ephesians 6, the Bible said to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

According to Rewis, the devil will attempt to deceive and trick you. Remember the first lie was told by the devil and there is no truth in him. “God is love but the devil is a liar,” he said.

Next, the devil will attempt to disqualify you by trying to get you to fall from favor.

He said the devil may use tabloid-type tactics against you so that people will be disappointed in you much like Joe Paterno, Pete Rose and Lance Armstrong whose reputations were discredited after a moral fall.

The devil also seeks to distract and divert eyes by stealing the focus away. Rewis said where you spend your time and money speaks volumes about where your

The Joneses greeted Pastor Darrel Rewis after the program. Below: Commissioner Jim Hix, Luthern Wilkes, Deputy Tom Graham, Jefferson Councilman Mac Gramley (back row), Chief Deputy Daniel Thomas and Sheriff Janis Mangum were among those attending the New Year’s Day Program which Wilkes said he wished more people would support.

attention is focused.

According to Rewis, the saddest of the devil’s work is to divide. By dividing, the devil can conquer, whether it’s a organization or a family. Together, we are stronger, he said.

The devil also uses depression and discouragement to make you want to give up and quit. He wants you to ask if something is really worth the effort, like being on the front line as a Christian.

Finally, the devil also uses death, perhaps of a loved one to make you wish you had never been born. “The devil steals, kills and destroys,” said Rewis, who notes that one of the military challenges of his work is having

to counsel with families after the death of a service man or woman. When he went to the home of a Marine’s mother, she asked if he had taken his own life because she knew he was in despair. Unfortunately, she was on target, he said. The devil wants you to think there is no other alternative but “God takes evil and uses it for good,” he said.

Rewis said he was encouraged by the attendance and the county’s commitment to the New Year’s Day Program.

Moore told of a church that has a old-timey plow at church on the first Sunday of the New Year to demonstrate that you can’t plow a straight line looking behind

you so the go straight, you must look ahead. He also reminds that when you point the finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.

“Rejoice and be glad in it for this the New Year the Lord has made,” said Moore.

Others who have presided include the late Col. H.W. Davis, the late Judge R.H. “Bob” Griffeth, Superior Court Clerk Billy N. Elder, Judge J.T. Wilkes, Superior Court Clerk Reba Parks and Judge David Motes.

Clerk of Superior Court Camie Thomas and Jackson County Tax Commissioner Don Elrod had been slated to be on the program but were unable to attend.

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The Paper | Thursday, January 9, 2014

CHURCH NEWS Arbor Pointe Church invites you to worship in the month of January where the focus will be on “Fresh Starts.” Explore how God led people like Abraham, Josiah, and Paul to brand new places and perspectives and consider how He can do the same for you!

Arbor Pointe Church is a group of imperfect people seeking the one who is perfect. Worship is casual and meets at 115 Towne Center Parkway in Hoschton every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children’s classes are offered on Sunday mornings, and Arbor Pointe Youth (6-12 Grade)

meets on Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.arborpointe. org or contact Rev. Brad Greene at brad@ arborpointe.org or 770272-6778. sss Mulberry Baptist Church will host its monthly singing at 6 p.m. on Jan. 12. Guest singers will be the Pruitt Family.

The church is located at 5970 Thompson Mill Road in Hoschton. sss New Community Church has relocated to its new location for

OBITUARIES Kathleen A. Amrozowicz

Died Jan. 1, 2014 Kathleen A. Amrozowicz, 71, of Lilburn, died Wednesday Jan. 1, 2014.

A memorial service was held Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at Lawson Funeral Home with Pastor Russell Harbin officiating.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Edith Alline Bentley Died Jan. 1, 2014 Edith Alline Bentley, 87, of Winder, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.

She attended Eastside Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Ira Bentley; and parents, James Henry and Grace L. King Reidling.

Survivors include her daughters, Peggy Crowe (Dale) of Winder and Patricia Diane Miller (Donny) of St. Cloud, Fla.; brother, James Reidling of Carl; sister, Mary Ann Stinchcomb of Carl; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Barrow Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Matthew Calvert officiating.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

James Thomas Brooks

Died Jan. 6, 2014 James Thomas Brooks, 75, of Winder, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

A native of Loganville, he was the son of the late Ellis and Ruth Garrett Brooks.

He was a retiree of General Motors, where he served in the parts division at the Doraville Plant. He was the owner of West Barrow Auction. He attended Duncan Creek Congregational Church.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Brooks; children, Pam and Kem Allen, Greg and Jodi Phillips, Jim Brooks, Randy Brooks and Scott Brooks; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Everest Carlyle and the Rev. Dee Dillin officiating. Interment will be in Duncan Creek Congregational Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1-3 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Snake Hardy

Died Jan. 4, 2014 Robert “Snake” Hardy Jr., 70 of Winder, entered into rest Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at the Winder Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in the Smith Memory Chapel.

Burial was in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Hardy had retired after 37 years of service as a dispatcher with the Georgia State Patrol. He was a 1962 graduate of Winder-Barrow High School, and was a

member of Union Baptist Church and the Georgia Sheriffs Association. He also was a member of the Winder Moose Lodge where he was a three-time past governor.

Survivors include his sister, Diane (Lindsey) Greeson of Winder; niece, Stephanie McFerrin; nephew, Brent Greeson; two great-nieces and a great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Winder Health Care Center, 263 E. May St., Winder, GA 30680.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Mary Evelyn Harris

Died Jan. 6, 2014 Mary Evelyn Harris, 85, of Flowery Branch, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 in Orlando, Fla., following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Buford with interment following in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Garner will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Dec.18, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Jane Gillen. She was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and was retired from Southern Bell, where was a programmer. She was a volunteer at Boone High School in Orlando, Fla., where she won the Volunteer of the Year award. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jane Facondo, and daughter-in-law, Deborah Spalletti.

Survivors include her son, Frank Spalletti of Flowery Branch; daughter and son-inlaw, Mary and David Harris of Orlando, Fla.; grandchildren, Jeff and Kate Harris, Cindy and Ken Camp, John and Jana Shelton, Tina Shelton and Sherman Spalletti; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Harry Gillen and Clare Gillen, both of Philadelphia, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

John Arlon Maddox

Died Jan. 1, 2014 John Arlon Maddox, 31, of Winder, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Lawson Funeral Home.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

William Walter Moon

Died Dec. 24, 2013 William Walter Moon, 42, of Winder, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.

Survivors include his son, Josh Cain Thomas of Athens; sisters, Linda Wallace and husband Wayne of Commerce and Gayla Noblett and husband Kenneth of Winder; and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and

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worship, teaching and communion at Lawson Funeral Home, located at 4532 Highway 53, in Hoschton. Services are on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Join Pastors Mike McGuire and Joey Durmire. sss Hoschton United Methodist Church’s Wednesday night Bible study will resume at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 with a free supper at 6:15 p.m. The study is on “Revelation.”

Pastor is the Rev. Marvin Mason. The church is located at 12 Mulberry St., in Hoschton. sss New Liberty United Mehodist Church

Linda Moon.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Lawson Funeral Home.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Linda G. Morris

Died Jan. 7, 2014 Linda G. Morris, 72, of Flowery Branch, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at Blackshear Place Baptist Church. The Rev. Dave Channell will officiate.

Born July 17, 1941, in Glendale, Calif., she was a daughter of the late Richard and Janet Snyder. She was a member of Blackshear Place Baptist Church.

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Kim Morris of Flowery Branch and Jimmy and Donna Morris of Palmdale, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Glen Deane of Flowery Branch; grandchildren, Jessie Morris, Megan Montero and Sarah Morris; great-grandchild, Kody Montero; sister, Sandee Fisher of Clarksville; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite, 1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, (404-785-5252).

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Edith Pilar Olivares

Died Jan. 5, 2014 Edith Pilar Olivares, 78, of Winder, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from noon until the service.

In lieu of flowers, a love offering may be made to the family.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Sarah Louise Peppers

Died Jan. 4, 2014 Sarah Louise Peppers, 76, of Crawfordville, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014.

She worked more than 21 years for Harrison Poultry.

She loved the guitar and singing.

Survivors include her brother, William H. Weaver and wife Linda of Winder; and sister, Holly P. Harrison of Crawfordville.

extends a warm welcome to all visitors. We are looking forward to all that God is going to do in 2014 with our wonderful church in the lives of our community. Please partner with us as we pray and minister to the world.

Sunday worship service is at 11 a.m.

Bible study this month features the book of Romans. This week’s study is Chapters 7 and 8. Classes will resume at 9 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. The classes are led by Pastor Whit Martin.

The youth meet on Sundays at 5 p.m. ; Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. with coffee and biscuits. For additional information

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Peppers, and son, Timmy Peppers.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Lawson Funeral Home. The Rev. Cory E. Sexton officiated. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Winder.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

David Joel Poss

Died Jan. 6, 2014 David Joel Poss, 65, of Braselton, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 at his residence.

Born May 27, 1948, he was a son of the late Herman Kennedy and Grace Bell Poss. He was of the Baptist faith. He was retired from Coca-Cola, where he worked as a machine operator for 43 years. Mr. Poss was also preceded in death by brothers, Bill Poss, Jimmy Poss and Kenny Poss.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Davie Jones of Braselton; brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Jesse and Marjorie Poss of Stone Mountain; brother, Ervin Poss of Winder; sister, Shirley Poss of Braselton; sisterin-law, Marjorie Poss of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home of Flowery Branch had charge of the arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkduneralhomes.com.

The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Ronald Grover Reed

Died Dec. 31, 2013 Ronald Grover Reed, 70, of Flowery Branch, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, following an extended illness.

A memorial celebration will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

Born in Gainesville on Dec. 23, 1943, he was a son of the late Roy and Lucille Howard Reed. He was a retired engineer from Norfolk Southern and of the Baptist faith. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Larry Reed, and a sister, Jane Parks.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Ann Reed; son, Anthony Reed of Wisconsin; daughters, Melanie Bagley and Cindi Steele, both of Oakwood; sons and daughters-inlaw, Shane and Cindy Reed of Gainesville, Marty Reed of Flowery Branch and Ronnie and Holly Reed of Gainesville; 12 grandchildren; four

about the Children’s Ministry and the Youth Ministry, call the church office at 706-654-2406.

