The Paper March 22 2012

CMYK

SPORTS: Mill Creek swimmer is top student-athlete, 1B

Potter is featured lunch speaker. 3B 50¢

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

End of furlough days to be explored

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com Jackson County government employees will take another furlough day next Monday but Commissioner Dwain Smith asked for staff to examine if further furlough days can be eliminated.

At Monday’s commission meeting, Smith said he is hopeful furlough days can be eliminated as soon as possible.

Chairman Hunter Bicknell said, “We would certainly all welcome that.”

A dozen furlough days a year have been part of the budget balancing act performed

by County Finance Director John Hulsey in

Commissioner Dwain Smith hopes county can eliminate the once-a-month ‘days off’ recent years. With a declining tax digest, saving a day’s payroll meant more than $650,000 was saved in salaries and benefits for Fiscal Year 2012.

Smith had previously requested that furloughs be reduced or eliminated but when the current fiscal year budget was developed, Hulsey said the savings from furlough days was needed to balance the budget.

The furlough days are officially declared holidays by the Board of Commissioners to

comply with the Georgia Code for purposes of closing the County Courthouse. These days have previously been strategically placed at or near other traditional holidays and major events so that the impact on the public and employees is lessened.

It has been three years of furlough days for county employees.

Also at Monday’s meeting, District 2 Commissioner Chas Hardy announced he intends to seek re-election in his newly-enlarged dis-

Singing in the rain

trict. He said he hopes the voters appreciate the work he has done for the county in his three and half years in office and he looks forward to continuing to work with the department heads whom he commended. He said he also looks forward to what can be accomplished with Kevin Poe as county manager.

Also in announcements, Commissioner Bruce Yates reported on the recent town hall meeting attended by 47. He commended Poe for his presentation. Emergency Management Agency Director Steve Nichols was also in attendance.

See COMMISSION, page 2A

BRASELTON

Storm hysteria prompts council to plan response

Rain threatened to put a damper on the second annual Braselton Yard Sale on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, but the skies eventually cleared, yielding the way for a beautiful rainbow. See Page 3A. At right, Chloe and Gracie Cook sang and played with their umbrellas in the rain as their mother, Stephanie, continued to sell.

By RAMONA GRACE EVANS revans@clickthepaper.com

Road projects create challenges for library patrons, traffic flow

By RAMONA GRACE EVANS revans@clickthepaper.com The Braselton-West Jackson Library, part of the Piedmont Regional Library System, has been answering inquiries for months. They have noticed a drop in visitors since the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funded road projects have gotten under way.

Work has been ongoing on the Zion Church Road project and Highway 124 has been rerouted.

As a part of the work, a section of Harrison Street has been closed. The street served as means to reach the entrance to the library and A Flea An’tique and another access to Countryside Antiques and Braselton Park off Broadway Avenue, which had shared the Highway 124 designation.

Librarian Bev Adkins said she hopes that road construction will be com-

pleted sooner than later.

Some citizens have reportedly complained about the gravel driveway taking extreme measures such as moving the orange traffic barrels to block off the entrance to the library. Others have asked about the completion dates and some have even inquired about the entire project.

The library team answers more than three phone calls per day with members of the community asking whether the library is open and how to get around barriers to the location.

“We just try to joke about it because we know that when it is all done it will be nice, but getting from here to there isn’t always easy,” Adkins adds.

Resident Ronny Freeman said he is unhappy with the bottleneck effect that is slowing down the traffic. He questions as to why an alternative entrance was not provided for the businesses.

“More planning and creative thinking could have resolved this issue,” he suggests.

The project is to be completed in May, pending that there is effective team work. Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees said, “It is exacerbated because there are two different roads with two different contractors. Both have to tie into it.”

At the March 15 District 3 town hall meeting, County Manager Kevin Poe said the Zion Church Road project is moving along with 100 percent completion expected by mid-May. It will provide much needed improvement on traffic issues,” said Poe. Once the intersections are finished, commerce is expected to improve in the Braselton downtown. The new intersection has allotted an increase in street side land for future business additions and construction.

As spring arrives and the pollen count reaches a record high, more pressing concerns mount in the minds of citizens.

With the season, comes the threat of severe weather and tornadoes.

After last year’s damaging storm that reeked havoc on Alabama and North Georgia, people cannot be too careful in preparation. The terrifying tornado warning from Friday, March See how to 2, has caused Town of Braselton officials to question their emergency register for communication methods. alerts from the Many sat by their TVs and were brought into hysteria while 11 Jackson CounAlive’s Mike Francis called out the names of local roads including In- ty Notification terstate 85 and Jesse Cronic Road as the area that the spotted funnel System (JENS) would hit. on Page 3A. “If you can hear my voice, seek immediate shelter,” he urged.

Some considered his methods to be over the top and switched the channel. With cable and satellite outages, there was a lack in information. Although a tornado never touched down, many were left to wonder why they never heard a siren.

“A lot of people asked me, after they got out of their basements, why they didn’t hear a siren,” Braselton Mayor Bill Orr commented.

In neighboring Hoschton, residents reported hearing the sirens just after they received an emergency alert from the Jackson Emergency Notification System (JENS) they had signed up for online at the county’s website, www.jacksoncountygov.com At the March 15 District 3 town hall meeting hosted at the Hoschton Depot by Commissioner Bruce Yates, Emergency Management Director Steve Nichols noted that bad weather the previous week had provided the chance to experience the JENS’ effectiveness. He said residents learned the system can be valuable.

While Jackson County “dodged the bullet” as tornadoes passed over, the JENS warnings let residents know of the potential for danger. In less than six minutes, 11,000 alerts had

See RESPONSE, page 3A

Future of JACKSON COUNTY AIRPORT and fbo contract discussed

Airport authority and commission reopen dialogue

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com The groundwork for improved communications between the Jackson County Airport Authority and its funding agency, the Board of Commissioners, was laid at a joint meeting held Monday.

The board will be looking to County Manager Kevin Poe to coordinate on matters for the airport which was described as an expensive and valuable asset and a potential economic development tool. But all acknowledged the airport has not been a money maker and likely will require ongoing subsidies from the county.

The meeting was requested by the airport authority to discuss the future direction of the Jackson County Airport.

Poe has expressed concern about the ongo-

INSIDE Business News Church Entertainment Forum Obituaries

5A 4A 5B 6A 4A

ing outlay of county funds required for airport operations, especially in light of the authority’s decision to enter into the fixed-based operations contract with Spirit Aviation.

The county had been evaluating the authority’s budget and Poe had previously said he hoped the authority could shed some light on the FBO decision since the county was not consulted in advance of the contract’s finalization. His published comments about the financial impact of the contract, along with those of Max Allen, who was appointed to the board to replace Don Lohmeier who resigned, prompted Spirit Aviation to write a letter offering to cancel the contract.

Two other authority members, then-chairman Shannon Sell and John Buchanan, also resigned. H. Stanley McClain was appointed to the authority and one seat remains vacant.

Commissioners have said the future of the au-

Volume 6, Number 20 4A Pastor’s Pen Police report 5A Puzzles 5B Schools 6B Sports 1-2B

thority was being explored. Seeking a change to the legislation authorizing the authority or dissolving it has been mentioned.

While the authority pays nothing to Spirit Aviation in the contract, it does give over fuel sales and hangar lease fees to the company which pays a 2 percent flowage fee on all gas sales to the authority. While Milford acknowledged that flowage fee only amounted to $450 in December, it should rise as weather improves. Milford said the authority is no longer paying the $500 utility bill which had eaten into half of the hangar lease fee. Spirit now pays for those utilities and is responsible for the maintenance.

The future of the FBO contract with Spirit Aviation will be determined in the near future as Allen raised concerns about services not being provided. Among other issues, he also raised issues with the Spirit employee

Got a news tip? Call 706-658-2683 or e-mail editor@clickthepaper.com Want to advertise? Call 706-658-2683 or e-mail dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Delivery questions? Call 770-532-2222 or e-mail circulation@clickthepaper.com

living in the hangar.

A major bone of contention for Allen, who was not on the authority when the FBO contract was signed, is “$800,000 building we gave away” and the fact that Spirit is only fueling on the west ramp of the airport and not both sides as is touted on the county website. He said until almost three years ago, the airport was making money and competing for aviation traffic. He said his efforts to help market the airport in partnership with the county were nixed by then-County Manager Darrell Hampton.

Milford said he has talked with Spirit Aviation and a full-time employee from Commerce has been hired.

Commissioner Chas Hardy said the county may not have gotten what it was looking for

See AIRPORT, page 2A

The Paper P.O. Box 430 Hoschton, GA 30548

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 13 GAINESVILLE, GA

ECRWSS CURRENT RESIDENT BRASELTON, GA 30517

CMYK 2A

Local

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

COMMISSION from page 1A

Village Commons amenities area added to Jackson County Parks & Recreation In new business, the commission:

LeAne Akin The Paper

While the grass has grown up on the Village Commons amenities area and the pool has been covered over, the $50,000 price tag is a good investment for Jackson County, according to County Manager Kevin Poe. A clubhouse, two tennis courts and two acres are included in the purchase agreement.

On its consent agenda, commissioners: ■ Authorized the proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Jackson County.

■ Authorized the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resolution authorizing Chairman Bicknell to exe-

cute documents in connection with the execution of a CDBG application for the Jackson County Boys & Girls Club project. They also authorized execution of an intergovernmental agreement See COUNTY, page 3A

■ Approved the requested waiver for an unnecessary buffer be applied so that the existing requirement of a 100-foot buffer be reduced to a 35-foot landscape strip on the Dollar General Talmo as proposed by Brian Sullivan of SW Talmo.

■ Authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority for water service for the Jackson County Equestrian Center. While the proposal for a 3-inch service line was for $25,000 to tbe funded by SPLOST 5 dollars, the scope of the project may be expanded.

Commissioner Tom Crow asked about the size of the line and about fire protection for the large building on the property. A three-inch service line is proposed but Crow asked if going with a 6-inch line which would support a fire hydrant could mean insurance premium savings for the county to offset the added expense of a larger line.

Higher monthly water bills would also be associated with the larger line, Chairman Bicknell noted.

Crow suggested Poe determine if the larger line would be cost effective.

Hardy suggested tabling the matter to get a firm price but concern about hot and dry conditions and equestrian shows on the schedule prompted the board to give authorization to Poe to proceed.

■ Authorized the real

estate sales contract to purchase existing tennis courts near West Jackson Recreation Park for $50,000.

The commission agreed to enter a contract to purchase two existing tennis courts, a clubhouse and adjacent property near West Jackson Recreation Park rather than construct new courts.

For $50,000, less than the cost to build the proposed courts, Poe said the county can secure the developer’s abandoned amenities area.

Village Commons LLC owns Tract 1, Community Bank & Trust is custodian of Ken Gary’s Tract 2 and Fifty Five Fifty LLC (Susan Gary) owns Tract 3. The pool previously on the property was filled in.

In zoning new business, the commission: ■ Approved Robert G. Rankin’s request (MA-12-01) for a map amendment on approximately 5 acres located on Jackson Parkway from Agriculture/Commercial to Suburban/Commercial (Map 067/Parcel 052). Approval was recommended by staff and the Jackson County Planning Commission.

■ Approved the request from Boyd Harness for a map amendment (MA-1202 on approximately 37.38 acres located at 3264 Brockton Road from Parks/Recreation/Conservation and Residential to Agriculture (Map 052/Parcel 039). Staff and the planning commission recommended approval. It was noted the land was slated for development as a subdivi-

sion and taking it back to agriculture helps preserve the Parks, Recreation and Conservation while taking out the residential component.

■ Approved the text amendment for the East Jackson Corridor Overlay in District 2, Commissioner Hardy’s district. The action incorporates an East Jackson Corridor Overlay in conjunction with the comprehensive plan. Public Development Director Gina Mitsdaffer and Senior Planner Toni Smith began the project 18 months with the City of Commerce and Smith has worked diligently on the text amendment which is similar to the West Jackson Corridor Overlay developed four or five years ago. Variations were needed because of the differences in the type of existing development in the areas. The Central Business District of Commerce is not included since that area has its own regulations.

Commissioner Yates said at the meeting he attended he saw a lot of support for Commissioner Hardy’s attempt to bring some continuity to the area.

Hardy commended Smith and Mitsdarffer for the numerous hours spend on the overlay project.

“Both governments are better for it,” said Hardy. “I appreciate the hard work you put into this.”

■ Approved in another text amendment, clarification within Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13 clear up issues in conjunction with the comprehensive plan. The adjustments are minor and make provisions for the new overlay.

AIRPORT from page 1A

Additional airport staff may be considered by county commissioners in the contract if terms are not being fulfilled.

“On paper, the FBO looks good, but when you peel back the layers of the onion,” the actual operational aspects of the contractual agreement could cause tears.

However, authority chairman Jonathan Milford, one of the authority members involved in the series of lengthy meetings held on the road toward setting a pricing formula for fuel and going through two rounds of requests for proposals for and FBO, provided some background. He said the authority was not hasty in entering the contract and visiting several airports where the professional Spirit Aviation staff was impressive. Milford said his knowledge of general aviation is limited but he knows marketing will be essential for the airport’s future.

The need for a more professional airport was the impetus for moving toward an FBO when the Jackson County commissioners said there were insufficient funds to hire additional personnel for the airport. With only an interim airport manager at the time, the authority had no staff to serve as an official greeter, provide fueling for pilots, always answer the phone or handle other duties.

Commission Chairman Hunter Bicknell said the authority had come to commissioners to seek support to “staff up” but, with the economy, the additional $60,000 was not possible. In mid-2009, the possible to hire a lineman to handle fuel operations and a services coordinator to assist pilots was shot down.

That is when the effort first got under way to attract an FBO that would “invest in the

“On paper, the FBO looks good, but when you peel back the layers of the onion,...”

Chas Hardy Jackson County District 2 Commissioner airport and build a business there to be profitable in the future.”

Bicknell suggested that perhaps the commission could revisit adding staff at the airport.

The lack of an organizational chart caught new member McClain off guard.

He was surprised there was little organization and no defined funding path.

Clear lines of communication are needed. Determining who Garner reports to and who is responsible for what will help toward more efficiency in airport operations, suggested Hardy.

Commissioner Dwain Smith said he has always supported the airport and sees the need to generate traffic and offer facilities and services to attract pilots. Fuel is one of those services, authority member Ken Botts said.

Commissioner Tom Crow said he also supports the airport and is glad to see the lines of communication reopening.

“When the communication closed down, we could rely only on rumors,” said Crow. “This is very positive.

Let the airport authority review the services and, if they are not living up to contract,

LeAne Akin The Paper

County commissioners and airport authority members gathered around the table with County Manager Kevin Poe to discuss the future direction of the Jackson County Airport since half the authority are new members. dismiss them.”

Milford said before any decision about the future of the FBO contract, the authority needed to be prepare to manage the airport operations. He said efforts should be made to determine where the airport should be next year and in the next five years.

With airport manager Greg Garner now onboard, it was noted that airport management falls to Garner but he is the lone employee.

Botts said he was often the odd man out on decisions since he felt some on the board were too focused on the Capital Improvement Plan and not meeting the dayto-day needs of the aviation community. He said the authority got negative community reaction when publicity about the authority’s push for

“It’s almost a ghost town out there.”

Ken Botts Jackson County Airport Authority member about the airport a new terminal building.

For four years, Botts said he felt he was beating his head against the wall but now sees the possibility for the authority to focus on it purpose: running an airport and becoming a vital part of the transportation system of Northeast Georgia. But now at the airport, “it’s almost a ghost town out there,” he said.

Related to future development at the airport, an

outstanding invoice for Talbert & Bright, an airport and aviation engineering and planning consultant, was mentioned. Talbert & Bright had been assisting with the visioning for the airport and has been involved in the updating of the Airport Layout Plan. Poe explained his assessment suggests the county has not money allocated for the services. He said the authority did not identify a funding source for the $15,000. However, Bicknell said the authority was likely operating under the assumption that there were funds remaining from the $435,000 approved for the engineering study funded from economic development bonds. Those funds were essentially borrowed from the Industrial Development Authority to be repaid when reimburse-

ment was received from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Bicknell said GDOT pushed for acquisition of the Allen property adjacent to the airport and that funding was moved forward with the IDA also providing the funds to the reimbursed.

