The Paper June 19 Edition

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SPORTS: Taking doctor’s order to stay safe in the heat, 1B

The Wizard of Oz opens tonight. 3B 50¢

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Early voters busy in Jackson Co.

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com

Voting possible this Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Voters of Jackson County are taking advantage of the convenience of casting their ballots in advance of the July 31 Primary.

According to Jackson County Elections Supervisor Lori Wurtz, all is running smoothly in the Jackson County Administration Building auditorium where early, in-person voting began on July 9.

“At the close of business Monday, we had over 800 voted in person and over 200 mailed out,” said Wurtz. “All is running very smoothly.

“We have an experienced staff in place for the early voting location here in Jefferson and there is virtually no waiting,” said Wurtz.

Early voting will be held at the Administrative Building, located at 67 Athens St., in Jefferson, on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The weekend voting option is mandated by state law. Early voting at the Admin Building continues through Friday, July 27.

Beginning next week, voting early is even more convenient with two additional locations available. During early voting in person, any registered voter in Jackson County can also vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 23-27 at the Parks & Recreation Building at 204 Carson St., in Commerce, or at the Police Court Building located at 5040 Highway 53, in Braselton.

“Due to the anticipated turnout for this election, early voting is recommended to lessen your waiting time,” said Wurtz, who also reminds that on Election Day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, any elderly voter (75 or older) or any voter who is disabled may request to come to the front of the line and vote at the next available voting booth.

Voters are urged to study their sample ballot before selecting a ballot at the polling location.

Wurtz said some confusion exists when voters select a Democratic ballot and don’t find the Jackson County Sheriff’s race on it.

All seven candidates for the county’s highest

law enforcement office are on the Republican ballot. If you want to vote in the Sheriff’s race, you must request a Republican ballot.

“Most of our confusion has been centered around the fact that all Sheriff’s candidates are on the Republican ballot, but that has been minimal,” said Wurtz.

Georgians can visit the Website of Secretary of State Brian Kemp and view and copy their sample ballot. Visit http://mvp.sos. state.ga.us/You will type in your first initial, last name, select your county and plug in your date of birth to get your sample ballot.

Jackson County sample ballots are also posted at the Admin Building. Election offices across the state also post their ballots.

See VOTERS, page 11A

County axes 3 furlough days in 2012

WET & WILD Forget the hot temperatures: It was cool at Braselton Park on July 13 as the West Jackson Fire Department provided some blasts of water for some fun. The Braselton Library coordinates the popular annual event as a part of its summer activities. A crowd of children – most wearing swimming attire -- gathered at the park. They entertained themselves with balls,

By ROXANE ROSE rrose@clickthepaper.com

water balls, water pistols and other water-dispensing toys made available by the library staff. When the West Jackson Fire truck rolled in, children hurried over to watch as the firefighters laid out the hose and hooked to the fire hydrant. When the hoses were energized, the children were entertained with bursts of water from hand-held lines as well as water from the cannon atop the truck. Capt. Tony Harris oversaw the event and other firefighters involved in the event were Kevin Pittman, whose daughter Anslee came to see her father in action, Tyler Harwell and Michael Becker. See LeAnne Akin’s photo gallery of the fun at ClickThePaper.com

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners July 16 meeting moved along quickly and despite a number of items to be voted on, ended just 15 minutes after it started. Nonetheless, a number of items were approved including the elimination of three furlough days for Jackson County government employees.

The eliminated furloughs are in October, November and December, and the fiscal year 2012 budget will be amended accordingly.

The minutes from the July 2 meeting were unanimously approved, and there was no citizen input.

In commissioners’ reports, District 3 Commissioner Bruce Yates invited all citizens to attend the Town Hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the Hoschton Depot. Topics to be covered, although not limited to, include the county budget, the new voting districts, the new West Jackson EMS station, a report on economic development and addressing citizen concerns.

District 4 Commissioner Dwain Smith com-

See COUNTY, page 5A

They’ve got grit Maysville natives and other Georgia musicians comprise BlueBilly Grit, an up-and-coming band that recently won the coveted first place in the Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition.

By ROXANE ROSE rrose@clickthepaper.com It was a beautiful September day at the Art in the Park festival, an annual event put on

by Tumbling Waters Society to raise funds for the park, that saw the beginnings of BlueBilly Grit. It was just a group of guys and one of their daughters jamming on the side porch of the old grist mill, occasionally joined by other attendees of the festival.

“Everything started right here on this porch,” said Garrison during a July interview and photoshoot at Hurricane Shoals, noting the beginnings were just about having fun.

“I was going to get out of music. Dad was running the mill, my brother Adam was playing bass,” he said. “Then, I went to Gatlinburg and saw a stage show with bluegrass and I came back fired up. Five to six years earlier, I had come up with a name for a band. My brother inspired me, and we enlisted the help of Tony Ianuario, and from there, BlueBilly Grit was formed.”

BlueBilly Grit’s first official gig was in 2009 at a barbeque place in Maysville that is now the Railroad Café.

“It was Matt, Tony, my brother Adam on bass, Amber and me,” Garrison noted. “Amber and I are the only original band members left.”

INSIDE Church 4A Entertainment 12B Events 6B Forum 6A Features 3B

Garrison reminisced about how things grew from there.

“Tony hung out in Dahlonega a lot, and that’s where we met a lot of pickers by participating in the jams on Sundays at The Crimson Moon. Tony met the owner Dana Marie LaChance, we got booked at The Crimson Moon and that’s when things started rolling and we began getting known in a bigger area than just Jackson County.”

BlueBilly Grit still performs at The Crimson Moon, most recently just a couple of weeks ago.

A lot has happened since the early days.

Most notably, the loss of mandolin player Tony Ianuario, who was killed in a tragic accident along with his wife, Ann, in 2009.

“He loved jamming better than anyone I’ve ever known,” Garrison said. “He had never been in an actual band until BlueBilly Grit; he didn’t think he was adequate. But he was a big part of getting BlueBilly Grit off the ground and running.

“I think it was timely for him to join the band, because being in a band had always been something he wanted to accomplish,” Garrison added.

“We didn’t want to replace Tony on the mandolin,” noted Amber Hollis. Instead they

See BLUEBILLY GRIT, page 2A

Volume 6, Number 37 Obituaries 4A 4A Pastor’s Pen Police report 2A Puzzles 12B Sports 1-2B

Roxane Rose Regional staff

(L-R) BlueBilly Grit members Mark Garrison, Amber Hollis, Shawn Hart, Patrick Chislom, Adam Rambin and Roman Gaddis.

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

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Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

Funding transportation with earmarked penny on the July 31 ballot

By JEFF GILL Regional staff The thought of the sales tax going to 8 percent from 7 percent, as called for in the July 31 transportation referendum, isn’t very appealing to some.

However, roads make up “critical infrastructure” in Georgia, according to Jeff M. Humphreys, director of the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth. While he acknowledges households are in a tight squeeze financially, in some areas of the state “you could make a strong case” that the tax could boost the local economy more than if the money had stayed in the household.

“Obviously, Georgia has critical road shortages in many regions, and that is a binding constraint on growth,” Humphreys said.

“Voters are concerned about jobs and that’s very much heightened right now because of the tough patch we’ve been through.”

When the proposed sales tax is talked about in meetings and among officials, the conversation frequently falls along how many dollars it will generate throughout Georgia and the road projects it’ll help finance. While 75 percent of the region’s proceeds will fund the roundtable’s projects, the remaining 25 percent will be divided.

For Jackson County, the tax is projected to generate funds for 11 identified projects from the total of $988 million anticipated to the collected across the 10-county Northeast Georgia region.

Barrow County is slated to see 13 projects.

As the Northeast Georgia Regional Transportation Roundtable was convening to develop its list of projects, Barrow County Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood was among those who worked to finetune the final list. Included for Barrow is 13 projects, including the West Winder Bypass in Band 2, slated for 2016-19. That twophase project leverages state and federal funds for a total investment of nearly $55 million.

Yearwood had developed a display of information to educate Barrow Countians about the importance of passage of the July 31 referendum.

That was before Yearwood drove to Atlanta to pay qualifying fees to seek the 47th Senate seat, currently held by Sen. Frank Ginn.

In recent political forums, Yearwood is now touting his opposition to the T-SPLOST and its projects.

Some who sat around the roundtable with Yearwood consider his turnaround to be similar to that of candidates in other races who tell the voters what they think they want to hear.

Since Yearwood elected not to seek re-election as chairman, Pat Graham of Braselton, who formerly served as Mayor of Braselton and more recently served on the charter review panel in Barrow County, will become

Barrow’s next chairman in January. Graham is supportive of voters’ involvement in determining if T-SPLOST will generate money for transportation projects identified to bolster economic development. She contends it is the fairest funding method.

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce agrees, although its support of TSPLOST has drawn fire from the community. Much of the opposition is from those who don’t want to see the West Winder Bypass built.

The tax is expected to generate some $1.25 billion for the 13-county Georgia Mountains region, including some $360 million in regional and local projects for Hall.

But many residents say they worry about the tax putting additional strain on family finances, especially when fixed incomes are at stake. A $100 grocery bill might mean an additional $1 in sales taxes, which may not sound like much at first, but expenses can add up over 10 years, the life of the tax.

That subject has come up in Hall County public forums on the sales tax.

“We’re in a recession right now and I don’t think I can afford to pay any more taxes,” said John Lipscomb of the Lanier Tea Party Patriots at a June 7 meeting at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville.

“We’re already paying gasoline tax, so something like this I don’t understand why that, if we’re desperate for money, then why we couldn’t roll up the tax on gasoline and let the people who use the roads pay for them. And grandma who goes to the grocery store once a month doesn’t have to pay for everything.”

Some residents say they believe safety needs are worth the extra penny on the dollar.

“It’s one of those things that’s a necessary evil,” said William Lay, a Hart County

resident concerned about traffic at the North Hart Elementary School intersection, one of the improvement projects on the list.

“We don’t want (the tax) because the pocket is getting hit enough, but if it’s going to make that intersection and other intersections safer, I’m willing to do it. I’m pretty sure I’ll spend that money on something worthless anyway.”

Humphreys said that Georgians generally have voted in favor of sales tax referendums.

“The problem (with the transportation tax) is it’s a new tax for a new purpose,” Humphreys said, “and it is in untested waters.”

Government officials often say that other states, particularly those with traffic congestion issues of their own, are keeping an eye on Georgia.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has pushed hard for the sales tax, setting up an organization, Georgia Transportation Alliance, to focus squarely on the issue.

The group’s website points out that economic impact will be felt in jobs created.

The board of directors of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce has supported the tax as has the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.

Kit Dunlap, the Greater Hall Chamber’s president and CEO, and James McCoy, president and CEO of the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, lead a group, Citizens for Better Transportation: Region 2, Georgia, that also is making a strong push.

The group calls the tax an “investment to attract economic development and create jobs.”

But that’s cold comfort to many residents just trying to pay the bills.

LeAnne Akin contributed to this article.

JACKSON COUNTY PROJECTS ON THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION ROUNDTABLE LIST RC05-000057 Braselton Parkway Extension - West

$8,000,000

RC05-000058 Braselton Parkway Extension East

$12,640,000

RC05-000059 East Jefferson ByPass

$10,500,000

RC05-000063 I-85 at SR 60 - Proposed Interchange

$25,000,000

RC05-000066 SR 53 Intersection Improvements

$2,050,000

RC05-000067 SR 82 @ County Farm Road Intersection Improvements

$1,575,500

RC05-000068 SR 82 Realignment/Airport Road

$10,869,970

RC05-000069 State Street/SR 326 from US 441 to SR 98

$4,000,000

RC05-000071 West Side Parallel Taxiway - Jackson County Airport $2,928,720 RC05-000072 Widening and Reconstruction of SR 53

$10,000,000

RC05-000077 Widening of SR 11/US 129 from SR 332 to SR 323 Jackson/

Hall PI#122150 $2,000,000 See more at the Department’s Transportation Referendum webpage at: http:// www.dot.ga.gov/localgovernment/FundingPrograms

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VOTERS from 1A Also, for those who cannot vote in person, Absentee Voting by mail is available. You may request an application for an official absentee ballot by calling 706-367-6377, or you may log onto the Secretary of State’s website and print one. The address is http://www.sos.ga.gov/ MVP. Any voter registered in Georgia can vote absentee by mail. Just complete and sign the application. Then, mail, fax, email (as an attachment) or drop the application off at your county registrar’s office.

“We urge you to request your mail-in ballot and get it back to your county registrar’s office as soon as possible,” said Wurtz. “Mail-in ballots can be requested no earlier than 180 days prior to the election and must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day.” Four Jackson County polling places were relocated earlier this year so be sure to check your polling place before Jul31 if you don’t plan to vote early.

“The Secretary of State has mailed out new voter precinct cards following the recent redistricting updates that are in place for the July 31 General Primary,” said Wurtz. “Please look at your card carefully and call our office immediately if you want to confirm the information or have questions about anything on your card.”

In addition to voting for candidates, the ballot will also include other choices to be made.

A referendum driving the July 31 election is the Transportation – Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). Voters will have a special election question, a transportation initiative, to weigh another penny of sales tax. (See Page 10A.) Party questions are also being included on the Democratic and Republican ballots to give the leadership of the respective parties insight into voter support.

Election questions: Jackson County 706-367-6377 Gwinnett County 678-226-7210 Barrow County 770-307-3110 Hall County 770-531-6945

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

ON THE BALLOT The Jackson County ballot will also include special election questions related to Sunday alcohol sales.

The measure relates to businesses in unincorporated areas of Jackson County.

A number of municipals already put the Sunday sales question before voters and some confusion had resulted.

FIRE BOARDS RACES DIFFER ON BALLOTS Fire Board races will differ on the ballot depending on which fire district you reside in. Find your fire district on the map found on the Jackson County website at www.jacksoncoutygov. com. You can visit http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us/ and view and print a copy of your ballot.

Fire Board - Jackson Trail - Post 3 Ted Bishop Name: Ted Bishop

Age: 67

Position Sought: Jackson Trail (Post 3) Fireboard Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: None Occupation/ Employment: Retired from Siemens, Working part time for LA Fitness Why me: I am running for a non-paid, nonpartisan office. My only goal is to serve the community.

Why now: I have time to devote to community service that I did not have, previously.

Why this position: I appreciate the dedication of the volunteer firefighters and I want to help them in any way possible.

What makes me the best candidate for this position: I spent 47 years in the corporate world, where I worked with budgets, personnel issues, sales, purchasing and customer service. I have been a member of the advisory board for the adult education program, at Gwinnett Technical College, for 18 years, and served as chairman for 16 of those years. I have operated my own business as an independent contractor and served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. I believe my varied experience will be valuable to the Fire Board.

What can they expect from me as a Fire Board member: I will work to help the firefighters get the necessary tools and training to enable them to better serve the citizens of the Jackson Trail fire district.

On the ballot will be the following Fire Board seats:

Charles Craig Sewell Post 2: Dwight Langford

Post 9: Chip McEver Post 8: Robert McEver

Arcade Post 1: Travis Bennett; J.H Covington Post 2: Frank Clark; Douglas R. Martin

Maysville Post 1: Paul Douglas Lunsford Post 4: Nolan Pritchett Post 5: Hubert Blalock

There are other posts with no qualifiers so a special eelction is expected later this year.

East Jackson Post 2: David McCoy Harrisburg Post 6: John Watson Post 7: Heather Hart Post 8: Hoyt Dean Love Jr. Post 9: Dan Sailors; Jeffrey Jones West Jackson Post 3: Tim Sweat Post 5: Joel Thomas Keith Plainview

Jackson Trail Post 2: Bobby M. Saylors Post 3: Michael Glover; Ted Bishop Post 5: James Johnson Nicholson Post 4: Marty Seagraves South Jackson Post 3: Dean Stringer Post 4: Hubert Edwards Post 5: Edwin Oldham North Jackson Post 11: Dennis Elrod

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The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

BLUEBILLY GRIT from page 1A

Band’s popularity grows: ‘Y’all have the chemistry’ added fiddler Patrick Chislom.

Chislom, who calls himself a full-time musician and has no “day job,” began experimenting with guitar in his senior year of high school. He was inspired to switch to fiddle when he heard Allison Krause & Union Station in 2003. Soon after he began participating in the jams at The Crimson Moon Café where he later met BlueBilly Grit, and after playing just a few shows with them, joined as a permanent member.

Things continued to move along, and then Matt Garrison went to school and Shawn Hart took his place.

Singer, writer and guitar player for more than 17 years, Hart manages the Adidas Factory Outlet in Commerce. His father, Benny Hart, with Bluegrass Express, introduced him to music and he performed live on rhythm guitar at 15 years old.

Shawn has performed solo as well as been a part of several rock bands prior to joining BlueBilly Grit. Hart also enjoys songwriting and has two songs on the new CD, “Ready for a Change,” called “Take Me As I Am” and “R.I.P.T.V.” The band continued growing and then Garrison’s brother Adam got too busy with his schedule and Adam Rambin came along, who was a good fit, Garrison said.

Rambin, who grew up in Conyers, started playing music at an early age beginning with piano, then adding trumpet and percussion. He began playing upright bass in 2007 and has never looked back. He has played with several bands and enjoys many genres of music. Rambin says the “phenomenal three-part vocals and top-notch songwriting” drew him to BlueBilly Grit. He continues his day job teaching ASOL at two elementary schools in Lumpkin County and he lives in Dahlonega.

Finally, the band added another mandolin player. Roman Gaddis joined the band in the past six to eight weeks, just before the Telluride competition.