Community groups that meet at the church: The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Troop 146 and Pack 146 meet at 7 p.m. on Monday; The Braselton Yarners meet at noon on Tuesdays. sss Prince of Peace Catholic Church, located at 6432 Spout Springs Road, is hosting Catholics Returning Home from Jan. 13 to March 24, presents a series of informative sessions on Monday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. If you are an adult who is seeking to

great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, J.R. and Denise Reed of Commerce and Ricky and Patti Reed of Mt. Airy; brothers, Harold Reed of Gainesville and Frankie Reed of Pendergrass; sister, Nancy Miller of Gainesville; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346, www.alz.org.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Betty Lou Voyles Lee Stephens

Died Jan. 2, 2014 Betty Lou Voyles Lee Stephens, 74, of Pendergrass, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014.

Born in Jackson County, she was a daughter of Mrs. Eva Irvin Voyles of Apple Valley community of Commerce and the late Horace Crawford Voyles. A homemaker, she was a member of Pond Fork Baptist Church and the Golden Nugget Sunday school class.

She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Alfred Junior Lee and Clarence Stephens, and brothers, Billy Voyles and Lewis “Buck” Voyles.

The funeral service was held Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at Pond Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnny Knight officiating. Interment followed in the Pond Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.

Survivors, in addition to her mother, include her children, Lewis (Diane) Lee of Jefferson, Missy (Paul) Mashburn of Cumming, Kenneth (Trang) Lee of Pendergrass, Joyce (Leroy) Vandiver of Gainesville, Adam (Jamie) Lee of Gainesville, Sam (Lisa) Lee of Commerce and Paul (Denise) Lee of Cornelia; brothers and sisters, Bobby Voyles, Mary Lee, Geraldine Brooks, Harold Voyles, Steve Voyles and Elbert Voyles; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made Pond Fork Baptist Church, in care of the Rev. Johnny and Judy Knight, 104 Gordon Road, Commerce, GA 30530.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Elizabeth Green Ulery

Died Dec. 31, 2013 Mrs. Elizabeth Green Ulery, 90, of Buford, for-

return or would like to discuss concerns, this is an opportunity for you to do so in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. For more information, contact Nick or Jan Nichols at 678960-4383 or visit www. popcatholicchurch.org sss The Primetimers Senior Group will be having lunch Bingo at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan 31,in the Fellowship Hall of Hoschton United Methodist Church, located at 12 Mulberry Street. Call the church office at 706- 654-1422 or visit www.hoschtonumc. com sss

merly of Cedartown, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013.

Mrs. Ulery worked in the accounting department with Atlanta Gas Light for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Ulery.

Survivors include her son, Bob Baker and wife Jan of Braselton; two grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. The family held inurnment services at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on Friday Jan. 3, 2014, with Dr. Sondra Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Buford First United Methodist Church, 285 East Main Street, Buford, GA 30518.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

Robert Lewis White

Died Jan. 3, 2014 Robert Lewis White, 72 of Bethlehem, died Friday Jan. 3, 2014.

He was a member of the Bethlehem First Baptist Church for 47 years and served as a deacon for 43 years. He was also Brotherhood president, church trustee and Sunday school teacher. He was presently teaching the adult men’s Sunday school class. He was also a member of the Carter Hill Masonic Lodge and was one of the first Boy Scout leaders in Bethlehem. He retired from the Georgia National Guard after 33 years of service, serving 28 of those years as a technician. He worked in the past at Athens Street Service Station and most presently at Akins Ford as a driver. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Richard White.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Frances Hayes White; daughters, Melissa Stinchcomb(Mike) of Bethlehem and Melanie Futch(Joshua) of Bethlehem; mother, Latrell Canup White of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Adam and Brandon Stinchcomb and Trent and Lindsey Futch.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Bethlehem First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Segars, the Rev. Mike Peevy and Pastor Jason Britt officiating. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens with Clifford Peters, Steve Pierece, Roger Pendley, Benny Carroll and Randall Saunders honored as pallbearers.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Jan. 9, 2014

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

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5A

An old hot cup o’ Joe goes trendy My daddy liked his coffee hot. We had a West Bend percolator that was a fixture in our kitchen for years.

Over the years, he replaced the cord and the glass top on it and it kept on percolating. That thing went on vacation with us.

We might forget the map or suntan lotion, but that percolator was in the car.

We never owned the genuine Mr. Coffee machine. I think we tried a knock-off brand, but it was never as good as the old percolator, at least in dad’s way of thinking.

My dad died before the era of microwave ovens.

The early models were $200 or more and we didn’t buy one. If we had, I think it may have become a device for heating up already brewed coffee.

I was walking through a store last week and noticed all of the various devices for making coffee, cappuccino, espresso, latte and assorted other hot beverages.

We actually own one of those gizmos that brew a little basket of hot beverage.

The little baskets of stuff cost a pretty penny and I’m not sure about the whole convenience of brewing hot drinks a single cup at a time.

Let me fess up for a moment: I’m not a coffee drinker. I watched my daddy consume gallons of the stuff and just never felt the need to join him. Quite frankly, I don’t know a latte from a cappuccino and all that other fancy stuff.

Coffee was always the goto beverage in the movies. If a group of cowboys were setting up a campsite, the first thing they did was bring out the coffee pot. Coffee was also a major ingredient in those cowboy favorites, redeye and sawmill gravy.

In the Westerns, if a guy was trying to recover from a bullet wound, they were sure to give him a shot of coffee or whiskey or both.

Later, when TV was new, the dads like Ozzie Nelson, Ward Cleaver and Jim An-

Harris Blackwood derson were always chatting about things over coffee. If someone came to visit, mom suddenly appeared with a pot and all the fixings for coffee.

Coffee began changing as we saw the introduction of instant and decaffeinated coffees. My daddy never cared for either. Robert Young, who played Jim Anderson in “Father Knows Best “eventually became a pitch-man for Sanka, the first national brand of decaf.

In the 1970s, Baseball great Joe DiMaggio became the first spokesman for Mr. Coffee. Having a drip coffeemaker with a glass carafe became the status symbol of the time.

Now, depending on your preferences, you can have your choice of any number of flavored coffees. What’s more, the whole coffee business is a multibillion-dollar enterprise with what seems like a coffee specialty shop on every corner.

There are even churches that boast what brand of coffee they serve during Sunday school.

Although, he has been gone for 30 years, I guess my daddy would have been most surprised by the fact that folks are willing to pay $3 for a cup of his favorite drink.

They still make a percolator like the one he used to have but it is hidden on the department store shelves, far behind the various devices that will spit out a cup of something that someone is bound to like.

But I still don’t think it would make a cup hot enough for him.

Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville resident whose columns appear weekly.

Letters policy Send letters to editor@clickthepaper.com; fax, 706-658-0177; or P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548. Please include name, hometown and phone number. Letters should be limited to 300 words on one topic and may be edited.

The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

P.O. Box 430 Hoschton, GA 30548 www.clickthepaper.com

Publisher Dennis L. Stockton General Manager Norman Baggs Editor LeAnne Akin

Steve Kelley Creators Syndicate

Still living the American Dream Somewhere along the line, it seems, people have stopped talking about the American Dream. I can’t recall the last time I heard anyone, in person or through the media, remind folks that we live in the greatest country on earth and that here in this land of profound freedom, opportunities abound and no one, regardless of race or level of economic upbringing, is held back from grand and lofty aspirations.

Have we become oblivious to what our forefathers came here to find? Have we come to take for granted this land of milk and honey where there is no class or caste system to detain us and where higher education no longer belongs only to the privileged?

I hope not.

I still believe dramatically in this great country where a kid who is underprivileged or orphaned can climb his way to the top of industry, entertainment or politics. Or that same child can create a better existence and a solid, admirable middle class life by becoming a mail carrier or a utility worker or a fireman.

He will have a dependable paycheck, insurance and retirement.

I still sing the praises of

Ronda Rich a country where we are not destined to live solely the life into which we are born.

We are restrained only by how hard we work and how long we dream.

An overnight package arrived recently and in it was an advance reading copy of the memoir written by our friend, actor Gavin McLeod. The next morning, I awoke in a predawn hour, arose, made a cup of coffee and settled into a comfortable chair to read the book.

Gavin, you may recall, made his mark in television in two highly successful, historic shows: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where he played Murray, and “The Love Boat,” where he was the stern but gentlehearted Captain Stubing.

To know Gavin is to love him. He bursts forth with such enthusiasm, friendliness and warmth that it is like a tidal wave of happy emotions that sweep over you whenever in his presence. He also loves the

Lord with all of his heart so the unsaved should consider this fair warning: He is bound and determined that everyone he meets will hear his testimony for he wants anyone within his massive reach to know the love of an almighty God. After reading a few chapters of this engaging autobiography, “This Is Your Captain Speaking,” I put the book aside and began to think of the American Dream and what it meant to the people of Gavin’s generation. They struggled through the Depression, fought a world war and came home to build industrial America. They took advantage of America’s myriad opportunities.

My own parents managed to leave the poverty of the Appalachians behind them. Mama gratefully took a job in a hosiery mill to make 10 cents an hour. It was much better than the place from where she came where refrigeration was a wooden crate plopped down in the middle of a cool creek. It kept the milk and butter from spoiling.

Gavin, the child of a poor Irish family, grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y., on what he termed as the wrong side of the railroad tracks. A drama scholar-

On TV Look for “The Town That Came A-Courtin’,” the television movie based on Ronda’s best-selling novel, to airs at 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 on UP. ship to Ithaca College made him the first in his family to attend college. He knew no one who had ever made a living as an actor and, of course, his mother wanted him to have steady employment. As a roofer.

He followed his passion, though. Despite the hard times and often a lack of funds, he persevered. He pushed through and found tremendous success by following his heart’s desire.

The American Dream.

Pure and simple. Why aren’t we doing more to extol it these days? Why aren’t we celebrating the opportunities of a country where the poor can rise mightily?

Have we forgotten how blessed we are to be Americans?

Ronda Rich is the bestselling author of several books, including “There’s A Better Day A-Comin’.” Sign up for her newsletter at www.rondarich.com. Her column appears weekly.

I still sing the praises of a country where we are not destined to live solely the life into which we are born. We are restrained only by how hard we work and how long we dream.

Convenience store change tray etiquette Two of my favorite things in this world are convenience stores and spare change.

I frequent a local convenience store at least five times a day. Whether it’s because I need to fill up my car with gasoline, get a light snack, pick up some needed items on the way home, hear the latest gossip, eat lunch or just shower, I find my local convenient store very convenient.

If my life were a sitcom, the local convenience store would be one of the sets, along with my kitchen, my office, my bathroom and my massage parlor – the places where I spend my most time.

