The Paper December 20 Edition

CMYK Thursday, December 20, 2012

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STATE CHAMPS and

FIERCE, FORCEFUL

FIRE

ON

Jefferson takes AA championship. 1B

New EMS station remaining a hot topic

BY LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

Even though Judge David Motes gave the go-ahead for work to proceed on the new EMS station in West Jackson, citizens are still questioning Commissioner Tom Crow about involvement in attempting to relocate the station.

Work was already under way when a temporary restraining order was issued to halt construction on county property along Lewis Braselton Boulevard.

At Monday’s meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, Larry Ewing said he didn’t get answers to his questions of Crow at the previous meeting so he would ask them again.

“Do you still want to move it?” Ewing

asked about the location of Med 3.

“I guess it will be built there [although it will be] leaving out a lot of Jackson County citizens,” said Crow.

Crow has argued that the 5-mile circles of EMS service would leave some Jackson Countians uncovered as the circle over West Jackson is placed too close to the county line. He has contended the station should be located closer to Jefferson. Crow maintains that the location of the station was not completely discussed among commissioners. He said he attempted to get the matter reconsidered but couldn’t get the issue brought back up before the board.

The board took two votes on the EMS station plans and the measure passed on both occasions.

“Just because it passed, doesn’t mean it’s not wrong,” said Crow, who will stop into

the chairmanship in January.

Ewing said, “Just because Commissioner Crow wants it somewhere else doesn’t make it right.”Ewing asked if anyone yet knew the expense to taxpayers that may come from the impact of the restraining order.

Ewing suggested that Crow considered it important “to find someone to bring a lawsuit and support them.”

Ron Johnson, who also spoke at the Dec. 3 meeting, took Crow to task, saying that he failed to be a leader because he was so focused on the fire training center. Crow was unable to answer Johnson’s question about how much Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax money was allocated toward that center.

Johnson and Crow spoke back and forth about the master plan for positioning of future EMS stations dating back to 2007.

Season’s joy: Babe in a manger

Unless a called meeting is convened, the session was the last at which Chairman Hunter Bicknell will preside. Johnson thanked him for his service.

Among its business items, the commission ■ Approved Commissioner Chas Hardy’s District 2 reappointments including that of Jean Collins to the Jackson County Dangerous Dog Committee; Josh Huskins to the Jackson Couty Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee; and Jeff Perry to the Jackson County Planning Commission.

■ Also approved another of Hardy’s recommendation. He recommended Rick Massey of Commerce to the Jackson County Airport Authority. Commissioner Crow abstained, saying Massey is his nephew.

Other appointments will be forthcoming in January.

JACKSON COUNTY

BM&K to continue as consultant for ongoing projects

BY LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

The amount of money Jackson County has expended for enginerering and consulting services has been a bone of contention with District 4 Commissioner Dwain Smith, however, he made the motion to continue the existing contract prices on ongoing projects.

Although Jackson County plans to terminate its agreement for consulting services with BM&K in order to renegotiate the terms, County Manager Kevin Poe recommended the existing contract be in effect for projects which are under way. Most are expected to be wrapped up next year.

At its Monday meeting, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners agreed for the current

Katie Justice The Paper

“His Story” was presented last weekend by Hope Crossings Church in Jefferson to remind of the true meaning behind this holiday season. The live nativity brought to life the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. See more on Page 4A. During this season of giving, Pastor Chris Stephens said the second annual presentation of the nativity program was the church’s gift to the community. The community is invited to come together from 5-6:30 p.m. this evening in the cafeteria of Jackson County Comprehensive High School for the annual community Christmas dinner. Bring the family to share a Christmas meal and enjoy holiday music and the kids can visit with Santa. The community dinner is free to all.

CITY OF JEFFERSON

Council approves BM&K contract on Jefferson Station

BY LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

The Jefferson City Council voted unanimously Monday to move forward with the Jefferson Station project, according to City Manager John Ward.

The city’s acquisition of shopping center formerly anchored

by Food Lion is envisioned to provide expanded space for a growing Jefferson Library and also give a new location for the Jefferson Police Department.

While some have suggested the possibility of renovating the existing city hall for the police department to put emergency responders side by side and placing city hall with the library, the council gave the nod to the preliminary plans.

The 51-page contract with BM&K Construction and Engineering for construction management and design-build of the Jefferson Station Police Precinct and Public Library was presented at the Dec. 10 work session and was approved Monday. The guarantee maximum price will be determined 60 days after the design is completed.