“We are still in line for that money,” said Bicknell.

Hardy said he appreciated the time authority members devote to the business of the county airport. He said he has been impressed with Poe’s ability to manage county business. Allen noted Poe was involved in the county’s airport oversight in Floyd County where the growth of corporate operations have generated funds in Rome.

“With Kevin’s help, let’s move forward,” said Hardy.

•HOW TO CONTACT US• 169 Towne Center Parkway, Hoschton, GA 30548 P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548 News: 706-658-2683, editor@clickthepaper.com Display Advertising: 770-535-6333, dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Classified Advertising: 770-535-6371, cellem@gainesvilletimes.com Circulation: 770-535-6363, gtinsley@gainesvilletimes.com Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday

General Manager: Norman Baggs Editor: LeAnne Akin

Publisher: Dennis L. Stockton Advertising: Debbie Purvis

Circulation Director: Garry Tinsley Sports Editor: Matt Mauney

•Getting Published• To submit items for publication, please provide complete information plus a contact name and number. Information cannot be guaranteed for publication on a specific date. Photos should be in focus and all people pictured clearly identified.

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

3A

LeAnne Akin and Ramona Grace Evans The Paper

A beautiful rainbow punctuated the almost-spring skies over Year One during Saturday’s community yard sale. Buyers of all ages were out for the event once the rain passed over and vendors uncovered their merchandise.

Showers threatened to disrupt spring cleaning effort

By RAMONA GRACE EVANS revans@clickthepaper.com Rain threatened to end the second annual Braselton Yard Sale on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, but the skies cleared.

Spaces were on a first-come, first-serve basis and although set-up started at 6 a.m., the line started forming just after 5.

A double rainbow spread above Year One just before the community arrived to have the first pick of items. Although the sight was rare and beautiful, participants hoped that

the showers that accompany the phenomenon would stay away.

A slow and steady drizzle began shortly after the sale started and did not end for hours.

The rain drenched most of the merchandise and many sellers were forced to cover the items with tarps.

Despite the downpour, buyers came clad in ponchos and carrying umbrellas.

Kim King of Hoschton managed to sell the majority of her clothing items all with a touch of customer service. She bagged up every purchase with a reused shopping bag. Others

RESPONSE from page 1A

Braselton will be evaluating the best method for notifying its residents been sent out, said Nichols.

“It’s a very nice system,” said Nichols.

Hoschton resident Chuck Fisk said the notification was “timely and we appreciate it.”

He said he got the call on the phone and then the sirens began going off.

Hoschton Mayor Erma Denney said she has received a lot of positive feedback and “citizens were appreciative of the attention paid to our safety.”

Nichols noted that successful applications for federal grants mean the system is available at no cost to the county for five years.

Jackson County also regularly tests its audible siren system. Jackson County uses JENS, its telephone and email contact system for severe storms and emergencies, but

with Braselton being in four different counties, the emergency responses are varied and inconsistent, according to Braselton officials.

This has prompted action on the part of the Braselton Town Council.

With Barrow County considering implementing a communication system, Orr said he aims to do the same. At Braselton’s annual retreat held earlier this month, Orr discussed that the town needs to do a better job at communicating with residents safety plans and emergency responses.

The council agreed to make this a priority over the next 12-18 months.

A solution could not come soon enough with the already arrival of tornado season in Georgia.

About Jackson Emergency Notification System (JENS) Jackson Emergency Notification System (JENS) alerts are used during emergencies that threaten life safety and/or may severely impact the citizens of Jackson County, acording to the county’s website. These alerts may include severe weather alerts, Homeland Security alerts, evacuation alerts and other alerts that could affect you or your family.

Jackson County uses an emergency notification system that may provide alerts by landline phone, cell phone voice or text message and/or as an email to an e-mail address. JENS alerts are messages that may alert you of an emergency situation, may ask you to take appropriate action, or both. The National Weather Service will automati-

cally send severe weather warnings to effected areas of the county and Emergency Services (911) will be able to send other emergency or important messages also. Text messages will be short (only 160 characters long). This is a free notification service but your cell phone service provider will charge you for receiving alerts through your cell phone. Alerts will only be done in emergency situations. Landline phones will automatically be entered in the system but any cell phones or email addresses must be registered by the citizen who wishes to receive the service due to the possible cost to them.

Visit www.jacksoncountygov.com to register or to obtain more information.

COUNTY from page 2A

Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County grant effort will be moving forward with the Jackson County Board of Education for use of a site for the future construction of the new facility and authorized the lease agreement with the Boys & Girls Club for the use of a proposed future facility upon approval of a Community Development Block Grant.

■ Approved and declared the list of vehicles and equipment as surplus according to the Jackson County Fixed Asset Policy. The purchasing division will be able to sell the surplus on the web-based auction site GovDeals.com.

■ Approved execution of the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Hoschton for various projects.

■ Authorized the Jackson County Mass Fatality Plan as recommended by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) with the State of Georgia and the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA).

■ Authorized the Memorandum of Understanding with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission to assist with the preparation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

kept a welcoming smile and slowly but surely handed off their items to a new home.

By noon, the rain had ended and the sun began to appear.

The $20 fee per participant added up as a donation to the Hotrodder’s Children’s Charity. he Quinn House and By His Hands Ministry arrived after lunch to accept items that did not sell.

Some participants reported leaving with a couple hundred dollars -- some more, some less. Members of the community expressed their enjoyment in walking around to see var-

ious antiques and collectibles that were for sale. Robbie Bettis of Auction Ventures made an early appearance to browse for her shop.

Although the showers created a slight inconvenience, success was had. Some stayed dry under their tents while others braved the drizzle.

The Cook sisters, Chloe and Gracie, sang and played with their umbrellas in the light rain as their mother, Stephanie continued to sell.

One man’s trash became another’s treasure all for a good cause.

CMYK 4A

Local

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

CHURCH NEWS A southern gospel singing will be held at 6 p.m. on April at New Beginning Baptist Church featuring singer and song writer Gerald Sweatman.

Come as you are in blue jeans and sweats. Everyone welcome. Call 770597-7742. The church is located at 4403 Winder Highway in Flowery Branch.

sss White Plains Baptist Church is hosting its AWANA Grand Prix again at 6:15 p.m. on March 28.

The Missions Conference will be at 7 p.m. on March 23 and at 6 p.m. on March 24 with The Gobers performing both evenings.

White Plains Baptist Church has Sunday school beginning at 10 a.m. with the worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday evening services are at 6.

Pastor Cary Pittman invites the community to Wednesday night services including Awana with worship service at 7 p.m.

White Plains Baptist Church is located on Highway 124 between Hochton and Jefferson.

sss The Church of Hoschton invites the community to Sunday school and worship each Sunday.

Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. The Church at Hoschton is currently meeting at Lawson Funeral Home, located at 35 First St., in Hoschton.

sss Corner-Stone Church in Jefferson is holding preschool registration throughout the year until all spots are filled. The new school year will begin in August and classes will be held weekdays from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

The preschool, a faith and academic based program, offers a 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old class. For more information, contact Director Kimberly Rewis at 678524-6986 or visit www. corner-stone.org. CornerStone Church is located at 6933 Ga. Highway 11 in Jefferson.

sss Jefferson Presbyterian Church U.S.A. observes a Traditional Service of Worship at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. A nursery is available for infants to 4 year olds during worship. Jefferson Presbyterian Church is located at 243 Washington St., in downtown Jefferson. Call 706-3675577, visit the web site http://jeffersonpc.org or email jjpc_pcusa@windstream.net. A Wednesday night Bible study begins at 6 p.m. with a light meal followed by “Discipleship 202.”

sss Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church is continuing its The Bible in 90 Days, which began on Jan. 22.

The series could be a life-changing event with sermons, small group experiences and individual commitments to read 12 pages a day.

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church is located at 5152 Braselton Highway in Hoschton, two miles north of Mill Creek High School. Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m.

Contact Dr. Tom Bagley at 678-714-3344.

sss The Wednesday night social time at New Liberty United Methodist Church begins at 6:30 p.m. with a covered dish followed by bingo at 7:15. All are invited to attend this monthly evening of activities. A covered dish will start the night followed by BINGO with prizes. Men’s Dinner and Bible Study meets

the first and third Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. (email whit.martin@ngumc.net for location). Women’s Bible study meets the first and third Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Church. Bible study is held at the Church every Monday morning at 9 a.m. with the pastor.

New Liberty United Methodist Church announces Easter services including the Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7 p.m. on April 5.

On April 7, the annual Easter egg hunt for the children will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. In conjunction with the egg hunt, the Relay for Life team will host a bake sale.

The Easter sunrise service will begin at 6:15 a.m. on April 8 followed by the regular morning worship at 11.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on May 4 through 6 a.m. on May 5, the Relay for Life team will walk continuously for the annual fund raiser. Come support the fight against cancer.

New Liberty UMC is located at the corner of Jesse Cronic and New Liberty Church Road. Contact the Rev. Whit Martin at 706-654-2406.

sss Crow’s Lake is hosting a fish fry sponsored by St. Catherine Catholic Church each Friday during Lent through April 6 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The catfish plates will be both dine in or carry out. Adult plates are $7 while children under 8 eat free.

sss Hoschton United Methodist Church is hosting a Sock Hop for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There is a $5 cover and will be serving refreshments, including Coke and root beer floats.

Enjoy music from 1950’s and 1960’s, a costume contest for all ages, games and door prizes.

The evening will be fun for the entire family. Contact Hoschton UMC at 706654-1422 for further details. HUMC is located at 12 Mulberry St., and Bell Avenue, two blocks behind City Square. The Rev. Luis Ortiz is the pastor. Visit www. hoschtonumc.org

services include: Topflight student worship (6th-12th grades) 6 - 8 p.m.; AWANA, ages 3 - 6th grade, 6:20 p.m.; Men’s Bible study 6:30 p.m.; Ladies Bible study 6:30 p.m.; adult prayer/Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

The Bethlehem First Baptist Church is on Ga. Highway 11 in Bethlehem.

Call 770-867-3577 or visit www.bethlehemfbc.org.

sss Bethlehem First UMC is holding Holy Communion during Lent every Wednesday through April 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

The Bethlehem First UMC Preschool will host its annual spring fling and silent auction on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

sss Re-Winders will meet for its monthly luncheon at Winder First Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 27. The program for this month will be music provided by Freda McGhee, daughter of Hal and Betty Starr. ReWinder meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at noon. The group is sponsored by First Baptist Church, but is open to anyone in Barrow County who is over 50, regardless of church affiliation.

Attendees should bring a vegetable, salad or dessert to share, the entree will be provided. Lunch is served promptly at noon with a program to follow.

sss The Celebrate Life Banquet to benefit the lifesaving work of Come Alive Ministries will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the Winder Community Center. The free event includes speakers, special music, food catered by The Masters Table and a chance to win a quilt donated by The Jug Tavern Quilters. The suggested donation for the “4 quarters for Life,” fundraiser is four quarters or $1. To register for the banquet or to donate “4 quarters for life,” call 770-867-3000.

Lost! Lost! Don’t let the Easter season pass without seeking Him Early in the month of yet, you may be Lost! Your March, a few years ago soul, dear reader is in the a party of friends were greatest danger of perishseparating after spending ing if you have not been an evening together, when pardoned through the the rumor reached them atonement of Jesus Christ. that three men were lost in The rich man menthe sand! The men immeditioned in Scripture was ately rushed out.

Lost! He possessed every Luis Ortiz The crowd soon made it temporal comfort. He was The Pastor’s Pen to the shore, about a mile in clothed in purple and fine distance. The moon had been for some linen and feasted sumptuously every time overshadowed with thick heavy day. Yet, his soul was neglected and he clouds, and the first attempt was to colfound himself, when death removed lect and kindle a number of barrels, so him from this earth, “in torment.” In that the fire from them might give them the day of final account, multitudes some guide. Boats were soon manned, will be painfully conscious that they as the tide was rolling in with fearful are Lost. When the Savior, whose laws velocity; but all was in vain, as no sound they despised, and whose commandnow met their ears. Those who were ments they trampled under their feet, first on the shore distinctly heard the is seated on His throne, they will shriek repeated cry “Lost! Lost!” but it was with agony and terror while calling “to heard no more. the mountain and rocks, fall on us, and The poor fellows had gone out at hide from the face of Him that sitteth low tide some hours before, searchon the throne, and from the wrath of ing for cockles and shrimp, and had the Lamb.” planned on returning at the tide, taking If you are loving the world and setadvantage of the light from the full ting your heart on its sinful pleasures, moon. They lost their lives in the small you are in danger of being Lost. If you rivulets which are at all times dangerare living in practiced sin, neglecting ous to a stranger and require great care the ordinances of God’s house and not – even from those familiar with the taking the Holy Bible as your rule of coast. Entangled amidst the quicksand live, you are in danger of being Lost. and creeks, they could not escape the If you are indulging in a self-righteous steadily advancing tide and perished. spirit and trusting to your own good The first body was picked up about a works as the ground of merit and acmile from where the fatal catastrophe ceptance with Christ, instead of feeling occurred after a lapse of a week. The that your salvation must come entirely second body was found many miles from Him, you are in danger of being from the course at night, and the third Lost. Your character will be found unwas not found until more than a year der one of the foregoing descriptions: If later. It was found buried in the sand. you have not realized that “in the Lord This melancholy event caused 13 chilhave I righteousness and strength.” If dren to be left fatherless, and made two you are admitted into the Savior’s famwives widows. There was something ily, you will not be Lost. You are now very touching in the case of one the the object of His care and love, and will women. Her home stood at a distance feel with St. Paul, “I live; yet not I, but from the few dwellings on the shore.

Christ liveth in me: and the life which I Having prepared her husband’s supper, now live in the flesh, I live by the faith she went to the door anxiously waiting of the Son of God, who loved me, and his return. She heard a noise from the gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20. sea, the distinct cries of “Lost! Lost!”

When removed from this world, eiHer poor husband’s voice fell death ther by a sudden accident or a decay of knell on her ears. nature, you will then shine “as the stars In reading this true story you have for ever and ever, and have right to the probably felt sorrowful the loss of the tree of life, and enter in through the three men under such painful and sad gates into the city” -- if you are not Lost. circumstances. You have pitied the With spring upon us and Easter just a widows and the fatherless children, few weeks away, ask yourself this: “Am deprived so suddenly of those who I Lost?” You’ll have a great opportunity administered to their comfort and this Easter to come to Christ and find maintenance. You have thought of the out. poor widow hearing the dying shriek of her husband.

But have you considered the awThe Rev. Luis Antonio Ortiz is pastor ful possibility of yourself being Lost? of Hoschton United Methodist Church, Your death may not be of so sudden or located at 12 Mulberry St., two violent one; and you may be permitted blocks behind City Square. Contact to have every comfort from the hands him at the church office at 706-654of your partner or parents or children; 1422.

OBITUARIES

sss Auburn First Baptist plans a Good Friday service in word and song for 7 p.m. on April 6. The community is invited to attend.

On Sundays, start the day right with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service at 10:45; Choir Practice at 4:30 p.m.; and Evening Service at 6. AWANA and English as a Second Language is also at 6. A men’s prayer breakfast will be at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, and is open to all men.

Auburn First Baptist Church is at 1385 Sixth Ave., in Auburn. Contact Pastor Chris Parkin at 770-962-1807 or visit www.auburnfirstbaptist.com

sss Bethlehem First Baptist is again partnering with the Winder YMCA for the annual Healthy Kid’s Day and Easter Egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.

Sunday morning worship and Sunday School is at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday worship services are aired at noon Sundays on Channel 12.

Wednesday

Jean Hancock

Died March 18, 2012 Jean Deadwyler Hancock, 80, of Cleveland, died Sunday, March 18, 2012.

She was a daughter of the late Dessie “Jago” and Eloise Bond Deadwyler, and was married to the late Leon Hancock. She was a member of Concord Baptist Church and loved and enjoyed her family, square dancing and the outdoors. She retired from Wachovia Bank.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Gary Bradley of Gainesville and Cindy and Gary Kitchens of Hoschton; grandchildren, Kasey Murphy, Corey Bradley, Faith Spinks, Kathryn Bradley and Nathan Spinks; and greatgrandchildren, Campbell and Leighton Murphy.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 20, 2012, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. James Dollar officiating. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, March 22, 2012

Dot Wall

Died March 19, 2012 Dorothy (Dot) Wall Garrett, 86, of Winder, died Monday, March 19, 2012.