By the way, the sitcom would be called “Everybody Is Indifferent About Len.” Spare change is my favorite kind of money because it is often the only type of money I can find in my couch, or your couch or in the grocery store parking lot — which is where I derive most of my income.

Therefore, when you combine two things I adore — convenience stores and chump change — I am in nirvana, and an expert on the topic.

Len Robbins This leads us to the change tray that most convenience stores use. In my role as a convenience store denizen, I have found that amateur convenience store patrons don’t understand the proper etiquette involved in convenience store change tray usage.

As is my custom, I’m here to learn ya.

Below I have listed the protocol in how and when to use the change tray that often sits on the counter of accredited convenience stores.

When to give. You are not legally required to donate to the change tray.

That’s a common misconception.

Here’s the deal: If the change from your purchase is less than 5 cents, dropping some coin in the change tray for the poor soul after you (whose items cost $4.04 and they only have $4) enables you to take from the tray when you are that poor soul. If

you aren’t going to ever contribute to the tray, though, you aren’t supposed to take any change from the tray – ever. And none of this taking change from the tray before you ever give any either. God takes violation of this honor code very seriously – or so I’m told.

When to take. Decorum dictates that you can take from the change tray when you have already donated to a tray, agreed to the code, and: 1. You need between 1 and 4 cents to complete a purchase.

2. You need between 1 and 4 cents to make it even, so you don’t have to break a bill.

Additional canons of the code. There a number of scenarios that could fall under the auspices of “The Cashier’s Call.”

For instance, if you need more than 5 cents to complete a transaction or not break a bill, it is a “cashier call,” meaning you will need their permission to take more than 5 cents from the change tray. The proper etiquette under this predicament calls for the customer to state their conundrum aloud, as in: “Oh my, I am 8 cents short,”

then look at the cashier pathetically.

If they give you permission (verbal or a disgusted nod) to take the required change from the tray, you may. If they are talking on the phone and ignore you, tough luck.

If you feel particularly generous and want to drop some silver in the change tray, feel free. Or you can just drop it in your couch for me to find later. But putting more than pennies in the tray does not entitle you to take more than 5 cents at any time (unless approved by the aforementioned “cashier call”).

Your donations/withdrawals don’t have to be from the same convenience store. You can donate at one store, then withdraw at another one, as long as you follow the tenets of the code.

That’s about it. You now know the basics of civility for usage of the convenience store change tray.

One last tip: It’s not a good idea to irk the cashier.

You’ll never get a “cashier call” to go your way again.

Len Robbins is editor and publisher of the Clinch County News in Homerville. His column appears weekly.

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The Paper | Thursday, January 9, 2014

Relay kickoff is Thursday Life is sweeter without cancer is the theme for the Jan. 9 kickoff of the 2014 American Cancer Society year.

Relay For Life of Braselton-Hoschton will celebrate its teams and honor survivors at the kickoff celebration at the Braselton Community Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“I hope you are are ready to kick off 2014,” said Mandy Ryan. “I am so excited to work with Braselton-Hoschton this year and I am so pleased to announce that thanks to all of your hard work Braselton is

one of the top couties/events in the South Atlanta Region leading us across the board with number of teams, participants and money raised. You are doing a fantastic job and we are just getting started.”

The team with the most participants at the kickoff event will earn $100 toward their team total.

Relay For Life teams are asked RSVP to the kickoff event to Jessica Worley at jess0985@gmail.com or Jennifer Kidd at jenniferkidd62@gmail.com or 706-5432240.

Skywarn class is Jan. 13 On Jan. 25, Ashley Ware and Lou Solis will be Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County.

Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style! set for Jan. 25 in Jefferson Who will win the coveted People’s Choice Trophy for Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style?

While the panel of judges, Linda Foster, Greg Perry and Cathy Skidmore, will decide who is awarded the prestigious Mirror ball Trophy for the Best Dance Team, citizens of Jackson County will decide who goes home with the People’s Choice prize.

You can choose your favorite dance team and show your support by voting on line at www.jacksoncountyartscouncil.com. One dollar equals one vote and your donation will help both the Jackson County Arts Council and the non-profit partners.

Currently, Don Lohmeier and Kelly Loggins, representing the Jefferson Lions Club, are in the lead, but

Tammy Babb and Bruce Yates, who are dancing for Main Street Jefferson, are right behind.

The other teams and their partners are Joe Godfrey and Lianne Killip, supporting the Jefferson High School Marching Band; Andy Garrison and Emily Wilbanks, performing for the Jefferson Community Theater; and Paul Brown and Kim Sellers who are trying to raise money for the Jackson County Habitat for Humanity. Hometown team Lou Solis and Ashley Ware are partnering with the Jackson County Boys and Girls Clubs.

Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style! will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Jefferson Civic Center and is a sold out event. Besides the dance teams, enter-

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tainment will be provided by Commerce School of Dance, East Jackson Comprehensive High School’s Dazzling Dancers, Broadway Arts Center, the Boys and Girls Club’s Step Dance Team and local ballroom dancers, Jim and Charlotte Williams.

Jackson County Arts Council will use the profits from the show to fund its free student art show in March. The participating non-profits will use their share of donations to continue their charitable and civic missions.

Follow all of the action on Facebook, Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style!

Support your team. Vote today!

Have you ever thought about how severe weather could affect you and your family?

Have you ever wondered how to tell when the chance of severe weather is possible?

Then the Skywarn class at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 could be just the class for you. The class is being held at Barrow County Emergency Services Fire Station 6.

“We want citizens to know about this class and to get those interested to register for it,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Penny Clack.

SKYWARN is a volunteer program with more than 230,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. This class will give students the opportunity to learn about the Skywarn program and determine if they would like to volunteer to be a severe

weather spotter.

Students will learn the basics of thunderstorm development, the fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features. They will also learn what information to report and how to report basic severe weather safety to the National Weather Service.

The class is hosted by the National Weather Service, Barrow County Emergency Services and Barrow County Skywarn. In order to provide adequate training materials, those interested should register for the class at www.BarrowCountySkywarn.net . If more information is needed, contact Clack at 770-307-2987.

“We urge any citizen that is interested to take this class as it is filled with lots of great information,” said Clack. “You will learn a lot about severe weather and the affects it can have.”

Flowery Branch considers development plan

By Lisa Laskey

Regional staff

Flowery Branch City Council heard a first reading Jan. 2 toward annexation and rezoning of four “highly developable properties” adjacent to its busiest retail centers at the intersection of Spout Springs and Hog Mountain roads.

The parcels will be situated along a widened Spout Springs Road, which is scheduled for completion as early as 2017.

“Certainly this is an intersection that is right for community development,” said

John McHenry, city planner.

Combined, the properties make up about 20 acres, which would be ideal for a large scale development similar to Stone Bridge Village and the neighboring Village Shops anchored by Publix, explained City Manager Bill Andrew.

Andrew said the road distances are suitable for a traffic light immediately north of the project, on Spout Springs Road. Additional road rerouting is also possible.

Council will hear a second reading, during its Jan. 16 meeting, held at City Hall at 6 p.m.

CMYK Thursday, January 9, 2014

Sports

UNSTOPPABLE DRAGONS Jefferson will vie for its 30th state wrestling title in Macon this weekend.

B HAWKS TENNIS PREPS FOR NEW SEASON

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

Tennis season is right around the corner and Mill Creek High School head tennis coach Tim Schroer says he is excited about the upcoming season. Although tryouts haven’t been held yet, Schroer says he has an idea as to the players that will return from last year, which will give them the strength and experience they’ll need to guide what will be different teams from a year ago.

“We get started with conditioning this coming week and then tryouts the following week. I am very excited about the upcoming tennis season for both the boys’ and girls’ tennis programs,” said Schroer.

The Lady Hawks lost Allison Weaver, who now plays for Georgia Gwinnett College, but will return senior Madison Hahn who is ranked 37th in the state and is considered a two-star athlete.

“On the girls’ side, we have several returning players and a few new players that will help strengthen our lineup. We lost two seniors last year and they played key roles for our program but I feel the girls returning should be able to fill those spots,” said Schroer.

Quentin Lavender, who was one of the best players in Gwinnett County, has graduated and was one of five seniors that led the boys’ team. The Hawks will have to replace a strong lineup, especially in its singles game.

“On the boys’ side, we will be very young and inexperienced. We lost five seniors last year in which three of the five were one, two and three singles players,” Schroer said. “Those are pretty big positions to have lost. I am excited to get started hitting next week and see how things develop with both teams.”

Al McLeod For The Paper

Jefferson quickly jumped out to a 27-point lead over the Redskins in the finals of the area duals.

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

The Jefferson High School wrestling team knew its biggest challenge in the area duals meet would be the Redskins.

A team on the rise, Social Circle High School has been making a lot of noise in the wrestling realm but the Dragons silenced them on their home floor last weekend with a 48-15 win.

“We knew a lot about them, how good their team was and how much they wanted to beat us. We had the mentality that we can’t lose. We don’t want to stop our state championship streak,” said Josh Lester. “[Our head coach Doug Thurmond] made a pretty big deal about Social Circle and

said they could beat us but I was pretty confident that we could beat them,” stated Jackson Bowen.

Jefferson opened the day with two shutouts over Laney and Rabun County High School. It wasn’t until its match against the Redskins that a handful of JHS wrestlers were tested.

The Dragons won its first six matches and quickly jumped out a 30-3 lead.

However, there a couple of close ones, including that of Deshon Lester, who tied the match at five apiece off a reversal with nine seconds left to force overtime where he went on to win by two points.

“I thought he was tired at first but he found the strength he needed to win,” Lester said.

Now that JHS has secured

a trip to Macon, the Dragons can sleep easier knowing they have a solid team with athletes that have matured throughout the course of the season.

Heavyweight wrestler Jackson Bowen is one of the Dragons that went 2-1 on the day and has made big improvements with the potential to place at state.

“Toward the beginning of the season when I decided to wrestle heavyweight, I was really testing the waters.

Since the Panther Invite, I’ve only lost one match,” Bowen said.

When I competed in the Pigeon Forge Duals up in Tennessee, I decided to try a new technique and it’s been working for me ever since.”

With such a deep roster, Lester said he believes they’ll

be plenty of celebrating going on from the Jefferson faithful in Macon.

“Our chances are pretty good to win state if no one else gets hurt and I’d like to think we’ll have six or seven individual state champs,” Lester stated.

Overall, the Dragons say they feel like their win over Social Circle has silenced critics, which is significant especially since there are high expectations for them to bring home another trophy.