The design phase will be a

INSIDE Church Entertainment Features Forum Obituaries

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Volume 7, Number 7 Pastor’s Pen Police report Puzzles Schools Sports

3B 2A 7B 4B 1-2B

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rates remain in place with a new agreement for the following projects: Dixon Bridge Road bridge replacement; the West Jackson EMS Station; the Historic Courthouse renovations; the Zion Church Road construction which is near an end; and the Wayne Poultry Road improvements.

The 2012 rates include $89.99 an hour for a project manager; $123.74 an hour for a project manager-design; and lower rates for others including $33.91 an hour for the administrative assistant.

Smith reminded that an esimated $800,000 has already been paid out toward the new EMS stations project.

Commissioner Bruce Yates provided the second to the motion which was unanimously approved.

$332,000 lump sum payment and the pre-construction phase fee will be $20,000 plus reimbursable expenses of the construction manager.

The plans calls for the library and police station project to be on the fast track, said Don Clerici of BM&K at the work session. With a May 2013 start date and nine months of construction, the facility should be ready for operation in early 2014.

Ward noted that greenspace would be integrated in the front and a driveway would be added at the rear for police use. He said the location will put the police station at the center of the city to enhance response time and access to Damon Gause Parkway and Interstate 85.

The construction management fee will be 5.5 percent of the subcontracted costs plus reimbursable expenses. The construction manager is responsible for the professional quality and coordination of design documents with design services resulting in a costeffective and economical facility that meets all state and local energy codes.

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The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

POLICE REPORT Braselton Police ■ A driver heading southbound on Interstate 85 on Dec. 12 was arrested for driving without insurance and with no registration.

■ On Dec. 10, a man reported his immigration visa card stolen or lost, after it was mailed. The man said he never received it.

■ A man driving northbound on Interstate 85 on Dec. 12 was arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license, theft by receiving stolen property and theft by bringing stolen property into the state. The man said his friend in South Carolina gave him a license plate to use on his car for a business trip. That license plate was stolen.

■ A car heading northbound on Interstate 85 on Dec. 11 was stopped for not having a working tag light and having illegally tinted windows. The driver admitted to being in procession of marijuana and, upon searching the vehicle which had three adult and three small children passengers, the officer found a small gumball machine filled with marijuana buds and a marijuana cigarette.

■ A man located at a Thompson Mill Road residence was arrested Dec. 12 on an outstanding warrant.

■ A local hotel reported a recovered firearm that was left in a room after a guest checked out on Dec. 12. The gun was reported stolen out of Mississippi.

■ A found wallet was reportedly left behind at a Highway 53 restaurant on Dec. 12.

See POLICE REPORT, 8A

Recycle that tree: Bring One for the Chipper For The Paper

Drop off those formerly beautiful Christmas trees to be used for mulch in area playgrounds between Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013.

Bring One for the Chipper is a 20-yearold program and Jackson County has participated since 2004 and averaged 500 trees per year. Local sponsors include Jackson County Board of Commissioners, Jackson EMC, Keep Jackson Count Beautiful, Jackson County Solid Waste and the cities of Arcade, Commerce, Hoschton, Jefferson and Talmo. Statewide sponsors are Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, Home Depot, Davey Tree Expert Company and 11

Alive, Atlanta’s NBC affiliate.

Drop-off locations will be roped off with caution tape at the following locations: Arcade City Hall, Commerce at Lanier Tech, Hoschton Depot, Jackson County Transfer Station, Jefferson Community Center and in Talmo across from the fire station.

Keep Jackson County Beautiful will not sponsor a special day for dropoff as seedlings will not be available due to state budget constraints.

Please remember to remove all decorations and lights from your tree.

Call Keep Jackson County Beautiful director Susan Trepagnier (706) 708-7198 or email strepagnier@jacksoncountygov.com for details.

Bridge to close for project The bridge over the Middle Oconee River on Galilee Church Road in Jackson County will be completely closed to traffic for demolition and construction of a new bridge beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, according to Teri N. Pope, Communications Officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation’s District One - Northeast Georgia.

The bridge will be closed for approximately nine months, and a signed detour will direct traffic along Galilee Church Road to the Damon Gause Parkway to Highway 11 and back into Galilee Church Road.

“The original bridge outlived its life expectancy and did not meet current design standards,” said Pope. “The new bridge improves safety and efficiency by raising the bridge to remove the trough approaching the bridge. The new bridge features wide shoulders creating a refuge for motorists outside of the travel lanes if needed.”