A Dahlonega native, Gaddis works for the Lumpkin County school system as a technology specialist. He has roots that run deep in music – his grandfather Zanders Gaddis, who gave him a banjo and turned his focus to music, was a local fixture at bluegrass jams around town as was his father, Clyde, who was a member of a local band. Gaddis switched to mandolin after hearing Sam Bush for the first time and went on to play with a variety of local bands before bringing his aggressive mandolin style to BlueBilly Grit.

“We kept holding off on adding a mandolin player, but as we grew and expanded and developed our sound, we knew we needed one to add drive and rhythm. And we knew our chances at Telluride would be better with a mandolin player,” Garrison said.

“Now we can’t get rid of him, since we have a spot on the stage at next year’s Telluride,” he added, laughing.

On a more serious note, Garrison said while they knew it was needed, he didn’t realize how much Gaddis added until he heard a recording of their performances at the studio.

The band truly has arrived, and has “…realized that we have something marketable that we could actually make a living off of. A guy at The Crimson Moon told us, ‘Y’all have the chemistry,’” Garrison said.

Daughter Hollis agreed. “We’ve found our group.”

Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition win There have been heartaches and triumphs, challenges and successes, and lots of low-paying and no-paying gigs.

But it all came together when BlueBilly Grit won the 2012 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition this past June. In its 39th year, this competition lures songwriters and bands from around the nation who compete for beautiful instruments, cash prizes and recognition. Winners also earn a spot on the stage at the 2013 contest. Past winners include the Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek, Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband, the Pagosa Hot Strings, The Badly Bent, Greensky Bluegrass, Spring Creek, Blue Canyon Boys, The Hillbenders, Nora Jane Struthers & the Bootleggers, and 2011 winners Run Boy Run. “Winning Telluride has put us on the radar in the bluegrass world,” Hart said. “With this win, it has put credibility behind us and people are saying, ‘Hey, these people are for real.’”

Entering the Telluride competition was the idea of Garrison’s wife Donna. Contest phone lines were opened up in December, and BlueBilly Grit was one of the 12 bands to get a slot.

“It was a miracle we got through – the tickets to the event sold out in 20 minutes,” Hart said. “There was specific criteria to meet and we started planning on the songs to perform at the various intervals.”

“We figured out our last song about a week before,” Chislom interjected with a laugh – his infectious humor along with the easy-going manner of all of the band members make them a joy to be around.

Using personal and vacation time, the band headed for Colorado, with most of them driving straight through.

“I kept thinking, if we don’t make it, we came all this way and it was all for nothing!” Chislom said.

“Our goal was to make it to the final round, and we felt good about it,” said Rambin.

They didn’t just make it to the final round – they made it to the top spot. How does that feel?

“Oh man, it was just, just such a relief when they announced we had won,” Garrison said.

“I was just really, really shocked,” Hollis said. “I think I cried a little bit.”

“A ‘little bit’?” ribbed the guys.

“All we heard was our name, which was called out first,

See BLUEBILLY GRIT, page 3A

Board of Commissioners – District 2 candidates Max Allen Chas Hardy Jody Thompson Name: Max Allen

Name: Chas Hardy

Position Sought: CommissionerDistrict 2 I am a longtime resident of Jackson County. My wife is a teacher of the gifted at West Jackson Intermediate School. I have one daughter, Caroline Adams, a student at North Georgia State College and University.

Occupation: I have successfully managed a family business at the Jackson County Airport since 1988.

I am the owner of Dry Pond Investment Company and Aircraft Aviation Services. Dry Pond Investment is a hangar rental company and Aircraft Aviation Services is an aircraft maintenance facility.

I am a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. I currently serve on Jackson County Airport Authority as the vice-chairman.

I attended Jackson County High School, Athens Technical College, and Kings Aeronautical School of Aviation and hold a Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors Authorization license. I am also a licensed pilot.

My family and I attend Jefferson First Baptist Church. I am member of the Jackson County Pilots Association which sponsors the Boys and Girls Club for Jackson County.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I ...see areas in the county government spending that need to be closely scrutinized. We must cut spending. I feel that our county needs to do all that it can to bring more industry.

We must have greater quantity of businesses to add to the tax digest.

More business will bring more people to the county which adds to the tax base.

I consider the furlough days as emergency measures that do not address the real problem of our county government spending too much without enough funds.

Cronyism is [a problem with] the bidding policy. Politicians have used the process as rewards for people that may have supported them or punished people who did not support them. It must be an open process where the lowest bid or the bid that all the commissioners vote on in public. Everything but personnel matters or land acquisition must be done in open for all to see.

What challenges and opportuni-

See ALLEN, page 5A

Age: 44 Position Sought: Commissioner - District 2 Previous political office held/ appointed government post: Jackson County Industrial Authority 2004-2008 Jackson County Commissioner 2009-Present Occupation: Employed at my family business Commerce Printing and Office Supply and also with the Commerce Fire Department (18 years, last 6 as rank of Captain.)

Previous Experience: My background includes: Past President of Commerce Kiwanis Club, Commerce Athletic Booster Club, Commerce Area Business Association, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Jackson graduate, four years on the Jackson County Industrial Authority, past member of the Economic Development Board of the Commerce Downtown Development Authority, 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County, 18-year veteran of the Commerce Fire Department serving the last six as Captain. I served two years on the Parent Advisory Committee for Commerce Primary School and am currently serving as the track coach for Commerce Middle School and as an assistant football coach at Commerce High School. I graduated from Commerce High School and West Georgia College, am a lifelong resident of Jackson County, member First Baptist Church in Commerce and am employed at my family’s business Commerce Printing & Office Supply. My wife Sabrina has taught school for 16 years in the Commerce City School System and we have two children: Anna Caroline (13) and Lambdin (9).

Why you? Why now? From a very early age, I have been strongly involved in the community. From Boy Scouts to civic clubs in high school to athletics and fraternities in college, and returning to Commerce and becoming involved in numerous civic organizations and clubs, I have remained active in my community. I have dedicated the last 18 years to protecting your homes and property as a volunteer fireman. I served four years on the Jackson County Industrial Development Authority helping the county expand with quality industry and

See HARDY, page 5A

See more election coverage in Section C. Examples of Jackson County sample ballots appear on Pages 11A and 12A. You can see and print your correct sample ballot by visiting http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us/

Name: Jody Thompson Age: 36 Position Sought: Jackson County Board of Commissioners - District 2 (Commerce, Maysville, Dry Pond) Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: County Commissioner District 2, vice chairman Occupation/Employment: Police Officer with Athens-Clarke County Police Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: For over 15 years I worked as an award-winning manager with both the Hoover/ Maytag Company and Seiko, being recognized as Manager of the Year, Store of the Year and Excellence in Budget Management. I have experience in managing budgets and producing results. Eight years ago I served as the commissioner representing Commerce and Maysville.

At the time the county was in financial crisis and it took many months of meetings and constant dedication to resolve the issues. In the time as a commissioner I focused on representing my district and bringing progress to my community. I am a graduate of Leadership Jackson, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and Leadership in Police Organizations. As a police officer I have been received commendations as Employee of the Quarter and the Life Saver award. Recently I have been selected for a high level security team for the Democratic National Convention.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What makes you the best candidate for this position? When I left the commission four years ago, Jackson County was poised to survive even the worst situations.

I had paved the path of success in my district with improving roads and intersections and building the finances to weather the economy. It did not seem long at all that I noticed the current commissioner was habitually missing meetings and the district was not being represented. The budget has reached into the absolute worst shape it has been in years and nothing has been done in district 2. I have the dedication and experience to give representation to my district and get the finances back in order.

Not only do I have the experience, I have a proven track history in my voting as a commissioner before.

What challenges and opportuni-

See THOMPSON, page 5A

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The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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BLUEBILLY GRIT from page 1A

Band is busy working on some new stuff then we were just in shock,” Hart said, noting that he was going around congratulating the wrong people – bands he thought should have made it, but just couldn’t remember because they were “incoherent” after hearing their name announced.

This group of guys and one girl is really making music magic BlueBilly Grit’s modern style blends Bluegrass and Americana music and has a magical way of appealing to the newer generation of the grassroots movement, while simultaneously being equally accepted by those who have a love for the more traditional sound.

Garrison and his daughter are the two original remaining members.

Although Maysville native Garrison has a day job with Universal Forest Products in Jefferson, he has been hooked on music since his first talent show on guitar in third grade.

At age 14, he started his first band. After high school he formed a rock band that included Lee Davis, another Maysville native who has made a name for himself in the music world.

Going on to land a job working with Reba McEntire, who published three gospel songs written by Garrison, he had reached a point where his desire for the music world had lost its appeal and moved back to Maysville to raise his family and work. His wife gave him a banjo for Christmas one year, they began jamming at Art in the Park at Hurricane Shoals, and the rest is history.

Mark’s daughter and one of the original band members, Hollis began performing at 3 years old at county fairs, churches, coffee houses, competitions and other venues. She has been involved with community theater and is also an accomplished songwriter. You can hear her songs on both the “Mill Grinder’s Blues” and “Ready For A Change” CDs. She enjoys all genres of music and uniquely blends with Garrison and Hart to create that perfect, three-part harmony.

As the only girl among guys, “It’s pretty interesting being the only girl sometimes…I hear a lot of things I don’t want to hear,” Hollis said, laughing.

“And me being her father, it can put me in an awkward position sometimes,” noted Garrison, equally jovial.

“Seriously, they just keep it fun,” Hollis said.

Hollis works at Bright Beginnings in Jefferson.

“All the people there are so supportive of us,” she said.

Fans and public support have played a big part in the group’s success.

“We’ve never really made the calls. It’s happened on its own. Word of mouth, making contacts along the way…nothing we ever pursued until Telluride,” Garrison said.

A lot goes back to The Crimson Moon and Ianuario’s part in the beginnings. From the jams there, BlueBilly Grit began participating

in Bear on the Square, a festival in Dahlonega, and then The Crimson Moon asked BlueBilly Grit to be a part of the commercials promoting the festival. Now they have been on three television stations and a number of radio stations in the past year.

“We were on Moby in the Morning a few weeks ago,” Rambin noted about the nationally syndicated show that is based in Atlanta.

This past May, the group was featured in the Bluegills & Bluegrass episode of Nuts & Bolts Fishing, a SportsSouth television show.

“They contacted us out of the blue,” Garrison said.

“Things like that have happened at the right time that have helped expand our presence,” Hollis said.

As for how often practice, “…every gig,” joked Chislom. In reality, they shoot for practicing once a week plus gigs.

BlueBilly Grit’s music is available on iTunes, other digital music stores and the group’s web site.

Benko Photographics For The Paper

The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage in Town Park, Telluride, Colo., on which BlueBilly Grit performed.

What’s next?

When the group left the interview, they were headed for the studio to work on “some new stuff,” they said.

In addition to the weddings, corporate events and local festivals and venues, BlueBilly Grit’s line-up is growing.

They just played at Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs this past Tuesday and have a couple of private events on the calendar. But you can catch BlueBilly Grit on Tuesday, July 24, at the Melting Point at the Foundry Inn, Athens.

The band will perform at the Hiawassee Downtown Concert Series on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. and at the Chatthoochee Mountain Fair in Clarksville on Sept. 13.

They are currently working on getting a spot at the Grand Ol’ Opry, added Garrison.

Locally, you can catch the band at Art in the Park at Hurricane Shoals on Sept. 15 for the second annual Tony & Ann Ianuario Bluegrass Festival. Not sure about the specific time yet, Garrison said it will probably run 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and will feature six bands.

This event is a fundraiser to benefit Helping Hands, the friends of the Jefferson Library organization, and will support Tumbling Waters Society’s Art in the Park event.

It was established in honor of former member Ianuario and his wife.

“Tony and Ann loved everyone, and everything in life. They were just so much fun to be around,” Garrison said. “Since they were loved by everyone, we decided to start this bluegrass festival where we met them, and where BlueBilly Grit was formed, and have it benefit the two charities that they contributed so much to in life.”

For more information on the band and other upcoming performances, visit www. bluebillygrit.com and see the calendar page.

BlueBilly Grit’s line-up of performances is growing. The first-place band performs looking out at the crowd to the Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition.

CMYK 4A

Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

church news Center United Methodist Church will have Homecoming services at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 22. The guest speaker will be former NFL Falcon’s football player David Brandon.

He will give his testimony of how he went from a NFL player to working with Chuck Colson Prison Ministries. A covered dish meal will follow the service. Pastor Blane Spence can be reached at 706-654-4862. The church is located at 7641 Jackson Trail Road in Hoschton. sss Re-Winders will meet for their monthly luncheon at Winder First Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 24, at noon. This month’s entertainment is provided by the Athens Regional Speakers Bureau. Guest speaker Katie Calkin will present a program on the Healthy Heart. The group is sponsored by First Baptist Church, but is open to anyone over 50, regardless of church affiliation. Attendees should bring a vegetable, salad or dessert to share, the entree will be provided. sss Archie Watkins will be singing at the 11 a.m. homecoming services of White Plains Baptist Church on July 22. The church is located on Highway 124 in Jefferson.

Tyrus Baptist Church, located on the Thytira-Brockton Road in Jefferson, will host The Mitchells and Steve Guffey on July 22 at 6 p.m. sss In helping families be strong, Love Outreach Mission is working to meet one of the essentials needs of life: food.

Making needed food accessible to families became part of the ministry of World Outreach Church for All Nations when awareness of food deprivation grew. The mission is to “nourish and nurture,” says Pastor Annmarie Fontanez.

World Outreach Church for All Nations, located at 1294 Braselton Highway in Lawrenceville between Hamilton Mill and Highway 20, hopes to help hundreds of families of Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson and Hall.

Launching July 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the expanding community outreach is working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. But donations are needed to serve more families.

“We are building local awareness and looking for business support and seeking out grants,” said Fontanez, who can be reached at 678-863-7669. See more at ClickThePaper.com

Much is asked, given Many of the words of the scriptures, and particularly the words of Jesus have comforted me over the years. For example:

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

– John 10:28 It is freeing to know that eternal life is a free gift to all those who surrender their lives to Christ. It is freeing to know that staying in God’s family is not contingent on me, but on God. He has a grip on me, not me on Him. Those are comforting words.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

– Matthew 28:20 It is also encouraging to know that I am never alone. As a follower of Jesus, he is always with me.

Why would Jesus say that other than to encourage us and to give us courage? I am grateful for the many promises that give hope and courage found in God’s Word.

There are also words that have haunted me as well. One of the most notable passages is this one: That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:47-48 When I read that passage, I can’t help but see myself. I remember that I’ve been given much. Unlike most of the world, I live in relative luxury. Unlike many, I grew up in a solid, loving home. I have received instruction, education and opportunity. Most of all, I have been introduced to Jesus Christ and have been taught to follow His lead.

Even if all the other things were not true, just that last one tips it over the edge. I have been given much.

How about you? Do you recognize that you are one of the most privileged people on the planet? Odds are, you are.

If that is true, then God is expecting some things

from you. He is asking you to take every advantage, every opportunity and every talent Rod Zwenke and do with it what God The Pastor’s Pen wants, not what you want. If you have food, share your food with those who don’t have enough. If you have knowledge, share that knowledge. If you have a relationship with Jesus, you are expected to pass Him along to others.

In God’s economy, we are given so that we can give, period. Do we enjoy what we have been given?

Certainly, but not exclusively. The mentality of “the more I get, the more I can spend” must give way to “the more I get, the more I give” way of thinking.

God has given you more and expects more out of you.

Now that you understand (if you didn’t before), you are now accountable for what you know.

The church I lead has recently been given much – 95 acres on which to minister to people. The temptation would be to use it only for ourselves or to get comfortable on our new “home.” We are refusing to fall into that trap. God has given us much so that we can give. We are dreaming of a place of recovery for addicts, a place of recreation for families, a place of help for the hurting and a place of gathering for our community.

We certainly haven’t figured all of that out yet, but we do know we are responsible to give back. We are having our first event on the property not for ourselves, but for you. We are hosting a “Back to School Bash” on Saturday, July 28, from 4 p.m. until after dark at 828 Hwy 124. This is an entirely free event for the whole community with games, food, music and more. We hope you will come and have a great time with your family and friends. That is where we are starting in an effort to do what is expected of us.

How about you? If you have been entrusted with much, much is asked of you. What is God asking of you?

Rod Zwemke is pastor of Crossroads Church of Jackson County. You can contact him at 706-6580243 or by e-mail at rod@check-out-church.com.

Visit www.crossroadsjacksoncounty.com.

OBITUARIES Emma Lois Day

Died July 9, 2012 Emma Lois Day, 71, of Winder, died Monday, July 9, 2012.

Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome. org The Paper, July 19, 2012

Mary Ellen Edwards

Died July 12, 2012 Mary Ellen Heaton Edwards, 71, of Braselton, died Thursday, July 12, 2012.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, R.T. Heaton and James Edwards. She worked with Relay For Life in Jackson County and loved her children.

Survivors include her daughters, Twana Carlyle (David) of Auburn and Tammie Heaton Carroway (Ira) of Hinesville; brother, Henry Holman (Lisa); sisters, Renna Duncan of Hoschton and Elizabeth Evan (Ernest) of Covington; and grandchildren, Elijah Carlyle and Brandon Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, c/o Relay for Life of Jackson County, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, July 19, 2012

Clarence Everett Franklin

Died July 16, 2012 Clarence Everett Franklin, 80, of Commerce, died July 16, 2012.