“I think our coach wanted to prove a point; Social Circle was so confident they were going to beat us but we have a record [and an image] to maintain,” said Bowen. “I think our coach wanted us to blow them out so we could prove to everyone that we’re not beatable.”

TOP TEN MOMENTS OF 2013

Magic Moment Photography For The Paper

Madison Hahn will anchor the Lady Hawks team.

by latrice williams

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

The close of 2013 presented another season full of highlights for athletes in the area; some were able to bring home the hardware through region or state championships while others helped its respective program turn the corner for a brighter future.

Whatever the case may have been, it provided for a good show and jaw-dropping moments that will never be forgotten.

10. LADY PANTHERS SOCCER

For The Paper

From left to right: Brendan Rowland, Warren Harvey and Trent Tignor pose after their bowl win over Ohio University.

Former Hawk reflects on Beef O’Brady Bowl win

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

Former Mill Creek High School punter Trent Tignor finished his career at East Carolina University on a high note.

Tignor and the Pirates finished the season with a 37-20 bowl win over Ohio University.

Ohio was seeking its third straight bowl victory but the Pirates needed the victory more as they were on the verge of losing

their fourth bowl game. Tignor said the bowl game experience was “phenomenal” and was overwhelmed with joy.

“Ever since January 2013, our team was focused on becoming champions.

Every rep of strength training in the weight room and running on the field was geared towards prepping for the goals we set,” said Tignor.

See TIGNOR, 2B

The student body rallied around the girls’ soccer team at Jackson County Comprehensive High School which became one of the most respected group of student athletes.

They brought a good name to a school that had been struggling in its athletic competitions with its playoff appearances.

Jackson County had the talent to go very far in the postseason but, without its star player Katie Phillips, who tore her ACL in the second round against Woodward Academy, the Panthers struggled to score and couldn’t fend off a strong War Eagles defense.

9. LADY HAWKS SOCCER Mill Creek High School couldn’t have asked for a better regular season. Led by Lauren Tanner, the Hawks plowed their way through the region schedule, finishing with just two losses and 15 wins overall.

See TOP TEN, 2B

MC LADY HAWKS SET THE BAR HIGH FOR SECOND HALF OF SWIMMING SEASON

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

As the Mill Creek High School girls’ swim team enters the second half of the season, they say they feel pretty confident about the chances of finishing the season strong.

“We’ve really stepped up in the racing with a healthy competitive spirit, even within the team.

We challenge each other to do our best and go faster,” said junior Kara Powell.

Both the girls and boys team defeated Dacula and Lanier High School over the Christmas break.

However, Powell pointed out that [sometimes] the Hawks biggest competition is each other as they pushed each other hard over the holidays.

“Christmas training is the most intense training of the year and after it is over, everyone improves.

Thus, Christmas training pushes our bodies to its limit and builds our endurance which improves our overall performance at this competitive time in the season.”

The Lady Hawks are ranked in the top five in a multitude of categories in Gwinnett County and Powell says she believes the numbers and talent on the team will help them maintain their status as one of the best teams in the county.

“We have a strong girls’ team this year because of the depth of talent in each event. I believe if we stay focused and work hard as we have been doing, it’s very possible for this team to go far,” said Powell.

The Hawks were region champs a year ago and, while they’d like to claim that title again, they are aiming for the county meet which is larger and much more competitive.

“Winning the county meet this year is definitely something we hope to accomplish. The team has great talent and is very competitive in relays,” Powell said.

LOCAL BASKETBALL

local baseball

local basketball

Jackson County Parks and Rec

Hitting and pitching camp at JCCHS

Jefferson Parks and Rec hoops games

12U girls’ basketball teams are in action today.

The B-YMCA #1 vs. WJ Hollis game will tip-off at 7 p.m. in the Kings Bridge gym. Commerce Sorrells vs. the Barrow Knights is set at 7 p.m. in Commerce. Banks Hunter vs. the Barrow Bulldogs will be in the Banks Blue gym at 7 p.m. and the B-YMCA #2 vs. EJ Rouse will kick off at 8 p.m. For more information on games and times, visit jacksonrec.com or call at 706-367-6350.

Jackson County Comprehensive High School will be the site of the second annual Jackson County Future Panther Winter Hitting and Pitching Clinic. The Hitting clinic will take place Jan. 20-21 from 6-8 p.m. The pitching clinic will be held Feb. 3-4 from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $20 per clinic and $30 if you attend both. The camp is open to youth in grades third through seventh. For more information, contact JCCHS head coach Tommy Fountain at 770-5308975 or email him at tfountain@jackson.k12.ga.us.

This Saturday, Jefferson Parks and Rec will have a strong lineup of basketball games. The 6U coed Blue Devils vs.

Wolverines game will take place at 9 a.m. as well as the Jackets vs. Dawgs. The 8U Hawks vs. Knicks game will tip-off at 11:30 a.m. and Bucks vs. Heat will square off at 12:15 p.m. At 10 a.m. the Sparks vs. Barrow Bulls will take place. The Hawks vs. Rockets will compete at 2 p.m. and the Spurs vs. Clippers will take the court at 3 p.m. For more information, visit jeffersonrec.com or call at 706-367-5117.

2B

SPORTS

The Paper | Thursday, January 9, 2014

TOP TEN

Continued from 1B talent over the course of the years and last season they saw another state champ in Daivon Ledford. A winner in the 170 weight class, he finished his season 48-1; his only loss came to an AAAAAA state champ. Jackson County also had three other wrestlers see action in the state tournament.

5. MILL CREEK LACROSSE Maddie Beck, a powerful runner and scorer, dominated each of her opponents and anchored the Hawks’ lacrosse season all the way to a Final Four game at home against Milton High School.

4. JEFFERSON BASEBALL

Al McLeod For The Paper

Chase Piperato defeated against Kyler Allen of Lovett High School in the finals on Feb. 15.

The Dragons went 26-4, including a 17-game win streak, went undefeated in region play and finished 10 games in five innings or less despite losing one its best players on the mound.

Doug Chellew The Paper

Katie Phillips (14) was named the AAA Player of the Year.

3. JEFFERSON TENNIS Mill Creek took down arch-rival Collins Hill in the region title game, securing home field advantage for the playoffs. They defeated Alpharetta before being upset by Brookwood High School in the second round. The Hawks graduated a host of seniors, seven of which went on to play collegiate soccer, including Tanner, who plays for the University of Georgia. The Hawks were under the direction of former head coach Brent Leitsch.

8. LADY HAWKS SWIMMING Mill Creek High School put together a stunning performance in the pool to win the region last year. The competition was expected to be stiff but the Hawks finished with a 120-point margin of victory.

7. JACKSON COUNTY GOLF A talent laden group of seniors led the Panthers’ golf team through the Reunion Golf Club Course for a shot at the state title.

While they weren’t named state champs, they finished in the top five and defeated its nemesis North Oconee High School, the defending state champs.

6. JACKSON COUNTY WRESTLING The Panthers wrestling team has grown in numbers and in

TIGNOR

Continued from 1B “The game itself was bittersweet because I knew it would be the last time I’d suit up in the purple and gold and go to war with my teammates. I tried to soak in every moment, especially the little things I may have taken for granted in the past.”

The score doesn’t indicate that ECU struggled at some points during the game. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the Bobcats evened the score. It wasn’t until the top of the fourth quarter that Ohio University took a 20-17 lead and that didn’t sit too well with the Pirates. Tignor said he knew he couldn’t sit by and let his teammates get rattled by the score so he offered words of motivation that paid off moments later. “[At one point] we weren’t winning and I sensed some disappointment from some of our guys on the sideline.

Rather than join the disappointment, I decided to motivate them so they could encourage the guys on the field,” said Tignor.

“After that moment, our defense got a stop and that momentum stayed on our sideline. When the clock struck zero, I was speechless,” said Tignor. “I was happy my final college game resulted in a victory.

“We all celebrated in the locker room; we danced and sang and watched the highlights on ESPN on the screen as they were shown as a live feed to the locker room. Before leaving my teammates for the last time, I thanked each coach I saw for their continued support throughout my career,” he said.

Tignor said he reflected on his days as a punter at Mill Creek where he started his football career during his sophomore year. He said he can’t help but remember all the time and effort the coaches put into his career and the chance it gave him to play at the highest level of college football.

“Head coach Shannon Jarvis and his staff did an incredible job of developing me as a player when I was at Mill Creek which gave me an opportunity to play football at the Division 1 level as a freshman,” Tignor stated.

The Pirates reached double-digit wins for just the second time in school history.

Although they didn’t face Duke University, they defeated North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina, giving them ownership of the state of North Carolina in football.

JHS had an incredible run last year with the help of the three freshmen who have nowhere to go but up. Senior Tristan McGarity provided the leadership and experience for a young team who made it all the way to the Sweet 16 and earned a 13-3 record.

2. HAWKS TRACK AND FIELD Michael Cheeks signed a letter of intent to play college football at the University of West Georgia but scouts everywhere took notice at the state track and field meet where he anchored Mill Creek to the state title. The Hawks came in first place in the 4x400, Cheeks won the 200-meter dash and Tyler Woodrome won the 1600-meter run. Cheeks switched gears and is now running track for Auburn University and Woodrome is verbally committed to the University of Tennessee.

1. JEFFERSON WRESTLING You’re on a No. 1 run until someone knocks you off and the Jefferson wrestling team knows that all too well. Last year they saw their 13th consecutive traditional and 12th straight duals title. Powered by a strong lineup and a legendary head coach in Doug Thurmond, the Dragons are hard to shut down as they’ve shown for more than a decade.

Latrice Williams The Paper

Tori Windom looks for an open shot against Roswell.

Rivals clash at Dacula

Anisha Kabir For The Paper

The Mill Creek High School boys’ basketball team wanted nothing more than to get revenge against Dacula High School but they were six points shy of the win. The Lady Hawks didn’t need to play for revenge as they defeated the Falcons last year and again this past weekend 54-27. The boys fell 66-61. From left to right: Ryan Dobbs tries to block a shot by Dacula’s Cam Moye.

Shannon McCrosson uses great ball control to move the Lady Hawks down the court.

Jackson Co. finishes third in area duals

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

Despite a strong showing in the area duals, the Jackson County Comprehensive High School wrestling team will miss the area duals this weekend in Macon.

The Panthers finished third overall and knew the level of competition they’d be up against. Head coach Jason Powers said he didn’t sugarcoat his message to the team about the battles they’d face.