Closing of the bridge during the construction project rather than helping the bridge open as a parallel bridge is built will allow the work to be completed in 12, rather than 24 months, and will mean a savings of $1 million, according to Pope.

This $1.5 million construction project includes a quarter-mile of new roadway and the new bridge over the Middle Oconee River. The new

For The Paper

Drivers on Galilee Church Road will be detoured around the bridge being replaced starting Jan. 2, 2013. bridge will be 285 feet long and 38 feet wide featuring two 11-feet wide travel lanes

and 6-foot wide shoulders.

Rogers Bridge Company of Atlanta is the contractor.

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CMYK HOLIDAY

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

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Katie Justice The Paper

Katie Justice The Paper

The first-ever JHS dance class performs to “Waltz of Flowers” from the “Nutcracker.”

Jefferson Middle School’s 6th grade chorus performed “Bleak Midwinter’s Silent Night” and the “Chipmunk Song.” Below: Jefferson Middles School’s 8th grade chorus shows off their festive socks during a kick line during “SparkleJollyTwinklyJingley.” Bottom: Jefferson High School Chorus singing the GLEE version of “Last Christmas.”

Sounds of the season come alive at school productions Jackson County Comprehensive and Jefferson choruses and band perform for the holidays

By KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

There’s no denying it’s getting to be that time of December, the time when talks turn to Santa and presents.

It’s Christmas in Jackson County, and before the students headed home for their winter break, Jackson County Comprehensive and Jefferson High Schools invited the community to join them in some festive fun during their holiday concerts.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Jefferson Middle and High School choruses stepped on stage to sing “Songs of the Season,” accompanied by the first-ever dance class at the high school.

From a kickline full of holiday socks during the eighth grade’s performance of “SparkleJollyTwinklyJingley” to a seventh through 12th grade ensemble of “We Need a Little Christmas,” the Christmas spirit has set in.

On Thursday, Dec. 13, JCCHS opened its doors with performances by the women’s ensemble, men’s ensemble and advanced ensemble, with the men surprising chorus teacher Ryan Maddox with holiday hats and

even sunglasses they snuck on stage between songs.

Also on Thursday night, the JHS band performed a holiday concert to a full auditorium, ending with a finale of “Sleigh Bells.”

Jefferson: Jingling with a little more Christmas spirit

By KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com Katie Justice The Paper

The JHS dance class performs to “We Need a Little Christmas,” as it was sung by the eighth grade and high school choruses .

Katie Justice The Paper

The JCCHS Chorus Men’s Ensemble performing “Little Saint Nick,” surprising their director with sunglasses and Santa hats.

Katie Justice The Paper

The JCCHS Advanced Ensemble also sang “The Holly and the Ivy” and “Mary Sat A’Rockin’.”

See more scenes from the presentations at ClickThePaper.com

Anyone driving past Jefferson High School on Dec. 11 would see an overflowing parking lot, which wouldn’t see out of place except that it was after 7 p.m. The cause of the crowd and excitement was the Jefferson Middle and High Schools’ holiday chorus concert.

Jefferson City Schools’ middles grades and high school choruses took the stage to a standing room-only crowd during their show.

“Songs of the Season,” directed by chorus teacher Lindsay Pattern and band teacher Michael Pace, consisted of students singing 14 songs. In addition, the first-ever Jefferson High School dance class performed two dances.

Up first was the JHS dance class. More than 25 young ladies danced onto the stage in brightly colored tutus to the “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker.

The sixth grade chorus was second to take the stage, performing “Bleak Midwinter’s Silent Night” and “The Chipmunk Song.”

The seventh grader chorus began with singing “A Festive Madrigal” a cappella, and then they performed “Grinch!” and a combination of “Little Drummer Boy” and “Peace on Earth.”

The eighth grade chorus also performed their first song, “Up Above My Head,” with-

out instrumental accompaniment. Then, they showed off Christmas socks with a kick line during “SparkleJollyTwinklyJingley” from Elf the Musical, and received a standing ovation for “Yes, Virginia” thanks to some very impressive soloists.

After that, the Jefferson High School joined the eighth graders on stage to sing “Carol of the Bells.”

The high school chorus sang “Cradle Hymn” a cappella. Then, Jaclyn Coleman, Amelia Dial, Emily Elrod and Jordyn Engelberg took centerstage to perform a version of “Silent Night” arranged by sophomore Amelia Dial. To complete the high school only set, “Patapan,” in which singers imitate the sounds of a flute and drum, and “Last Christmas” were presented.