Born in Duluth, he was a son of the late A.G. and Geneva May “Lucy” Chatham Franklin. He was a machinist for Kraft Foods and was a member of the Maysville United Methodist Church.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Franklin, and sisters, Geneva Gazaway, Dorothy Brewer and Mary Ann Masters.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Irene Eubanks Franklin; children, Glenn and Nell Franklin of Loganville, Edith and Gibson Wages of Dacula, Jane Franklin of Marietta and Charles Franklin of Commerce; sister, Faye Franklin of Lawrenceville; brothers, Jack Franklin of Lawrenceville and Ronnie Franklin of Auburn; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, July 19, 2012, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Chad Payne and the Rev. Dugar Strickland officiating. The burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Duluth, with Alex Franklin, Curtis Franklin, Eddie Smith, Jeremy Self, Jamie Wilkerson and John Stringer honored as pallbearers.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 19, 2012

Virginia Rebecca Cartwright Howland

Died July 15, 2012 Mrs. Virginia Rebecca Cartwright Howland, 91, of Jefferson, died Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Born in Tallapoosa, she was a daughter of the late Stuart and Virginia Wright Cartwright. Mrs. Howland was also preceded in death by her husband, Cpt. Charles C. Howland, and granddaughter, Christy Cates. She worked for the Department of Defense, and was a member of the Tallapoosa Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Mack Cates of Jefferson; brother and sisterin-law, Charles R. and Louise Cartwright of Woodstock; granddaughter and husband, Cindy and David Benton of Jefferson; nephew, Chuck Cartwright; nieces, Patricia Barwick and Ginny Lynch; and great-grandchildren, Samuel and Christopher Benton.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery in Jefferson with the Rev. Mike McLemore officiating.

The family requests memorials be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 19, 2012

Bobby Loggins

Died July 11, 2012 Robert Edward “Bobby” Loggins, 80, of Jefferson, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012.

Born in Athens, he was a son of the late Hope E. and Christine Lyle Loggins. He was a member of the Galilee Christian Church, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Amateur Radio Association (Ham Radio). A veteran of the United States Air Force, he was retired from the National Guard. He was also retired from the Physics Department at the University of Georgia, where he was a Procurement Specialist.

He also enjoyed fishing and camping.

Survivors include his sons, Carl Loggins of Lexington, Hope Loggins of Dry Pond, Brad Loggins of Jefferson and Jonathan Loggins of Maysville; sister, Delores Garrison of Jefferson; and

11 grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Sunday, July 15, 2012, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Minister Tom Plank, the Rev. Nick Vipperman and the Rev. Jimmy Strickland officiating. Burial followed in the Jackson Memorial Park with Andy Garrison, Wayne Garrison, Hubert Blalock, Dale Williamson, Charles Davis and Jimmy Strickland honored as pallbearers.

The family requests that memorial be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 19, 2012

Carl W. Hoffman

Died July 10, 2012 Carl W. Hoffman, 92, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012, in Savannah.

He was a son of the late Minnie and William Hoffman, and was also preceded in death by a son, Gary Hoffman. A United States Army veteran, he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was an avid golfer and fisherman.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Virginia Williamson Hoffman; children, Elton Hoffman (Brenda), Dennis Hoffman and Paula Johnson (Perry); grandchildren, William Jr., Byron, Brian, Jason, Lacey and Scott; great-grandchildren, Ella, Harper, Parker, Alexandria and Taylor; and 12 siblings.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 13, 2012, at the Fairhaven Funeral Chapel in Garden City. A visitation in Jefferson was held Saturday, July 14, at Evans Funeral Home followed by 11 a.m. graveside services handled by Evans Funeral Home at the Arcade Cemetery in Jefferson.

Fairhaven Funeral Home & Crematory, Garden City Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 19, 2012

Tex Parker

Died July 10, 2012 Gower Rufus “Tex” Parker Jr., 61, of Pendergrass, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Born in Jackson County, he was a son to the late Gower Rufus Parker Sr., and the late Willard Thomas Parker.

He was the founder of Circle P Rodeo. He was a member

of Pond Fork Baptist Church and a preacher at the Hall County Jail. He retired as superintendent for the CW Matthews Asphalt Company.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Linda Parker; sons, Johnny Walker, Danny (Christina) Parker and Buddy Parker, all of Pendergrass, Ronnie Parker of Millerton, Pa., and Donnie (Sarah) Parker of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., daughter, Penny (Allen) Jones of Gainesville; brothers, William Pardon of Gainesville, Leonard Parker of Dahlonega and Ricky Parker of Gainesville; grandchildren, John Walker Jr., Danny Parker Jr., Sissy Parker, Ryan Craft, Jessica Parker, Brantley Crumley, Valerie Parker, Gower Rufus Parker III, Pete Parker, Allen Jones Jr., Katelyn Jones, Ashton Jones, Ronnie Parker Jr., Matthew Parker, Levi Parker, Slater Parker and Victoria Parker; and a number of other relatives.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Pond Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnny Knight, the Rev. Eddie Gordon, the Rev. Jeff Hogan and the Rev. Buddy Parker officiating.

The burial followed in the church cemetery with sons, daughter and grandsons serving as pallbearers.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 19, 2012

Maxine P. Staten Shoemake Died July 9, 2012

Maxine P. Staten Shoemake, 83, died Monday, July 9, 2012.

Born Oct. 6, 1926, she was a long-time resident of Atlanta, Fairfield Plantation/Villa Rica and also residing in Braselton and McCormick, S.C., before returning to Oklahoma in May 2011. She worked at Irby-Seawell/SE Aviation Underwriters for more than 25 years. A courageous and inspiring woman, Maxine enjoyed fishing, baseball, volunteering, family and friends. And she loved her dogs. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay Shoemake; sons, Roy Lynn and Donald Lynn; sister, Gerry Pickering; and brother, Bob Pickering.

Survivors are her grandchildren, Tammy Reiss, Sherri Austin, Lora Spivey and Kathy Kull; siblings, Charlene McKinny, Jane Satterfield, and Tom Pickering; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial gathering was held Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Northeast Church, located at 2001 Cherry Drive in Braselton.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, July 19, 2012

Harley David Smith Jr.

Died July 10, 2012 Harley David Smith Jr., 36, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Lawson Funeral Home.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, July 19, 2012

Cornelia Elise Sosebee

Died June 26, 2012 Mrs. Cornelia Elise Sosebee, 86, of Winder, died Tuesday, June 26, 2012.

Born in Barrow County, she was preceded in death by parents, Robert C. and Ila Mae Collins Hamilton; husband, Richard David Sosebee; son, Richard Wayne Sosebee Sr.; brothers: J.C. and Royce Hamilton; and a sister, Lucille Turnbull. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in South Carolina.

Survivors are her grandchildren, Richard Wayne Sosebee Jr., and Robbie Sosebee; brother, David (Floride) Hamilton of Pelzer, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Johnny Wright officiating.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 19, 2012

William Charles Weathers

Died July 15, 2012 William Charles Weathers, 75, of Braselton died Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome. org.

The Paper, July 19, 2012

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

ALLEN from page 2A

HARDY from page 2A

ties do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

The challenging issue for Jackson County for the next four years will be to get a handle on county spending. We must account for every tax dollar that is spent and make sure that every dollar spent will benefit all taxpayers. All districts in the county must be equally served. I have no special interest groups that I intend to cater to their needs. I am a small business man that knows how to cut spending and stretch a dollar. I would like to see all districts working together as one for the benefit of all taxpayers.

I would like to see more industry come to Jackson County that produces jobs. We will need to regulate the growth so we do not outgrow our water supply, county roads, emergency response and school systems.

We need to increase the revenue by attracting businesses to the county, [opposed to a tax hike]. I would not like to see a millage rate increase.

And speaking of taxes.... I am against the T-SPLOST because we have too much taxation already. It also has projects attached to it that our county does not need at this time.

have served the last four years as your District 2 County Commissioner. I have been running a successful small business since college and understand the challenges of managing finances. I feel like I am the best candidate to address the issues facing Jackson County right now because my background and experience have provided me with strong leadership skills, a broad knowledge of what’s going on in our county, the ability to interact well with my peers, the foundation to build good working relationships with all the leaders in our county and a strong desire to serve the citizens of Jackson County as we move ahead with a clear vision for tomorrow.

COUNTY from page 1A

Smith points to cost for engineering work mented on engineering project costs. He listed the amounts for a variety of projects, including some $1,200 for the East Jackson tennis courts, almost $6,400 for the Commerce EMS station, $2,500 for the ranger station, $77,000 for the West Jackson EMS, around $108,500 for the historic courthouse, $353,000 on the new jail, $13,500 for the demolition of the old jail and $76,500 for the senior center.

Smith then noted the amounts per year spent on engineering costs: $39,961.50 in 2007, $41,169.53 in 2008, $30,525.25 in 2009, $77,321.20 in 2010, $57,570.06 in 2011 and, year to date 2012, $701.72.

These amounts are listed in the Jackson County general fund projects paid to BM&K Consulting.

A number of items were listed under the consent agenda, which was unanimously approved by the commission. In addition to the elimination of furlough days, items included: - In regards to Notice of Participation – ERS 2012 Legislative Changes – ACT 728 (SB286), the County will not offer ERS retirement to future new tax commissioners or new tax office employees hired on or after July 1; - Authorized a Community Service Contract with Peace Place to provide community services for qualifying citizens of Jackson County for the annual sum of $10,000; - Authorized a Lease Renewal with Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, continuing the $100 per month rent on the building at 383 General Jackson Drive in Jefferson.

- Authorized a $10,000 Community Service Contract with the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County to provide community services for the qualifying citizens of Jackson County.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office? I believe that long term debt will remain a challenge for quite some time in Jackson County. However, I feel that because some of that debt is based on the infrastructure improvements we have made over the last eight years we will continue to see relief as our economic development growth continues to prosper.

Despite the downturn in the economy, Jackson County has led the State of Georgia in economic growth over the last several years. Since 2009, we have added over $630 million dollars of industrial growth to the tax digest in Jackson County which helps reduce the tax burden to our citizens and led to the creation of 3,400 jobs. Because of the growth of our industrial tax base, most people are paying less taxes now than they were several years ago due to across-theboard property tax re-assessments that have been lowered county-wide. With this growth we are currently able to reduce furlough days and maintain a high level of service for the citizens of Jackson County which is a direct reflection of the management decisions made by the current Board of Commissioners.

The day to day responsibilities of the county are overseen by the County Manager, who has policies and procedures set by the Board of Commissioners

as his guide. What do you think should be the working relationship of the commissioners, the chairman and the county manager? With other elected officials? With county employees?

The working relationship between the commissioners and the county manager should be one of respect and professionalism. The day-today operations of the county fall under the responsibility of the County Manager and it is his job to coordinate the county employees. The county manager is responsible for hiring capable department heads which in turn staff their various departments. The responsibility of the board is to give oversight to the manager, but not to meddle in the day-to-day operations of the county. It is quit appropriate to inquire and receive feedback from employees but it not appropriate to manipulate employees in order to influence decision making. I also feel that the other elected officials should be shown the same respect and professionalism. They are elected to fulfill a duty and we need to work together to ensure that we are helping that cause as best of our ability.

Commissioners are elected by districts, but how important is it for commissioners to be responsible for all Jackson county taxpayers? I feel like it is very important for me to understand that even though I am elected from one of four districts, I represent all of Jackson County. There should not be any fences built around a district when it comes time for deciding what is in the best interest of Jackson County. Every district has different needs and they all should garner equal consideration. Included in this decision making process is the different municipalities.

Four years ago when I took office, one of the top complaints I heard was that the county didn’t do enough to help cities. Contrary to the belief of the previous board, these cities are part of Jackson County also and they pay taxes to operate the county just like everyone else. Our job was to mend that relationship and I feel we have done this.

5A

THOMPSON from page 2A ties do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office? The biggest challenge is rebuilding the citizen’s trust and getting the financial house back in order. The majority of the BOC has voted to approve spending without the best interest of the county. There have been several questionable contracts given to consultants and vendors without a consistent or fair bid.

I believe that a strong component of improving our economy is to focus on the resources we have. Jackson County is always in the top five of agricultural producers in the state, but we have little emphasis on supporting our farming. I want to see a shift to agri-tourism and agri-business to restart the economy and preserve the farming culture we have.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the county are overseen by the county manager, who has policies and procedures set by the board of commissioners as his guide. What do think should be the working relationship of the commissioners, the chairman and the county manager? With other elected officials? With county employees? The BOC is the legislative side of the government and sets the policies and vision to guide the county. Currently there is an extreme disconnect between the BOC and the employees.

Through constant furloughs and wasteful spending, the employees have diminished

morale and uncertainty in their jobs. If the employees are not included in the vision, then the BOC is losing a valuable resource. The county manager should be the guiding force in closing the gap between the elected officials and the employees.

Commissioners are elected by district, but how important is it for commissioners to be responsible for all Jackson County taxpayers? Right now the current commissioner for this district has only supported progress in the other side of the county and has forgotten the community he represents. When I was a commissioner before, my priority was to represent the whole county and to ensure my district had the representation it voted for.

Other comments: This is a very important election for Jackson County. Never before has the county finances been so unstable and the morale of the employees been so low. When a leader misses almost a year’s worth of meetings, that leader is no longer effective and is not representing the best interest of the community. I am dedicated to representing my district and my county. I believe before a leader can effectively fix the budget crisis, that leader must take responsibility for the budget, the debt and the problems. I will take responsibility by attending the meetings, putting the best interest of the county first and promoting an ethical bidding process.

CMYK

FORUM PAGE 6A | THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Phones, TVs often replace life’s true joys We will never go back to the days of three TV channels, one wired phone and a camera that required film, but there are times I’d like to.

At our house, we have cable channels that have numbers that reach into the 800s.

Quite frankly, I don’t think we watch more than 15 or 20 in any given week. Some of the channels have names I don’t even recognize.

There is one channel that seems to always have a show on about people getting shot or stabbed and the attempt to save them in a hospital emergency room.

I did not go to medical school and I never took an anatomy class. I have no desire to look at another human being’s abdomen through a knife or bullet hole.

There are all kinds of shows about people who are attempting to lose considerable amounts of weight.

I probably would be well served to watch those, however, there are more channels that show us restaurants offering the world largest steak, hamburger or pork chop. Add to that all kinds of programs that give the inside story of making cakes, pies and cupcakes. I think there are several cupcake shows.

I think there are about a half dozen channels that just sell stuff. One is devoted exclusively to jewelry. You can turn it on anytime of day and see some kind of shiny bauble that can be ordered by calling the toll-free number on the screen.

I was much happier watching shows about folks who couldn’t afford baubles and such.

It was 40 years ago that “The Waltons” came our way on a Thursday night.

I don’t think Mama ever missed an episode. My dad would mildly complain that The Waltons lived a pretty good life for folks in the midst of the Great Depres-

Harris Blackwood sion.

As for phones, I carry two in my pockets: One that is personal and another for work. I would gladly relinquish either or both of them.

I wish I knew the occupations of people who have those hands-free earpieces sticking out of their ear.

What is so important that you have to talk while you walk through the grocery store?

I occasionally call my wife from the store for about 20 seconds to differentiate between whipping cream and whipped cream.

We are equally impersonal with the cameras on most phones. I saw a woman fall in a public place the other day and before one person could reach down to help her; someone was snapping a picture with a cell phone. That’s just wrong.

And oh, the things we do with those pictures, such as posting them on Facebook.

There is a young man who is my Facebook friend and has posted a jillion pictures of himself and his girlfriend online. I’m so proud he is in love, but I don’t need to see images of their every waking moment.

I’m going to come off as an old fuddy-duddy, but there was something magical about sending off film and later opening the envelope with the finished prints.

It was like reliving a special moment again.

The simple times were really not that bad. I’d lament more, but I’ve got to watch the real housewives on TV. Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville resident whose columns appear weekly.

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS U.S. Rep Rob Woodall, 1725 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-4272, fax 202225-4696; 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, 770-232-3005; woodall.house.gov.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, 416 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202224-3521; 100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339, 770763-9090; chambliss. senate.gov Sen. Johnny Isakson, 120 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202224-3643; One Overton Park, 3625 Cumberland Blvd., Suite 970, Atlanta,

GA 30339, 770-6610999; isakson.senate. gov District 45 Sen. Renee Unterman, P. O. Box 508, Buford, 30518, 770-9451887; renee.unterman@ senate.ga.gov District 47 Sen. Frank Ginn, P. O. Box 1136, Danielsville, 30633; 706- 680-4466; frankginn@senate.ga.gov District 49 Sen. Butch Miller, 2420 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, 30504, 678-989-5301; butch.miller@senate. ga.gov Rep. Emory Dunahoo Jr., District 25, 4720 Walnut Lane, Gainesville, 30507, 770-534-0314; emory.dunahoo@house. ga.gov

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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

Mama’s ring still sparkles brightly It would never have occurred to me that it would mean as much as it has, never cross my mind that I would cherish it as I have. I suppose that’s what makes it even more meaningful.

Mama wasn’t fancy by any stretch of the imagination. A small cake of cornbread and a cold glass of buttermilk often sufficed just fine for her supper, a home-grown, juicy tomato thrilled her beyond measure and presents were often wrapped with masking tape. She was sturdy and solid, not fancy or frivolous.

“If I knew that I’d live long enough to get the use out of it, I’d buy me a new mattress and box springs,” she said once about five years before she died. It sums up the woman bred of the mountains that she was — money was not to be squandered and whatever was bought should do you for a long time.

That’s why it seems odd, if a person gave too much mind to it, that Mama had three sets of wedding rings in her lifetime. The first one bought back in 1940, when their “I do’s” were said, has a diamond that is nothing

Ronda Rich much more than a speck.

Gradually, they got a little bigger.

This I know — they were all Daddy’s doings because Mama would have kept that first one and lived happily all of her life. She never longed or lusted for expensive things.

The last one, though, she kept for 35 years. It is a round cluster of small diamonds set in yellow gold. When Mama died and Louise collected together her jewelry, she asked, out of the blue on the Saturday after we had laid her to rest beside Daddy in that country church’s cemetery, “Would you like to have this set of rings?”

Tears filled my eyes and I reached out for them.