Born in Winder, she was a daughter of the late Thomas H. and Susie Wilburn Wall, and was married to the late Jessie Jewel Garrett. She was also preceded in death by brothers, C.C. Wall, T.H. Wall and Evell Wall and sisters, Myrtie Wall, Polly Bell, Thelma Casey, Nell Wall and Doris Healan.

Survivors include her son, Jessie (Sonny) J. Garrett Jr., and wife Debbie of Auburn; daughter, Diane (Tina) Parks and husband Billy of Auburn;

eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday March 22, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Donnie Pennington officiating.

Interment will follow in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries’ food for families, P.O. Box 1553, Winder, GA 30680.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, March 22, 2012

David Brent Hardiman

Died March 17, 2012 David Brent Hardiman, of Jefferson, died Saturday, March 17, 2012, at his residence with his loving family gathered around him.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was a son of Gloria Jean Adams Wilson of Florence, Ky., and the late Robert Hardiman. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Mr. Hardiman was a sales manager at Akins Ford in Winder with more than 22 years of service.

A memorial service, including military honors, was held Monday, March 19, 2012, at Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Williams and Mr. Brad Akins officiating. Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Beverly A. Hardiman; daughters and sons-in-law, Brittany and Lamont Dozier of Braselton,Jeanette and Dan Meyers of Smyrna and Stacie and John El-Attrache of Olathe, Kan.; son, Alex Shead of Lawrenceville; sister, Linda Bauman of Villa Hills, Ky.; sister and brother-

in-law, Susan and Doug Harper of Lawrenceville; grandchildren, Lily Dozier, Sophia Dozier, Madeleine Meyers, Katelyn Meyers, Morgan El-Attrache, Parker El-Attrache, Stone El-Attrache, Avery Shead and Allie Shead; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to David Hardiman Fund, In care of BB&T Bank, 435 Broad S., Winder, GA 30680-2037 so that David’s legacy of helping families during difficult times may continue.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, March 22, 2012

Butch Pugh

Died March 17, 2012 Robert Lee “Butch” Pugh Jr., 63, of Jefferson, died Saturday, March 17, 2012.

A son of the late Robert Lee Pugh Sr., and Mary Helen Nickerson, he served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Survivors include his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jody and Emory Thomas of Jefferson and Nikki and Elmer Stewart of Estero, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were

held Tuesday March 20, 2012, in the Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kevin Page officiating. Interment followed at Evans Memory Gardens.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, March 22, 2012

Annie Lou Wheeler

Died March 15, 2012 Annie Lou Wheeler, 92, of Winder, died Thursday, March 15, 2012.

Born in Winder, she was a daughter of the late James A. and Georgia Bowman Walls.

She was married to the late Leamon C. Wheeler and attended Nazareth Methodist Church.

Survivors include her sons, Eulan (Lou Ellen) Wheeler of Auburn and Jimmy (Doodle Bug) Wheeler of Winder; daughters, Betty Mack and Earl Akery and Sara (Russell) Carey, all of Winder, and Ann McDaniel (Tommy Wright) of Rayle; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Bonnie Evans of Winder.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Hewatt and the Rev. Mike Peavy officiating. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, March 22, 2012

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

POLICE REPORT

Braselton Police find cash hidden in truck From staff reports A white Chevy Silverado pickup traveling northbound on I-85 at the 126 mile marker on March 11 caught the attention of Braselton Police officer David Bohannon when it appeared the driver was attempting to hide by riding alongside a tractor-trailer.

When the vehicle’s license number was run, it was revoked for insurance purposes.

The vehicle was in the outside lane and was slowing down as it approached the cruiser.

It seemed as though the Silverado was “hiding” on the other side of a tractor-trailer traveling in the slow lane.

Bohannon made the traffic stop and the driver, Saany Avila, a 19-year-old Hispanic male from Concord, N.C., said the vehicle belonged to his cousin. He said he did not know the man to whom the vehicle was registered. Neither did he know the name of his passenger, whom he identified as his uncle.

The driver and passenger had differing stories about their travel.

Other suspicious items included a lack of luggage for a weekend trip and the driver’s look of fear when asked about anything illegal in the vehicle. The driver relaxed

Jefferson Police ■ A complaint was filed March 14 about possible abuse and neglect of three children off Highway 82 North. The complainant reported the family walks the streets with a sign reading “Please Help Homeless.”

Law enforcement is familiar with the family which was previously living in the back of a U-Haul in Commerce. The children have been begging for money at Tanger Outlets. The Jackson County Department of Family and Children Services was contacted when the children were found at home alone while the parents were possibly at a pain clinic attempting to get medication. The complainant indicates the children may not be in school.

The day after the report, a terroristic threats and acts report was filed by the man who had provided the family with a place to live for a week after seeing them walking around Commerce. The father reportedly threatened to cut the man’s throat and injured his family. The suspect was stopped when he was walking toward Banks County to a friend’s home.

■ A local company reported the loss of more than $79,000 to a former employee who stands accused of first-degree forgery and unauthorized use of a financial transaction card.

The alleged crime, which dates back to 2009, was reported March 14. The exemployee admitted taking several checks, according to the office manager of the plumbing and mechanical services company. The suspect asked that police not be notified and that she would repay the money.

Phone bills, car payments, probation fees and other unauthorized charges were made by the suspect who used her employer’s debit card number. The suspect wrote checks to herself and forged her employer’s name.

Arrest warrants for Amy Welch were issued for 15 counts each of first-degree forgery, theft by taking and unauthorized use of a financial transaction card. She was taken into custody at work and transported to the Jackson County Jail.

■ Copper pipes were cut from the air conditioning unit at the Juvenile Justice building on Professional Drive. Two Carrier units were removed from the building and repair costs are estimated at $10,000.

■ A 2009 Kawaski was reported stolen from a Highway 129 North location on March 15. Two men in a white Ford F-150 were seen leaving the parking lot with the motorcycle in the back. Shortly after a lookout was placed for the truck and motorcycle, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle in Maysville. The owner went to get the vehicle and reported damaged to the ignition and front shield.

Damage was estimated at $650. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

■ A Jefferson wrecker service reported a credit card fraud March 8 related

when asked about illegal guns, dead bodies and explosives but grew fearful when asked about illegal drugs. He denied the presence of drugs.

With consent to search granted, Bohannon began the search and Officer Adam Garrison noticed fresh paint under the truck’s body, and the sheet metal at the end of the bed was loose. Using a fiberoptic scope, Bohannon looked into the suspicious area and observed a hidden compartment with a small black bag inside.

The driver and the passenger were transported to the police department and Specialized Towing delivered the Silverado.

At the station, the hidden compartment which spanned the entire length and width of the truck bed, was forced open. Hydraulic slides were built into the taillight area to lower the access door to the compartment.

When the small black purse was removed, a large amount of money divided into rubber-banded bundles and wrapped in cellophane was found. Both men denied ownership of the currency.

Avila and Hector Milo Marcial, 38, also of Concord, N.C., were charged with operating a vehicle with a hidden compartment. They were taken to the Jackson County Jail.

to a Christmas eve contact from 1-800-IM STUCK to pick up a vehicle, a 2011 Toyota Camry, from Carriage Nissan in Gainesville and deliver it to New Jersey. Payment was made by phone using a credit card.

The credit card company advised the card was stolen. The dealership was also “taken” for two vehicles using the same credit card. The suspect has been defrauding companies all across the country, according to 1-800-IM STUCK. ■ A man was transported to Athens Regional Medical Center for evaluation after he was obstructing traffic on Washington Street on March 13. Law enforcement had been involved with the man whose erratic behavior had been reported the previous evening. Reports indicate that man was not taking his prescribed medication and requested help.

■ An animal control officer who issued a citation March 12 to a woman for allowing her dog to roam at large reported a terroristic threats and acts after the woman’s husband called him on the phone. The man alleged the officer had made inappropriate gestures to his wife, however, the officer’s supervisor was also at the scene and disputed the claims. The husband then threatened to “get” the officer.

■ A Jefferson resident reported a financial identity fraud case involving a suspect who had previously opened credit card accounts using his information. He received a $1,271.08 bill from a collection agency for the suspect who used his mailing address.

■ A red Yamaha Beartracker four-wheeler valued at $1,300 was reported missing from a Washington Street address March 11.

Braselton Police ■ The 22-year-old driver whose 2003 Hyundai Sonata struck a pole on Spout Springs Road on March 13 was located around 12:22 a.m. at the nearby Waffle House wearing one sandal.

The other sandal was left behind in the car with an open can of Bud Ice. The driver, who was bleeding, was unaware he was injured. The windshield

showed evidence of where the driver’s head had hit. He was treated at the scene by personnel from Hall County Fire and EMS. After telling police several different stories about what caused the accident, he admitted he had consumed almost a six-pack of beer at a friend’s house. He was taken to the Gwinnett County Jail and charged with DUI, failure to maintain lane, no seatbelt and too fast for conditions.

■ The driver of the tractor-trailer that leaked a white fluid on the ground on Highway 53 on March 16 was cited for unsecured load. The nontoxic fluid is used for soap.

■ A 1996 Nissan Maxima was stopped March 17 on I85 after raising officer suspicions. A quantity of money was located in a nylon cooler in the trunk and the vehicle smelled of marijuana. The driver and his passenger were released with a warning and the money.

■ A truck was located on city property and the driver and two passengers were asked to leave. A large roll of metal fence and other metal fences were in the truck bed. The driver explained he was scouting the land he hunts and ran over the fence.

■ A Braselton woman contacted police March 7 after she was called about an outstanding student loan on which she is a co-signer.

The victim has not co-signed a loan and, upon checking her credit report, found that a mortgage loan, utility accounts and two credit cards had been secured with her information.

■ A Braselton complainant told police she let someone borrow three prom dresses and later saw one of the dresses in a consignment store window.

After describing all three dresses to the store owner, the dresses were placed in back of the store pending a possible civil matter.

■ Braselton Police were contacted March 11 from the Gwinnett Medical Center emergency room where a father had taken his son for treatment after he was knocked from his bicycle by a black dog and bit or scratched. Jackson County Animal Control was notifie of the incident which occurred on Pinecrest Lane..

– From staff reports

5A

Todd Dixon named new CEO at Barrow Regional For The Paper Health Management Associates Atlantic Division CEO, Angie Marchi, announced Tuesday that Todd Dixon, has been named CEO of Barrow Regional Medical Center effective March 26.

Dixon is a native of Elberton, and most recently served as COO at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, N.C., since August 2009. He has been instrumental in providing leadership with a focus on development of strategic service lines and physician practices.

Dixon has more than 15 years of practical and hospital administration experience with a background in nursing. Prior to joining Health Management, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Upstate Carolina Medical Center in Gaffney, S.C. Before that, he served as Chief Nursing Officer at Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elberton.

He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He also holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. Barrow Regional Medical Center is a 56bed full service hospital serving Barrow and surrounding counties since 1951. The integrated medical campus includes a medical office building housing physicians as well as specialty services. The facility has more than 100 physicians representing more than 15 specialties. BRMC offers a full service Women’s Pavilion, Sleep Center, Wound Care Center, Occupational & Physical Therapy, Emergency Department, ICU, Labor & Delivery, Laboratory Services, Medical & Surgery Unit, Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging, Speech Therapy, and a variety of surgical services. Barrow Regional Medical Center is also fully accredited by The Joint Commission.

Donate items for Operation Sandbox to send to troops with ‘March for Military’ For The Paper The second annual March for Military is getting into full swing as the Student Leadership Team of Twin Rivers Middle School is urging the community to join in support of our troops.

“The Team wants to show our serving soldiers that we do think of them other than just the holidays so throughout the month of March, you can participate by donating items from the soldier requested list provided by Operation Sandbox,” said Lisa Doehling is one of the advisers of the Student Leadership Team.

Any items shown below can be conveniently dropped-off at Massage Envy located at 3420 Buford Drive, Buford, located in the shopping center at Gravel Springs and Hwy 20 near the Mall of Georgia and Toys-R-Us. The deadline is March 24 as the team will be sorting items on March 27 for delivery to the Covington armory.

Donations for March for Military may also be dropped of at The Paper, located at 169 Towne Center Parkway in Hoschton, or at the office of The Barrow County News in Holly Hill Mall in Winder.

The donations from March for Military will be delivered to the Operation Sandbox headquarters at the National Guard Armory in Covington.

The Leadership Team is building on last year’s success of its first March for Military.

“Our principal was very proud of the community support started last year with

the students,” said Doehling, who reports the Student Leadership Team grew from 17 to 48 involved.”

Items for the troops Beef Jerky ** Slim Jims ** Trail Mix Sunflower Seeds Chewing Gum Hard Candy Beanie Weenies Peanuts (individual Packs) Flavored Drink Singles Jif-to-Go Peanut Butter tubs Travel Size Baby Wipes Tuna (foil packs only) Canned Fruit (small cans

only) Lip Balm Raisins (individual small boxes) Microwaveable Meals Macaroni & Cheese instant packs Ravioli Microwave tubs only Batteries –AA, C, D, AAA Zip Lock bags Shampoo (small bottles only) Razors — disposable Shaving Cream or Gel Deodorant– men’s works best Mouthwash (travel size only) Letters, letters, letters, letters!!

CMYK

forum PAGE 6A | THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Books opened the world, to me and Mama My mother was born three years before the Great Depression to a family who lived in a small sharecropper house that lacked the benefits of electricity, running water and indoor plumbing.

She never went to college, but throughout her life, she loved learning. She believed if you could see it, you would appreciate it more.

When Sen. Richard Russell died, she took us to the Capitol for the arrival of President Richard Nixon, who came to pay his respects. He was the first president I saw in person. I remember the exact place we stood.

When I was a child, my dad was very sick and my mother sold encyclopedias to help us make ends meet.

If Mama couldn’t take us somewhere in person, she took us there in the pages of the World Book Encyclopedia. It had color pictures of great things all over the world.

I thought about her this week when I heard Encyclopedia Britannica would no longer publish books.

Instead, the 244-year-old publication will only be available in an electronic edition.

I went online and found that World Book is still a book (actually a set of books). I don’t know if I was relieved for the sake of my Mama or for me.

I have an electronic tablet and I occasionally use it to read newspaper stories, particularly when I’m traveling. But I have not purchased a single electronic book. They will have to pull me kicking and screaming into that genre.

Before I ever darkened the door of a public school, Mama took me to the library. I would pick out a book or two and we would take them home and she would read them to me.

I remember books like “Curious George,” “Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel” and “The Little En-

Harris Blackwood gine That Could.” Their stories are etched in my mind.

We had a mail order subscription to the Dr. Seuss books. My favorite was “Hop on Pop.” In my adlibbed version, Mr. Brown, who went out of town, came back with Mr. Blackwood. I added it in with a crayon.

I went with my Mama on a few of her sales calls. I was told to be quiet and obeyed.

Mama was the most passionate salesperson I ever saw.

When she told the customer they needed this for their children, it was as if they would never amount to a hill of beans without these magical books.

During the space program, World Book published a glossy color book on the astronauts.

A few years later, I had the occasion to spend two days going across Georgia with John Glenn during his failed bid for the presidency in 1984. Mama was rather proud of her boy rubbing elbows with the famed astronaut and U.S. senator.

I knew his story because of books.

The printed word has a special place with me. I learned how to read a book, not an electronic screen. I learned about everybody from Jesus to George Washington in a book.

There’s a part of me that wants to go out and order a set of encyclopedia books before they go away.

They remind me of their great ability to educate, but more than that, they remind me of a great encyclopedia saleswoman.

Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville-based columnist. His column appears weekly.

The printed word has a special place with me. I learned how to read a book, not an electronic screen

letter to the editor

Drivers, please slow down; you’ll save both gas and lives As a concerned grandfather and resident of Jackson County, I’m writing this letter as a way of venting.

Over the past year, I have personally witnessed: a fender bender in the school parking lot; a school bus rearended; two lunatics racing in the school parking lot as a way of joking around; excessive speeds in subdivisions where speed limits are 25 mph and 30 mph; speeding and unsafe passing on double solid lines; and a speed limit sign of 10 mph posted in a

church parking lot (pretty sad).

With the price of gasoline, you would think the drivers would like to conserve gas.