To end the show, the seventh, eighth and high school choruses were joined by the dance class, to end the show with “We Need a Little Christmas.”

With multiple standing ovations, the performances were a success. Throughout the show, parents, family and friends lined the walls, with far more people than seats present and cheered with every song.

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The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Sharing ‘His’ story

By KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

Hope Crossings Church in Jefferson helped to remind people of the true meaning behind the holiday season with “His Story,” a live nativity held last Friday through Sunday nights.

“It’s our hope and our desire that this would bring a rebirth as to what Christmas is really about,” said Senior Pastor Chris Stephens.

On Friday, more than 75 people showed up for the first of the three nightly showings.

“We’ve got so many more people here tonight then the first show last year,” said Stephens.

“It’s not about the shopping and the presents. It’s about Christ,” said Stephens, of the church’s second year presenting a live nativ-

OBITUARIES Sammy Adams

Died Dec. 11, 2012 Sammy Adams, 51, of Auburn, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.

Born in Fulton County, he was a son of the late Billy and Lavonia Ethel Brumbalow Adams.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Adams; stepsons, Keith Boone of Marietta and Steven Martin of Statham; granddaughter, Caylie Boone; and siblings, Rick Adams of Ball Ground, Cindy Saraga of Apex, N.C., Billy Adams of Sugar Hill, Lynn Nixon of Loganville and Billy Adams Jr., of Elberton.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Rachel Ginn Barrett

Died Dec. 12, 2012 Mrs. Rachel Ginn Barrett, 87, Jefferson, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

Born in Franklin County, she was a daughter of the late James Harrison and Lena Hart Ginn. Mrs. Barrett was a homemaker and a member of Apple Valley Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn Barrett; sisters, Mattie Lou Atkinson and Janie Ruth Dean; and brothers, the Rev. William Ginn, George Ginn, Jimmy Ginn, Milton Ginn and James Ginn.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, in the chapel Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Wright and the Rev. Clarence Cannon officiating.

Interment was in the Apple Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Matthew Barrett, Joey Barrett, Blake Gooch, Justin Gooch, Joseph Carter, Justin Kennedy and Taylor Kennedy.

Survivors include her son, Larry (Laverne) Barrett of Jefferson; daughters, Susan (Bobby) Gooch of Jefferson and Kathy (Alan) Kennedy of Commerce; grandchildren, Joey and Lynn Barrett, Matthew and Casey Barrett, Kristi and Donnie Johnston, Kelli and Joseph Carter, Justin and Melissa Gooch, Blake and Jennifer Gooch, Justin and Jessica Kennedy and Taylor Kennedy; greatgrandchildren, Logan Johnston, Tyler Johnston, and Graysen Johnston, Brennan Carter, Chelsey and Jayden Gooch, Addison Gooch, Lauren Barrett, Cason Barrett and Ryder Barrett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Mark Steven Battles

Died Dec. 15, 2012 Mark Steven Battles, 58, of Dacula, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012.

A devoted husband and father, he loved his business as a jeweler for 35 years, his family and his girls (the dogs. He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church. He Battles is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Battles, and brother- in- law, Harold Hall.

Survivors include his mother, Lounell Battles of Columbus; his wife of 29 years, Veronica Neuendorf Battles; his mother-in-law who loved Mark greatly and father-inlaw Edgar Neuendorf; son, Neil Steven Battles of Dacula; daughter, Alissa Marie Battles of Dacula; sisters, Jo Ann Hall of Auburn, Ala., and Carol Battles and Tommy of Columbus; and brothers, Bobby Battles and Sheila of Tolberton and Roger Battles of Woodstock.

A Mass was held Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Winder with Father Gilbert Exumé officiating. Pallbearers were

Sara Hortez Elder

Neil Battles, Roger Battles, Bobby Battles, Tommy Smith, Dave Boyea and Andy Russell.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Christopher Brock

Died Dec. 16, 2012 Christopher Brock, 37, of Braselton, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.

Chris worked for Pike Electric and loved the outdoors, fishing and his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Susie Brock.

Survivors include his father, Edward Brock; sons, J.R. Brock and Sammuel Brock, both of Winder, and Timothy James Brock of Baldwin; brother, Alan Brock and Anne of Nicholson; sister, Sharon Brock of Winder; grandson, Kayson Christopher Brock; and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Hoschton First Baptist Church, located at 99 E. Jefferson St., in Hoschton.

The Rev. Herman Brock officiated with interment to following in the Hoschton City Cemetery.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Ellen Sue Burris

Died Dec. 11, 2012 Mrs. Ellen Sue Burris, 64, of Hoschton, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.