“We knew the competition was very tough. We wrestled extremely well.

We’re in a very tough area.

The top two teams have the potential to finish either first and third in at state this weekend,” said Powers.

Powers said he believed they may have surprised some people as they went 5-2 on the day, including a whopping 7-0 performance

by Charles Allen.

“He’s done a great job.

He’s a very exciting to watch. He’s not a traditional wrestler; he’s very unorthodox. He’s dropping to the 170 weight class and I think he’ll excel well there,” said Powers.

JCCHS started the day

Your Home & Garden Place!

with a win over Hart County.

They finished Friday 2-1 after dropping round two to North Hall but picked up a win over North Oconee High School.

The next day presented more ups and downs and Jackson County was left the tough task of defeating Buford High School, which recently earned the Gwinnett County Championship.

“They have a lot of really good individuals. They’ve also had a couple kids move into the area and that has helped strengthen their team. We expected them to do well. They are a talented

group of kids and have a couple of state champions on their team,” Powers stated.

Powers said he liked the team win over Oconee County High School the most, saying it was a revenge win from the week before where they lost to the Warriors on the road.

He also liked second-year wrestler Trevin Sweat’s showing, saying he believes that a little hard work never hurt anyone.

“Trevin Sweat continues to have a great year. He’s a junior and a former basketball player. He’s come up with some big wins and

continues to grow up,” said Powers. “He doesn’t mind hard work and I wish everyone had that same attitude.”

According to Powers, the Panthers shouldn’t hang their heads low.

They finished third in a region that boasts some of the best teams in the state.

They’ll seek to carry this momentum into the traditional season and they tweak their lineup a little, which will make them a stronger team.

“We have a good team and I’m happy with where we are at in the season,” Powers said.

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CMYK Thursday, January 9, 2014

features

3B

Practice of pondering: Focus on connecting with God

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Brad Greene

The Pastor’s Pen

Happy New Year!

This is a time of year during which many of us take a more direct look backward and forward. We make New Year’s Resolutions – often only to be quickly broken. I’ve joked for years that the only resolution I make each year is to not make any resolutions. So often, it seems I’ve set myself up for failure with these half-baked promises to myself or others.

Reflecting on our lives is certainly not a new development, however. At Arbor Pointe Church on Dec. 29, we looked at the example we are given by Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 2:19 we read that, upon hearing incredible and worldchanging news, Mary “took all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

As part of our worship experience, we worked through a guided prayer experience. Mary gives us a powerful example: It’s important to take the time to consider what is happening in us, to us, and around us. And yet, so often, we fail to do that. So often, we allow ourselves to be swept away by the hectic current of our lives rather than carefully considering what role we have to play – along with the messages that God is trying to deliver to us.

Our guided prayer experience consisted of four distinct areas of focus: Presence, Gratitude, Review and Response.

The smiles of a mentor and his mentee from last year’s recognition luncheon show how valuable the relationship between a caring adult and a youngster can be.

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring offers training to boost volunteer numbers January is National Mentoring Month, and Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring will be offering training opportunities for those interested in becoming a mentor to a student in Jackson County.

According to Lisa Stephens, executive director of Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, pictured below, the theme for National Mentoring Month and the 2014 National Mentoring Summit is Mentoring Works.

“The theme captures the role of quality mentoring in achieving positive outcomes in the success of academic achievement and social behavior, workforce development and employee satisfaction and retention and community engagement,” said

Stephens.

The main recruitment message is Be Someone Who Matters to Someone Who Matters, which gets at the core of quality mentoring relationships.

“Research has shown that volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence as well as boosting academic achievement,” said Stephens. “Mentors help to build young people’s character and confidence, expand their universe and help them navigate a path to success.”

Despite these benefits, however, the gap between the number of mentors and the number of young people who need a mentor continues to grow. Today, 15

PRESENCE: Begin by acknowledging God’s presence in the midst of your life. Take the time that is necessary to actually recognize God’s presence with you. Psalm 145:18 reminds us to seek God’s presence with us: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

See PASTOR’S PEN, 4B

million young people need a caring adult mentor in their lives.

Mentors, mentees, youth mentoring organizations and mentoring advocates across America are invited and encouraged to join “I Am a Mentor” social media day on Jan. 9.

“The effort to light up all social media channels using the ‘I am a mentor badge’ will bring awareness to the need for quality mentoring and inspire participants to learn about the impact of mentoring and how they can make a difference in the lives of this country’s young people,” said Stephens.

As a highlight of National Mentoring Month 2014, Thank Your Mentor Day will be celebrated on Jan. 16.

“On that day, many students benefiting from the friendship of a Lindsay’s Legacy mentor will reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encourage and guide them on a weekly basis,” said Stephens.

The National Thank Your Mentor Day promotes three ways to honor your own mentor: (1) contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation; (2) pass on what you received by becoming a mentor to a young person in your community; and (3) write a tribute to your mentor for posting on WhoMentoredYou.

org.

In Jackson County, potential new mentors can find information about upcoming new mentor training sessions at www.

LindsaysLegacyMentoring. org. The time commitment is to spend 30 minutes each week in a local school with a student who will benefit from the extra care and support. Potential mentors will undergo a criminal background check, interview, and will attend one training session as a pre-requisite for mentoring with Lindsay’s Legacy.

The following is a list of training dates for January: ■■ Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9-10:15 a.m.

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, 270 Athens St., Jefferson ■■ Thursday, Jan. 30, from 3-4:15 p.m.

Jackson EMC, 850 Commerce Road ,Building 2000, Jefferson Public Training Room, Jefferson For more information about volunteering with Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, contact Lisa Stephens, at 706-410-5525 or lisa@ LindsaysLegacyMentoring.org.

Visit the website at www.LindsaysLegacyMentoring.org Donations to Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc., can be directed to P.O. Box 451, Jefferson, GA 30549.

Participants brave weather to make Run for Reading successful again

Friends of the Library enhancing its perks

By FARAH BOHANNON

Beginning Jan. 1, membership levels for Friends of the Braselton-West Jackson Library expanded.

A new level offered include a lifetime membership for an Individual, $100 (one membership card). In addition, the following annual memberships (renewable annually) are available: Student $5/person (one membership card); Adult $20/person (one membership card); Family $35/family (two membership cards).

Corporate memberships (renewable annually) include: Gold $500/business (five membership cards); and Platinum $1,000/business (10 membership cards).

If you are presently a lifetime member, you can now pick up your new membership card at AFTERWORDS Store & Café or cards can be mailed if you will provide a current mailing address to friendsbwjlibrary@gmail.com.

If you were a 2013 annual member, you can fill out a membership application at AFTERWORDS Store & Café and receive your 2014 annual membership card upon payment, or you can go on-line to braseltonfriends.prlib. org, select your level of membership, complete the application and pay online. Membership cards will be mailed.

As a member of Friends of the BraseltonWest Jackson Library, whether as a lifetime member, annual member or corporate member, you will receive a membership card valid for the duration of your membership. That card will entitle you to the benefits and discounts at participating businesses. Check back monthly as new businesses are listed.

Ten percent off of purchases at AFTERWORDS Store & Café all year long (except for purchases of drinks or food) For the entire month of January, One Blue Duck, located at 39 City Square in Hoschton (706-654-0010) is offering specials.

Lunch – free half cup of soup of the day (for up to two people/visit)

fbohannon@clickthepaper.com

The Braselton Run for Reading 8K and 2K race was a huge success on Dec. 14 in spite of the torrential rain and chilly temperatures.

There were 19 2K runners and a whopping 85 8K runners who were eager run the winding, hilly, yet beautiful back roads of Braselton and parts of Hoschton. The 2K course was an out and back course that started at the corner of Harrison and Henry streets. The runners headed west down Henry Street around the curve to Piedmont Street and then to the turnaround point on Braselton Industrial Boulevard.

The 8K course began at the corner of Harrison and Frances streets and followed a clockwise loop around Braselton. The first two miles were relatively flat, but the course became a little bit more difficult with a handful of hills in the last three miles -- the toughest one being the long, steady hill that runs to the right of the Whole Foods Market distribution center. The scenery

Umbrellas and warm beverages helped runners including David and Farah Bohannon on race day. was absolutely breathtaking, especially when runners passed farms, beautiful, historic home, and large fields filled with grazing animals. Not even the constant rain could block out the gorgeous views of Braselton and Hoschton.

When all runners completed the 8K race, everyone gathered in the small pavilion at the Braselton Park to avoid the rain that continued to fall. There was hot coffee and snacks courtesy of Starbucks at Hamilton Mill as well as drinks and bananas. The runners warmed up and refueled as they waited anxiously for the results.

The overall and male winner for the 2K race was Axel Avitia of Oakwood. Secondand third-place winners were Garrett Howe of Dacula and Brian Williamson of Auburn.

Their times were 8:35, 8:42 and 8:44, respectively. The top female was Jessika Benning of Dacula who finished in 11:10.

The overall and male winner for the 8K race was Jeff Rhodes of Florence, Ala., who finished in 27:13. Second- and third-place winners were Kenny Slavik of Buford and Junior Suarez of Gainesville. Their times were 28:04 and 29:34, respectively.

Ryan Kyranakis, the race director, said he was hoping for the rain to hold off, but was pleased with the turnout.

“I am pleased to say that everything went smoothly and there was a good turnout considering the non-stop rain. Braselton Police were fantastic as usual as well as our Runner’s Fit volunteers. Hopefully next year, we will have sunshine,” he said.

Braselton Library Head Librarian, Bev Adkins, said she was grateful for another

race that took place to benefit the library.

“We really appreciate what this race does for the Braselton Library. I think this year we’ll use the proceeds for our summer reading program for kids. The summer reading program is so important because it keeps kids current while they are out of school,” said Adkins. “I am so glad the turnout for the race was good, even on a cold, rainy day.”

“A big thank you goes out to the race’s sponsors, Howard Hardaway from Braselton’s State Farm Insurance and of course, Runner’s Fit,” said Kyranakis.

For more information about the Braselton Library, visit www.braselton.net/ library

See Friends, 5B

CMYK 4B

The Paper | Thursday, January 9, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Staying in love Dear John: How do you get over the fear of commitment? People have said that I’m afraid of commitment, but I think they’re wrong.

What is love, and is it a choice or does it just happen?

My dating life is a mess and I need some advice. — New View Needed, in Modesto, Calif.

Dear New View: Falling in love is not something you really have control over, but you can make a concerted choice to stay in love. It’s natural for us to think that falling in or out of love is permanent.