“Oh,” I whispered softly, for I had never thought of possessing those rings — the cluster and the thin gold

band. “Yes. I would love it.”

And so from that day forward, I have rarely been without those rings. They bring a comfort to my heart and spirit that words, no matter how grand, cannot describe.

Something rather amazing happened, though, when Mama died and her rings moved to reside on my right hand — the sparkle of that ring seemed to multiply significantly. As though it had been kissed by the lips of an angel.

“Have you noticed how this ring sparkles on my hand?” I asked Louise.

She nodded. “Yes, I have.

I don’t remember it shining like that on Mama’s hand.”

Others have mentioned it, too. One day during lunch, my friend, Sue, reached across the table to take my hand.

“Is that your Mama’s ring?” she asked. I touched it lovingly with the forefinger of my other hand and nodded.

“I don’t remember it having such a sparkle,” she commented.

“No one else does either,” I said. “It’s like a gift from God, reminding me

that Mama is still with me.”

“I know what you mean,” she replied, explaining that she had a ring made from a tie tack that had belonged to her son, Jay, who had been one of my best friends in college. A few years after we graduated, he died of a blood disorder with which he had been born. Sue and I stay close, joined by the bond of our mutual love for Jay. She pointed to a horseshoe-shaped ring studded with small diamonds. Jay was an avid horseman all his life. “This was Jay’s and I had it made into a woman’s ring from his ring.”

“It helps, doesn’t it?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied softly.

“It helps a lot.”

Time marches on and I move further away on Earth from those who are gone, but closer to them in eternity. Meanwhile, I am comforted by Mama’s sparkle.

Ronda Rich is the bestselling author of several books. Sign up for her newsletter at www.ronda rich.com. Her column appears weekly.

Longing for the days of ‘I Ain’t Crazy’ Reason and rationality have taken all the fun out of politics.

Consider the following campaign slogans of the last few presidential candidates: Barack Obama: “Change We Can Believe In.” John McCain: “Country First.”

George W. Bush: “Reformer With Results.”

Bill Clinton: “Putting People First.”

Bob Dole: “The Better Man for a Better America.”

John Kerry: “America, Let America Be America Again.”

Al Gore: “American Prosperity for America’s Families.”

Ralph Nader: “Get Jiggy with Ralph, America.”

OK, you got me. I made up one of those, and added some “Americas” to others.

My point is: We need someone really crazy — other than Ralph Nader — to run for high political office; someone that will have a wonderfully wacky, perhaps absurd, campaign slogan. That’s what gets people to the polls, other than offers of free booze.

In this country, we have a great history of inspired,

Len Robbins interesting and sometimes zany political campaign slogans. Consider these actual campaign slogans from our political past: “A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage” — Herbert Hoover, from the 1928 presidential campaign.

“Vote Yourself a Farm” — Abraham Lincoln’s slogan in the 1860 presidential campaign.

“Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, The Continental Liar from the State of Maine” — Grover Cleveland’s slogan in the 1884 presidential election.

“Ma, Ma, Where’s my Pa? Gone to the White House. Ha, Ha, Ha” — James Blaine’s retort, in 1884.

The 1884 election was undoubtedly the high, and low, point in American campaign slogans.

“Cox and Cocktails” — Warren G. Harding,

1920 (Also used by the late Teddy Kennedy in another campaign).

“A Full Dinner Pail” — Huh? William McKinley, 1900.

“In Your Heart, You Know He’s Right” — Barry Goldwater’s 1964 campaign slogan.

“In Your Guts, You Know He’s Nuts” — The anti-Goldwater campaign slogan of the same election.

“Why settle for amateurs? California deserves a Professional Comedian” — Gallagher’s campaign slogan from a recent California gubernatorial election.

“54-40 or fight” — James K. Polk, 1844, obviously referring to that woman on “Mad Men.” “Who is James K. Polk?”

— Henry Clay, 1844, obviously eating his words after Polk kicked his tail in the election.

“Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Speech, Free Men and Fremont” — John C. Fremont’s wordy campaign slogan from the 1856 presidential election.

“Rum, Romanism and Rebellion” — A Republican slogan from the 1884 presidential election (Also

Publisher Dennis L. Stockton

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

General Manager Norman Baggs Editor LeAnne Akin

used by Teddy Kennedy in a later campaign).

The great state of Louisiana has the most colorful political history of any state in the union, and its campaign slogans reflect its long-standing eccentricity.

Consider: “Vote for me. I’m not crazy” — Gov. Huey Long’s last campaign slogan.

“I Ain’t Crazy” — Earl Long’s campaign slogan after he had been institutionalized for being crazy. Earl was Huey’s brother.

“Vote for the Crook. At Least He’s Honest” — Gov. Edwin Edward’s re-election slogan in 1991.

And Gov. Francis Nichols had this campaign slogan, after he lost an arm and a foot in the Civil War: “Vote for What’s Left of Me.” Duly inspired by the creativity from the past, I have a doozy campaign slogan for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney: “A Turducken in Every Pot and an Elevator for Every Car!” Worked for Herbert Hoover, sort of.

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

Send letters to editor@ clickthepaper. com; fax, 706658-0177; or P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

7A

CMYK 8A

Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

James M. Keinard Name: James M Keinard

Candidates for Jackson County Coroner Age: 68

Position Sought: Jackson County Coroner Previous political office held: Hoschton City Council member Occupation/Employment: Retired Georgia Law Enforcement Officer 42 years of active law enforcement service.

Currently, I am a Georgia licensed Private Investigator and own and operate Georgia Specialized Investigative Services Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: My law enforcement background has prepared me to do any type of criminal investigation including death investigations.

I did my first death investigation in November 1971 and through the years have been involved in a number of them. I have received extensive training in forensic and death investigation. Also, I have trained in death investigation at the Macon Police Academy, Georgia Police Academy and at the National FBI Academy. Further, I have attended death investigation seminars and classes conducted by North Georgia State University, Georgia Peace Officers Association and FBI National Academy associates re-training conferences. In my private investigative practice, I just completed a death investigation in another Georgia County involving the death of a Georgia deputy sheriff.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

In my private investigative practice, I just completed a death investigation in another Georgia county involving the death of a Georgia deputy sheriff. It is this case that has led me to seek the office of Coroner of Jackson County. It was during this case that I realized that serious mistakes were made by the initial responding officers, the state crime lab and the county coroner.

Proper tests that should have been run, prior to pronouncing the cause of death, were never run nor did the coroner question why the proper tests were not run.

In this case, the coroner should have conducted a coroner inquest into the cause of death of that deputy sheriff. A coroner’s inquest was never conducted nor was a critical lab test ever conducted even though it was requested by the investigating officers.

It was heartbreaking to see the mother of the deputy, not only suffer from the loss of her son, but also know that the investigation was flawed. I never want to see a flawed investigation like what happen in this other

Georgia County, ever happen in Jackson County.

The current coroner is good person and a fine public servant. His perspective is from the Fire Service. He is currently the Fire Chief in Commerce. For a number of years, he has been your county coroner.

This respondent’s perspective is from 42 years as a police officer, detective, criminal investigator and private investigator.

Who can do a more thorough death investigation? The public must decide which of us will do a more thorough job as your county Coroner.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

I would hope and pray that no one would need the services of the county coroner.

However, there are times when the coroner is needed. If elected as your county coroner, I will serve all the people. I will assure a proper investigation is done independent of police and fire services. I will assure the confidentiality of all records in possession of that office. I will treat all persons or their remains with respect. I will leave no stone unturned when seeking the truth.

I will try to identify all human remains and return those remains to their families. I will assure all family members will be kept informed as to the circumstances of the death and the efforts that are being made to determine cause and manner of death of their loved one.

This race will provide the citizens of Jackson County the opportunity to decide who they feel is the best qualified person to conduct the death investigation.

Many residents aren’t familiar with the responsibilities of the Coroner’s Office and may not think much about those responsibilities until a tragedy occurs.

What are some of the major duties of this office?

Citizens must understand that under Georgia Code, Chapter 45, Section 24, the Coroner is charged with determining true cause and manner of death. His investigation must be independent of the police and/or fire departments investigations.

The coroner’s investigation is not a rubberstamp from either the police, sheriff or fire departments’ investigation. If there is a question as to the true cause or manner of death, the coroner must conduct an inquest to determine cause and manner of death.

Members of the family have a right to request a coroner’s inquest if they feel that the filings of the investigations were flawed or the cause or manner of death is questioned!

Finally, if some reason the Sheriff of the county is removed, the coroner assumes the duties of the Sheriff until such time an election is held or the Governor appoints an interim Sheriff.

Keith Whitfield

Name: Keith Whitfield Age: 52 Position Sought: Jackson Coroner Previous political office held/appointed government posts: Jackson County Coroner, 24 years Occupation: Self employed Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: Serving Jackson County since 1976 rescue; Emergency Medical since 1978 - worked with Jackson County Ambulance Service; Served with Commerce Fire Department since 1978; currently serving since 2006 as Fire Chief Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position? 24 years of experience; This is my calling to serve the people of Jackson County.

I am the best candidate – years of training already completed and compassionate for people, plus a good working relationship with

the local, state and federal officials.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

Challenges: Population growth and drug abuse Opportunities: Lecturing to kids at schools about dangers of drug abuse and the impact of the death rate What are some of the major duties of this office? * pronouncing death * determine the cause and manner of death * coordinate with GBI for autopsies Other comments: Thank you for allowing me to serve the people for Jackson County for the past 24 years and with your support I look forward to serving you for another four years.

CMYK

sports

Online: Visit ClickThePaper.com for local sports coverage all summer

Year in review: Mill Creek AD Director Gary Long.

2B

SECTION B | THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Doctor’s orders: Heat advisory

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper.com July is usually the time of year when Georgia’s temperatures reach their highest, and it is also the time of year when heat-related illnesses become a major concern.

Dr. John Buchanan, Sports Medicine Physician at Northeast Georgia Health System, has been the Mill Creek High School team physician for nearly a decade, and is a strong promoter in educating people about how Buchanan to play it safe in the heat. He also works with Winder-Barrow High School. “[The] heat issue is always a big issue in July when football season starts, especially here in Georgia. It’s going to get physical starting next week in regards to youth football leagues,” said Dr. Buchanan. “As you know the temperature is upwards to 100 degrees so heat is always a major issue.

Unfortunately, Georgia has suffered a few heat casualties in the high school world.”

In 2009, ABC News reported that five to 10 players have died every year over the past decade due to heat-related illnesses.

According to American Family Physician, nearly 5,000 people have died from heatrelated illnesses over the past 23 years.

There are two stages the body goes through before it reaches a heat stroke. It is important for people to understand the difference between a heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“There are different levels of heat illness. The first level is heat cramps. Heat

exhaustion is a higher level, and a heat stroke [third level] is a medical emergency, and that’s what causes people to die,” Dr. Buchanan stated.

AFP defines heat exhaustion as the inability to continue activity because of environmental conditions, and is postulated to be caused by a central mechanism that protects the body in times of overexertion.

A heat stroke is when a person’s body temperature reaches 104 degrees or more, which can cause trouble in the central nervous system.

“When the temperature in a person’s regulatory system cannot compensate the amount of heat, all the organ systems in the body fail,” said Dr. Buchanan. “Typically your temperature can be recorded at 106 or 108 degrees, and your kidneys will not function. Those levels are recognizable and preventable. In other words, you don’t just wake up with a heat stroke. There can be earlier signs.”

The game of football is a rough and tumble sport; if you complain, you may be labeled as weak, but when it becomes a lifeor-death matter, this is not the time to just sit on the sidelines. It’s time for action.

“They are afraid to say something. A lot of the kids will hide their injuries [and] they’ll hide their concussions,” said Dr. Buchanan.

Another issue to be aware of are turf fields which, according to National Public Radio, are favored by many coaches due to their easy maintenance. However, those competing on a turf field should be careful, as they tend to have a hotter surface.

“Some of the fields in the area are turf fields. Turf fields tend to be hotter. There is a significant ground temperature increase, so the turf fields are a little bit higher risk,” said Dr. Buchanan.

While standardized rules have been set in place for high school students, it is

You need to pre-hydrate before practice. Hydration is a 24-hour job. It’s better to be hydrated 24 hours, around the clock. You can’t expect to catch up on two days of hydration an hour before practice.

Dr. John Buchanan Northeast Georgia Physicians Group

John Kelley Regional staff

Taking the advice of Dr. John Buchanan, these Winder-Barrow High School athletes hydrate during a summer practice. Buchanan serves as a team physician for the W-BHS Bulldoggs as well as the Mill Creek Hawks. important for parents to be informed about heat illnesses for little league athletes.

“Kids are most susceptible to heat injuries. They are a special population and we better spend a little bit more time with them in regards to prevention. They are smaller, they have smaller surface areato-mass ratio [and they] have lower blood volume. They can’t cool themselves as well as adults,” said Dr. Buchanan.

Dr. Buchanan says there is a strategic plan they use to ensure the kids are healthy enough to compete before and after practice.

“We weigh the high school kids. We weigh them before and after practice. They will not be allowed to return to practice until they return to their baseline body weight. They’ll have to replace fluid until they return to their pre-practice weight,” Buchanan said.

“If you have a child that weights 250 pounds, they can sometimes lose 6 to 8 pounds in a practice. They need to get that fluid back in, or else they’ll be susceptible to a heat injury. Don’t rely on thirst to

replace fluids. You need to pre-hydrate before practice. Hydration is a 24-hour job.

It’s better to be hydrated 24 hours, around the clock. You can’t expect to catch up on two days of hydration an hour before practice. You need to hydrate 30 minutes before,” said Buchanan.

It is safe to say that more than 20 years ago, athletes were practicing in the heat; many without water for long periods of time. Now with further research and knowledge, Dr. Buchanan says they are able to treat the athletes in a more efficient and timely way.

“I think in general we have done a much better job in prevention and education. We have athletic trainers on the sidelines or at practice and are constantly monitoring the kids, pulling kids out that they are concerned about and getting them caught before they progress to the heat stroke,” Dr. Buchanan said.

Check out next week’s edition for an indepth analysis on one of the most talked about safety issues in the game of football.

Lady Hawks look to serve big matchups in August

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper.com With less than one month away until the start of the regular season, Head Volleyball Coach Brian Williamson and the Lady Hawks are looking to make a big strike in their conference early.

Last season, the team finished (35-15) overall and went (7-2) in the region.

Williamson noted the importance

of starting out strong and prepar- area schedule so, as always, our ing his squad for some goal is to win the area…win of their fiercest comthe region. North Gwinnett is petition, such as North normally one of our biggest Gwinnett High School, competitors, and maybe Colwhich ended the year lins Hill. We have some big with an outstanding 47games early in the season. We 9 record. The Bulldogs have Buford and Sandy Creek and the Hawks met up coming very early in the seafour times last season, Williamson son… [Sandy Creek] will be a with each squad taking really big game. Sandy Creek two games a piece. is a very good team. We should “We play a very short region be very good this year. Buford will

Latrice Williams The Paper

Members of the Mill Creek volleyball team look on as one of their teammates serves up a big hit.

[also] be good. Those are definitely a couple games that will be big games for us,” said Williamson.

The team has been conditioning during summer workouts since June, but without many of their teammates. Williamson says it’s going to take some time for the girls to get adjusted to competing together.

“We started the second week in June. They’ve been going very well. We practice three days a week in June and four days a week in July,” said Williamson. “It’s sporadic [and some of] the kids being [are] on vacation and some of them are attending college camps. Everyone kind of has different things going on. We have a lot of coaches out of town this week.

“We don’t have any of our younger girls here [or] any of our incoming freshmen, but when they are here we are averaging out 4050 girls. They have done very well.

[They’ve] trained a lot. We are getting ready for the season and we are looking forward to it,” said Williamson.

“A lot of the girls have been playing all year around, but they haven’t been playing with each other so getting used to playing with each other [in terms of] hitting, serving and playing as a unit is one of the biggest things for us [as well as] controlling the ball and being able to work with each other on the court,” said Williamson.

Competing year-round not only allows the team to strengthen their game, but it also gives them a chance to get noticed by colle-

giate recruiters. While no one on the squad has made any commitments, Williamson is hopeful that some of his girls will have a home at the next level within the next few months.

“They don’t do a lot of scouting in the fall, because that’s when the colleges play. They do most of the scouting during the travel club season which is in the spring, but most of the girls get recruited through the club games and club tournaments that happen in the spring,” said Williamson.

“I don’t have anyone that has signed yet. All seven of the seniors, to my knowledge, want to play in college if they can. We are just going to wait and see who is interested in them, whose going to sign them, [and] whose not going to sign them, but nothing has been set in stone yet,” he said. “I think by the end of the season or definitely by the beginning of the year, we’ll have a handful of girls that are signed somewhere.”

Getting a team full prepared for the year can be stressful, but Williamson said he is not feeling the pressure as the start of the season approaches.

“We are really looking forward to it. We are going to be carrying anywhere from five to eight teams this year, so we’ll have an older group,” said Williamson. “We had seven seniors three or four years ago, and we have seven seniors this year.

“We’re really excited about the season,” he said. “We’re expecting good things.”

local football

local running

local races

Flowery Branch hosts lineman camp

Run the Vineyard in Braselton

30th annual Summer’s End Race

The elite offensive lineman camp will wrap up tomorrow at Flowery Branch High School. The camp has attracted athletes from across the region. It has been under the direction of Mill Creek Offensive Lineman Coach Joshua Lovelady. The athletes have been participating in a variety of drills while gaining insight on how to be a more dominant force upfront.