Homeowners associations and Neighborhood Watch groups should attempt to educate their residents and visitors about safe driving practices.

Please slow down.

P.S. I have been tailgated several times on Route 332 by school buses.

David H. Rigglesford Hoschton

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.

Steve Kelley Creators Syndicate

Ragin’ Cajun marries a mean woman Now, we all knew that wasn’t going to work. Not for one cotton-picking minute did we think that those two could say “I do” and keep that vow until one of ’em stopped breathing.

Not unless, of course, one of ’em was the reason that the other one exited this life.

“They’ll kill each other,” a friend, old and wise and familiar with them both, had said. “He’s a raging Cajun and she’s just plain mean.”

He thought for a minute. “It’d be hard to pick a winner amongst those two because I saw him in a bar fight one night and he cleared the room all by hisself. If you ever get in a fight, you want him on your side.” He took a long swig of water, swallowed and finally said, “But I think I’d have to put my money on her.”

The night she chased him out of the house with a deer rifle — hers, not his — and shot up his truck as he was fleeing at the speed of light, we figured she had won. Both of them filed a restraining order, talked ugly about the other one to

Ronda Rich anyone who would listen and swore up and down that kingdom would come before there’d be a reconciliation.

The Lord didn’t return but, still, he went crawling home anyway. She flung the door open and threw herself into his arms and it all began again. There’s one word that describes them, whether they were fighting or loving: Passionate.

To be honest, it wore you out to be around them for short periods of time.

I don’t know how anyone can be that intense all the time. They cuddled each other with the same kind of fierceness that they cussed each other. And I’m just here to tell you, I wouldn’t be kissing on nobody who talked to me the way that they talked to each other.

Disrespect doesn’t stimu-

late romantic feelings for me but I’m just kindly odd that way.

I don’t reckon she ever had another man. Most men were smarter than to take up with such a mean woman who only got meaner with each passing day.

But him? Well, he wasn’t much to look at but for some reason, women beat a path to his door. Craziest thing you ever saw.

They’d fight over his runnin’ ‘round, she’d run him off and he’d take up with another woman. He’d stay gone a while then turn back up and she’d take him back.

A few times in the early years, he even got up in front of the church and asked the congregation’s forgiveness for the fool he’d been. After he’d ask the good Lord first, of course. Then after a while, he just quit asking the Lord or anybody.

They finally split up for good but she wouldn’t give the man his peace.

No siree. She’d call him up or chase him down, just to torment him. But, in all fairness, the Cajun gave up no ground to her. He gave

as good as he took.

“That woman’s got anger issues,” someone once said.

“Anger nothing! She’s plain, junkyard dog mean,” said another. “Some people just born to bedevil folks and she’s one of ‘un.”

Then one day, the fighting stopped. They said he had probably been dead three or so days before someone found him in his living room, keeled over from a heart that could take no more. And wouldn’t you know it? She wailed and carried on and made something of a fool of herself at the funeral home.

My friend, who had predicted early on, that they would kill each other, watched it all with great mirth.

“He didn’t die,” he said with a caustic smile. “He escaped.” He winked.

“Yeah, right about now, he’s probably giving the devil some tips. Things he learned from her.”

Well, the truth’s the truth.

Ronda Rich is the bestselling author of “What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman

Mind your pints, quarts and medicine cabinet If useless knowledge was on the SAT, I would have gone to Harvard.

Actually, that’s not true.

The SAT is full of useless knowledge, and I wouldn’t have gone to Harvard if they asked me because their football team stinks and most of their women do, too. And, also, I couldn’t get in based on my SAT score.

But useless knowledge can be useful in some cases: Bar bets, yelling at the television during “Jeopardy,” confusing would-be muggers, etc.

A bored reader recently forwarded the following nuggets of real, true and not-made-up useless knowledge. I have arranged them for your perusal in no particular order (with my own sarcastic comments in parentheses).

Impress the kinfolks with: ■ Coca-Cola was originally green.

■ The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:

Len Robbins Alaska.

■ Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. (What does it mean when you have dandruff?)

■ The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28 percent. The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38 percent.

■ Every day, more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury. (Are we sure this is still true?)

■ The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of 11: $6,400.

■ It is impossible to lick your elbow.

■ The average number of people airborne over the U.S. any given hour: 61,000.

■ The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and

lived in China in 1910. (No wonder they have a kajillion people over there.)

■ Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades, King David; Hearts, Charlemagne; Clubs, Alexander, the Great; Diamonds, Julius Caesar.

■ The youngest pope was 11 years old. (Little Bo Pope?)

■ If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.

If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

■ “I am.” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. (What about “I is?”)

■ Question: What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common? Answer: All were invented by women.

■ Q: What occurs more

Publisher Dennis L. Stockton

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

General Manager Norman Baggs Editor LeAnne Akin

often in December than any other month? A: Conception. (New Year’s Eve?) ■ Q: What is the only food that doesn’t spoil? A: Honey ■ Q: What is an activity performed by 40 percent of all people at a party? A: Snoop in your medicine cabinet. (Not me!)

■ In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them mind their own pints and quarts and settle down. It’s where we get the phrase “mind your P’s and Q’s.”

■ In Scotland, a new game was invented. It was entitled Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden ... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

How many of you tried to lick your elbow? I did.

Len Robbins is editor and publisher of the Clinch County News in Homerville.

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

Foliage Fest 2012 welcomes spring For the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council and other organizers, the weather for Saturday’s second annual Foliage Fest at the Jefferson City Clubhouse evolved into the perfect planting day for those who purchased trees, shrubs and other plants. Organizer Mary Dugan said the event doubled the number of vendors from last year and additional bands prompted extension of the event. Clockwise, from top left, Drake School of Irish Dance of Athens performed a jig and other dances as the Green Flag Band provided the sounds of St. Patty’s Day. Mick Weaver enjoyed listening to his dad Keith, the bass player for Red Oak Southern String Band. Outdoor Environments had a booth displaying a shrubs, hanging baskets, ornaments and trees. The bands entertained the crowd. The Humane Society of Jackson County had puppies for adoption. The Veggie Patch at Bouchard Farms had a variety of vegetables for purchase. More LeAnne Akin’s gallery at ClickThePaper.com

7A

CMYK 8A

The Paper   | Thursday, March 22, 2012

World’s smallest hearing aid.

Unbelievably small price.

INVISIBLE. AFFORDABLE.

$

750

ONLY

EA for a limited time

t Completely invisible when worn t Easy to remove t Comfortable to wear t Ready to go in just one visit

FIND OUT IF AMPâ„¢ IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

&OUSZ MFWFM BNQMJmFS 6Q UP E#T PG MPTT

AMP is a new kind of hearing device that sits invisibly in your ear canal. *U T UIF mSTU IFBSJOH TPMVUJPO UIBU T CPUI invisible AND affordable.

MARCH

OPEN HOUSE! THESE 4 DAYS ONLY! THURSDAY

22

FRIDAY

MONDAY

23 >L 9LJVNUPaL )LULÄ[Z MVY

26

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD SENIOR DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

TUESDAY

27

UNITED HEALTH CARE MANY MORE

FREE FREE FREE HEARING SCREENING

VIDEO OTOSCOPY

expires: 3/30/2012

expires: 3/30/2012

Steve Conner, H.A.D. Hearing Aid Dispenser

Liliana Conner, H.A.D. Hearing Aid Dispenser

2 PACKS of 4 BATTERIES

Limit 2 packs per customer expires: 3/30/2012

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

1 ( 866) 969-0303 GAINESVILLE 601 Broad St. SE, Suite A

1 ( 866) 938-0088 CUMMING

1445 Haw Creek Circle, Suite 503

CMYK

sports

Online: Visit ClickThePaper.com for up-to-date scores of area high school baseball, lacrosse and soccer games.

GHSA installing new rating system for Class A playoffs, also changing venues for several sports 2B

SECTION B | THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

high school baseball

Tallent lifts Panthers past old team

By MATT MAUNEY mmauney@clickthepaper.com

Matt Mauney The Paper

Jackson County’s Jesse Tallent takes a lead off first while Jefferson’s Andrew Bartek gets in position.

Tallent went 2-for-4 and got the win on the mound.

JEFFERSON — Monday night’s game between Jefferson posed an opportunity for Jackson County, an opportunity to avenge the Panthers painful loss to the Dragons in the regular season finale last year.

For one member of of Jackson County, Monday’s game meant just a little bit more – even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Jesse Tallent went 2-for-4 at the plate and picked up the win on the mound against his old team, as Jackson County

avenged last season’s blowout loss, beating the Dragons 9-5 Monday at home.

“He’s pretty much been a bulldog all year,” Jackson County head coach Tommy Fountain said of Tallent, who came in to relieve Jalen Banks in the fourth and pitched the rest of the way, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three.

Tallent also delivered at the plate, with two singles, a run scored and an RBI in the sixth that led to a four run inning that gave the Panthers a 9-4 lead. Tallent would walk Micah Carpenter that would

athlete spotlight — Frederique lefebvre

A dual commitment

later be driven in off a RBI double from Austin Thompson, but Tallent closed the game out by striking out the final two batters for the Dragons.

“He didn’t even have his best stuff tonight, but we were able to get what we needed out of him and it was a big outing for him tonight,” Fountain said.

“All week when I asked him if he was ready, he kept saying ‘it’s just another game’ but I think in my heart of hearts that it was more than that for him and really for all of us after what happened last year.”

See baseball, page 2B

high school golf

Jefferson bested by Buford Monday

By MATT MAUNEY mmauney@clickthepaper.com

Matt Mauney The Paper

BRASELTON — The Jefferson High boys’ and girls’ golf teams came up short in a match against Buford High Monday at Traditions Golf Club in Braselton.

The boys fell 187 to 170. Sophomore Daniel Kimmel posted a low medalist score of 36 for the Dragons. “(Kimmel) had a great round,” said coach Tom Parker.

Blair Cain shot a 43 while teammates Andrew Thompson and Eli Griffin shot a 47 and 61 respectively.

On the girls side, Hanna Chapman shot a 47 and Anna Alexander shot a 55, but the Lady Dragons came up short to the pair from Buford, falling 102 to 91.

Both Jefferson teams will face off against West Hall Monday at Traditions before the county match with Jackson County, Commerce and East Jackson later in the week. The boys will play Tuesday while the girls are set for Thursday. Both county matches are set for 3:30 p.m. at Double Oaks Golf Club in Commerce.

Mill Creek senior swimmer Frederique Lefebvre poses out front of the main entrance to Mill Creek High School. Lefebvre holds three school swimming records, is a three-time All-American, a four-time All-State swimmer and holds a 3.97 GPA.

Mill Creek swimmer setting standard of a true ‘student-athlete’

By MATT MAUNEY mmauney@clickthepaper.com For most of her life, Frederique Lefebvre has been focused on excelling in two areas — in the pool and in the classroom.

This fall, the Mill Creek senior will have the chance to continue her excellence in both, as she is committed to swim for Georgia Tech.

“I knew that I wanted to use swimming as a way to get in with a school with really good academics and Tech offers that, so I’m excited about that,” said Lefebvre, who is coming off a standout year with the

Mill Creek swim program and holds a 3.97 GPA. Swimming has been a passion for Lefebvre for a long time. She began swimming at age 6 when she joined a summer league team.

By the time she was 7, she was swimming year-round with Swim Atlanta.

“Before I started swimming year-round, I tried a bunch of sports, but to be good at one sport you have to focus on it, so I chose swimming and fell in love with it,” she said.

As time went on, she became a student of the sport, following swimming on the college, national and Olympic levels. One

of Lefebvre’s specialties is the individual medley, considered one of the toughest events in the sport due to the variety of strokes used.

“When I go to a competition I kind of scope out the competition, looking for which strokes my opponents are best at,” she explained. “With the IM, you use every stroke, so if I know that there’s a really good breast stroker then I know that I have to get ahead of them early because I’m not as good at breast stroke.”

Her strategy has worked out quite well throughout her high school career,

See LEFEBVRE, page 2B

Matt Mauney The Paper

Jefferson’s Eli Griffin hits a shot out of a sand trap at Traditions Golf Club Monday in a match with Buford.

high school football

Harrison filling out staff, settling in at Jackson County

By MATT MAUNEY mmauney@clickthepaper.com One word can sum up what the last month and a half has been like for Benji Harrison — busy.

The new Jackson County football coach dove in head first to his first head coaching role when he officially began work at JCCHS Feb. 8.

He has had little free time since,

as he has been working toward getting a staff together and getting spring workouts going.

“The staff as a whole is coming along real well.

We’ve still got a couple guys that we’re working on to bring in here, but the ones we’ve got are a good staff that will bring a lot of experience,” Harrsion Harrison Allen said.

One of the first additions to the new staff was Charles “Chuck” Allen, who has served the last six seasons coaching the offensive line at North Gwinnett.

Allen will serve as the offensive line coach for the Panthers and will also help coordinate the offense with Harrsion, who came from Flowery Branch where he served as offensive coordinator.

Allen came to North Gwinnett from Kentucky with current

Bulldogs head coach Bob Sphire in 2006.

Allen was an assistant under Sphire at Lexington Catholic High School (Ky.) and for the Lexington Horsemen, a former professional indoor football team that was a member of the now defunct National Indoor Football League and later became a member of United Indoor Football and the developmental league of the Arena Football League, the AF2.

See STAFF, page 2B

High school basketball high school baseball

high school football

Changes for basketball playoffs announced Despite three hits, Mill Creek gets win

GHSA adopting new heat saftey program

The finals of the GHSA state basketball tournaments will be held at a different venue next season as the Arena at Gwinnett Center is unavailable for the next two Final Fours. It is not yet decided which venue will take the place, but the GHSA did decide to do away with neutral site games for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. State quarterfinal basketball games will now be hosted by the higher-seeded teams, while each class will then host semifinal matchups at the same site.

On Monday, Georgia became the latest state to adopt preseason heat acclimatization guidelines for secondary school athletics. In just the past year, Connecticut, New Jersey, Texas and North Carolina have followed this trend. The 50-member executive committee of the Georgia High School Association voted Monday to adopt the recommendations of the National Athletic Trainers Association led Inter-Association Task Force on Preseason Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines for Secondary School Athletics.

Mill Creek outlasted Region 7-AAAAA rival Mountain View 4-1 Monday despite only three hits from the Hawks offense. Kane Fraser threw a complete game for Mill Creek, giving up six hits and one earned run with five strikeouts and no walks. Nick Tillman and Tad Newman each went 1-for-3 with an RBI for the Hawks (6-4, 3-1). Mountain View out-hit Mill Creek 73 and received two hits each from Peyton Fore and Tyler Bethune, while Brandon Griffin added a hit and a run.

CMYK 2B

Sports

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

Chopper coming to Lamar Murphy Park in Jefferson Saturday

baseball from page 1B

Panthers take lead in fifth, add four more insurance runs in sixth

Doug Chellew The Paper

Chopper, the official mascot of the Gwinnett Braves, will be making a special appearance at Lamar Murphy Park in Jefferson Saturday for the opening of spring youth baseball for Jackson County Parks and Recreation.

Things didn’t start that well for Jackson County however, as starter Kolin Zimmer had difficulties locating pitches and never got out of the first for the Panthers.

Zimmer – who threw a no-hitter against Clarke Central in his previous start — walked two, gave up one hit and hit two batters with the bases loaded to give Jefferson a quick 2-0 lead.

Banks would relieve Zimmer and get out of the early jam.

“Jalen has had some control issues so far and he didn’t have his best stuff either tonight, but he just battled and went far enough along where

staff from page 1B

Team plans to begin spring practice April 30 Allen was part of the staff that won Indoor Bowl IV with the Horsemen in 2004 and won a Kentucky state championship the following year with Lexington Catholic as an assistant. Allen is also an alumnus of Lexington Catholic.

Allen coached in a similar system as Harrison and has had contact with him throughout the years at various conferences and camps.

“The big thing I believe in is being physical and finishing through the whistle,” Allen said.

“Setting the tone up front is a big part of what we want to do and will allow us to do what we want to do offensively.”

Harrison also added that the two share an up-tempo approach when it comes to coaching offense.

“We both believe in a fast-paced offense that keeps the defense on their toes and spreads the ball around to stretch the field,” Harrison explained.

Harrison, who has made a career out of being a successful offensive coach under a spread attack, was quick to point out that he and Allen believe in being physical more than playing with finesse.