In truth, this is not the case.

To stay in a relationship is to constantly rededicate yourself to all the things that created your love in the first place.

The fear we have of being in a long-term committed relationship stems from what we will be missing by not having the freedom to start another relationship. What we gain, however, is the trust and love we can only experience in a relationship that is

PASTOR’S PEN Continued from 3B

nurtured over time.

Dear John: Throughout the 25 years of our marriage, my husband has enjoyed drinking. But recently, he has been drinking more than ever. He is a high-powered executive, kind and loving but has become more controlling.

He doesn’t want to talk about this change or anything for that matter. We have virtually no sex life and haven’t for 10 years. Our four daughters have also been concerned about him and his lifestyle.

I am planning on very lovingly and very strongly confronting him with this problem. Should I do this alone or have our daughters present so that they can explain how they feel as well? — Truth Time, in Yonkers, N.Y. Dear Time: It’s a good idea to confront him, but a bad idea to confront him while your daughters are present.

Never involve your children, regardless of their ages, in personal problems

John Gray with your spouse. It is your job — not theirs — to nurture their father and help him overcome his personal issues.

By introducing the children into the mix, reaching a resolution will become more complex, and his resentment and resistance will increase.

If you feel uncomfortable doing this alone, bring in outside professional assistance.

Reach out to one of the many programs listed in your area.

I’m certain an online search will provide you with the additional input and support you need.

John Gray is the author of “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.” If you have a question, write to John in care of this newspaper or by email by going to www. marsvenus.com. All questions are kept anonymous and will be paraphrased.

GRATITUDE: Look back over the past day, the big and small aspects of life, and recognize what reasons you have to be grateful. Focus on these experiences and encounters, helping your mind and spirit center on the goodness and generosity of God. REVIEW: Consider the following questions as you assess the previous day or week: • For what moment today am I most grateful?

• For what moment today am I least grateful?

• What was today’s high point?

• What was today’s low point?

• What was it today that was most life giving?

• What was it today that was most life draining?

• When today did I have the greatest sense of belonging to myself, others, and God? • When did I have the least sense of belonging today?

• When did I sense connection with God?

• When did I sense a disconnect with God? • When did I give and receive the most love today?

When did I give and receive the least love today?

RESPONSE: Take time to journal or pray, expressing your thoughts on the actions, attitudes, feelings, and interactions you’ve remembered as a part of this exercise. You might need to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, or resolve to make changes and move forward. Close this experience by asking: Beginning today, how do you want to live your life differently?

What patterns do you want to keep living tomorrow?

May we all start the New Year by following Mary’s example, and practice the art of pondering.

Brad Greene is Lead Pastor of Arbor Pointe Church, located in Hoschton Towne Center. Contact him at brad@arborpointe.org or call 770-272-6778.

May we start the New Year by following Mary’s example by practing the art of pondering: consider a prayer experience consisting of four distinct areas of focus: Presence, Gratitude, Review and Response.

WORKING IT OUT

Tell us what you think We want to know what you like about your paper. Send an email to editor@ clickthepaper.com, call 706-658-2683, or send a letter to The Paper, P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548, or drop it off at The Paper office located at 169 Towne Center Parkway in Hoschton Towne Center.

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features

Brown is named to Georgia Habitat for Humanity Board Paul Brown, executive director of Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, has been named to the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Georgia.

Habitat for Humanity of Georgia, the State Support Organization (SSO) for Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Georgia, exists to support affiliates in the state. This three-year appointment is in recognition of Paul’s involvement with Habitat for the last 20 years. He will be representing a district of 22 counties in Northeast Georgia.

Paul is serving his second year as Jackson County Habitat’s first executive director.

Brown has been active in the SSO for Habitat since its incep- Brown tion five years ago. Paul has also volunteered with Barrow County Habitat for Humanity for more than 18 years, serving as president/executive director for more than 12 years. Paul is a disaster responder with Habitat’s Disaster Corps and with the American Red Cross.

The SSO movement is recognized and endorsed by Habitat for Humanity International and is receiving support from HFHI. The genesis of the movement is to provide services and benefits to Georgia affiliates that individual affiliates and HFHI are unable to provide.

Since 1976, Habitat affiliates in Georgia have: -Rehabbed or built more than 5,055 new homes and made repairs to an additional 380 houses

-Served a total of approximately 5,435 hard-working families in need who contribute “sweat equity” and monthly payments -Generated a combined economic impact of $2.6 billion in construction activity -Generated an estimated $420,000 in sales tax revenue to the state of Georgia from Habitat for Humanity ReStores that provide families and the larger community discounted items for home repair and furnishings.

The State Support Organization’s four pillars of support are ■■ Advocacy & Awareness ■■ Disaster Preparedness ■■ Resource Development ■■ Training/Networking Mission statement Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat for Humanity of Georgia is aligned with the global Habitat for Humanity movement. We support, advocate, and act on behalf of our member affiliates throughout the state of Georgia For more information about Jackson County Habitat, go to www.jacksoncountyhabitat.org. Tax deductible donations can be made to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 424, Jefferson, GA 0549.

Learn more about donating or volunteering on the 11th Habitat house which is under construction with plans for its dedication in January, call the hotline number at 706-3360061.

Community Happenings Braselton Gallery open house.

Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Braselton Gallery. Drop in and share some of your creative ideas, interests and thoughts with the gallery. Some artists will be onsite, and guilt-free treats will help fuel the brainstorming. Frances Street, Braselton. 678-960-8977 or visit www.braseltongallery.com Hoschton Area Business Alliance. Next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21, 8:00 am at Country Inn & Suites in Braselton.

Guest are welcome to join and see this dynamic group interact, network and share business advice. For more information visit www.officialhba.com or the Facebook page or contact Shawna at 678-761-6866.

Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.

Roll out the red carpet on Jan. 23 at the Jefferson Civic Center for the 2014 awards banquet and dinner. Tickets are 450 for members and $65 for nonmembers. A table of eight is $400. Contact the Chamber at 706- 3870300.

Reading with Ringling Bros.

From 4-5 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Braselton Municipal Building, Rob Ringling, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Ambassador of Laughter, will bring some serious fun to children ages 2-13 who enroll with the librarian at the Braselton Library. The

FRIENDS

Continued from 3B Dinner – free half order of Duck Fat Fries/table/per visit “We anticipate adding an additional restaurant to this list soon,” said president Dan Aldridge.

For the first two weeks of January, you will not need your membership card to receive these specials. Simply tell your waitress/waiter at the time of ordering the special that you are a member

5B

The Paper | Thursday, January 9, 2014

best part is that kids can earn a free circus ticket by simply doing their library reading!

For more information, visit www.ReadingwithRingling. com or visit the Braselton Library.

Fire & Ice Ball. The annual Peace Place annual Fire & Ice Ball will be held on Feb.8 at the Winder Community Center featuring a dinner buffet, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, jewelry raffle and dancing with a cash bar. Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple.

Table sponsorship is $400.

For information, call 770307-3633 or email peaceplace@peaceplaceinc. org Mardi Gras Ball. The Krewe of Knights Mardi Gras Tableau and Ball announce “Good Times Roll Again” set for March 1 at the Winder Community Center. For adults only, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” will feature a traditional Mardi Gras Ball replete with revelers, tableau, dancing, Cajun music and cuisine. Corporate tables are available. Ticket information is available from Shelia at OMyShelia@aol.com or 770-962-0520 or lynn567@ gmail.com or 404-226-6225.

Run for the Green in Braselton. A 5K sponsored by the Braselton Downtown Development Authority, to support Braselton’s future Town Green, will be held March 16. Registration is $25 of Friends of the BraseltonWest Jackson Library.

“Also, when you visit One Blue Duck, be sure to thank Matt and Grace Martin for their participation in our membership benefits program,” said Aldridge.

“If you have a favorite, local merchant that you like to frequent and who you think would be willing to give specials or discounts to our members, or if your business would like to participate, let us know and we will contact them about participating,” he said.

per person. Register at runnersfit.com. Participants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag. The timed event, for which a name is still being developed to tie in with the St. Patrick’s Day time frame, will provide awards for age groups. For information, call 706-684-0369.

“Chair-ity Auction. Save the date of May 17 for a “Seat Yourself” silent auction fundraiser being held in conjunction with the YearOne car show. It’s for a “chair”ity.

Chairs and benches painted by local artists will be auctioned. Ordinary items have been turned into extraordinary. You’ll be able to cruise through Artist’s Alley where artists will showcase their for-sale creations. Let’s go downtown, says Downtown Development Authority Amy Pinnell. See www.

DowntownBraselton.com.

Free Zumba class. Jan. 9, 7 p.m. and Jan. 23, 7 p.m.

Spout Springs Library with certified Zumba instructor Becky Shemesh.

humane society LEADERHIP TEAM

HSJC announces 2014 Board of Directors The Humane Society recently held its annual elections of officers and Board of Directors for 2014. New Board members are pictured above: Front row: Officers: Margaret Lang, Secretary, Tracy Gilmore, Vice President, Cheryl Iski, President, Bernice Mauzey, Treasurer.

Back row: Mel Berzack, Immediate Past President, Directors, Sherry Aquino, Mike Cotton, Becky Davis, Hope Reed, Vicki Rosenbaum, Jude Preissle, Josh Barrett. Not pictured: Joe Wirthman, Elizabeth Parker The Humane Society welcomes new members, volunteers and donations. Check the web site at www.hsjc.com for more information or call 705-367-1111.

Jefferson Community ‘Fools’ tickets on sale Tickets are now available for the upcoming winter show for Jefferson Community Theatre.

Neil Simon’s “Fools” will be performed at Jefferson High School’s William Duncan Martin Performing Arts Theatre. Show dates and times are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16-19 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Ticket prices are $10 general admission for all shows, $7 for seniors for all shows.

Thursday only is $5.

Tickets can be purchased at the Main Street Jefferson office located inside the Crawford W. Long Museum. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Main Street Jefferson Office and the CWL Museum reopened on Jan. 2.

Simon wrote this play as a result of an

agreement made during his divorce proceedings: his ex-wife was promised the profit from his next play so he set out to write something that would never last on Broadway…it was a hit!

Leon Tolchinsky is ecstatic. He’s landed a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet. When he arrives he finds people sweeping dust from the stoops back into their houses and people milking upside down to get more cream. The town has been cursed with Chronic Stupidity for 200 years and Leon’s job is to break the curse. No one tells him that if he stays over 24 hours and fails to break the curse, he too becomes Stupid. But, he has fallen in love with a girl so Stupid that she has only recently learned how to sit down!