Anyone looking to get another run in before the end of summer can sign up for the Run the Vineyard 2012 race. The event will take place on Aug. 18 at 7:30 a.m. and will consist of a 5K run. The cost is $20 for those pre-register and $25 for anyone who registers the day of the event. Register at active.com or contact David Gussio at 678-696-1626 or e-mail braseltonrotary@gmail.com

Winder will host the 30th annual end of summer race on Saturday, Aug. 11. The race is USATF-certified and is Peachtree qualifier. Those wanting to participate must register by Aug. 8 at 11:59 p.m. The beginning and end location will in downtown Winder at the Old Train Depot on Highway 53. The event will kick off with a 1-mile fun run at 7:30, a 5K run at 8 a.m. and a 10K run at 8:45 a.m. Visit active.com for more information including online registration.

CMYK 10B

Government

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

POLICE REPORT Braselton Police ■ A Morning Light Way, Buford resident reported a July 9 criminal damage to property incident.

Someone had thrown a dozen eggs at the side of his house.

■ A person identifying himself as a 14-year-old male enticed a younger female contacted through an iPod application to take and send photos of her body. On July 10, Braselton parents contacted police.

The girl, who first send a photo of her face before being asked to send photos of her breasts and other parts of her body, stopped sending photos. That prompted the male to threaten to post the photos on social media sites. The girl told her mother something bad had happened.

Police are investigating the incident in which the child was enticed for indecent purposes.

Detective Sgt. Michael Steffman responded to the scene. The girl told her mother she does not know the man she was communicating with on the iPod with the “Kick Me” application.

■ A Fisk Falls Drive resident reported July 11 that her sister accused her of making another family member uncomfortable. A report was logged at the request of the complainant’s probation officer.

■ A July 10 criminal trespass incident was logged at a Loowit Falls Way location where poured cat litter on a car and the previous evening put female sanitary products in the yard. An ongoing issue with another former high school student over boyfriend issues may be behind the criminal trespass.

The family was urged to

install a motion light and extra patrol was requested for the area.

■ A disorderly conduct situation was reported July 11 on Grand Hickory Drive. An intoxicated person at Jeffrey’s was creating a disturbance.

Stephen C. Johnson, 22, had entered the back bar and ordered a drink the establishment does not serve. The man “flipped off” and cursed the bartender. Staff was advised not to serve the man who then asked to use the phone. When he cursed the complainant on the phone, he was asked to leave and slammed a door as he was being escorted out.

When the complainant then nudged the man on out the door, Johnson took a swing and missed. The complainant took the man to the ground. When he tried to run away, others assisted in detaining the man who was on the ground when police arrived. The man, who asked to be driven home or call so his father who was not at the scene could tell the story, also cursed police all the way to the Gwinnett County Jail. He also attempted to kick out the window of the patrol car three different times. The man was still irate when he arrived at the jail and jail personnel assisted in escorting him inside where he was charged with disorderly conduct.

■ On July 12, police were called to East Lake Drive where a woman was unable to get her child’s babysitter to the door. She pointed through a window where the woman could be seen slumped over in a chair. Police were able to enter the home to find the woman with no pulse. The complainant

said she had urged the woman to got to he doctor because she had not been feeling well for the past several days.

■ A mother told police July 12 that her golf cart with her son inside began rolling on the 15th hole along Golf Club Drive. She said she ran for the cart and dove for it but the cart struck the fence and pinned the boy. Barrow County Med 4 responded and found no broken bones or severe sprains. The child’s father indicated he would pay for repair of the homeowner’s fence.

■ A blue 1990 Chevy 1500 and a homemade were taken from a Highway 53 location by a man living on the property. The man returned with lawnmowers on the trailer, unloaded a mower and began cutting grass.

He covered the items with a tarp. Several days later, another resident was taken into police custody because of the stolen lawn mowers. The complainant said he had video of the man leaving with the truck and returning with the mowers and the video had been provided to a deputy.

The complainant also reported he was having problems with another man who was making harassing phone calls

and text messages. The man is not welcome on the property.

■ A vacant Reisling Drive residence which is for sale was entered and damaged. According to a July 12 report from a real estate professional, someone had cut a screen, damaged the drywall, spilled paint on the floor and left containers of alcohol inside.

■ Fraudulent driver’s licenses and passports were found during a July 14 traffic stop on I-85.

A silver Mercedes S500 traveling slow July 14 on Interstate 85 at mile marker 124 just before 8 a.m. on July 14 caught an officer’s attention.

The vehicle was going 10 mph under the posted limit and had darklytinted windows. A traffic stop was initiated when it was determined the windows were illegally tinted. The passenger put on his seat belt as the vehicle was pulling over for the stop.

The passenger, who provided a driver’s license and passport from Ireland with the name of Joseph Light, was extremely talkative.

The driver had a United Kingdom driver’s license and United Kingdom Passport under the name of Linda Hannah.

A check with the Georgia Crime Information Center

showed no matches for either.

The officer asked the passenger to step out of the car to discuss the seatbelt issue first and was told the pair had been in the country since March on a tourist visa. He said he was returning his stepfather’s car to Atlanta. The man said he and the driver worked together.

The story from the driver, who was acting nervous, was different.

She said she was friends with the passenger and they were traveling to Atlanta to see friends.

The driver was advised of the illegal window tint and the passenger was given a courtesy warning on the seatbelt violation and advised to tell his stepfather to get the windows fixed.

Questioned, the passenger stated there was nothing illegal in the vehicle.

A consent search was requested when Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chris Matthews arrived on the scene.

Matthews offered to check the driver and passenger through Rapid ID, a mobile fingerprint scanner. The driver’s fingerprints returned to Jacqueline Gibson and her photo matched with the fingerprints. The National Crime Informa-

tion Center showed an active fraud warrant out of Florida. GCIC showed her license was suspended. The passenger’s fingerprints returned to Ricky Lee Gibson. The passenger matched the photo provided with the fingerprints. The officer determined that both passports and driver’s licenses were fraudulent.

The driver and passenger were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and first-degree forgery. The driver was also charged with driving on a suspended license.

The Jacksonville, Fla., Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrant for Jacqueline Gibson and will extradite her.

Trooper Matthews conducted a canine sniff of the vehicle and got a positive alert on the passenger’s seat area.

No contraband was found in the car.

The two were taken to the Gwinnett County Jail and the fraudulent passports and driver’s licenses were taken into evidence while an investigative hold was placed on the vehicle.

■ Police found a Dodge Neon sitting sideways in the fast lane of southbound Interstate 85 at mile marker 127 just before 8 a.m. on July See POLICE, page 11B

CMYK Government

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

POLICE from page 11B 15. The vehicle was locked. Because of the extreme hazard, the officer broke the driver’s side window to put the car in neutral and push it out of the roadway.

The owner said he was experiencing problems with the clutch and had parked the car on the side of the road. He said the car must have slipped out of gear and rolled into the interstate.

Jefferson Police ■ A driver was stopped on Interstate 85 on July 11 and the officer was familiar the driver’s license was suspended and the Ford Explorer he was driving was uninsured because of a previous stop several weeks ago. The driver was taken into custody.

He was allowed to call a relative to pick up his dog riding with him in the Explorer.

■ Two neighbors in Rivermist subdivision have agreed to talk out their disputes rather than calling law enforcement after a July 11 incident. The men had argued over a fireworksrelated incident on July 3. The younger man said he contacted police after his child was frightened by the confrontation between the 60-year-old who attempted to calm the younger man whose butt he said he would kick.

■ A man notified police July 11 that his girlfriend’s ex-husband was driving up and down the road past his home.

The man said he feared for his life since the exhusband has threatened to kill him on numerous occasions. The suspect denied the accusations.

■ Guns which are part of an estate being administered were reported missing by the administrator, Probate Judge Margaret Deadwyler.

When she went to pick up the gun collection, she was admitted to the basement of the Old Pendergrass Road home and told all the property could be found there.

However, an estimated $5,000 worth of guns may have been stolen from the collection. The case is under investigation.

■ A gray Chevrolet Impala with darkly-tinted windows caught an officer’s attention as it was traveling on I-85 at mile marker 137. The driver said the car has recently had its windows tinted in South Carolina so the percentage must be legal there. The officer formerly worked in South Carolina and advised the driver that was not the case. The odor of burnt and raw marijuana could be smelled in the car so Officer Johnny Wood was called to the scene.

Checking the driver for weapons, the officer located a large bulge in the front pocket which the driver said was more than $1,000 in cash which the man said was to be used to open a

store in South Carolina but he was going to visit a cousin in Atlanta.

The passenger said they were going shopping for the day at Lenox Mall and would return to Greenville later in the day. The passenger avoided eye contact and appeared more and more nervous as the officer asked about weapons in the car. The man said he had a gun in his pocket and the officer pulled his service weapon. A photo of the man with the gun was found on one of the three cell phones on the car located during a consent search. Pictures were also found of the passenger smoking marijuana.

The gun had been stolen during a burglary in Greenville, S.C., according to a check of the .22caliber Ruger Mark II. Both the driver and passenger were convicted felons. Both the driver, Kerri Rosean Lloyd, 35, of Greenville, S.C., and the passenger, DShawn Lenard Henderson, 28, also of Greenville, S.C., were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon since the weapon had been sitting it the car before the passenger hurriedly put it in his pocket before the car pulled to a stop. The pair was also charged with theft by bringing stolen property into the state and a window tint violation.

■ A driver stopped in May and arrested for marijuana possession was stopped again July 10. This time the driver had no marijuana in his possession but he admitted he had consumed some beer and should not have been driving, He refused a sobriety test and was charged with driving under influence. He was also cited for open container after an 18-ounce Bud Ice can was in the car.

■ A man was taken into custody for public drunkenness outside Chili Dawgs on July 9 after a call was made to police.

The man who appeared homeless was spraying water from the water hose on himself. He smelled of alcoholic beverages and was unable to speak clearly. An open beer and several empty cans were found nearby.

He began making rude comments about another officer who arrived at the scene. The man remembered the officer from his previous arrest on the same charges. He was taken to the Jackson County Jail.

■ A pressure washer and a push lawn mower were reported stolen from the front porch of a Hoschton Street residence on July 9. The property was valued at $875.

■ Police were called to the Waffle House on Highway 129 North at 3 a.m. on July 10 after a man who was checking up on his wife who worked there had a fit of jealousy and hit a front

window, breaking it and cutting his arm. EMS personnel bandaged the arm and police transported the man to the hospital and then to the Jackson County Jail. His wife, who works at Waffle House, said they are separated and he has a bad temper but has never hit her.

■ It was an unlucky Friday the 13th for the rider on a 2007 Honda Shadow. The motorcycle seen driving erratically was stopped on Lee Street.

The driver was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol although he denied drinking. The man was unable to complete a field sobriety test and did not respond to an officer’s request for a breath test. The man was charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and driving without a license.

■ A woman who applied for a server permit with the City of Jefferson was taken into custody July 13 when a background check was done. There were outstanding warrants for the woman in Oconee County.

■ A driver clocked at 77 mph in a 55mph zone on Damon Gause Parkway was stopped July 14.

The driver was cited for speeding and driving while unlicensed.

■ A woman walking her dog on Plantation Drive on July 14 was bit on the arm when another dog attacked her dog and turned on her when she attempted to intervene.

The other dog owner was advised to keep his dog inside until contacted by animal control officials.

■ Three off-duty Jefferson Police officers saw a Toyota Scion being driven erratically on I-85 on July 14 and reported the driver may be under the influence. An onduty officer also noticed the driver’s inability to maintain her lane and made a traffic stop. The driver, Christen Marie Fry, 24, of Winston-Salem, N.C., who said she had been kicked out by her boyfriend in Birmingham, Ala., was charged with driving under the influence and failure to maintain lane. She was also charged with bringing drugs, weapons or alcohol within the guardline and possession of Schedule II narcotics after a “dime bag” of cocaine was found in her personal belongings at the Jackson County Jail.

■ Officers investigated five traffic accidents last week. No injuries were reported.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office ■ An illegal burn was reported July 5 at a Mark Dodd Road location where the resident was burning in the backyard.

The man said he was cleaning up his property for a family reunion and was unaware of the burn ban or that a burn permit was needed when burning. The fire was extinguished by the fire department and firefighters pointed out several

items in the fire which cannot be burned. Burning is not the proper disposal method for spray cans, plastic items, carpet, a vacuum cleaner and some types of wood.

The man was advised.

■ A vehicle sustained damage to its undercarriage on July 4 after a car reportedly pulled out in front of the Ford Bronco on Highway 53 at New Liberty Church Road. The driver said he was forced off the roadway and into the ditch to avoid hitting the car which did not stop.

■ A person being evicted from a Highway 82 location on July 5 was given a criminal trespass warning related to a dispute.

■ Another criminal trespass warning was given to a man who reportedly attempted to break into a family member’s trailer on July 5. The man said he was only checking on the family member.

■ A Highway 124 property owner complained that someone is dumping brush on his land.

The illegal dumping has been going on for some time but was reported again July 5.

■ A verbal dispute was reported July 4 at a Meadow View Drive location. The argument was about money and one of the parties grabbed a jar of change on the counter and threw it to the floor. Pictures were made of the broken jar and change and one of the parties left the residence for the evening.

■ A tree fell onto a Galilee Church Road home during the July 3 afternoon storm. The roof was damaged and water damage was reported inside the house.

■ A woman reported an ex-boyfriend had pumped her vehicle windshield after a July 4 argument that occurred at the home of her new boyfriend. She said she left a phone message for the offender to contact her about paying for the windshield repair or she would call 911. When she didn’t hear from him, she called 911.

■ A family member accompanied a rental company to a Curk Roberts Road residence on July 3 to repossess appliances.

■ A Lagree Duck Road resident fired two shots into the ground on July 3 to scare away a suspicious person on the property. The man was advised to contact the Sheriff’s Office rather than attempting to take the law into his own hands. The man was told since he was not threatened, he could be charged with reckless conduct.

■ A Honda Fourtrax Rancher was reported as stolen from a Lois Lane, Talmo address on July 2.

■ An erratic driving pattern meant a traffic stop for a vehicle no Highway 124 on July 2. The driver was cited for failure to maintain lane and received a warning for no signal. A passenger had an outstanding warrant from Hall County.

11B

EMA/EMS UPDATES

Fatality under investigation

A motorist died and another received injuries in a vehicle accident at Highways 441 and 98 on July 17 at 2:11 p.m.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene; the other victim was transported by EMS to Northridge Medical Center in Commerce with minor injuries, according to reports by Jackson County EMS. The names and ages of the victims had not been released b y presstime.

The Georgia State Patrol and the Commerce Police Department are in charge of the investigation.

Pedestrian struck, killed identified The man who stepped in front of tractor trailer while crossing the road at 7628 Highway 129 at 1 a.m. on July 14 has been identified as Antonio Gresham.

South Jackson Fire/Rescue and Jackson County EMS responded.

The victim was transported to Athens Regional Medical Center by EMS with multiple injuries, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

No other injuries were reported and the Georgia State Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating. Charges are not expected against the truck driver.

Man dies after industrial accident One of the men involved in a July 3 electrical accident a Georgia Power substation near Jefferson died from his injuries on July 10.

Scot Reese Parr, 40, died a week after the accident that occurred while he and another man were doing contract work on an electrical system on Valentine Industrial Parkway.

Jackson County Public Safety Director Steve Nichols reported two men had come in contact with high voltage electricity and Parr became trapped inside a transformer box.He was taken by helicopter to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He suffered multiple third degree burns to his upper torso. The other man was treated at and released from Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native of Jackson County, Parr was a lifelong resident of Madison County. A member of the IBEW Local #613, he was an electrician with EIC of Athens. He was laid to rest on July 15 in the Colbert Cemetery.

WEST JACKSON FIRE ■ A July 8 medical call was run to a Cooper Bridge Road location where a patient may have been suffering from high ammonia levels. Crews assisted Med 3 in loading the patient for transport.

■ Units responding to an EMS call to a Garner Street address on July 8 were cancelled en route. The patient has accidentally pushed a medical alert button.

■ Units responded to a medical call on Davenport Road on July 8. Assistance was provided to Med 3 with packaging the patient for transport.

■ Crews were called to the Pilot station on Highway 53 on July 8 on an EMS call. The patient was transported

by Med 3.

■ The patient at the Ednaville Road scene of a July 8 medical call refused transport.

■ Med 3 transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center a patient on a July 9 medical call on Highway 53.

■ The patient at a July 10 response in Liberty Crossing refused transport after complaining of shortness of breath and pain in the rib cage.

■ A July 11 medical call was responded to on Edgewater Court and the patient was transported by Med 3.

■ A call of an accident on Highway 124 was cancelled when it was learned the call was in the Jackson Trail district.

■ The patient at the scene of medical call on Wildflower Road was transported by Med 5 after reporting he had run into the wall and was having suicidal thoughts.

After law enforcement checked the scene, medical responders entered to assist the patient.

■ Crews were called to an East Lake Drive residence July 12 where a woman was found unresponsive after the caller was unable to get the woman to the door.

■ The patient at a Garner Street medical call on July 12 was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

■ A smoke detector at a Hancock Avenue home malfunctioned on July 12. Fire officials urged the resident to replace the unit.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

12B

ENTERTAINMENT

Tell them it is ‘None of your business,’ but politely Dear Margo: My husband and I have been married for several years, have good jobs and a nice home, and are at that age where all of our friends are having babies. We had planned on having babies, too, but found out that I am infertile.

We were devastated at first, but after much prayer and meditation, we came to the realization that it is OK not to have kids. We are happy simply being the loving aunt and uncle.

Problem is, some people knew we were trying, and everyone seems to be asking when we will have kids. I have dodged the questions by saying we are busy working or having fun, because to say the truth seems deeply personal and, as I found when I told family members, it leads to suggestions about fertility drugs, IVF and adoption: all questions I do not want to discuss.

How do I politely respond to all those nosy

I remember it after many years. — Margo, definitively

Dear Margo people and avoid the followup questions? — Dreading Questions Dear Dread: I’m guessing you are a new reader, because I have been dealing with some variation of this question for a looong time.