“Everybody thinks that you’re a finesse team if you run the spread, but we don’t feel that way,” Harrison said. “We want to be a physical spread team and it’s all in the demeanor of how you coach your kids with that.”

When it comes to defense, Harrison has brought in Tiviris Dixon, who served as the co-defensive coordinator at Gainesville High. Dixon will be the defensive coordinator for the Panthers and is a “good fit” into the new system according to Harrison.

Dixon also served as the head track coach at Gainesville. It is not yet known if he will coach track at JCCHS. Gainesville Dixon put up some impressive numbers on defense last season under Dixon and other defensive coaches. The Red Elephants allowed just 10.6 points per game between their season opening loss against with Buford (49-0) and the final game of the season against Burke County in the state semifinals.

Both Allen and Dixon were officially introduced and approved at the Jackson County Board of Education meeting Monday.

Harrison said that there are still some positions to fill on his inaugural staff, but is pleased with the way things have been going.

“What’s important for me is building a staff that has a similar vision and can all buy into what we want to do here,” Harrison said. “Putting together a staff is a

puzzle and we want to make sure we bring in guys that fit into what we want to do.”

As for staff members retained from the previous staff under Billy Kirk, Harrison said several familiar faces will be a part of his first staff.

David Darling will return and will handle the secondary along with special teams. Brent Gilstrap will be back as the wide receivers coach and Robby Camp also will return.

Harrison said that there are still some previous staff members that are “on the fence” about returning, but would not comment further.

The Georgia High School Association set Feb. 1 as the date that teams statewide could begin spring football practice, but Harrison decided to hold off on the start date until April 30.

“I like to start spring practice later because I feel that there’s more carry over into the summer,” he said.

The extra time also gives Harrison a chance to finalize his staff and get things in order for spring practice.

In the meantime, Harrison reported good turnouts to volunteer weight training and conditioning and expects a good turnout of returning and new players come the end of April.

“Things have been coming along nicely,” he said. “It’s been busy, but it’s been a fun busy.”

Lefebvre from page 1B

Swimmer looking forward to staying close to home, competing in state-of-art facility

Graham Robson The Paper

Frederique Lefebvre competes in the 200 Individual Medley during the 5-A GHSA state championship at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center in February. where she is a three-time AllAmerican and a four-time AllState swimmer. She holds three school records at Mill Creek — 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay and 400 freestyle relay.

Her accomplishments in the pool speak for itself, but according to Lefebvre’s high school coach, it is her dedication and leadership that makes her a rare find.

“Frederique is one of the hardest working student athletes that we’ve ever had at Mill Creek,” said Rick Creed. “She’s a tremendous leader and outstanding role model. She always puts the team ahead of her own personal goals.”

This hard work and dedication transcends into the classroom, where Lefebvre has balanced a loaded class schedule full of AP classes with a daily practice regimen.

Lefebvre said that swimming in college has been a goal for a long time, but that didn’t affect her being selective with where she wanted to attend. Tech showed interest as soon as the period began where colleges could openly recruit swimmers — July 1 — but Lefebvre held off initially as she wanted to attend and swim for Vanderbilt.

With just two spots available, things with Vanderbilt fell through and Tech became and stayed the frontrunner.

“As soon as I heard that I wouldn’t be able to swim for them, I contacted Tech immediately and they offered me on the spot,” she said.

With plans to attend medical school after her undergrad, Lefebvre wanted to attend and swim for a school known for top notch academics. Not only did Tech fit the bill, but they also offered several other perks.

“Being a collegiate athlete, I’ll get to stay in the athlete dorms and get tutors to help me out if I need it,” she said. “We also get our own locker rooms and (recreation) room and stuff like that, so I’m excited about the whole experience of not just going to Tech as a student, but representing them as a swimmer.”

Location also proved to be a positive, even though it wasn’t always a top criterion.

“I always thought that I was going to go out of state, but now that I thought about it, I’m excited to be close to home and my family,” she said.

Her family will have many opportunities to come watch her

swim throughout her college career, as Tech hosts more meets than the average school thanks to their state of the art facility — a facility that played host to all swimming and diving events during the 1996 Olympic Games.

She will also feel comfortable practicing and competing in her college facility, as the Georgia Tech Aquatics Center has played host to the high school state championships and other regional USA Swimming events for the past several years.

“I’ve had the chance to swim there a lot and I just love it,” she said. “It ranks as one of the best facilities in the nation and that’s exciting to be able to compete there.”

Lefebvre plans on majoring in Biology and then attend medical school. While she is still undecided on which branch of medicine she wants to pursue, her desire to get into the medical field has been with her since she was 14, when she began talking with a physical therapist at the Swim Atlanta on Hamilton Mill, where she practices.

“We became really good friends and ever since then, I wanted to get into the medical field,” she said.

Lefebvre took advantage of the opportunities to get a jump start on her new passion by taking related classes at Mill Creek like anatomy and sports medicine. She has also held internships at local hospitals.

Lefebvre knows that balancing a full class load with two-a-day practices and weight training for swimming will be a lot to balance, but she said she’s up for the challenge.

“College swimming is even more of a commitment, so I’m kind of nervous to see how it’s going to pan out, but I’ve always been dedicated and hard working, so hopefully the transition won’t be too difficult.”

we could go to Jesse,” Fountain explained.

Jackson County took a 4-0 lead in the second off a two-RBI double from Chase Dunlap, followed

by RBI from Austin Robinson and Quinn Grogan.

Jefferson would tie things up at four in the fourth, when Banks led off the inning with backto-back walks before Tallent was brought in.

Andrew Bartek and Tyler Cole picked up RBIs for the Dragons in the inning.

The Panthers would respond in the fifth, when Trey Sorrells singled to lead off the the inning before being

driven in three batters later by Banks. Sorrells would finish 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, while Banks finished 2for-3 with one RBI. Nick Corso also recorded two hits for the Panthers, who finished with 12 total.

Thompson led the Dragons, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Cole tallied two RBIs on a single and a hit-by-pitch.

Jefferson hosted Jackson County Wednesday for the back end of the home and away series. Visit ClickThePaper.com for a recap of Wednesday’s game.

high school sports

GHSA installs rating system Change will also be coming to basketball tournament locations

By ZAC TAYLOR Regional staff MACON — It was described as a cross between the BCS and NCAA college basketball, and it’s coming to high school sports in Georgia.

It’s the new power ratings system, which will determine which teams advance to the separate public and private Class A state playoffs, and how they are seeded.

MondayattheMaconMarriott City Center, the Georgia High School Association Executive Committee put in place much of the structure for the upcoming 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years, including how to manage the switch from five to seven state champions.

At the January meeting, the committee ratified the new classification and region realignment, which added a sixth classification, as well as voting to split Class A state championships between public and private schools.

The new rating system, which will be employed for Class A football, softball, baseball and basketball, varies from sport to sport, and will determine, based on wins and strength of opponents, which wild card teams (teams that did not win their region) will advance to the state tournaments. The system is needed because Class A schools will still play regular season schedules in mixed regions that include both public and private schools.

When the regular season ends, each of the eight region champions will automatically qualify for either the public or private 16-team state tournament. Then the GHSA will compute rankings to determine seeding for both wild card and region winners in the playoffs.

Cross country, track and field, golf and tennis will all also be split in Class A, although they will use an area rather than a region format.

The area format is used for sports that lack the necessary teams for regions, thus schools from a larger area can be grouped together. In many sports this includes a sectional tournament to thin the state tournament field.

Due to the limited number of teams competing in Class A volleyball, wrestling, swimming and diving, soccer, lacrosse, riflery and gymnastics, these sports will not compete in separate championships.

In other news, basketball and soccer teams will be heading to new venues in next year’s state championships.

The committee voted to put quarterfinal basketball games at the site of the higher seed instead of regional venues like Dalton or Savannah. Semifinal games will then be held at one location for each classification and championship games at a separate location, instead of both games being at either Macon or Gwinnett as they have been in the past. New locations are yet to be determined.

The GHSA will also be able to determine, based on state finals matchups, at which location and at what time each game will be played. The

determinations will be based on many factors and will be made as soon as semifinal games are completed.

“We wanted to increase our options, not limit them,” GHSA Executive Director Ralph Swearngin said. “This gives us more options.”

As for soccer, championship games will be played at either the Kennesaw State’s soccer field or the Silverback professional soccer stadium at the juncture of Interstate 85 and Interstate 285.

While much of the meeting was spent looking to the future, an appeal had the members looking to the past.

The committee granted Gordon Lee High School the Class A wrestling duals state championship after representatives argued that a decision at the tournament in January was made incorrectly and resulted in Holy Innocents’ winning the title in a close finals match.

The majority of the committee voted to give Gordon Lee the state championship based on the findings.

“I knew it could go either way,” said Swearngin, who added that he did not think they should not be considered co-champions, as that could diminish the honor. “I’m still concerned with the precedent it set.”

Holy Innocents’, which had representatives present as well, will not lose its state title.

Some of the more spirited discussion at the meeting involved football practice.

The committee voted to allow schools to start practice up to five work days before Aug. 1, at which time teams can practice in full pads.

During the discussion, a motion was made to vote to end spring football practice.

After much discussion, it was agreed to send the proposal to the football committee for review. Still, the motion raised some debate between members, some of whom have had a hard time fitting spring practice in.

Another motion that the committee will look further into was brought up by the Region 8-AAA representative, who asked the committee for a survey to determine the interest in moving golf from the spring to the fall, when, the member said, the courses are in better shape.

The survey will also include the possibility of moving either girls or boys to spring and leaving the other in the fall.

Swearngin said that the results of the survey will be available in time for discussion during the August meeting.

A number of other proposals were denied or tabled. A proposal to allow GISA and GHSA schools to play one another will be looked at later, as will a proposal to move baseball state championships to a central site.

A proposal by the golf committee to expand the state golf championships to a twoday, 36-hole event was denied; a separate motion to allow three girls golfers to have their scores counted in Classes AAAAAAAAA was passed.

CMYK

FEATURES PAGE 3B | THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Relay For Life is about birthdays to celebrate Cancer survivors are troopers. They have been victorious in the cancer battle and are willing to keep fighting — for themselves and for others.

Relay For Life is a positive, uplifting and optimistic event that celebrates not only Farah cancer survivors, but Bohannon remembers lost loved Columnist ones and helps those who are battling cancer to fight back.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Relay For Life, it is a relay style event, according to www.relayforlife.org. The event takes place somewhere with a track, and teams will walk around it various times throughout the duration of the event, showing support. There will be several fundraising opportunities as well as entertainment, friends, food and fun! This event is always family friendly.

If this is something that sparks your interest, there is a meeting for the Relay For Life of Braselton-Hoschton at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in the Braselton Community Room. The meeting is for already- formed teams, anyone interested in starting one and those who simply want more information.

Ramona Grace Evans The Paper

Potter David Meaders, speaker at the Lunch and Learn hosted by Friends of the Braselton-West Jackson Library, is known for his efforts to carry on the family tradition. Inset: One of Meaders’ famous face jugs bought for $75 at the program.

POTTERY

David Meaders’ connection to the past

By RAMONA GRACE EVANS revans@clickthepaper.com

Relay For Life of Braselton-Hoschton is from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and to 7 a.m on Saturday, May 5, at Hoschton Park.

A Tuesday, March 27, meeting will convene at 7 p.m. in the Braselton Community Room.

Victoria Patrick, the Community Manager with the American Cancer Society is enthusiastic about the upcoming meeting and Relay event.

“This meeting will cover how to form a team, it will discuss fundraising ideas and go over the specifics of the Relay event,” she says. “Anyone can get involved! They can start a team, join a team, donate, fundraise or join the planning committee that organizes the Relay event.”

Patrick is also excited about the 14 teams that are already involved with Relay For Life of Braselton-Hoschton.

“We have schools participating such as West Jackson Primary, Middle and Intermediate schools as well as Gum Springs Elementary School. There are churches participating as well -- Hoschton First Methodist, Northeast Church, Center UMC and West Liberty to name a few.” Patrick stated happily.

There are also other various groups participating throughout the community such as the Hometown Community Bank, Municipal Coalition and Family Friends teams.

Schools will come up with fun ideas for fundraising such as pajama or hat days for the children and Hometown Community Bank does a delicious chicken barbecue.

Check out the Growing Up In Hoschton/ Braselton Facebook group for interesting ideas as well. The fundraising ideas are endless — come to the meeting on March 27 to find out more.

“It is never too late to join a team,” Patrick said. “We’ve had successful teams join just two weeks before the event. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to join, volunteering the day of the event is absolutely wonderful.”

Even if you aren’t able to attend the event, you can donate. Relay For Life takes any amount — big or small — and it is all for a great cause. You can also purchase fundraising cookbooks featuring recipes of survivors and Relay team members.

The Relay For Life event in our area will take place at Hoschton Park from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and to 7 a.m on Saturday, May 5. It will be sponsored again this year

by Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Relay For Life of Jackson County will be held June 1 at Gresham Motorosports Park in Jefferson.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org Please visit http://main. acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/ RFLFY12SA?px=23039253&pg=personal &fr_id=39823 for more information about fundraising and Relaying.

Farah Bohannon is a freelance writer living in Winder. She loves to utilize her writing and marketing skills with inspiring stories.

Reach her at farah.bohannon@gmail.com

While some passively observe the slow and steady end to tradition, David Meaders has dedicated his life’s work to preserving it.

The Friends of the Braselton Library were pleased to have Meaders as the guest speaker at its March 14 Lunch and Learn.

President Judee McMurdo introduced the presentation: “David is the most exciting person I’ve met in a long time.”

It is apparent that many from the community agreed as the event had its second month of record-breaking attendance.

As the grandson of well-known North Georgia Folk Potter Cheever Meaders and wife Arie, his legacy began in 1892 when his grandparents began to produce utility pottery for storing food. In 1904 the invention of a glass-shaping machine allowed for mass distribution of glass jars and bottles, ending the utilitarian era of pottery. His grandmother’s artistic flare designated the family pottery as a collector’s item.

Fast forward almost 90 years of folk creations and David Meaders has taken over the family shop in Mossy Creek in Hall County. His uncle Lanier is known for his blue rooster pottery while he is known for continuing the use of the practical tobacco spit glaze of his grandfather as well as the face jugs that have become increasingly popular.

Now in his own shop with an apprentice, David digs his own clay and produces his own glazes. “There really isn’t much to it,” he joked.

Ramona Grace Evans The Paper

The turquoise piece was crafted by his wife using cobalt metal oxides. The piece in the back is with his grandfather’s tobacco spit glaze that actually is very practical in that is seals the clay so that the contents won’t leak through imperfections.

He didn’t always want to be a potter. “The things of the world intrigued me when I was young instead of that old mud.” He spent an entire winter experimenting with glazes and later this became the profession of both he and his wife Anita.

“It was a lot of fun at first and it still is fun but at some point it became a job,” he recalls. The couple learned to adjust their standard of living on a day-to-day basis depending on sales. His creations are reasonably priced ranging for what he humors to be between “a dollar and a million.”

The Meaders legacy is famous and well documented. “The Meaders Family of Mossy Creek” is a Smithsonian documentary done in 1966 with pottery pieces showcased in the museum. Nancy Swizzy featured the family in her book “Raised in Clay” and Dirty Jobs, a television show on Discovery, visited David in 2007. Pieces can be seen at the North Georgia Folk Pottery Museum and at various festivals.

Considered a dying breed, David continues the tradition of Georgia Folk Pottery despite concerns for finances. “With the economy how it is the desire to make pottery fades with the newer generations,” he commented.

He is the last of his bloodline to maintain the craft and welcomes any visitor to his shop.

Sharing a shave

St. Baldrick’s headshaving becomes a family affair

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Chris Baggett holds son Darian, getting his head shaved at right, as he kisses the bald head of his wife, Kimberly Baggett, top individual fundraiser in the St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

If you see more bald people in and around Barrow County in the coming weeks, check for a button on their lapel. “Ask me why I’m bald,” the button says.

A number of volunteers had their heads shaved on Saturday as an act of solidarity with the children who are being treated for cancer.