To see what happens to Leon and his new love, join us for the show!

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• Participants take home a 16x20” arcylic painting that same day.

• Bring your own snacks and beverages (BYOB for adult parties)!

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Atrial Fibrillation Innovation

We’re very proud to be the only hospital in the area who can perform this innovative new Lariat procedure.

~Serving Hall County Since 1975~ • Durable Medical Equipment • Sales & Rentals • Wheelchairs • Canes • Crutches • Nebulizers & Medications • Blood Glucose Monitors & Supplies • Ostomy • Urologicals • Wound Care • Support Braces • Compression Hosiery • Bath Safety • Pillows & Support Surfaces • Orthopedic/Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics & More

5325 Atlanta Highway • Flowery Branch

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In September, 2013 Dr. Khan Pohlel along with Dr. Kent Nilsson and the cardiology team at Athens Regional Medical Center became the first group in Northeast Georgia to perform the new Lariat®* procedure, which was developed for patients who cannot take blood thinners and have a high risk of stroke caused by atrial fibrillation.

This allowed patient James Flanagan to dramatically reduce his risk of stroke while living a life free of a blood thinner such as Coumadin.

For more information about the Lariat® procedure or to contact the Athens Regional Cardiology team, visit AthensHealth.org/Lariat or call 706.475.1700.

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cmyk CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 770-535-1199 www.gainesvilletimes.com

The Paper

Classifieds Services

Announcements

770-535-1199 Toll Free 1-800-395-5005

Services Adult Care Exp’d Care Giver- I have good Ref. Will work at your home night or day. Cell: 706-344-2793; Home: 706-864-0550

Firewood FIREWOOD - Seasoned Hardwood. $55 for 1/2 cord. 770-297-7420 FIREWOOD- Seasoned Oak. Cut & Split. Free Delivery. 470-208-9530; 678-630-2465 lve msg 678-978-0645 lve msg FIREWOOD. Seasoned Hardwood. $75.

Free delivery.

706-693-0099

Announcements Lost & Found FOUND: Beautiful, white w/ black CAT, de-clawed, Shoal Creek area, Dawsonville.

706-216-1710 LOST: DOG. Reward.

Pit Mix white w/brown spots, female. Last seen Jan. 1 on Bryant Quarter Rd. 770-869-1244; 770365-0559

Notice ATTENTION CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS The Times Classified Department asks that you verify and proof your classified ad(s) the first day that it is scheduled to print.

If any corrections need to be made, please contact our department, Monday through Friday, before 3pm.

The Times will not be held responsible for any issues that may arise after the first day of publication. classifieds@ gainesvilletimes.com 770-535-1199

Situations Wanted Seeking House/Dog Sitter- Part-time for end of May and again early part of June. Pay negotiable. email at: imjake3@att.net

Jobs Accounting Jackson Hewitt is hiring Tax Preparers, Greeters, Marketers for tax season. Customer/ computer skills req’d. Pass Criminal Check.

888-419-6527 x 1606

Adult Care-Help Wanted DISABLED MAN needs Nursing Asst.

Friendship Rd/Buford area. Please call 770831-7533

Weekend Care 11am6pm for elderly man. $9/hr. Needs help in restroom. No agencies please. References and background check. Call 770-540-1158

Construction Bobcat & 953 Operators Foundation Laborers Rolloff & Dumpster Drivers needed. Please send resume to: andystrangegrading@ gmail.com 770-534-5360

General Sales Agents JOIN THE TIMES TEAM! Professional?

Prepared?

Producer?

We are looking for individuals who will impact our bottom line and provide solid customer satisfaction experience. You will work with a seasoned and award winning staff of dedicated and dependable team builders and team players.

Primary duties include developing new business while working to meet and exceed monthly sales quotas.

A working knowledge of Excel software, advertising layout and design is helpful, but more important is your desire to help our clients succeed. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with good driving record are required.

Child Care, Help Wanted Construction Dental Domestic Education Financial General Sales Agents Maintenance Management Medical Misc. Help Wanted Office/Clerical Part Time Help Wanted Poultry Production Professional Restaurant Help Security Technical Trades Truck Drivers Warehouse

*Business Opportunities *Financial *Happy Ads *Lost & Found *Notices *Personals *Situations Wanted

Place your ad today. Call

Classification Index

of Braselton, Chateau Élan, Hoschton and Jackson County

*Home Improvement *Instruction *Landscaping *Misc Services *Painting & Papering *Plumbing *Pressure Washing *Remodeling & Repairs *Roofing *Welding

*Accounting *Adult Care *Carpentry *Catering *Childcare *Cleaning *Computer Services *Construction *Electricians *Firewood *Grading & Hauling *Handyman

The Paper Thursday, January 9, 2014

Jobs Accounting Adult Care, Help Wanted

Stuff *Antiques/Collectibles *Appliances *Auctions *Bicycles *Building Supplies *Cemetery Lots For Sale *Christmas Trees *Coins & Jewelry *Computers *Furniture *Guns *Heavy Equipment *Household Items *Lawn Equipment *Livestock *Misc. For Sale *Musical Instruments *Office Equipment *Pets & Supplies

*Sporting Equipment *Tickets *Wanted To Buy *Yard Sale *Yard Sale - Out Of Area

Homes & Real Estate

Acreage for Sale Business for Sale Business Property for Sale Condominiums for Sale Farms & Farm Land House for Sale - Hall House For Sale - Surrounding Investment Property Lake Home for Sale Lake Property for Sale Lots for Sale Mobile Homes for Sale Mountain Property Real Estate Wanted Surrounding Counties Vacation Property

Homes - Rental Apartments - Furnished Apartments - Unfurnished Business Property For Rent Condominiums for Rent Duplexes For Rent Houses for Rent - Furnished Houses for Rent - Unfurnished Lake Home for Rent Mobile Homes for Rent *Roommates Wanted Rooms for Rent Vacation Property for Rent *Wanted to Rent

Wheels

*All Terrain Vehicles *Antique Cars/Trucks *Auto Parts *Auto & Trucks Wanted *Autos for Sale *Four Wheel Drives *Import Cars *Motorcycles *Sport-Utility Vehicles *Tractor Trailers *Trucks *Vans

Recreation *Boats & Marine *RV’s/Travel Trailers

Apr 2013

Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm

Must have good written and verbal communication skills with external and internal customers, with a strong customer service/satisfaction drive. Need these skill sets to succeed: commitment, attention to detail, organization, teamwork, and ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.

Applicants should be experienced in online advertising, familiar with interpreting and explaining metric data, comfortable with softwares and technology, capable of sharing their knowledge with others and excited about selling one of the best news Web sites in the state.

We offer a competitive salary & bonus plan as well as comprehensive benefits package.

Email your resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to: hr@ gainesvilletimes.com No phone calls please.

EOE/M/H JOIN THE POULTRY TIMES TEAM! Professional?

Prepared?

Producer?

We are looking for individuals who will impact our bottom line and provide solid customer satisfaction experience. You will work with a seasoned and award winning staff of dedicated and dependable team builders and team players.

Primary duties include developing new business while working to meet and exceed monthly sales quotas.

A working knowledge of Excel software, advertising layout and design is helpful, but more important is your desire to help our clients succeed. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with good driving record are required.

Must have good written and verbal communication skills with external and internal customers, with a strong customer service/satisfaction drive. Need these skill sets to succeed: commitment, attention to detail, organization, teamwork, and ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.

Applicants should be experienced in both online and telephone sales. Ability to develop long-term relationships with advertisers.

We offer a competitive salary & bonus plan as well as comprehensive benefits package.

Email your resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to: hr@ gainesville times.com No phone calls please.

EOE/M/H

Management SUPERVISOR needed for trucking company in Gainesville, GA. Poultry experience preferred.

Class-A CDL required for potential part-time driving. Pay TBD/Based on exp. Call Walter for more information 540560-1031

Medical Employment Opportunities for The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. are listed on our website at www. longstreetclinic.com.

All candidates for employment should submit information via the link posted on our website. Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with The Longstreet Clinic, P.C.

Misc. Help Wanted Auto Dismantler Parts puller needed to dismantle automobiles in tear down building.

Inside work, full time. Must have own tools. Apply in person to Lance Used Auto Parts 375 Maltbie St. Lawrenceville.

DELIVERY DRIVERBuford. Local Delivery, M-F. $650 per week + fuel surcharge, Pd Wkly.

No Exp. Necessary.

Must Have Own Vehicle- Minivans only.

877-973-7447

DO YA! DO YA! DO YA! Wanna Dance No Experience Needed Please Call Sunny 770-536-3759 Top of Gainesville Get Ready for 2014!

Need Drivers/ Helpers for deliveries. Training provided. Average income $100 to $300.

Cash Daily, Bonuses.

Positive Attitudes. Must be 21 yrs. Call 678-4569190 Hate Dirt but Love People? - Come Join the MERRY MAIDS FAMILY No nights or wkends, wkly pay, background check/drug screen req’d, paid mileage. Call to apply: 678-989-0800 Need To Get Paid Today?

Don’t Wait!

Route Developers/ Drivers Company Truck, Bonuses up to $300.

Growth opportunity.

Tommy, 678-456-9190 NEW YEAR NEW CAREER!!

Co. now accepting 20 people. Paid cash daily.

Training provided. Call Mr. Baker. 678-971-5302

Part-Time Help Wanted At Home Or Office PT/FT, 20/30 hrs wkly. $200-600 wkly Phone skills & C/S Exp Required. Paid TrainingBuford Office. Dental Care Rx 770-271-1115

Poultry Farm Manager needed for large layer complex.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the supervision of 15+ employees in chicken houses and employee scheduling. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Apply in person only at Lathem Farms, 1236 Wayne Poultry Rd, Pendergrass.

Professional Avita Community Partners is currently seeking to fill the current positions in the greater Hall County area *Database Specialist/ SQL - Flowery Branch *Network Systems Administator- Flowery Branch *Substance Abuse Counselor (withCAC or NDAC Cert) - Gainesville *Part-Time-Social Services TechnicianGainesville *Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker Demorest *Developmental Disability Professional (CRC-1)- Dahlonega For a full job description, salary information and/ or to fill out the online application, please visit www.avitapartners.org/ career.php- All full time positions are eligible for health insurance, 401k, 9 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid leave annually and other great benefits.

EOE.