I am a great believer in not answering every question that is asked, and also in letting people know that they have overstepped.

The next time someone asks about your reproductive plans, I pass on what writer and critic Renata Adler said to me when I asked an inappropriate question: “We could talk about it sometime.” Though sounding courteous, it stings — and proof of this is that

Dear Margo: I’ve been married for almost 10 years. We recently had a baby, and my husband’s a great dad. Over the past couple of years, though, I’ve started feeling very lonely.

When he comes home from work, he spends a couple of hours with me that feel forced.

Then he spends the rest of his waking hours in his home office until 4 or 5 a.m.

I have slept alone in our bed every single night for two years, including the entire time I was pregnant.

I have discussed this with him, but to no avail. He blows it off, gets upset with me or promises to work on a change (which never comes).

Each time after our talks, he will spend one day being super-sweet to me, and then it’s back to the status quo. It has become a running joke

(to him) for me to ask him to go to bed with me and for him to patronize me with a smile, call me silly and send me off to bed alone. To top it off, while I was pregnant I found a text from him to a female co-worker asking her to skip work and go to a movie with him. He offered her a ride to work one day, telling me at the time that he was taking “some people” to work.

If he had not been secretive about these things, I never would have been suspicious. I feel like I deserve to be married to someone who wants to be with me, and though he says he does, I feel his actions prove otherwise. I’ve asked friends for advice, and they think I should not be putting up with this, so I was hoping for a neutral POV. — Miserable Dear Mis: To tell you the truth, I don’t know how you got pregnant. I also don’t know whether he’s carrying on with the co-worker. But

WORKING IT OUT

I will tell you this: He is acting like a rent-a-dad who is your roommate.

There is so much wrong with this set-up that I would recommend a separation because I get a strong vibe that counseling is not in the cards. One of you should move to a place nearby so you can co-parent, and the time apart will clarify what the final outcome should be. (And I agree with your friends.) — Margo, forwardly Dear Margo: I feel like Calamity Jane and want to stop feeling sorry for myself. In the course of one day last week, the following things happened: The dog ran away, the baby threw up on a silk chair, and I forgot about a roast chicken in the oven and only remembered it when the smoke alarm went off. When my husband came home, I was a head case. I told him about my day from hell, and he just laughed. I wanted

to brain him, but thought better of it. By the way, do you believe that bad things happen in threes? — Beleaguered Dear Be: I gotta give it to you: That’s a rotten day.

Stuff happens (to everyone), and if we’re lucky, these things are not piled one on top of the other. Of course, you know that the mishaps on that particular day were not of the disastrous kind.

(Well, maybe the dog.)

And I think I do believe in the “3’s” thing because it seems to have proved out, often with airplane crashes.

I also know that such things are coincidences.

Hope today is a great day!

— Margo, steadily 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 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Services 000 011-Adult Care Will take care of your elderly loved one. 24 hr care.

Expd. Excellent Refs.

678-630-5631

031-Cleaning Higher Standard Cleaning. Experience the difference.

706-974-4496

055-Landscaping AFFORDABLE LAWN CARE Reasonable Prices!

770-653-4217

233-Maintenance LOOKING FOR local qualified Maintenance Tech.

Must have EPA Card.

Great benefits.

Come grow with us.

(770) 534-5556 Towne Creek Apts.

700 Washington St., Gainesville.

235-Management We are a Gainesville Cemetery company looking for a well qualified working Superintendent to maintain grounds and supervise day to day operations. Candidate must be able to operate heavy equipment, read maps and work weekends. All candidates must past criminal background and drug test.

Resumes will be accepted via email only to: employment 30504@yahoo.com

240-Medical Marin’s Landscaping. Lawn care & maintenance. Ask for David. 678-943-4174 770-561-4645 marinslawn@gmail.com

Announcements 100

LPN P-A weekends WillowWood Nursing Center 4595 Cantrell Rd. Flowery Branch, GA. 770-967-2070 Med Techs and CNAs needed.

Apply in person. The Oaks at Braselton Assisted Living, 5373 Thompson Mill Road, Hoschton, GA.

NOW HIRING! NURSES/MSW

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

Gainesville Church of God Back to School Registration 7/9-7/27, 10am Free Supplies Limited 770-532-3211

Jobs 200 205-Accounting Table egg producer, packer & marketer seeks a STAFF ACCOUNTANT to perform the overall financial & accounting functions of office operations including monthly & year-end P& L and balance sheets. Must be proficient in the use of QuickBooks & Excel.

Must have a general understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Possess a strong personal code of ethics including maintaining confidentiality. Very detail oriented, multi tasked and very organized.

Bachelors degree in Accounting and five years of related work experience.

Send resume to: ssears@landrfarms inc.com

210-Adult Care: Help Wanted

Live-In Care-Giver Exp’d. needed for elderly lady in Dahlonega. Sun-Fri. Ref. 678-232-0473; 706-867-7066

217-Construction ELECTRICIAN: Commercial Electrician. Cell Tower work. Out of town.

Home most weekends. Must be hard working & reliable.

Holiday Pay & Paid Vacation after 1st year. Drug testing.

706-776-5391

HEAVY EQUIPT OPERATORLABORER Drug screen req.

770-869-3135

229-Financial MSR/TELLER NEEDED FT/PT PRIOR FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE REQ’D! Must be Dependable Trustworthy & Personable. Great Benefits, Job stability & Atmosphere!

E-mail resume to: robin@lanierfcu.org No phone calls EOE

You are invited to join the United Home Care team of dedicated quality caregivers as the best gets even better.

We are now hiring Nurses and an MSW for Dawson, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and White County.

United Home Care is offering exciting new growth opportunities with a competitive salary and top-tier benefits and reimbursement package that can’t be beat.

•RN CASE MANAGERS Home Health experience required •RN OASIS COORDINATORMon-Fri; Two years homecare experience required •RN PATIENT CARE COORDINATORHome health exp & excellent leadership skills req. Must have prior mgmt. skills •RN/LPN-W/E- Fri, Sat and Sun •MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER UR Ready for exceptional “Commitment to Caring”! To learn more, please e-mail resume: jmcconnell @uhs-pruitt.com Visit our website at: www.urready.com EOE NURSE PRACTIONER in family medicine needed for busy Internal Medicine office in Demorest.

Salary will commensurate w/ exp.

Medical, Dental & 401K benefits offered. Fax resume to 706-754-5577 RN SUPERVISOR Priv. home care agency seeking prof. for case mgmt. & staff supervision.

Home health & teaching exp a plus.

Rewarding oppty to work with elderly and disabled. Excellent working environment. Agency licensed & CARF accredited. FT with benefits. FAX: 770-536-3003 or Call Nancy, 770-536-0484

245-Misc.

Help Wanted Exp’d Commercial Landscapers needed.

678-873-0311 Gainesville State College accepting applications for the following F/T benefit eligible position CUSTODIAN (2nd shift) on the Gainesville campus. Duties include cleaning offices, classrooms and restrooms. High School diploma/GED required. Knowledge and floor cleaning experience preferred. For full description and application procedure visit our website www.gsc.edu & link Staff Positions Applications must include which shift is preferred.

Application deadline 5pm, July 18, 2012.

AA/EEO Institution MAINTENANCE POSITIONS Available for 2nd and 3rd Shift Must have at least 3 yrs of industrial machinery, welding and electrical experience for a poultry processing plant.

Electrical certification is a plus. Apply in person: Pilgrims, 929 Industrial Blvd, Gainesville, GA Equal Opportunity Employer

245-Misc.

Help Wanted Can’t find a job? Start a home-based business. 678-956-1003 Local landscape co. seeks Exp’d.

Small Engine Service Mechanic.

Benefs: health, life, & dental 770-534-0041 or fax resume to: 770-534-1344 The Fockele Garden Company is looking for someone experienced in irrigation troubleshooting, repair, install & chemical application. Must have valid GA DL, clean MVR & criminal background.

Apply in person at 866 Athens Street, Gainesville GA, 30501 bmitchell@fockelegardencompany.com

250Offices/Clerical Carriage Nissan is looking for a FUNDING/SALES OFFICE ASST. Professional appearance a must. Will train right person.

Apply in person: Carriage Nissan, 2400 Browns Bridge Rd, or fax resume to 770-535-0871

255-Part Time Help Wanted SAWNEE EMC General Clerk II Customer Service to assist in high volume call center.

Requires high school diploma or equivalency; valid GA driver’s license, computer, communication and general office skills.

Minimum: two years of related experience preferred. Hours: Flexible, part-time to include Saturdays and holidays.

Applicants must present completed corporate application prior to 5pm, July 24, 2012. Applications available at 543 Atlanta Highway, Cumming.

EOE-M/F/D/V. Drug free workplace (www.sawnee.com) SSC is hiring for Cleaners, Floor Techs and Supervisors in Hall County, Please call 770-344-7219

270-Professional Gainesville State College is accepting applications for the F/T benefit eligible position of MATH TUTOR on the Gainesville campus. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Math or Math Ed required.

Master’s degree and teaching and/or tutoring experience preferred. This position will require a dual campus work schedule. For full description and application procedure visit our website at www.gsc.edu & link Staff Positions.

Application deadline: July 19, 2012.

An AA/EEO Institution Gainesville State College is accepting applications for the F/T benefit eligible position of Physics/Chemistry Tutor on the Gainesville campus. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Physics Education, Chemistry or Chemistry Education required. Master’s degree in Physics preferred. For full description and application procedure visit our website www.gsc.edu & link Staff Positions.

Application deadline: July 26, 2012.

An AA/EEO Institution

275-Restaurant EXP. COOK, Apply in person Mon-Thurs between 4p & 8p.

Holiday Inn, Lanier Centre Hotel, Gainesville, GA.

279-Technical Truck/Diesel repair shop seeking 2 Certified TRUCK TECHS with 5-7yrs experience ASAP. One for shop in Cumming, the other for road service. Starting pay $900-1200 based on level of experience. $1000 Bonus after 90 days of employment.

Must have own tools, clean MVR and pass drug test. E-mail resume or contact info to: cmartin@ mtrfleetservices.com or fax 678-679-0150

280-Trades ELECTRICIANS Must have 5yrs min verifiable exp, tools, speak English & valid Driver’s Lic. Mon thru Fri, 9-4pm.

770-535-5544 SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR Manufacturing co. is looking for a Sewing Machine Operator.

Only experienced sewers need apply.

Competitive wages & benefits. Apply in person at: 54 Breakstone Dr. Dahlonega, GA.

280-Trades

770-535-1199

365-Misc.

For Sale

435-Houses for Rent Unfurnished

Plumbing Service Technician with 5yrs exp. & good driving record. Call 678-776-1380

EZ GO 2000. Electric, mag whls, enclosure.

Good Cond. $1750.

678-316-1051

1BR/1BA. Near Riverbend school. $100/wk. Dep req’d.

770-540-3800

285-Truck Drivers

370-Musical Instruments

3-5 Bdrm Homes Charming Lakefront w/bsmt. $925-1550/ mo. 770-539-4400

Drivers- Run to Iowa and back!

•up to $1,190 per week; regardless of miles •BC/BS benefits •Advance to SE dedicated Call 1-800-851-8651 kbtransportation.com GREAT OPPORTUNITY DIESEL MECHANICS •Top of the Line Equipment •Pay Based on Clock Hours •$1000 Tool Allowance •Uniforms Provided •Low-cost BCBS insurance •High School Diploma

or GED AVERITTjobs.com Equal Opportunity Employer Driver

CDL Drivers Needed Tuition Paid by Federal Grants or VA Benefits.

770-614-6022 or 1-877-GET-A-CDL Call and see if you Qualify in 5 minutes! dtruckschool.com

290-Warehouse SHIPPING & MFG POSITIONS ENERGETIX, a Dahlonega/ Gainesville area co. looking for two responsible, quality, team oriented people with great attention to detail & quality control to add to our Shipping Dept. & Light Manufacturing Dept. Both positions are F/T. We Offer: •Full training •Advancement opps •Co. with a great rep •Competitive comp (Start at $8/hr) •Great Benefits (Paid Time Off & Holidays)

PIANO w/bench.

Kohler & Campbell.

Beautiful Baby Grand. Ebony, Exc Cond. $5000.

678-481-8650

380-Pets & Supplies CHIHUAHUA/ YORKIE- Mix. Adorable puppies. $125.

678-836-3605 GERMAN SHORT-HAIRED POINTERS, 3 adults, (4) 7 week old pups, AKC reg., adults trained on quail. Call for prices.

706-348-3180 JACK RUSSELL/ CHIHUAHUA= JACKUAHUAS The best small breed/combination.

A must to see...dream pet, Smart and well behaved, great little hunters, tails docked, Shots, Wormed, Potty pad trained, 12 wks. $250/ea.

678-457-9782 SHIH-TZU Pups.

CKC. 6 wks old.

1st shots & wormed. $200 & up. Also Pit Bulls Available .

706-599-6068 or 706-491-2436 Solid Blue Bully Pit Bull - Pups 4males, 1 female.

Sire is son of a show dog. Pups short & stocky. $350-450.

Cash. 770-572-5145

Homes & Rentals 400 410-Apartments Unfurnished 1 to3BR‘s starting at $495. Move-in Specials! 770-536-0508

Stuff 300 310-Appliances WASHER & DRYER, Kenmore, Exc cond $250. 770-983-1507

326-Cemetery Lots For Sale DUE TO MOVING have 2 spaces in Hillside Memorial Garden. $1500/both.

770-536-6268; 678-316-0376 SxS plots Memorial Park South Negotiable.

770 826-1351

345-Furniture FUTON - Oak frame.

Almost new. $200; Dining Table & Chairs $150; Coffee Table $60; TV- 26in. $50; Desk $25; & More! Call 678-630-2512 KITCHEN TABLE 36” high w/leaf & 4 Chairs. Top is brown, legs white.

Originally: $1100 from Havertys; Sell for: $545. 770-718-9884 LOVE SEAT - $100 2 CHAIRS $50 each Lexington. Like New! 770-983-1204

350-Guns M-1 Garand Rifle.

U.S. Springfield Armory. Ser#2109324 Mfg Oct, 1943. Brite Bore. T/E-3, M/W2 Cartouches.

Exc. Cond.

M-1 Garand Rifle.

Mfg- Winchester Repeating Arms Ser#1612468, Mfg Feb. 1945. Known as Win/13. Collector’s Item. Re Win 13.

Exc Cond. Call Phil, 706-778-0206

357-Lawn Equipment SNAPPER riding mower 12HP 33” cut, good condition, $400 Flowery Branch 678-943-7436

365-Misc.

For Sale 2 Oversized Wicker Chairs w/pillows & foot stools $150 ea; Manual Treadmill & Health Rider Exercise Machine $25ea; Please call for appt. 770-654-4028 COUCH, $175; RECLINER, $30; DINING TABLE w/ 4 chairs, $75; TV STAND, $20; PS2 GAME SYSTEM w/ games, $120; 48 in. Walk Behind MOWER, w/ accessories, $1800.

678-343-7265

32 Bdrms- $650$850. Butch Hodges Properties, Inc. 770-540-0417 3BR/2.5BA Bonus room, screened in porch, wood heater. $995/mo + dep 770-534-5786 3BR/2.5BA- Master on main. $900mo + dep. 678-447-4151 770-536-3510 3BR/2BA- Sardis. $900mo. + dep. No pets. 770-714-1992 5BR/3BA, 2 bonus, Flowery Branch, swim easy 985, $1295/mo+ dep. 770-530-7713 E. HALL- 3BR/2BA w/bsmt. Paved drive.

Cozy! No pets $850+ dep. 706-870-6041 Gainesville 2BR/1BA Country home $800/ mo. 770-540-4347 LULA- 3BR/2BA $650. 3BR/1BA $575. 770-539-3116 Oakwood 3/1. $850.

770-287-1456 www. callapartments.com

445-Lake Homes for Rent 3BR/2.5BA 2car gar $795/mo $600/dep 678-316-5254 Lake Apt- Lrg. 2BR $250/wk. cable/utils. incld. 770-539-2938

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

460-Mobile Homes for Rent 2/2 MH Browns Brdg & Lake, $150/wk + dep. 770-530-1971

1-2BR Oakwood, $535 & up. www.callapartments. com 770-287-1456

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

770-714-1992

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

3BR/2BA Rent to OWN Shope Mobile Home Park. $550/mo.

770-630-1834

Must be able to lift 70lb boxes.

EOE. Send resume to: hrmanager@ goenergetix.com

3/1.5, Oakwood, carport, fenced bkyd, $800. 770-718-7970

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

Hurry-$99 Rent Move-In Special (wac). For details 770-533-9220 30 Days FREE $399 Moves U In! Spring Valley 1BR/1BA $625 up 2BR/2BA $675 up Brandon Place 2BR/2BA $675 1BR/1BA $575 Efficiency $475 POOLS - GATED Call Jacky Today 678-779-2687 Oakwood Twnhse 2BR/1.5BA $625mo+ dep. 770-654-5154 Chestatee Schools 3/1, $600/m + dp. No pets. 770-654-2881 CITY Nice-1BR APT, W/D Conn., $500/mo 404-252-3325 NO FEES- 1 & 2BR Apts Move in Special. Pets OK! Quiet community W. of Gainesville $480-580 770-883-8839 OAKWOOD 2BR/2BA $575 + dep (770) 967-6100

DW, 5BR/3BA, Atlanta Hwy, S of Flowery Branch.

404-444-4852 NICE 2/1 on pvt lot in E. Hall. $115/wk (770) 540-0800 (770) 540-5978 Starting at $85/wk 2&3BR, N. & S. Hall & Gainesville.