Chris and Kimberly Baggett and one of their twin 5-year-old sons, Darian, made participation in Saturday’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation effort a family affair. Son Kaden joined in for a

See SHAVE, page 4B

CMYK 4B

Features

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

One-of-a-kind book signing set for March 29

FOR DOCTORS’ DAY

Country doctors exhibit set to open Crawford W. Long Museum March 30

The Birdhouse Studio & Gallery hosting five authors For The Paper

For The Paper In recognition of National Doctors’ Day, ride along for the journey of medical advancements as seen through the practices of Jefferson’s own physicians.

From 1830 to 1957, doctors in a rural practice continued to treat basic illnesses while adapting to changing medical theories. These doctors not only treated friends, but family members as well, forcing them to deal first-hand with the shortcomings of their professions.

On March 30, the Crawford Long Museum opens a temporary exhibit showcasing the town doctors of Jefferson; George R. Grant, Crawford Long, John David Long, J.B. Pendergrass, Charles Brock, Sumner Smith, C.B Lord and James Stovall.

The exhibit will run through Sept. 29.

In 1933, Mrs. Charles B. Almond, a doctor’s wife in Winder, presented her medical auxiliary with the idea of setting aside a special day to honor Doctors of Medicine; and the auxiliary adopted a resolution designating the day of March 30 each year as Doctors’ Day in honor of the date the famous Jefferson, Georgia resident, Dr. Crawford W. Long, first used ether as anesthesia.

In 1935 the Southern Medical Association Alliance initiated celebration of Doctors’ Day, an observance which culminated in the 1990 proclamation by President George Bush of March 30th as National Doctors’ Day. In honor of this day red carnations will be delivered to local doctors by the museum staff and Jefferson Girl Scout troops 11936 and 11980. The red carnation has become the symbol of Doctor’s Day for the qualities of love, charity, sacrifice, bravery and courage.

LeAnne Akin The Paper

The moument honoring Dr. Crawford W. Long stands on the square in downtown Jefferson.

A memorial wreath commemorating the 170th anniversary of Dr. Long’s discovery of anesthesia will be placed on Long’s monument in Jefferson by Fred and Ryan Gurley of Crawford Long Pharmacy.

The Country Doctors of Jefferson exhibition is included in regular museum admission prices. For further information, contact the museum at 706-367-5307.

Museum operating hours at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

See more community happenings at ClickThePaper.com Submit your community events to editor@clickthepaper. com or call The Paper at 706-658-2683.

SHAVE from page 3B

Brooks House was the event’s special honored guest picture with Gwinnett Braves mascot.

Darian and Kaden’s greatgrandmother Marie said she was proud of the family decision to be involved and support St. Baldrick’s, volunteer driven organization that raises money to fund childhood cancer research. Kim was the top individual fundraiser with $1,515.

As the trimmers hummed in the hands of stylists including Cathy Peters, Kimberly Pollard and Elizabeth Baird, hair fell to the floor as firefighters, law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, Junior ROTC cadets including Aaron Hunnicut, Seth Giles and Michael Gentry and others volunteered to lose their hair for a price.

Fundraising was the name

of the game and the Baggetts raised more than $1,700 and Kim also gave four ponytails to Locks of Love. It was a twofor-one donation.

The second annual event, coordinated by Barrow County Emergency Services Lt. Rob Nowakowski and his wife Karen at Dakota’s Grill & Bar in Auburn, honored Brooks House, a 6-year-old battling childhood cancer. He got special recognition from the Gwinnett Braves mascot and he challenged all takers at pool. Brooks has been undergoing treatment after his diagnosis last year of Ewing Sarcoma. He and his parents Dana and Michael House were overwhelmed by the Saturday event.

“This is such a blessing,” said Dana House. “We are

overwhelmed.”

Sixty-eight people volunteered to have their heads shaved including cancer survivor Melinda Shealey, who said she was doing it for the kids. Her oldest son Trent is also a cancer survivor.

“I’m here for Brooks,” said Shealey as she flashed a big smile after her hair was on the floor.

Teams included the Winder-Barrow Bulldog Battalion, Barrow County Emergency Services which raised $3,503, Razors Edge Hair Shop, the Auburn Police Department, Barrow County Professional Firefighters, Auburn’s Helping Hand, Lanier Tech Fire Science and Team Schuler. Auburn Chief Paul Nadeau was joined by Officers Willis, Kimber and

Pendergrass in getting a Organizers set a fundraising goal of $20,000 and $11,627 had been raised at last check. To make a donation, contact Lt. Rob Nowakowski at 770-652-8245 or log onto www.stbaldricks. org/events/dakotasauburn and choose one of the many volunteers.

See LeAnne Akin’s photo gallery of more scenes at ClickThePaper.com

The Birdhouse Studio & Gallery in Hoschton will be hosting a free book-signing event that will feature five local authors.

The event, from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, will feature Grace M. Collins, Jaclyn Weldon White, Robbie Bettis, John Sheppard and Carol Holzhalb.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet each author, hear about the personal experiences in writing the books, ask questions and purchase autographed and dedicated copies of their books.

Each author offers a different style of writing and different subject matter to interest everyone. For example, Shepard has been working as a full time free-

lance cartoonist for nearly 20 years and Holzhalb is a psychotherapist who selfpublished her children’s book, “Whistle.”

Guests will also enjoy live background music while having the opportunity to browse through the art gallery.

The gallery, located at 1866 Highway 211 in Braselton, features original and award-winning art including pottery, photography, oil and acrylic paintings, multi-media pieces, natural wood art, baskets and Curator Linda Griffiths’ watercolors.

Wine and cheese hors d’œuvres will also be provided. This is a free event.

For more information, call Linda Griffiths at 678707-9206.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

5B

ENTERTAINMENT

May be time to employ a little psychological warfare Dear Margo: My roommate’s mother commented about my weight — to the roommate, who is now giving me an ultimatum about Weight Watchers, or she will never do anything for me again. (I tried WW once, and it’s not an experience I wish to repeat.) That she is issuing an ultimatum really hurt, but to make it worse, she said she won’t hear any “excuses.”

All I get is defense of Weight Watchers, comments on my eating habits and reiterations of the ultimatum. Did I mention she says, “I’m not saying this to be mean” every time?

And that she’s called me fat, adding, “I’m sorry but you are.”

I have nowhere else to go. I have a cat and can’t afford my own place. I would also hate to lose a friendship over this. I’m not in the least proud of my weight, but the mother’s butting in and the roommate’s behavior as a result upset me greatly. I doubt either of them is concerned about my health, and in the mother’s case, what should

Dear Margo she care anyway? What can I do? — Beleaguered Dear Be: I would throw the discomfort back her way.

Tell the pushy roommate you resent being browbeaten, the subject is none of her business or her mother’s, you’re tired of the insults, and maybe she should see a counselor about her insensitivity, if not meanness. I suspect her financial situation is similar to yours, so maybe drop into the conversation that if she doesn’t tone it down about your weight, one of you may have to consider alternative living arrangements.

— Margo, tactically Dear Margo: My husband has custody of his three sons from his first marriage. The

boys’ mother is an alcoholic, and at the time of the custody battle, she was also addicted to meth. Her current husband shares her addictions.

Visitation with the mother was limited by court order to four hours a week, and she rarely shows up.

Last year on Mother’s Day, after not seeing them for months, she did pick the boys up and took them to a local lake. During the visit, her husband, in a fit of anger, physically assaulted one of the boys. We filed and received a protective order against their stepfather the next day.

Since that day, the mother has been verbally and emotionally abusing the boys on a near daily basis via telephone. She calls, drunk, dozens of times a day to tell them they don’t love her, that they’ll be sorry one day for the way they “treat her.”

(They are actually respectful, but tired of her abuse, they are starting to stand up for themselves.) If the boys turn off their cell phones, the

messages escalate into the hundreds. When she calls to talk to one of us, she accuses us of taking her boys from her, as well as causing her addictions and problems.

We spoke to our lawyer about terminating her rights.

We were told that as long as she shows up, even if sporadically, and pays her child support (garnished by the state for the first two years when she did not pay), there’s nothing we can do. (Though she did lose her job yesterday for regularly showing up drunk.)

We cannot make her stop. We cannot make her change. We cannot make her face reality. We can only be there for the boys and try to comfort and counsel them through the anguish. If you happen to have any advice about how to make the situation better, I am all ears. — Helpless Stepmom Dear Help: Isn’t alcoholism a terrible and destructive thing? One thing you can do is send your boys to Al-Anon so they can gain understanding and get support from people

WORKING IT OUT

who have “been there.” On a practical level, because this woman has lost her job, there will be no child support, meaning that you may be able to stop the visits. Regarding the drunk dialing, you all might consider changing your numbers.

The good news is that the visits are sporadic. And ... though you don’t say how old the boys are, there comes a time when kids can make their own decisions about seeing or not seeing a parent. Good luck. The turmoil will at some point be over.

— Margo, thornily Dear Margo: I’ve been close to “Maggie” for 30 years, from the time we were young mothers in our 20s. We’ve always had a joke pledge that we would never do anything to our faces. I don’t know what your position is, but we both thought it was unnecessary and phony.

Well, lo and behold, Maggie, after some weeks away (“visiting a cousin”), returns looking, uh, quite refreshed.

I mean, the wrinkles are gone, and so are the jowls.

What would you suggest I say to open this discussion?

— Longtime Friend Dear Long: Nothing. In this case, her face speaks for her. Unless she brings up the subject, why cause her embarrassment? The kindest thing would be to play along, telling her the “rest” did wonders for her, and let her think you’ve bought her story. Where’s the harm?

As I’ve written before, facelifts are a dicey business.

You can wind up looking like a Picasso, suffer nerve damage, or look pulled and shiny.

Some faces are so changed that friends might think you’re in the Witness Protection Program. ‘Nuff said.

— Margo, naturally Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers’ daughter. All letters must be sent via the online form at www.creators.com/dearmargo. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.

Tell us what you think Send an e-mail to editor@clickthepaper.com, call 706-658-2683, or send a letter to us at The Paper, P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548.

JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

SOLUTION

CMYK 6B

Schools

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

Miss Jackson Pageant held with funds going toward cheerleader For The Paper The fifth annual Miss Jackson County Pageant held March 3 was a huge success, drawing 85 participants in nine divisions.

The pageant was created as a fundraiser for the Jackson County Cheerleaders, and pageant director Barbara Rinker was instrumental as always hiring judges, getting prizes and helping the girls backstage Anny O’Steen as well as at rehearsal Friday night.

Special thanks this year go to Bonnie Roberts, theater teacher at JCCHS, for her help with sound and lights, Kenny Jamison for emceeing and Madelyn Zalewski, Jessica MacKinnon and Aidden Toops for providing entertainment. The cheerleaders and their moms did a fantastic job as hostesses and weathering the tornado together underneath the stage March 2.

The Spirit Club has also chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds to its own Varsity Football Cheerleader Sydney Strickland who turned 17 on March 20. She was to begin chemo today after being diagnosed two weeks ago with bone cancer.

“The cheerleaders wanted to do something to help Sydney and her family with the insurmountable costs associated with a long fight with cancer and what better way than donate the part of the money they worked hard to earn at the pageant,” said Merelle McMenomy, adviser.

If you are interested in making a donation to Sydney, email the cheerleading booster club at jcchscheerleaders@gmail.com where you can get information about future fundraising for expenses.

“Thank you for your participation and we hope you come back for the 2013 Miss Jackson County Pageant,” said McMenomy.

Miss Jackson Pageant Winners Baby Miss winner was Teagan Presley with Baby Miss 1st runner up and the people’s choice Mylee Garrett and Baby Miss 2nd runner up and photogenic Elliott “Ellie” Louise Jones Lora Payne was the Junior Miss winner and the people’s choice, with Junior Miss 1st runner up Megan Paiter, Junior Miss 2nd runnerup Desiree Green and Junior Miss photogenic winner Rachel Marie Hardegree Little Miss winners were 1st runnerup Campbell Turner, 2nd runnerup Emily Russell, Little Miss people’s choice Caroline Weatherly and Little Miss photogenic winner Megan Wester.

Raven Jones was the Miss Jackson winner with1st runnerup Taylor Hays and Miss Jackson photogenic and 2nd runnerup Samantha Roundtree.

Ava Neely was the Petite Miss Winner. Also in Petite Miss was Christa Bland, 1st runnerup; Cailey Thompson, 2nd runnerup; Jaycee Dillow, the people’s choice; and Ella Catherine Hardegree, photogenic.

Haley McMenomy was the Pre- Teen Miss Winner. Also in Pre-Teen was Taylor Tristian Sorrow, 1st runner up; Brooklin Russell, the people’s choice; and Madison Abbott, photogenic and 2nd runnerup.

Raven Jones

Megan Wester

Haley McMenomy

Baby Miss winner Teagan Presley

Abby O’Steen was the Teen Miss photogenic winner with Delaney Dewitt was the Tiny Miss photogenic and overall winner with Ansley Neely, 1st runner up; Madison Martin, 2nd runner up; and Adelyn Lovejoy as the peoples’ choice.

Chrislyn Bland was the Toddler Miss Winner with Marlee Garrett as 2nd runnerup and the people’s choice; and Avery Elizabeth Elrod as photogenic winner and 1st runnerup.

State making transferring class credits between colleges and tech schools easier

By SAVANNAH KING Regional staff Georgia students now will be able to transfer more of their college course credits between state technical colleges and universities.

The Board of Regents voted March 14 to accept another 17 courses as transferable between the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia.

“This is all designed to help configure our systems in ways to better serve our students,” said John Millsaps, Board of Regents associate vice chancellor for media and publications.

Local educators are excited about the opportunities the decision will provide students.

“This is just incredible for our students because we truly are looking at seamless education now,” Lanier Technical College Vice President of Academic Affairs Linda Barrow said.

Now a total of 27 classes have

been approved as transferable. The courses include history, literature, math, biology and other general education courses that students typically take during their first few semesters.

“We’re trying to remove as many barriers as possible,” said Al Panu, vice president of academic affairs at Gainesville State College.

He said the decision is important for many reasons, the main being that it will save students time and money by not having to retake courses. In the past, students who took courses at a state technical college but wanted to transfer to a university would have to retake most, if not all, of their general education courses.

“We don’t want to tell a student ‘Sorry, those don’t count. Sorry, you have to start over. Sorry, you have to pay us more money,’” Millsaps said.

Millsaps explained that the Board of Regents has made sure there is a high degree of symmetry in these courses between both systems so

that students, regardless of where they start, can get the same quality education.

Many students begin taking college courses while in high school.

Students in dual enrollment will benefit by having the option of taking credits with them, no matter what they decide to do after graduation.

“If they decide to transfer, they would have the option and the flexibility to do that, and it hasn’t been that way in the past,” Lanier Technical College President Russell Vandiver said.

Vandiver said that in his 36 years with Lanier Tech “this is the single biggest thing to happen from the standpoint of allowing our students more flexibility that I’ve ever seen.”

The decision came as part of “Complete College Georgia” an initiative to get more college graduates in the state’s workforce.

According to “Complete College Georgia,” by the year 2020, 60 percent of Georgia’s workforce will

need some level of higher education. Now only 42 percent of adults in Georgia have that skill level.

That means the number of Georgians completing college needs to increase by 250,000 over the current rate.

“The idea is that you’re not going to be able to do that unless you work together unless the university system, the technical system, the K-12 system work together better,” Millsaps said.

To help create that partnership, students from both systems will present ideas on what works and what doesn’t work Monday at a Completion Summit in Athens.

Colleges will also present their ideas on how to increase graduates.

Millsaps said the hope is that the summit will start the discussion on how to develop programs to help students.

“Going to college is tough enough as it is. We don’t want to make it any harder than it has to be,” he said.

Lakeview Academy

Braselton resident earns National Merit Finalist honors GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA – Lakeview Academy senior Sahara Calderhead of Braselton was named a Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

High school students entered the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) – a test which serves as an initial screen of more than 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Sahara was among only 15,000 students in the U.S. who qualified and received a Certificate of Merit.

cmyk CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Services 000 011-Adult Care Country HeritageVacancy.

770-965-8998 I Will SIT with elderly.

Full or part-time.

Ask for Della, 770-535-1699 OASIS SPA- Under New Mgmt. Best Service in Town!