Restaurant Help SHORT ORDER COOK WANTED. 1yr exp. Apply within at 6986 Mc Ever Rd, Buford, GA 30518

*Requires payment in advance.

CLASS A CDL DRIVERS needed FT/P/T/Wknd to haul feed in Gainesville.

Night Shift, Local, home daily, benefits. Must have good MVR and 2yrs verifiable experience.

Walter, 540-560-1031 CLASS A- CDL DRIVERS to haul feed in hopper bottom near Commerce, GA. 2 yrs. verifiable exp & good MVR req. Call Walter, 540-560-1031 EXP’D CLASS A CDL DRIVER NEEDED 678-997-3386 OTR DRIVERS ILG in Buford, GA is hiring OTR Drivers: CDL Class A, at least 2yrs experience, No DUI last 5 yrs, No felonies last 10 yrs. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation & 401K. Call 678-730-6740 or 678730-6764 ask for Bob

Stuff Appliances WASHER & DRYER Kenmore. Exc Cond. $250. 770-983-1507250

Cemetery Lots for Sale Memorial Park: Single cemetery lot.

Floral Garden #1 section. $1800.00. Call 386-9374266

Computers I-Pad Sale New IPad Air 16G -WiFi $429 OBO New IPad Mini 16G -WiFi $279 OBO Used IPad 2 32G -WiFi $329 OBO Contact Computer Doctors 770-538-2900

Furniture LIVING RM SUITE. 3 pc $700; Bdrm Suite- King. $600; Plus Other Items!

678-316-1392 -MOVINGChina Cabinet/ Hutch w.lights-4dr.Oak Good Cond.- Firm $565 Frigid./bottom freezer, Amana 20 cu. ft. bl. text.

Excellent Cond. $525 55g fresh.w. Aquarium all access.-used $90 Call after 6 pm 678-522-4834

SLEEPER/SOFA - Jon Elliott, 3 cushion. Plaid, Like New Cond. No pets. $150. Delivered Free.

678-463-7006 SOFA- dual reclining Micro fiber, camel color.

Good Cond. $175. 706429-2361

Wicker-rattan patio or sunroom furniture couch, loveseat, 2 end tables, coffee table.

Black with mauve over stuffed cushions, perfect shape. $500.

1 white electric stove $100; 1 white built in microwave. $75 770-845-0880 leave message

Misc. For Sale GOLF CART- 2013. Star EV. 48 volt. Like New! Red w/12inch chrome wheels, street ready. 4 seats, cargo bed, full canopy top. Chauteau Elan. $6000. Call Joe, 706-201-2422 MVOING Pin ball, video machines, dining rm, bedrm furniture, John Kollock prints, Can email pics 770-4911-1372

Pets & Supplies JACK RUSSELL Puppies, w/ color, 1st shots & wormed, 706-892-6853 JACK-UAHUAS - Very small, breed, good with children, tails docked, Wormed, House broken, new home package, 9wks. $150/ea. Pls text or call 678-457-9782 LABRADOR RETRIEVER Puppies. 10 beautiful AKC puppies. Taking deposits now. Puppies will come with 1st shots, de-worming & vet checked. Yellow, black chocolate & white. $400. Ready Jan. 4th.

Call or text Kim, 706968-9165

Homes-Rentals ApartmentsUnfurnished $ BEST VALUE $ Close To Town Ready to move in Spring Valley Apt 1BR/1BA from $600/mo 2BR/2BA from $725/mo Brandon Place Apt 2BR/2BA Flats $675/mo Great Locations Call Jacky today 678-779-2687 3BDRM. BLOWOUT 1st mo. Free 770-536-0508 UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT 1, 2, & 3 BR APTS. Starting at $570/mo.

(Move in before Feb. 15 and get a $100 Gift Card) Gated community, Pool, Tennis, Fitness Center McEVER VINEYARDS 1240 Vineyard Way Gainesville, Ga. 30504 770-287-8292

Condominiums For Rent 2/2 w/Garage, Quiet, 1 story, Sardis. Lawn care $775/mo. 770-967-6599

Duplexes For Rent

Lula- 3BR/2BA Ranch. $425 mo. inclds utils.

678-997-4810

Houses For RentUnfurnished

MEN- Low$ Pvt home, Fur Br, All Priv + Xtras, Oakwd 770-530-1110

$298 Moves You In! $0 Application Fee Free Rent until March 1st 3BR/2BA Homes From$699 a month Sun Homes 888-246-2803 Countrysidelake lanier.com EHO WAC 2BR House- C/H/A. $650/mo. 6 miles N. of G’Ville. 770-654-4073 3BR HOUSE- at 15 -8 Street. Chicopee in Gainesville, GA . $700 mo. 770-536-5865 3BR/2BA- W. Hall. $925m. 770-614-8804; 770-967-9823 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath on full basement, Flowery Branch neighborhood (Live Oak St), top rated elem school in county. $1200/ month w/ discount if rent paid early.

Call 678-863-7111 5BR/4BA. freplc, swim/ tennis. Great Location. $1975.

770-539-44001975 Apts/Homes. General Property Mgmt.

770-287-1456 www. callapartments.com Autumn Rose-Oakwood 3BR/2.5BA w/1 car gar. $900mo. 770-287-1456 callapartments.com Candler Rd at I-985 $550/mo.

706-974-3360 HOUSES & APTS. Avail in Gainesville & Hall Co. The Simpson Co. 770-532-9911

Mobile Homes For Rent 2BR/1BA on priv lot. in N. Hall. $125/wk 770540-0800 BARNES MOBILE HOME PARK New Ownership $375/per mo. Water Included. 404-328-6784 E. Hall Area. - 2BR, private lot, no pets. 770869-0530 770-654-3767 Lula- 4BR/2BA Remodeled. $700mo.

678-316-8178 REDUCED RATE Free Rent Starting at $85/wk. N & S Hall & Gainesville.

770-534-7596

Drivers with CDL-A Experience: •Flatbed-Hauling Aluminum *$1500 Sign-on Bonus *Regional Route *No Weekends *$55k Yearly Average *Full Benefits start at $6 Weekly AIM Integrated Logistics

Rooms For Rent

for as little as

FORD 2004 T-BIRD. Burgundy, low mi, new tires, both tops. Loaded.

Very clean. $16,500. 770718-7850; 770-869-0020

HONDA 2004 Civic 2dr, 5spd manual, red with black interior. $4750.

Exc Cond. 770-540-1215

Homes & Real Estate

HONDA 2008 Accord. #1 Rated Sport Touring Sedan in its class. Very rare vehicle. Must see!

Call Kevin, Jim Waters Motors 770-530-1140

House For SaleSurrounding DON’T MISS OUT! Large house, 3/2 w/ added Apt. Great terms!

Owner financing. 2 acres w/2 rental cabins. White cnty.

706-878-2428

Investement Property FOR SALE 2 Mobile Homes on 2.13 acres. Crystal Cove area off Hwy 53. Price reduced. 828-479-2315

JAGUAR 2001 Vanden Plas Edition. Touring sdn, low mi. Must See. Mint! $4995. Call Kevin Jim Waters Motors 770-530-1140 LEXUS 1996 ES. $4995 Plus fees.

Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309 TOYOTA 1999 Camry $499 down.

Call Dan for Details Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

Motorcycles

Recreation RV’s/Travel Trailers DUTCHMAN 2008 Denali. 31ft. Travel Trailer. 1 slide out, Almost new cond. Slps 6. Many Extras. Asking $17,500/negot. Can be seen at Kamper Korner, 3158 Hwy 129, Cleveland, GA 706865-9591For further info call owner, Larry in Gainesville at 770-5314341

HARLEY DAVIDSON 2007- Fat Boy. Less than 2k miles, Asking $11,500 obo. 678-316-1171.

FORD 1999 Explorer Sport. 6cyl, dark blue, AT, AC, PW, PL, cruise, CD. New tires. Runs Good. 770-534-2083 FORD 2002 Escape.

Auto, Great Ga s Mileage. $499 down.

Call Kevin Jim Waters Motors 770-530-1140 FORD 2005 Explorer.

3rd row seat. $699 down.

Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309 HONDA 1998 Odyssey $1450 plus fees.

Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309 HONDA 2003 Odyssey. $599 down.

Sound too good to be true? Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

Trucks CHEVY 2005 Silverado Super Cab. Wht w/tan cloth. Drives Like new.

Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309 DODGE 1998 Ram 1500 Red w/gray cloth. Ready To Go! $499 down.

Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

Sport Utility Vehicles

DODGE 2000 Dakkota.

Beautiful wht w/gray cloth, auto. Call Dan for test drive Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

CHEVY 2004 Suburban $599 down.

Sound too good to be true? Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

DODGE 2002 Dakota Sport. Ext Cab. Auto, new tires/brakes. $499 down. Call Kevin Jim Waters Motors 770-530-1140

Wheels Autos For Sale CHEVY 2000 Camaro Z-28. Silver w/leather int, 350 V8 eng, auto . $799 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-530-3309

CHEVY 2002 c6500 Rollback.21ft bed.

Wheel lift. 6spd.3126CAT engine 244,000 miles.$27,000 678-9364380

28 days 95

for

*

Renew for half price!

The Times Auto Kit moves cars and more!

*Some restrictions apply. Four (4) line minimum. Valid for individuals only. Must be prepaid.

Call 877-978-0256 www.aimntls. com/25

FORD 1999 Expedition 3rd row seat. $525 down.

Call Kevin Jim Waters Motors 770-530-1140

Hunter’s Delight- 19ft.

Travel Trlr. Good for hunters. $500. 770-5366444

30

$

DO YOU NEED A CAR? Open Bankruptcy, Repos, Late Payments, Medical Charge Offs Bad Credit? No Credit?

NO PROBLEM - ALL YOU NEED IS A JOB! Low Down payments Low Monthly Payments We want to earn your business...

Carriage Auto Group 770-374-9169

Import Cars

$95wk. Furnished, all utils & cable. W/D. kitch. 770-561-0781

Sell it 6 ways

Commercial cabinet company seeks to employ Exp’d Carpenters to install cabinets, solid surface tops, wood paneling, etc.

Contact Brannon @ 770932-2226 ext. 111 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

A Happy New Year ...Is Up To You!

Disabled man needs roommate. Little help for little rent. Call roger, 770-831-7533

2BR 1BA Duplex New paint/carpet $675.00 flex deposit 404-274-3100

Trades

Truck Drivers

Roommates Wanted

Callor770-535-1199 toll free 1-800-395-5005

Auto Kit Honda 5x5.75

6B