770-534-7596

465-Roommates Wanted MEN-Lowe$T. Fur Br, All priv + Xtras Oakwd. 770-530-1110 ROOMMATE Hwy 53 West Gainesville.

Cable/Utils incld. $365mo. No smkng 678-438-2886

Homes & Real Estate 500 505-Acreage for Sale ESTATE ACREAGE Clarks Bridge area.

Great building sites with mature hardwoods & water. 15 to 34 acres. $9500.

404-557-7206

Oakwood- 2/1.5,yrd, safe, C/H/A $605$645. 678-357-5044

MOTIVATED SELLER LULA- 2 ac, $19,900; ALTO- 4.66 ac w/ creek, $59,500 Make cash offer 850-710-6480

420-Condos For Rent

523-House for Sale

$700/m 2BR/2.5BA Remodeled-On Lake City. 770-533-2088 LAKE SHADOW Pool, Tennis, Specials Mthly. 770-568-9977

425-Duplexes For Rent OAKWOOD- 2BR/ 1.5BA. $595mo.

678-315-7051 770-833-9437

435-Houses for Rent Unfurnished $0 Application Fee 3BR/2BA Homes All Appliances included Starting at $629/mo Exp. 07/31/2012 Call Sun Homes 888-246-2803 countrysidelakelanier. com EHO WAC 1 mo free rent w/ 12 mo lease. $395 + Deposit. Studio/1BR. NE Hall 678-760-6999 1515 Woodland Way- Doctor or Nurse Special!

5 min. from NE GA Medical Ctr. 4/2.5, 2 car gar.

Great loc across from Lakeview Academy.$1450/mo.

770-536-4757 or after 5pm 770-654-2137 HURRY !!

Large Family Home For Sale or Lease. in Murrayville. 5BR/ 4BA, large gar/shop. $1350/mo.

706-531-4319

530-House for Sale - East Hall GILLSVILLE 4BR/ 2BA Brick, split level, dbl carport, well water, 6+ acres, w/workshop & shed, paved road, creek. $145,000 As Is. For info 706-745-7141

575-Mobile Homes for Sale FLOWERY BRANCH 4/2.5 D/W, 1.3 ac on cul-de-sac. $750/mo (Lease Purchase.)

770-654-3462

Recreation 600 605-Boats & Marine

FOUR WINNS 1997 Boat, New 5.7 liter V8 engine, only two seasons old with bimini top, CD player, ski's,wake and knee boards, ski pole, and jackets. Only asking $6500. Call 678-617-8868

The Paper

605-Boats & Marine BASS BOAT- 15 ft, 50hp Yamaha motor, trolling motor, fish finder, vest, boat cover, trailer.

Lake Ready! $2950.

770-718-7850; 770-869-0020 SEADOO 2000- XP. Used very little. Fast!

Exc Cond. Bargain Price! 770-534-5314

610-RVs & Travel Trailers BUMPER POOL 2005 Skyline Nomad Camper. 27.5” bunkhouse. Like new Must See! $8350 Also 2003 Dura Max Diesel with Allison auto. Wiil sell separate or pkg.

770-536-6171; 678-725-3290 FLAGSTAFF 2006 30’, 5th whl, 2 slideouts, slps 8, $15,400.

706-892-4327 NICE CABIN w/ CAMPER- Lrg deck.

Paradise Valley RV Park. Must See. Reduced, Must Sell! $79,900/obo.

770-536-6171 PINNACLE 1992 by Thor, Class A Motor Home. 30’, Chevy 454, driven weekly, ps/pb, tilt, new tires, 2 roof A/C’s, 58k miles. Must Sell for health reasons. $8994/obo.

Many Extras!

706-778-7267

Wheels 700 710-Antique Cars/Trucks CHEVY 1967 Chevelle SS 2dr Sport Coupe, ( A TRUE SS with a 396), red ext, black interior, automatic, This car is an older restoration -been garaged last 10 years and not driven much, New exhaust, NO RUST, we have original owner's manual and original sale invoice Absolutely beautiful car none any better for this price -$25,900 firm.

Contact 706 265 5105/ 706 864 8959, dtruelove@northgeorgia.edu.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY -Unfortunately we need to sell!

CHEVY 1987 - L.B. 305, 4 spd straight shift, Excellent Mechanical cond.New brks/rad/A/C. $4,000 678-617-6964 PONTIAC 1980 Trans Am. 70k mi, 2nd owner, runs, $4500 or Good Offer.

706-778-4978

715-Auto Parts CHEVY 1999 Malibu KIA 1997 Sportage Good motors & trans. $995/each 706-654-5619

735-Autos for Sale

BUICK 2003 Century, gold, custom, local trade, $6,777 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

BUICK 2010 Lacrosse, silver, loaded, 14K, $24,999.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

Thursday, July 19, 2012

735-Autos for Sale

13B

745-Import Autos

CADILLAC 2001 DeVille DHS. 150k, 2nd owner. Tan/neut Nice Car. $3900/ obo. 770-533-1323 CADILLAC 2005 Deville, Black on Black - In GREAT condition! One owner -belonged to auto service business man in Hall County.

All maintenance up to date. 145K miles $5500. call 770-503-0203 or 770-538-5960

CADILLAC 2008 DTS, gold, heated/ cooled seats, $22,888 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2009 SRX, grey, local trade, 18K, $27,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 CHEVY 1990 Camaro RS. 305 V8, auto, new paint, Corvette rally wheels. Good Cond. $4250.

706-865-4468

TOYOTA 2007 Camry, gold, XLE, local trade, $18,555 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

VOLVO 2006 XC90, silver, AWD, loaded, nav., $11,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

750-Motorcycles

HARLEY 2003 Davidson Ultra Classic, 100th Anniversary centennial edition Silver & black, loaded RARE! Only 27,700 miles. Runs Great, Sharp! ASKING $12,500. Call 770-654-5061 SUZUKI 2005. Boulevard C-50. 7 to 8000 mi, 1 owner. Exc Cond. $5400.

706-499-8356

755-Sport-Utility Vehicles CHEVY 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition. $26,500. Torch Red Excellent condition, low mileage. Corsa high-performance exhaust system.

Rear window security apron. Road trip bra. 4 new Michelin run flat tires 4 winter wheel savers included.

678-571-9276

CHRYSLER 2007 Sebring, white, local trade, 80K, $8,999 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 FORD 1999 Escort Looks Good, Runs Great! 142k mlies $2500 OBO 678-736-1658

DODGE 1998 Durango. Exc Running Cond. 4WD. Loaded. Must See & Drive to Appreciate 163k miles. $3800.

770-535-2733

JEEP 2006 Liberty, white, limited, 4x4, local trade, $9,888.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 TOYOTA 1999 4 Runner, green, 187K, cold air, $5,500 obo. 770-535-0092

765-Trucks CHEVY 1999 Z71 red new tires & brakes.

Bed cover. $10,500 678-617-6964

FORD 2001 Taurus SE, Runs, cold AC $1,500 obo, 850-376-1248 FORD 2003 Taurus 6 cylinder, 87,000 miles clean car.

Have maintenance records. 3200.00 or OBO 770-535-5213 770-540-8709

MERCURY 1999 Grand Marquis, red, local trade, $5,791 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 PONTIAC 1999 FireBird. V6, T-tops.

Good Cond. $2500.

706-745-1852

745-Import Autos

HONDA 2007 Accord, white, SE, V6, PW, PL, $11,555 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CHEVY 2007 Silverado 2500.

Ext Cab, brushguard, toolbox, bedliner, KC, CD & subs, chrome wheels, duals, 93k. Exc Cond. $17,300. 1 owner.

706-499-7470 CHEVY 2011 Silverado LT, Black Widow Edition, 35” Mickey Thompson tires, Lysholm Super Charger, lots of extras, 16K miles, $48,000.

706-348-3180 DODGE 2004 Ram 1500 QCab, 36K mi, 1 owner, $13,000.

770-519-3896 FORD 2004 F-250 SC, 4x4, 6.0 diesel, auto, 99k. $15,900.

706-892-4327 TOYOTA 2001 Tacoma, 5spd, reg cab, 172k, $5300/ obo. 678-897-1787 TOYOTA 2004 Tacoma prerunner, extra cab, auto, 4 cyl 2.7 158K mil. $10,500 770-983-3599

CMYK 14B

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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CMYK 2B

Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

Year in review of the Hawk athletics program

Athletic Director Gary Long shares moments from last season and what’s most important

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper.com Mill Creek High School Athletic Director Gary Long is the overseer of more than 20 major sports, and last season, the Hawks’ athletic program was highlighted by a strong finish by the girls’ golf and soccer teams, along with the boys’ baseball program, which reached the semi-finals.

With so many successful programs, Long says it is hard to choose a favorite. In fact, the scene that was the biggest highlight for him did not involve any of his teams competing in an event, but being a humanitarian for others.

“It is next to impossible to highlight one event when everybody does so well,” said Long.

“I will tell you that [among] the more rewarding events is Special Olympics and the interactions with our kids are just phenomenal.

It is so refreshing to see the interaction and care that are disLong played by the kids, and all they want to do is help.

“It’s an awesome thing,” said Long. “Everyone walks away feeling good. That’s one of those things where there is so much emphasis placed on winning that we lost sight of the value of team sports.”

“Emotions are built around winning and losing and not around growth as a human being. That’s why I say the highlight for me is when I see a kid cross that line and it’s not me, it’s us,” said Long. “It is so rewarding

We have to work on our younger kids and de-emphasize winning and losing and put more emphasis on character.

Gary Long Mill Creek High School Athletic Director

Latrice Williams The Paper

Long reviews documents before getting his day started in his office at Mill Creek.

and refreshing, and not just for me and the coaches but, for the kids, too. The light bulb goes off and you see the world differently and realize it’s not about me. It’s about us and what we do to bring credit back to everyone us. When I say everyone else, I am talking about the school, the community, the student body and the faculty.”

The girls’ soccer team ended its season in dramatic fashion. The setting was nearly perfect, as the time of the game was rescheduled, giving the team high hopes that they would get a huge win before their going to prom. Unfortunately, the Hawks fell short of the big win they were hoping for; instead the game turned out to be one of Long’s biggest disappointments.

“The biggest disappointment I’d say was girls’ soccer. We had a little controversy.

They were going to play on prom night, which was a problem. It is for girls. After 30 years of doing this I understand why it’s a problem,” Long laughed.

“The other school was not being terribly accommodating, but eventually it all got worked out,” said Long.

“We played early in the afternoon so the girls had time to get ready and get dressed, but we lost the game. There was so much emotion. There was a huge crowd -- a vocal crowd for both teams. It was the quarter-finals. It was a very good game, a very close game. It was just this huge emotional letdown.

“I felt for the girls because they felt like they should have gone further,” Long said.

As former Kansas City Chiefs Coach Herman Edwards said, “You play to win the game.” That may very well be the motto for many athletes, but Long says that there is one thing that is more important than winning.

“We have to work on our younger kids and de-emphasize winning and losing and put more emphasis on character,” Long stated.

Jackson County High School hosts11U tryouts Quotes from Head Coach Tommy Fountain give inside details on how the team came together “We had a group of parents come to us wanting to create a travel team that plays under

the Panther name and is majority Jackson County kids. I researched around and looked at

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Coaches gather together at 11U baseball tryouts held July 12-14 at the Jackson County Comprehensive High School’s baseball field.

what other places are doing. I met with the guys that are going to coach the 11U team and we talked about how it will work. They’re going to teach things the same way we do. They’re gonna wear are same uniforms. There’s been a bunch of travel teams around this area, but most of our guys that will come to our school have been spread out. This gives them an opportunity to play the highest level of competition they can while still getting to wear the Panther name,” said Jackson County Comprehensive High School Baseball Coach Tommy Fountain.

I watched the 11U tryouts and stayed on the phone for about an hour raving about the skill level with one of my assistant coaches. The 10U will tryout July 28.

I’m also excited about

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Participants look on as one of their competitors looks to make a big catch. the coaches. One guy for the 11U is a long-time Gwinnett high school coach and one of the guys for the 10U played minor league ball. We’ll

see how everything plays out, but we’re all excited that the community has caught on, is proud of the product we’re putting on the field, and want

to be Panthers and do things like we do them.

It will only make my job easier in the coming years,” said Fountain.

Mill Creek Hawks back in session Season begins Aug. 31 with home opener

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper. com

Latrice Williams The Paper

Players worked on running in place and sprint drills.

After having five days off due to the Georgia High School Association-mandated dead week, the Mill Creek High School football team returned to its summer workout schedule.

The Hawks varsity team practices from 8-10 a.m. Monday through Thursday and works tirelessly through the heat knowing that every drop of sweat is going to be worth it.

“The boys have been working really hard. Most of the coaches have been bragging on them most of the summer,” said Defensive Lineman Coach Jed Hodges. “Our numbers have been high. They have not complained much about the heat, which has been impressive at times. They are really dedicated to what they are doing.”

The Hawks have a short period of time to put the finishing touches and check off anything on their needs-to-improve list.

Hodges says it won’t be easy to see all the adjustments that need to be made until the kids are in competition, but says he

Latrice Williams The Paper

Players tackle morning workouts with tough exercises to prep for the season. is optimistic they will be fully prepared by the start of the season.

“You can’t simulate it until you get the pads on. You really can’t even simulate that until you have your first big scrimmage game,” said Hodges. “It always shows up that there are certain things that you got to have. For the most part, our kids will be in shape. We’re usually ready the first of the year.”

Being an athlete isn’t just about the competition, but about building strong rela-

tionships among teammates.

Hodges noted the team is responding and working well with each other.

“They are pulling for each other. It’s not 72 kids working individually. They tend to like each other and get along pretty well,” Hodges stated.

MCHS has participated in a number of camps and tournaments, which has given them the chance to compete against others and strengthen themselves along the way.

“I think anytime you work

together for a common cause it cannot hurt you. I think those are OK. They are pretty good to do,” he said. “We’ve had some kids that were not able to make it to all of them because of certain family obligations. Everyone runs into that. Other than that, are kids seem like they have had a lot of fun with it.”

The Hawks will end their summer workout sessions during the last week of July, and will move to practice in full pads on Aug. 1.

CMYK

FEATURES

The

Wizar d of Oz

LeAnne Akin The Paper

PAGE 3B | THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Searching for courage, a brain, a heart and a home

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com

It’s a welcome to the Emerald City like you’ve never seen as the Jefferson Community Theatre readies for the July 19 opening night of “The Wizard of Oz.” “Ding, dong, the witch is dead” is the rehearsal time call to attention from the musical director, and as Dorothy and companions readied to enter the theatre, the music – and the excitement – begins.

It’s a beloved story coming to the stage of the William Duncan Martin Performing Arts Theatre at Jefferson High School.

The summer production for Jefferson Community Theatre, “The Wizard of Oz,” will be held July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., July 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2:30 p.m. On Friday, July 20, a special Touch Tour will be offered at 9:15 a.m. prior to the 10:30 a.m. special showing for daycare centers.

Regular ticket prices are $10 general admission and $7 for seniors. Get tickets from the Main Street Jefferson office at 28 College St. in Jefferson. Call 706-367-5714 or visit www.mainstreetjefferson.com for more information.

About the show This production will showcase the abundance of talent, especially of the young people of Jackson County.

Director Jay Holl, who will be handling backstage management duties as well, says he can’t remember having such a great cast of young people.

“I am really enjoying them,” said Holl, who says the cast of “Annie” he directed in 1996 comes close to being the best experience ever.

Family theatre is special, and Holl recalls having three generations on the stage together for a magical time. But he says he learned that it’s increasingly more difficult for families to find activities they can do together.

“I’ve had so many say they are glad we are putting this one on to give parents and children an activity they enjoy doing together,” said Holl. That also extends to the families who’ll come and watch the production together. It’s family theatre.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a big undertaking and Holl said he had people question whether there

was enough talent in the community to pull off the show. “Not only did we have great auditions with great talent, we were able to cast the show twice,” said Holl. “‘The Wizard of Oz’ is one of those shows you could probably do every year,” he said. “It’s one that when the movie came on television, you stopped what you were doing to watch,” he said.

Holl said he found acting late. He was nearly 30 before he found what a great outlet for creativity acting and directing can be. The confidence and other skills that can be learned are important and he hopes the children involved will gain the presentation skills that will help them in the future.

He said he wished he had experience in acting earlier which could have helped him, He was, however, giving work-related presentations before thousands of people in his early 20s. Many Americans consider speaking in front of a crowd to be their greatest fear; community theatre can help an actor overcome that fear.

Holl said he is enjoying another production with Jennifer Dolezal as co-director. She’ll be taking the lead when he steps into the stage manager role.

About the Touch Tour Jefferson Community Theatre has never done Touch Tours before and The Wizard of Oz is the perfect show for it, says Sloane Thompson, who is coordinating the tour and also portraying the Wicked Witch. “I love the theatre and want it to be a wonderful experience for every audience member.” She will be helping with Touch Tours for the special needs population. The tour benefits people who have textile sensitivities. Sometimes people can understand and remember things better if they can touch them, she says.

Participants will arrive at the theatre early and be allowed to “tour” the show by touching certain props and they would get to see some of the performers in full costume up close. They get to hold certain items like Tin Man’s oil can and Dorothy’s ruby slippers and feel the fabrics of some of the costumes.

“It’s all about enriching the theatre experience as much as possible for all audience members,” said Thompson.

Read more at ClickThePaper.com and see more from rehearsals and special appearances

The Times purchases Home: Living in North Georgia Gainesville, GA – Charles Hill Morris Jr., regional manager of The Times in Gainesville, announced today the purchase of HOME: Living in North Georgia magazine from Advantage Publishing and Scott Costello.