770-503-9160

Announcements 100 170-Notices 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

Jobs 200 230-General Sales Agents INSIDE SALES IN BUFORD, GA Join our expanding company! We now have an exciting opportunity to offer a path to being an experienced Salesperson in the manufacturing industry in our SALES PERSON TRAINEE PROGRAM Reporting to the Sales Manager, you will be responsible for providing a quality service to customers, ensuring that the customer is dealt with promptly and efficiently. The focus of the role is to maximize sales in a 3 month training period through excellent product knowledge and service as well as looking after individual accounts internally. All prospecting/ sales material is provided we are searching for highly motivated and aggressive individuals only.

Spanish/English Bilingual is a plus. Training wage will be $8 per hour for a 90 day period. If you are among the elite that graduate to become a Senior Sales Representative, our benefits include: •Career Progression with an Ambitious & Growing Company •A Competitive Salary & Commission Structure •100% Paid Health Insurance •Paid Holidays and Vacations •Excellent 401k •Luxury Office Cubicle Send all resumes to: sales@gesrepair.com or fax to 770-965-1314

235-Management F/T STABLE MANAGER NEEDED Applicants must be able to work weekends. Successful applicants are required to have knowledge of horses and horseback riding experience. Experience with operating heavy equipment is preferred. Please send resume to office@rranchga.com or apply in person at the front office.

Background check and drug test required. EOE

240-Medical

PHARMACY INFUSION TECHNICIAN United Pharmacy Services of Toccoa, a proud partner of the UHS-Pruitt Corporation, is now hiring a highly-skilled Pharmacy Infusion Technician to work full time. Current certification required.

Experience is a plus.

We offer growth opportunities, competitive wages, top-tier benefits and the chance to work in a friendly, progressive, patient-centered environment with a supportive management team.

Choose an employer that stands out from the rest!

Please email resume swilliams@uhs-pruitt. com Visit our website at: www.urready.com EOE/M/F/D/V “Committed to Caring”

240-Medical Assisted Living Community seeking qualified LPN/RN for Resident Services Director Position with well established company. Facility nursing & management experience a plus. E-mail resumes to: director@peachplantation.com Chestatee Regional Hospital is actively hiring experienced staff for the following positions: Fulltime MSP RN 7p-7a OR RN Circulator L&D RN Geri-psych RN Geri-psych LPN PRN (as needed MSP RN 7a-7p MSP RN 7p-7a OR RN Circulator L&D RN ICU RN ED RN Geri-psych RN Geri-psych LPN OR Certified Tech Apply at: chestateeregionalhospital.com) Chestatee Regional Hospital is hiring an experienced Case Management Director and an experienced Case Manager.

For more information and to apply go to: chestateeregionalhospital.com Gold City Convalescent Ctr in Dahlonega is looking for an LPN 11-7, M-F, and LPN, 7-3, M-F. Both full time positions. If interested contact Tammy Whiddon at 706-864-3045 PHLEBOTOMIST/ MEDICAL ASST. Full time experienced bi-lingual Phlebotomist/MA needed.

Strong computer/ EMR skills and patient care experience required. Fax resume to: 770-503-9818 or mail to PO Box 2683, Gainesville, GA 30503 The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: AR Supervisor (Previous AR & insurance exp. desired) Revenue Cycle Gainesville LPN (2yrs OB/GYN exp req’d. Must be avail to work in all offices) OB/GYN Gainesville PA/NP General Surgery Gainesville Registration/ Check In (PRN only. Requires flexibility w/hrs & previous office exp) Revenue Cycle

All positions are full time unless noted.

Full-time employees may be eligible for paid days off, health insurance and a generous retirement plan. Salary commensurate with experience. Previous medical office experience preferred.

Spanish/English skills desirable. Interested candidates may submit resumes via fax to 770-535-7445 Attn: Employment E-mail to: HR@longstreet clinic.com or complete an application at 725 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Suite 270, Gainesville, GA 30501. For additional info about the Longstreet Clinic., P.C., please visit our website: www.long streetclinic.com

245-Misc.

Help Wanted Gainesville State College is accepting applications for the FT, benefit-eligible position of SKILLED TRADES ELECTRICIAN on the Gainesville campus. Minimum of 7 years experience in Commercial HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing trades required. High school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license and State of Georgia Electrical or Conditioned Air license required. For full description & application procedure visit our website: www.gsc.edu/admin/hr/Employ.htm & link Staff Positions Application deadline: March 23, 2012.

An AA/EEO Institution

245-Misc.

Help Wanted

NOW HIRING: Assemblers, Stand-up Forklift Oper, MIG Welders, Office Asst. Call Stacey, 770-287-2411

YARD HAND with forklift experience required. Masonry experience helpful.

Apply at: The Rock Yard, 2348 Monroe Dr, Gainesville

250Offices/Clerical Customer Service Representative needed with good phone, organization and computer skills.

Bilingual a plus 770-356-8133 LOCAL CO-Clerical Bookkeeper Trainee. aokjobs@bellsouth.net North Georgia College & State University STAFF ASSOCIATE This position will be responsible for all aspects of the Saints Card Office operations to include but not limited to, issuing ID cards, processing deposits, issuing parking decals and assist with internal troubleshooting of the transaction system At least three (3) yrs, but less than five (5) yrs. experience.

Apply online at: https://northgeorgia. peopleadmin.com/po stings/2067 An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

255-Part Time Help Wanted Farm/Garden Help Must know how to operate tractors, bushhog, harrow, chainsaw, weedeater, plow & yard work. References req’d. 770-869-0193 NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER Love babies and photography? Our365 needs an energetic person with sales or photography experience to take photos of newborns at NE GA & Gwinnett Med. Ctrs. Part-time.

Apply online at www.our365.com/ opportunities.

•Heavy Assembly •StandUp Forklift •Mig Welders Applications Mon-Fri 9am-3pm 2251 Jesse Jewell Gainesville, GA axiomstaffing.com 770-534-9490

SUMMER COUNSELOR Position (temp, FT) Georgia Mountains Workforce Development. Seeking person who works well with youth to join our team for the Summer. Will be required to travel, process paperwork, and manage youth in several counties.

Must have background in education, reliable transportation, computer skills in Microsoft, and excellent communication skills. Background check and references required.

Send cover letter and resume by mail to: 2481 Hilton Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501 or via fax 770-538-2730, Attn: Youth Department 770-538-2730, Attn: Youth Department

275-Restaurant CASHIER NEEDED 3p-8:30p, Tues-Sat Apply between 9a-11a Johnny’s BBQ 1710 Cleveland Hwy

TOP PAY • • • •

HOST SERVERS COOKS DISHWASHER

Finally a job that pays you what you’re worth!!!

Medical, Dental, Life, 401k, Paid Vacations Weekly Pay Apply in person at: Buford location Friendship Rd. off I-985 www.cracker barrel.com EOE

279-Technical

Sports Reporter – Part Time Forsyth County News in Cumming is hiring a part-time sports reporter to join our team. Our 13k circulation newspaper publishes 4 days each week. This part-time sports position involves coverage of local high schools and colleges and related assignments for our award-winning newspaper. Must have a passion for a wide range of sports and be willing to work nights and some Saturdays.

Should be knowledgeable of AP style and be able to write game stories and features. It's a large and exciting area to cover with 5 public high schools that will keep the reporter hopping. Please send a resume and 2-4 clips to jputnam@forsythnews. com.

265-Production

Penmac Staffing is now hiring for multiple positions at Baldor in Gainesville, GA. - Skilled Machinist - Dip and Bake - Assembly All positions require two years work experience in a manufacturing or military environment that is no more than 5 years old, good work history, verifiable HS/GED diploma, and ability to lift 50+ lbs repetitively. Must be willing to submit to drug screen and criminal background check.

Apply online at www.penmac.com DO NOT CONTACT BALDOR DIRECTLY. Questions? Call (770) 968-4200. EOE Never a Fee.

Sports Reporter – Full Time

***Pay Increase After 90 days***

PUBLISHING CO. seeking Full-time, experienced GRAPHIC DESIGNER Job responsibilities include ad design, preparing files for press & working w/ sales staff to ensure highest standard of layout & design.

Must be proficient in Quark, Illustrator & Photoshop. Looking for well organized & self-motivated individual to work in deadline oriented team environment.

770-297-2840 Fax resume to: 770-297-2842

FT VETERINARY TECHNICIAN position open at Humane Society of Northeast Georgia's Spay/Neuter Center.

Experience required.

Visit website at www.HSNEGA.org for information on applying.

270-Professional

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for Kubota Manufacturing

270-Professional

Forsyth County News in Cumming is hiring a sports reporter.

Our 13k circulation newspaper publishes 4 days each week.

This full-time sports position involves coverage of local high schools and colleges and related assignments for our award-winning newspaper. Must have a passion for a wide range of sports and be willing to work nights and some Saturdays.

Should be knowledgeable of AP style and be able to write game stories and features and be able to produce numerous stories every week. Photography skills are a plus. Understanding of social media a plus. It's a large and exciting area to cover with 5 public high schools that will keep the r eporter hopping.

Please send a resume and 2-4 clips to jputnam@forsythnews. com.

Our compensation package includes competitive pay, medical, dental, life and 401k.

NETWORK AND SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR The Gainesville Times, a daily newspaper company about 50 miles north of Atlanta, is seeking an experienced professional to serve as network and system administrator. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including 401K. RESPONSIBILITIES: Monitor and manage network and systems. Perform systems backups and recovery procedures. Install and maintain network infrastructure.

Install and maintain network operating system.

Document network related policies and procedures.

Perform systems administration functions for the email system.

Troubleshoot laptops/workstations with Windows and MAC environment.

Maintain company VOIP Phone System.

EDUCATION: BS degree/higher with a major in Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field and 5 yrs experience in network & system administration.

EXPERIENCE: Demonstrated competence in systems administration, network administration, systems documentation, project management, and various Information Technology related functions is required.

CERTIFICATION: Microsoft Certified Professional Program, Cisco certification program, or any other approved information technology certification is desirable.

REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS: Ability to leader while fostering a collaborative team approach.

Establish & maintain effective working relationships. Show initiative, work independently, resolve problems, and make decisions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

E-mail resume and salary requirements to: dwoodard@gainesvilletimes.com

North Georgia College & State University NETWORK ENGINEER The Network Engineer (level I or II depending on experience) provides troubleshooting repair, consulting, and design services to support the network infrastructure needs of the university.

Responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of the physical campus network infrastructure both wired and

770-535-1199

279-Technical wireless. This individual works closely with the IT Infrastructure team, Plant Operations, Auxiliary Services, and contractors in planning for future growth.

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or a related field, or the equivalent combination of training and experience.

At least three (3) yrs, but less than five (5) yrs. experience CCNA or Network+ desired, Security+ and ITIL preferred.

Apply online at: https://northgeorgia.p eopleadmin.com/pos tings/2061 An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

280-Trades HIRING HVAC Service Tech. Must be certified, 3yrs experience, Clean MVR, Back Ground Check & Drug Screening.

Pay Based on Experience. Fax resume 706-867-1093 HVAC Service Tech needed to work 2nd shift and weekends. Must have own tools.

770-532-0731

285-Truck Drivers OTR/Regional Runs CDL Class A Immediate Openings for Drivers w/haz & 2yrs exp. Lots of Freight to Move.

877-893-9645 or www.southernfreight.com Drivers- Write your own paycheck!

As a salaried driver, you truly control your paycheck! *Earn up to $1,190/wk; regardless of miles *Regular runs to Iowa *Advance to SE dedicated Call 1-800-851-8651 kbtransportation.com Drivers GEORGIA DRIVERS Regional Runs HOME WEEKLY Up to $.44/mile Class A CDL + 1 Yr. OTR Exp. Landair Transport 1-866-269-2119 www.landair.com CDL Team Positions Now Hiring in Georgia Dedicated Carrier seeking CDL qualified team operators to run multi-state delivery routes for nationally known bakery. For further information, contact Chad at (704) 641-4911 CDL Tuition Paid/ WIA Approved Transportation Companies hiring CDL Drivers. You may be eligible for federal grants that pay full tuition. 770-614-6022 or 1-877-GET-A-CDL (toll free) to see if eligible Or visit dtruckschool.com DISPATCHER Seeking qualified Dispatcher for company fleet. Mandatory 2yrs + experience with Over the Road Tractor Trailer Drivers. Call Karen at 678-207-0947

357-Lawn Equipment RIDING MOWER SNAPPERRIDING MOWER, 8 HP, 30 in. cut, $250.

Flowery Branch 678-943-7436

365-Misc.

For Sale DALE EARNHARDT, 39 DIE CAST CARS, $1000. Call John 706-265-9524 For Sale- Enough Merchandise to start your business or just add to. Home decor, ceramics, table & chairs, too much to list. Must move all ASAP for Best Offer.

Call To See 770-654-4028 or 770-532-0924 GOLF CART 2008 EZ GO - RXV. rear seat, lights, 48volt, new batteries, new paint. Real Fast!

Like New! $4200 678-316-1051 PORTABLE GENERATOR Elite Series, Briggs & Stratton, 6000 running watts, 8750 starting watts, $500.

770-561-9016 RIDING MOWERMurray, 12.5hp, 40” cut, $350.

RIDING MOWERTroybilt. 17.5hp w/42” cut. $450 RIDING MOWER Husqvarna, 24hp, 48” cut $675.

RIDING MOWERWeed Eater One 6hp, 28” cut, $250.

RIDING MOWERPoulan Pro 20hp, 42” cut, $550.

Ridign Mower Yard Machine.

18.5hp, 42” cut. $450 RIDING MOWERTroybilt. 18hp, 42” cut. $450.

RIDING MOWER John Deere LX. 173. w/bagger, 15hp, 38”cut. $450.

RIDING MOWER Craftsman II. 15.5hp, 42” cut. $350 RIDING MOWERSnapper 12hp, 26” cut $350.

RIDING MOWERSnapper . 12.5hp 28” cut. $350 RIDING MOWERJohn Deere 112L. Kawasaki motor.

38”cut. $300 RIDING MOWERToro LX, 460 Hydro. $425 REAR TIME TILLERPoulan Pro, 205cc, 17” tines. $400.

770-271-3209

380-Pets & Supplies Golden Retriever Pups- AKC. Shots & papers. Should go home on or around Mar. 24th. $350.

678-696-5467

LABRADOR RETRIEVER puppies for sale. Black and yellow. Available 3-24-12. Have 1st shots and 2 wormings. Males $400 female $450.

770-532-8455 nanwcar@yahoo.com ROTTWEILER Pups, AKC, Females. $600.

Male $700.

706-356-2253

CERTIFIED FORKLIFT OPERATORS, needed ASAP. Top Notch Personnel 770-297-7377

YORKIE Puppies, CKC, Only $650!

Contact Jessica @ 678-316-3820 Or bulldog.nation@att.net Serious Callers Only Please!!

Stuff 300 305-Antiques & Collectibles

YORKIE, CKC Registered, Tri color Male, 4 months old $600 OBO. Call 706-300-0090.

387-Tickets

CHAIRS Pair Edwardian (1905) style. Mahogany with Inlay and Golden yellow seating, $300.00. Call Fran for Apmnt. 770-355-5140 Horse and Groom Antiques, New Location, 136 Clarks Bridge Rd. Gainesville Quality English Furniture.

Sat. 10 am - 6pm

310-Appliances WASHER & DRYER Kenmore, Wht, $100 ea. FRIG $125. Can Deliver 678-546-9184 or 678-617-5560 WASHER & DRYER, Kenmore, Exc cond $250. 770-983-1507

345-Furniture D. ROOM TABLE, 6 Chairs and Hutch.

Oak. $550 OBO. 770-536-8733 or dday53@bellsouth.net for photos.

LA-Z-BOY recliner exc. cond. $250, TV oak cabinet exc. cond. $125, Computer desk w/ bookcase less than 1 yr. old paid $450 asking $250, Executive pedestal desk less than 1 yr. old paid $500 asking $250, walnut game table w/ leaf & 4 arm chairs, $300 770-967-4666 MATTRESS & Box Springs- Jamison Full Size. 3 wks old.

Pd: $1200; Asking $1000.

(770)983-5641.

QUEEN SETPillow-top, Brand New! $175. Still in plastic 678-617-7353

TEMPURPEDIC QUEEN SPLIT BASES, dual control, like new, $500.

770-534-5091

410-Apartments Unfurnished 2 & 3 BedroomsStarting at $500.

770-536-7275 G’VILLE- Special!