Born in Atlanta, she was a daughter of the late John Elliott Rogers and the late Martha Jeanette James Rogers.

Mrs. Burris was retired from Western Electric/AT&T. She became a full-time mom but also worked with Town and Country Florist in Hoschton for several years, and was also a Mary Kay consultant.

She was a member of White Plains Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Wallace, and brothers, Calvin Rogers and John Jr. Rogers.

Survivors include her husband, Neil Burris of Hoschton; daughters, Kelley Burris and Shelley Burris, both of Flowery Branch, Monica Wilbanks of Hoschton and Tena Wheeler of Louisville; son, Sonny Burris of Carnesville; sisters, Winnie Wright and Betty Moore, both of Alpharetta; grandchildren, Michael Patterson, Hannah Frankland, Matthew Frix, Hunter Burris, Ashley Wilbanks, Bonnie Wheeler, Leyla Ozcelik and Bora Ozcelik; and great-grandchildren, Devin Patterson and Lily Wright.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. David Frix officiating. The burial followed in the Evans Memory Gardens.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Vivian Virginia Davis

Died Dec. 14. 2012 Mrs. Vivian Virginia Davis, 91, of Hoschton, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at The Oaks at Limestone following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with interment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. Father Eric Hill will officiate.

Born Oct. 18, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Emily Adauf of New Orleans, La., and was of the Catholic faith. She was retired from Speigel’s, where she had been an order filler in the warehouse. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Willie Davis.

Survivors include her son, Russell Davis of Chicago, Ill.; daughters and son-in-law, Elaine and Steven Wiley of Hoschton and Carol Mottley of Gainesville; and seven grandchildren.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Died Dec. 12, 2012 Sara Hortez Elder, 85, of Winder, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

She retired as a supervisor for Barrow Manufacturing and was a member of Chapel Christian Church in Winder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis Jewell and Lenora Hill Waters; husband, William Perry Elder; and eight brothers and sisters.

Survivors are her daughters, Lisa Elder (Tracy) Reynolds and Susan Ryan of Winder; sister, Ann Briscoe of Presque Isle, Maine; grandchildren, Justin (Cindy) Reynolds, Jordan (Troy) Mayfield and Melissa (Jeremy) Wilson; greatgrandchildren, Nora Reynolds, Hayden Wilson and Daniel Wilson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Tracy Reynolds and Pastor Jim Stephens officiating. Interment followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Archie Judson Hedden

Died Dec. 16, 2012 Archie Judson Hedden, 75, of Flowery Branch, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at VistaCare Hospice following an extended illness.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church in Murphy, N.C., with the Rev. Sam Parsons officiating.

Born May 5, 1937, he was a son of the late John Ross and Virgie Melissa Hedden of Cherokee County. He was a member of Blackshear Place Baptist Church. He was retired from General Motors Lakewood Plant, where he worked on the motor line and was a member of the local UAW. he was also preceded in death by son, Victor Tony Hedden; brothers, Ronnie Hedden and Beecher Hedden; and sisters, Pauline Strebel and Hilda Hedden.

Survivors include his wife, Sherian Hedden; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Mary Amanda Hedden of Marietta; daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Steve Cooley of Dacula and Michelle and Tim Dutton of Braselton; stepdaughters, Christy Hollis of Loganville and Karin and Troy Ihle of Auburn; stepson, Eric Johnson of Flowery Branch; brother and sister-in-law, Hilyard and Maxine Hedden of Rocky Face; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and David Dyer of Dalton; 15 grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA, 01202 or Hemophilia of Georgia at www.hog.org.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Gene Hopkins

Died Dec. 21, 2012 Gene Hopkins, 79, of Winder, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

A native of Winder, he was a son of the late Joseph Hightower and Mary Dell Robison Hopkins. He was also preceded by his wife, Lois Craft Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins was a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict and had served as a Barrow County Commissioner. He was a member of the Winder First United Methodist Church and was also a member of the Winder Noon Lions Club. He was a retiree of the United States

ity.

For mom Beverly Coker, a drive searching for Christmas lights with her 5-year-old son led her to the scene.

“I saw the setup and thought we have to go see that,” said Coker. “I want him to see the story of Christmas, not just Santa Claus. Nobody does that any more.”

Sara Moore and her family heard about the live nativity from some friends. “We hadn’t done this and though it was a good opportu-

Postal Service.