“We are excited to announce a partnership with Morris Multimedia, one of America’s largest privately held publishing companies,” said Costello. “Led by the team at The Times, Morris Multimedia has become the new owner/publisher of HOME: Living in North Georgia. We look forward to a long relationship with the team in Georgia as we continue along our mission to promote the individuals, businesses and non-profits that make us proud to call our communities HOME.” HOME: Living in North Georgia magazine began publishing in the spring of this year and immediately captivated readers with its compelling articles and outstanding design. The magazine will continue to be distributed in Hall and Jackson counties six times a year.

“The quality and design of the publication immediately caught our attention and we

thought it would make a perfect complement to our publishing efforts in those communities,” said Morris.

The Times and The Paper, based in Jackson County, Ga., will both manage the publication.

Dennis Stockton, group publisher of The Times and The Paper, will serve in the same capacity for the magazine. Roxane Rose, former owner/publisher of Living Jackson magazine, will be the general manager of HOME. “With its first two North Georgia editions, HOME created a lot of buzz and filled a niche that was unfulfilled. We are really excited to assume ownership of this top quality magazine and think it will be a great addition to our family of publications,” Stockton said. “It is truly a unique magazine serving a very specific readership and advertising base. This is a great opportunity to expand in our core market with a new and different product.”

“I’m proud to have someone of Roxane Rose’s knowledge of the area and the maga-

zine business to head this new endeavor,” Stockton said.

Costello founded Advantage Publishing in Gainesville, Fla. nine years ago and founded the HOME Magazine brand in 2007. Today, Advantage is the leading publisher of high quality magazine content in the northwest Florida market and is the owner and founder of numerous local events including a Taste of Gainesville (Fla.).

The Times was founded in 1947 and is published daily both in print and online. The media company serves Hall County, Ga., and the

residents of the North Georgia mountains.

Morris Multimedia of Savannah, Ga., founded in 1970, purchased The Times in 2004.

CMYK 4B

Features

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

Two local boys to be featured on radio ‘Care-A-Thon’ On July 26 and 27, on-air radio personalities Neal Boortz, Clark Howard and Scott Slade will host the 12th annual WSB Care-A-Thon Farah live from the Bohannon Aflac Cancer Columnist Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Stories of brave and courageous children who have been impacted with childhood cancer or a rare blood disorder will be told for all to hear.

Two strong young men, 7-yearold Brooks House of Winder, and 8-year-old Jacob Smith of Hoschton, will share their personal stories. They, along with their parents, Michael and Dana House and Brad and Christine Smith, will also describe their experiences at the Aflac Cancer Center. Brooks has battled Ewing’s Sarcoma and Jacob fought through Stage III Neuroblastoma.

Both families had incredible

experiences at the Aflac Cancer Center and are so grateful for the intense care and love the boys received while battling these pesky diseases.

Brooks House was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma on June 22, 2011. It all started when he was in the midst of a typical childhood summer activity — T-ball.

Dana and Michael both noticed an abnormal bump on his jaw that seemed to appear overnight. The bump continued to grow over the next few days which led Brooks to receive a CT Scan. The scan showed that Ewing’s Sarcoma caused a localized tumor to form on Brooks’ jawbone, which means that the cancer did not spread to other organs. However, it was a very aggressive tumor that required intense chemotherapy, hospital stays, damaged bone, a skin graft, a surgery, an infection and antibiotics. Brooks even had his gallbladder removed due to excruciating gallstones. He was a trooper — nothing held him back from continuing to be a normal 7year-old little boy.

Despite the troubling times and diagnoses, The House family felt comfortable and at peace while Brooks received treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center.

“We were in the hospital so much Aflac became our second home.

I just cannot say enough about this wonderful place,” said Dana House.

She was impressed by the amount of space their family had and how they could carry on with “normal life” while at the center. Not only was Aflac accommodating, but the staff, including the child life specialist, Karen, the nurses and the volunteers were conFor The Paper stantly putting a smile Jacob Smith as a toddler undergoing on Brooks and the other treatment; below, now at age 8, Jacob is children’s faces.

“I thank God that competing in sports including track.

Brooks had the Aflac

For The Paper

The House family – including Brooks, Dad Michael, Mom Dana and his older brother – are appreciative of the assistance received during Brooks’ journey toward being cancerfree.

center during treatment. We are blessed,” said Dana House. Brooks house finished chemotherapy on March 22, and is now cancer-free.

He will have scans every three months for the next several years.

When Jacob Smith was only 13 months old in May of 2005, he was admitted to the hospital due to a large mass in his pelvis. This was the first step in receiving answers to countless doctor’s appointments and sleepless nights. After Jacob received a biopsy surgery, doctors gave him an initial diagnosis of Stage III Intermediate Risk Neuroblastoma. The tumor was the size of an orange.

Within the next few days, Jacob began chemotherapy. He was in the hospital for five weeks and was administered a continuous drip of morphine to decrease the pain.

He even lost function of his left leg due to the pressure of the tumor.

By August, Jacob’s tumor shrunk enough to be removed. It was a rigorous and very intense surgery with a week long recovery. Recovery opened a door for the Smith family when they met Belinda Skelton with WSB radio who was holding the annual Care-A-Thon that week.

After removing the first tumor,

doctors found a smaller one in January. It was removed, and Jacob was deemed cancer-free.

However, another tumor was present in a scan in March, and doctors believed that surgery was not the answer. Jacob began several rounds of chemotherapy while his parents hoped for the best. The chemotherapy left Jacob very ill, causing him to be hospitalized with extremely high fevers, but he persevered and will celebrate his six-year “cure” date in January. He is now an active 8-year-old boy who runs track, plays football and keeps up with his 10 year-old brother, Aiden.

For more information about Brooks House, Jacob Smith and other courageous children, please tune in for the 12th annual WSB Care-A-Thon that will broadcast live from the Aflac Cancer Center.

Please visit http://www.choa.org/ support-childrens/events/care-athon for details.

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

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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CMYK 6B

Features

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

CONCERTS FROM THE VERANDA

Braselton’s movie in the park is ‘Mirror Mirror’ One of the most beloved stories of all time is featured as a magical comedy in the fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend as “Mirror Mirror” is the movies-in-thepark series film in downtown Braselton on Saturday, July 21.

Julia Roberts stars as the evil queen and Lily Collins is Snow White, a princess in exile. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join Snow White as she fights to reclaim her

birthright and win her Prince.

The 106-minute feature is rated PG. The movie begins at dusk in Braselton Park and is free. Families are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the family-themed entertainment courtesy of the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority.

The film and many other family activities are posted to www.braseltonfestivals.com or telephone 706-654-3915.

Debbie Purvis The Paper

The Hoschton Heritage Arts Council presented Concerts from the Veranda with the Chattahoochee Chain Gang entertaining on July 14.

The concerts are held at the Arts Center at 74 White St. Funds are being raised for the center’s preservation. On Aug. 11, the Nearly Brothers will bring their style of music to the veranda.

Arts council adds to class line-up with kids’ activities Creative Classes for Kids will be offered at the Hoschton Heritage Arts Center one Saturday each month beginning in July through December.

Astra Graham, one of the HHAC Board members, realized the need for these classes so she put together seven classes and a Christmas Party for children 7-12 years old. The classes are limited to 10 participants. Parents should phone 770-241-1460 or 706-654-2693 or email hhac55@yahoo.com to register a child.

All kids must preregister.

The classes include Mosaics for Kids - July 21 (9-1), Repurposed Junk Art - Aug. 18 (9-1), Award Winning Scarecrows – Aug. 23 (2-4P) or (6-8P) or Aug. 30 (2-4P), Halloween Piñatas - Sept. 15 (9-1), Pumpkin Carving 101-Oct. 27 (9-1), Fall Leaf Art - Nov. 17 (12-4P), and Christmas Gifts & Ornaments - Dec. 15 (9-1P).

Each class is $25 per participant and includes supplies.

“Each child will go home with a finished product as well as make one for the Arts Cen-

ter,” according to Ms. Graham. “No artistic ability is required.”

A Christmas Party will also be on Dec 15 (24 p.m.) for the kids that took classes and their family. Cookies & milk will be provided to celebrate the end of the 2012 Creative Classes for Kids. Photos of classes and the projects will be on display.

“The Jewelry vendors did very well at the Arts Festival on June 2nd, according to Debra Brooks an HHAC Board member. “So I asked Lillian Hicks of LH Designs to teach at our Arts Center.”

The Introduction to Beading class will meet on two evenings - Aug. 15 and 22 - 6:308:30 p.m. This class is $40 for HHAC members and $60 for nonmembers. The $20 supply fee should be paid the first night of the class and includes wire, needles and beads. All interested participants must preregister.

More information on each kids’ class as well as the Beading class may be found at www.hoschtonheritageartscouncil.com.

Lily Collins is Snow White in “Mirror Mirror” which will be shown Saturday at dusk in Braselton Park. Family-friendly movies are presented by the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority so bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the show.

‘Stamp Day’ exhibits opens at Long Museum The Crawford W. Long Museum has opened a new permanent exhibit showcasing artifacts from the First Day of Issue of the Crawford W. Long commemorative postage stamp.

“Stamp Day,” April 8, 1940, saw Jefferson’s largest crowd ever. The Atlanta Constitution estimated the attendance at 10,000.

The dignitaries’ podium was set up on the north side of the public square, in front of the current location of the Crawford Long Pharmacy and Dr. Jerry’s Wright’s dental office. Speakers included U.S. Postmaster

General James A. Farley, Georgia Governor E.D. Rivers, and U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell. Dr. Long’s last surviving child, Mrs. Eugenia Long Harper, also attended.

The 2-cent Crawford W. Long stamp was issued as part of the 35-stamp Famous Americans series.

The Crawford W. Long Museum, located at 28 College St., in downtown Jefferson, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call 706-367-5307 or visit www. crawfordlong.org.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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CMYK 8B

Events

The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Kids and teens 18 years old and younger can enjoy nutritious summer meals at no charge at East Jackson Comprehensive High School through July 31 thanks to a USDA program. Breakfast is served 7:30-9 a.m. and lunch is served 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. sss Downtown Jefferson holds a Farmers Market every Saturday through September, 7-10 a.m.

Come early for the best selection. Vendors have vegetables, plants, baked goods and other homemade items. Call 706-367-5714. sss Jackson County District 3 Commissioner Bruce Yates will hold a Town Hall Meeting at the Hoschton Depot on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. to discuss the county budget, voting districts, EMS locations/ fire districts and an economic development update. The public is invited to attend. sss ‘’Twice Upon a Time”

by Craig Sodaro will be presented by the Winder-Barrow Community Theatre July 20-22 at the Colleen O. Williams Theater inside the Winder Cultural Arts Center. The play, directed by Billie Nye-Muller, takes three much-loved fairy tales and puts a slight twist on the stories. The audience is invited to a small reception to meet the cast and crew after each show. The Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; the Sunday show is at 3 p.m. Prices are $5 for children through age 12 and $10 for ages 13 and older.

To purchase tickets, call or go to Winder City Hall, 770-867-3106, or go to Pam Veader’s State Farm Insurance Office at 41 S. Center St. in Winder.

Visit www.winderbarrowtheatre.org. sss The Birdhouse Studio & Gallery will be having a “Christmas in July” event on July 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and there will be special new original items from the artists. There will also be a White Elephant Gift Exchange for those who want to participate.

Call 678-707-9206 for information. sss Avid Bookshop will hold a reading and book signing with children’s author and Hoschton resident Kacy Allen Tedder on Saturday, July 21, 1-2 p.m. “Fly, Sally, Fly! A True Story of Sally’s Flight to Freedom” is a heartwarming, rags-toriches tale for all animal

lovers. There is no cost.

Avid Bookshop is located in Athens at 493 Prince Ave. For more information, contact Avid Bookshop at 706-352-2060 or avid.athens@gmail. com sss The Braselton Library’s Monday Movie Madness will feature “The Black Cauldron on July 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Call 706-654-1992 sss Leftover Pets offers low cost spay/neuter surgeries every other week at the clinic in Winder, 610 Barrow Park Drive. The remaining July dates are 23, 24 and 26. Prices are $75 for a female dog over 25 pounds, $60 for a female dog up to 25 pounds, $50 for a male dog, $50 for a female cat, $30 for a male cat.

All surgery prices include a free rabies vaccination.

For more information on clinic services, visit www. leftoverpets.org. Appointments are required and must be made by calling 800-978-5226. sss Discover Jackson County Gems on Thursdays this summer with a combined tour of the Crawford Long Museum and Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm. The guided tour of the historic farm is held in the mornings 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and includes family stories and viewing historic documents. The afternoon is spent at the museum 1-3 p.m. Youth groups are welcome to bring sack lunches; senior citizen groups have the option to include a catered lunch in the tour fee. Reservations are required in advance and groups must provide transportation between venues. Tour dates are Aug. 2 and 9.

Price per student is $12; seniors is $22 with learning activity at the Museum and $20 without learning activity.

Tour dates are subject to weather constraints.

Contact the museum at 706-367-5307. sss Dairy Queen of Jefferson’s annual Miracle Treat Day will be held Thursday, July 26. Dairy Queen will donate the proceeds of Blizzards sold to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Pre-order Blizzards for pick-up

by July 23 or purchase coupons to redeem a 12-ounce Blizzard and the contribution will go towards the Miracle Treat Day donation. Email dqjefferson@yahoo.com or call 706-387-7095. sss The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) announces the Crime Lab Detective traveling exhibit that will be on its campus through Oct. 15. The exhibit highlights a number of crucial elements of the scientific process by focusing on a home that has been burglarized while the home’s family was vacationing. Crime Lab Detective takes visitors into the popular world of crime labs and detective work. Admission is $3 per adult (13 and older) and $1 per child. GEHC members are admitted free. An additional $1 is charged for out-of-county residents.

Movie concessions will also be available for purchase. Visit www. gwinnettEHC.org. sss A workshop on Caring for Mature Trees will be held on Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to noon in the Wilkins Room at the Jefferson Civic Center.

The workshop, sponsored by the City of Jefferson and the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, will teach how to identify the life stages of a tree; how to protect tree roots, trunks and branches from the time a tree is young through matu-

rity; how to preserve tree health and promote a long life; how to evaluate the health, structure and maintenance needs of older trees; and when and how to hire an arborist to care for your trees.

Workshop instructors include Susan Russell, Jefferson City Arborist, and Connie Head, Jefferson City Forester.

Free written materials on caring for mature trees will be provided.

Refreshments will be available. The workshop is free and open to the public and pre-registration is not required.

Contact Connie Head at 706-202-5279 or tfshead@aol.com. sss New mentoring training sessions for Lindsay’s Legacy mentors will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9, 9-10:15 a.m. at the Jackson County Chamber and Wednesday, Aug. 22, 9-10:15 a.m. at Jackson EMC. RSVP for training at www.lindsayslegacymentoring.org. Contact Lisa at lisa@linsdayslegacymentoring.org or 706410-5525. sss The seventh annual Tree House Turbo Turtle Trek will be held Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crow’s Lake. Adopt a turtle on-line at www. raceaturtle.com. Call 770-868-1900 or visit www.thetreehouseinc. org. sss The Gwinnett County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, a non-profit organization for wetland and habitat conservation, is holding a wine paring event on Monday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Houndstooth Restaurant in Braselton off of Hwy. 211. The event will teach how to pair the perfect wine with your

favorite foods and will feature six Empire wines, a silent auction and door prizes. Cost is $50 per person and includes a DU commemorative wine glass; seating is limited.

Contributions are tax deductible. Tickets are available on-line at: www. ducks.org/georgia/ or by calling Danny Strickland at 770-539-0862. sss The Hoschton Heritage Arts Center is offering an Introduction to Beading class on Aug. 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The class is $40 for HHAC members and $60 for nonmembers.

The $20 supply fee should be paid the first night of the class. Participants must pre-register.

Visit www.hoschtonheritageartscouncil.com. sss The second annual Hero’s Ball will feature recognition of four public safety workers from West Jackson. All of the proceeds support eXchange, a nonprofit that supports the wives and children of wounded and deceased Special Operations Forces Soldiers.

The Hero’s Ball will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, at the Braselton-Stover House in Braselton.Tax-deductible tickets are $100 per person. Visit www. exchange-usa.org or contact Amber Chatham at 706-224-5493. sss The Braselton Visitor’s Bureau is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Braselton Rotary Clubsponsored Run the Vineyard 2012, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 a.m. A Fun Run will be held after the 5K. Visit http://runthevineyard.com. sss The Miss Hoschton

Pageant will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at New Community Church in Hoschton. Practice will be Aug. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

A new award has been added, the Armed Forces Family Service Award, for contestants who have close family members in the military. Applicants must have the Armed Forces Service Award information turned in at least one week prior to the pageant to receive the award. Awards will be given for Most Photogenic, Best Hair, Best Dressed, Best Eyes and Best Smile. Participation Fee is $65 for applicants paid by July 15; $75 after; extra fee for some categories. Make checks payable to Ritzi Reruns and send to P.O. Box 21, Hoschton, GA 30548 or pay by credit card at the shop in Braselton. For information call Nancy at 706-654-1983 or 706-654-1983 or Reneé at 678-442-6499 or 678-442-6499 or e-mail renee@ritzireruns.com. sss The Georgia Piedmont Arts Center (GPAC) is preparing to again present the “Harvest of Art” festival on the lawn at the GPAC art cottage in downtown Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 8. Harvest of Art will showcase fine art and fine craft artisans. Artisans are invited to apply. Get an application at the GPAC web site at www.georgiapiedmontartscenter. com or call Kathleen Gill at 404-202-3044. sss The Humane Society of Jackson County is hosting a festival, concert and motorcycle ride called “Ride Like the Animals” on Sept. 8, at Crow’s Lake in Jefferson.

Sponsors, vendors, riders and attendees are needed. Visit www.hsjc. com.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 19, 2012

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