1&2bd. $550-610. No pet 678-677-1898 Ivy Manor- Studio. $420. 770-614-8804; 770-967-9823 LOFT STUDIO- in Jackson Bldg. On The Square. All utils & cable furn’d. Great Bachelor’s Pad! Eleavator, hrdwd flrs, $675. No pets. Call Lanier/404-202-7290

McEver Vineyards You Won’t Believe Our Rates!

1, 2 & 3 Bdrms

770-287-8292 Oakwood- 2/1.5,yrd, safe, C/H/A $605$645. 678-357-5044 REMODELED 1BR Northside G’Ville $475. 770-532-1347 SPRING INTO The Columns At Chicopee - 1, 2 &3 Bdrms. Immediate Occupancy.

Ask About Our Specials!!

770-532-7200

420-Condos For Rent Gainesville 2BR/ 2.5BA Hidden Cove Fin bsmt, Deck & Patio. $750mo; No pets. www.callapartments.com 770-287-1456 2BR/2BA - Lake Shadow. $750mo + dep. 256-492-0117 3/2 Quiet, Sardis $795m 770-654-1767 770-250-0174 Flowery Branch 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath.

Totally renovated, hardwoods, fireplace, large deck, swim, tennis, walk to lake, all new appliances. No smoking, no dogs, $850 Available 4/1/12 770-540-9169.

425-Duplexes For Rent 1BR in New Holland, stove, fridge & water furn. $400 +dp, Refs. no pets/770-654-8819 2BR Oakwood- $660 www.callapartments.c om. 770-287-1770 Myrtle St. 1/1 clean $150/wk $400/dep.

770-533-3029 Oakwood- 2/1.5,yrd, safe, C/H/A $605645. 678-357-5044

435-Houses for Rent Unfurnished $348 Moves You In! $0 application fee.

Free Rent until May 1st. Expires 3/31/12.

3BR/2BA Homes, All appls. incld. Call SUN HOMES 888-246-2803 countrysidelakelanier.com EHO WAC 2BR/2BA Charming Lakefrt, freplc, dock, Great loc. $985mo 770-539-4400 2/3BR/1.5BA N. Hall, fplc, 3887 Trotter $650m 770-297-8819 678-429-7623 3BR/1.5Bath S. Hall, New HVAC, RangeRefer-DW $800/Mo $800 SecurIity 386-438-3871 E. HALL, 3/1.5. brick, nice n’borhood $700 mo. 770-654-7885

EXP’D. TOW TRUCK DRIVER- 24/7 678-943-8544

290-Warehouse

The Paper

MASTERS Practice Rounds & Badges WANTED. Will Pay Cash. 770-266-6980

390-Wanted To Buy CHEVY TRUCKSmall. Model S-10.

2002 or newer. No body damage, engine runs. $550/cash 404-579-1116

Homes & Rentals 400 410-Apartments Unfurnished $599 Moves U In! Brandon Place Apt 2BR/2BA $675 mo 2BR/1.5BA $675 mo Efficiency $475 mo Spring Valley Apt 1BR/1BA $600 up 2BR/2BA $725 up Brookwood Apts 2BR/1BA $650 mo 1BR/1BA $550 mo 678-779-2687

E. Hall- 3/2. 2 car gar. Nice area $900+ dp. 678-576-6917 GAINESVILLE 3/1.5, 1126 S. Enota. $795; $795dp Elect, fenced yrd. 678-471-1693 LAKESIDE SPRINGS sbdv.

1816 Kettle Crossing Upscale NEW 4BR/ 2.5BA. $1200.

208-401-5828 LRG 3/2.5 on prvt lake in City. No pets. $900. 770-533-1770 MURRAYVILLE3BR/3BTH. 3600 s.f., $1300mo + dep. http://ngarentals.tk 706-216-1204

N. HALL, 3/2 Ranch, fenced yrds. All electric. $850; $850 dep.

770-503-4784 N.Hall- 2BR/1BA. $650mo, dep req’d.

678-410-3599

455-Mobile Home Sites for Rent RV LOT- Ext. Stay. $350/mo inclds all utils. Full hook-ups 678-250-6465

2BR/2BA Lakefront, w/dock. Lrg kitch. $750. 404-218-6225 3/2 MH ON THE LAKE, Priv. $175/wk + dep. 770-530-1971

Clermont 3BR/2BA. C/H/A $650/mo Free water. 770-654-4073

Chestatee Schools 3/1, $600/m + dp. No pets. 770-654-2881 Gville Green St Area, 1BR 1B Apt Please call 404-643-8302

CHEVY 1995 Corvette, white, blk lthr, 350 eng., auto, $1,499 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988

Homes & Real Estate 500 521-House for Sale - By Norton 5bdrm/3 bath, 2 car garage, Almost 2 acres, $104,900 Call Ricky Lewallen The Norton Agency 770-654-7922

530-House for Sale - East Hall FOR SALE by owner 3bd/2br house on 2 acres. $66,000. With additional acres available at $5000 per acre. Or for rent $800/mo deposit req. 770-503-4220

553-Investment Property 2.13 ACRES, All in grass. build house or Mobile. Septic tank, 1,000 gal. 300ft of field line, live power pole- 200 amp., Harmony Church Rd. Can lease lot out for money. Charles Parker 678-943-7264

565-Lots for Sale FOR SALE: Undivided 1/2 interest in real estate in North Hall Co. Owned by elderly couple. One in nursing home. Call 678-971-9896

Recreation 600 605-Boats & Marine BOAT SLIPS on Lake Lanier @ American Legion Post 7 Docks.

24/7 Resident Caretaker, $100/mo., covered; $75/mo open. Call Larry Emmett, 770-630-3922 COVERED BOAT DOCK, 34’ L x 23’ W, single slip (9’ W x 24’ L), lockable enclosed area (15’ x 8’), ramp not included, $500 obo.

770-654-6713

610-RVs & Travel Trailers COACHMAN 1995 Santara, Class C Motorhome. 34ft.

Great Cond. Only 34k miles. Ready To Go! $9500.

770-967-6884 or 678-346-6106 FOUR WINDS 2007 29’, Pull behind camper. No slides.

Furnished. $11,000.

706-654-0966 LEXINGTON 2004 C Class w/ slide, 27 Ft, Ford 450 V-10, like new, loaded, low mi, 12mpg. NADA $42k.

Sell $34,000 obo.

706-745-1852 MONTANA 2004. 5th Wheel. 32’, 3 slides Very Good Cond. $17,000.

770-532-3972 SPRINGDALE 2006 26’ Sleeps 6. Covered storage. $8300 678-372-7786

Wheels 700 710-Antique Cars/Trucks CHEVY 1974 Vega GT. 1 owner. Like New! $10,000.

OLDS 1986 Cutlass Supreme. 350 eng, approx 40k miles.

Like New! $5000.

678-943-7264 FORD 1966 Mustang Coupe 289 with 3 speed. Automatic.

Runs very good.

Solid car in great shape. $7500.00 Call 706-768-6136 after 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

Anytime weekends.

735-Autos for Sale

CADILLAC 2000 DTS, bought here new,97k miles $9,777 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2001 Deville, white, only 66k miles. $8,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2001 DTS, cashmere, moon roof, leather. $9,555 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2004 SRX Silver/Green, heated seats, DVD $9,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

Hall/White C/H/A 3/2, $150/wk, $400 dep. 678-617-9085.

LARGE 3BR/2BA 770-530-8546 or 770-530-8541 Starting at $85/wk 2&3BR, N. & S. Hall & Gainesville.

770-534-7596

CADILLAC 2005 Deville, white,81K miles, $10,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

465-Roommates Wanted BE$T $400 Fur Br, all priv + Extras. MEN. Oakwd. 770-530-1110 Downstairs Room with full kitchen & wshr/dryr hookup. $650/mo; $300/dep.

Families & Couples Welcome!

678-780-8450 Furnished Room, full house privileges.

678-989-7845

CHRYSLER 2002 PT Cruiser, limited, white, lthr. $6,555 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CHRYSLER 2006 PT Cruiser, white, Nice Local trade. $7,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 CORVETTE 2000.

Convt. blk on blk, $19,000/negot. 54k, 770-540-6295

LINCOLN 2003 Town Car, Cartier Edition silver, $7,999.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 TOYOTA 2004 Corolla. Needs engine.

Perfect otherwise. $4500 678-617-8369

745-Import Autos

HONDA 1995 Accord LX, 5 spd., white, 120K miles, $3,700.

678-913-4740 678-887-1408 HONDA 2009 Accord EXL V-6. 1 owner, 32K easy mi, spoiler, moonroof, garaged, heated seats, adult driven, leather.

Like new. $18,900 770-654-3694 MERCEDES BENZ 1998 C-280, silver w/ gray lthr, A/T, $6,989. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 NISSAN 1998 Maxima. Very Good cond. Michelins, sunrf, Bose, leather. $5200.

706-654-4676 NISSAN 2004 Sentra 1.8S, Vibrant Blue, Auto, Air, PW, PL, AM/FM/CD, 136K, One Owner $4,400 770-532-7586

750-Motorcycles HARLEY DAVIDSON 2008 Low Rider, 8755 original miles, exc. cond., fuel injected, saddlebags, windshield, pearl white, $13,000. Call 770-540-8626

755-Sport-Utility Vehicles CHEVY 2004 Suburban, leather, CD, 3rd row, rear air, $799 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988

DODGE 2001 Durango, silver, $7,888 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 FORD 1998 Expedition, third row seat, white, rear air. $499 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 JEEP 2004 Wrangler.

Tan w/ tan cloth, A/T, cold air. $995 down Call Dan Jim Waters Motors 770-532-6988 NISSAN 2009 Murano LE. AWD, platinum gra, loaded all pwr, dbl moonrf, 20” whls. 64k + (100k 5yr wrrty). $23,900.

404-310-2488; 770-967-9090

765-Trucks

3/2 RABBITTOWN $620 +dep. No pets.

770-714-1992

1-4BR Oakwood, $525 & up. Visit us at www.callapartments. com 770-287-1770

2BR/2BA $685 3BR/2BA $785 Includes Water.

Hurry For $99 Move-In Special (wac). For details 770-533-9220

ROOMMATE Hwy 53 West Gainesville.

Cable/Utils incld. $350mo. No smkng 678-438-2886

460-Mobile Homes for Rent

LULA 3BR/1BA. $550 mo, Refs & bckgrnd ck req’d. No inside pets. 770-869-0193

2BR/1BA Apt- Sardis area. $675/mo. Utils incld. 770-634-7099

735-Autos for Sale

445-Lake Homes for Rent DREAMY Lrg White House w/deep water dock. 678-804-2468

7B

465-Roommates Wanted

N. HALL SCHOOLS. 3BA/2BA, 2 gar, 2 porches. $850/mo.

770-540-7473

1, 2,3 BR ‘s starting at $495. inclds. pool 770-536-0508

1BR Apt. unfurn’d in Lake Home, $625mo 770-536-5377 Ga. RE#127363

Thursday, March 22, 2012

CADILLAC 2006 STS, black, heated seats, sunroof, $14,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 CHEVY 1995 Corvette, white w/ tan lthr, like new tires, $5,800. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988

CHEVY 1995- 14’ Box Truck. 2 owners.

Exc Cond. $4500.

770-503-5036 CHEVY 2004 Silverado 4x4 Z-71, silver w/ grey cloth, $799 down Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 CHEVY S-10, burgundy, gray cloth, 5 spd., $1,995. Call Dan for test drive Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 FORD 1979 F-350,1-ton, has a 351M engine w/ 4-speed, also has a 8ft. steel bed, runs good, great work truck, $2000 or best offer. 706-776-7051.

FORD 1993 F-250 2WD Diesel. Ext cab, 86k. Farm Truck. $4800.

706-652-3132 FORD 1995 F-150 XL, 4WD, auto, air, Clean, Runs Good.

126k. $5500.

770-540-2106 FORD 2000 Ranger, 4x4, royal blue, grey cloth, 4x4, auto, $599 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 FORD 2004 F-150, gray w/ gray cloth, CD, auto, cold air, $699 down. Call Dan Jim Waters Motor 770-532-6988 GMC 1999 Z71 XLT 4x4 Sierra 1500, 199k easy mi, 1 owner, Grt truck. 770-540-8246 $7,850 obo.

TOYOTA 2006 TUNDRA XSP, 2 WD, LOADED, white/grey leather interior. Great for woman or man.

404 680 0049 ($15,000 FIRM)

770-Vans CHEVY 1998 Cargo Van. 2500. New V8, $3500.

770-540-6295

CMYK 8B

The Paper | Thursday, March 22, 2012

The “Thank You” System

by Jacob G. Hornberger

In an economic transaction, who should be the one saying thank you — the buyer or the seller? Or in an employment relationship, who should be thanking the other — the employer or the employee?

In real life, we see all four saying thank you.

Sometimes the cashier in the grocery store will say, “Thank you” to the customer; sometimes it’s the customer saying, “Thank you,”; and sometimes it’s both. When a person is given a job by an employer, sometimes one or both will thank the other.

The reason for this phenomenon revolves around the principle of subjective value. In every economic trade, both sides are giving up something they value less for something they value more. We know that is true because otherwise neither party would enter into the trade.

Suppose I have ten apples and you have ten oranges. I offer you two of my apples if you’ll give me five of your oranges. You decide to make the trade.Am I the “winner” and are you the “loser,” given that I had to give up only two apples while you had to give up five oranges?

There are some important economic principles here. People in society improve their standard of living through the simple act of exchange. The more people are free to trade with others, the greater their ability to improve their respective economic conditions.

There is an obvious corollary principle: To the extent that government interferes with peoples’ freedom to trade with others, to that extent the government impedes people’s ability to improve their lot in life. That’s why it’s in everyone’s interests that all such interferences be removed and that government be prohibited from enacting them.

There is another factor to consider in a “thank you” economic system — the gratitude that people, in their roles as consumers, have that others are supplying their needs and wants — and the gratitude that people, in their role as sellers, have that others are patronizing their businesses.

Consider, for example, the grocery-store business. People, as consumers, don’t need to bother with growing their own food. They can walk into an array of grocery stores, each competing for their business, No! We are both win- whose shelves are filled ners because we each with tens of thousands gave up something we of food items, both packvalued less for some- aged and fresh, along thing we valued more. with countless other You placed a higher things, such as cleaning value on two apples supplies, medicines, and than you did on five perhaps even automooranges, which is why tive products. you made the trade. I At the same time, placed a higher value on five oranges than on other people, in their two apples, which is roles as suppliers, offer different food-related why I made the trade. services to other conBoth of us benefited sumers — such as resfrom the trade. By mak- taurants, fast food, and ing the trade, we both home delivery of meals. improved our economic That’s something conditions. for people, as consumIt’s no different with ers, to be grateful for. respect to employment Countless businesses relationships. If I hire you are serving consumers at a wage of $3 per hour, by producing goods and I place a higher value services that the conon your labor services sumers need and want. than I do on the money By the same token, the I’m paying you. And by accepting the job, you operation of those busiare placing a higher nesses requires tens of value on the money I’m thousands, hundreds of paying you than you do thousands, or millions on your time and energy of dollars in building, and the opportunities interest, rent, payroll, you passed up by taking insurance, and other expenses. The continthe job.

ued existence and prosperity of the businesses depend on other people in their role as consumers. As everyone knows, consumers can be fickle and ruthless. Sometimes they switch their tastes or business preferences on a dime. Thus, businesses are grateful to their customers for helping them stay in business and prosper.

Special Summer camp preview week!

Everyone should be grateful for a free market. Everyone should begrudge governmental interference with a free market.

Your Career in Real Estate Begins Now Prelicense, Post License & Continuing Ed

Real Estate Training institute

Call to Register at 770-831-7044 or Online at RealEstateTrainingInstitute.net Day & Evening Classes Available Prelicense Classes Only $395 and Includes Books Online Classes Available Too!

Conveniently Located In Buford & Hoschton

We look forward to seeing you in the Spotlight!

Come visit our 10,000 square foot state of the Art facility!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

5370 Thompson Mill Rd • Hoschton Ga 30548 (770) 967-9010 • HeatherWaynesDanceAcademy.com

Oliver...

The Musical

Friday, March 23 7:00pm saturday, March 24 2:30pm & 7:00pm sunday, March 25 2:30

Tickets on Sale now: $8

heather Wayne’s Performing arts Blackbox Theatre