Survivors are his sons and daughters-in-law, Ricky and Sharon Hopkins of Bethlehem and Rusty and Susan Hopkins of Gainesville; grandchildren, Jason Hopkins, Jeremy Hopkins, Lainey Hopkins and Andrew Hopkins; and great-granddaughter, Alexis Ramey.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Tippens officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Winder First Methodist Church, 280 N. Broad St., in Winder.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Sonny Ivey

Died Dec. 13, 2012 Sonny Ivey, 72, of Morganton, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012.

Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Clarence A. and Sibyl Manning Ivey. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Darrel Ivey and Lavaughn Ivey. He was retired from Beers Construction Company.

Survivors include his daughter, Tracy Alane Ivey of Temple; grandson, Tyler Scott Ivey of Winder; former spouse, Dianne Bowen Ivey of Bethlehem; and brother, Glen Scott Ivey of Bethlehem.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Donnie Pennington officiating. Interment followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Russell David Johnston

Died Dec. 15, 2012 Russell David Johnston, 76, of Winder, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012.

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

The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Richard Lamar Leach

Died Dec. 14, 2012 Richard Lamar Leach, 49, of Flowery Branch, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at his residence.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Leach; daughters, Christina Leach-Herron of Alto and Ansley Leach of Flowery Branch; sons, Derick Leach and Logan Leach, both of Flowery Branch; brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Michelle Leach of Monroe; mother, Gwen Leach of Grayson; and grandchildren, Caleb Herron, Samantha Herron and Morgan Herron.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in the Mason & Ward Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. James Campbell and the Rev. Charles Grant officiating. Interment followed in the Hillside Memorial Gardens.

Mason & Ward Funeral Home, Gainesville The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Lois Jean Peppers

Died Dec. 17, 2012 Lois Jean Roberts Peppers, 79, of Athens, died on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012.

She was an active and longtime member of Statham First Baptist Church.

She enjoyed crafts, ceramics, traveling and going to church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Leonard and Grace Whitehead Roberts; and a daughter, Cheryl Marie Peppers.

nity,” said Moore.

“His Story” began in Bethlehem with the innkeeper’s son building a manger and the arrival of Mary and Joseph who had nowhere to stay but in the innkeeper’s stable. From there, the story of the birth of Jesus unfolded, with narration and music accompanying the church members’ presentation.

“This is our gift to the community,” said Stephens.

Photo on Page 1A

Survivors include her son, Robbie K. Peppers of Virginia Beach, Va.; sisters, Glenda Roberts (Don) Eades of Bogart and Dale (Jim) Conglose of Athens; granddaughter, Tracy Marie Peppers of Port Charlotte, Fla.; grandsons, J.J. Hanson of Suffolk, Va., and Stephen Hanson of South Boston, Va.; four greatgrandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and daughter-in-law, Midge Peppers of Port Charlotte. Jean is also survived by her caregivers, Sandra Washington, Joy King, Betty Bowles and Cathy Epps.

The funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Bennett and the Rev. Gordon Thornton officiating. The interment followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Statham First Baptist Church, 1914 Broad St., Statham, GA 30666.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Richard John Santora

Died Dec. 13, 2012 Richard John Santora, 72, of Winder, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012.

He was superintendent of residential and commercial construction for more than 40 years. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

A veteran, he served in the Vietnam War. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he could light up a room with his great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Adeline Spinelli Santora; and brother, Donald Santora.

Survivors include his wife, Carole P. Santora; daughters, Michelle Santora (fiancé, Michael Guinn) of Winder and Melissa (Mike) Shrout of Canton; grandson, Trisan Santora; and brothers, Robert Santora of Hammond, La., and Jerry Santora of San Jacinto, Calif.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with Father Gilbert Exume officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org/ donate).

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Ernest Ray Saunders

Died Dec. 15, 2012 Ernest Ray Saunders, 73, of Hoschton, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, after a courageous battle against cancer.

A native of Montana, he was a U.S. Army veteran who loved traveling, the outdoors, fishing and anything to do with cars, especially his 1962 Corvette.

He retired from a long Saunders career as a printer and business owner. He was a member of Center United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Grover Saunders.

Survivors are his father, Ernest N. Saunders of Camdenton, Mo.; his wife of 34 years, Margaret “Georgia” Saunders; son, Dennis W. Smith Jr., of Dallas, Texas; daughters and son-in-law, Shelly Saunders Dampier of Milan, Mo., and Kimberly R. and Steve Baran of Winder; daughter-in-law Joni B. Smith of Seneca, S.C.; grandchildren; Erin and Brett Fuller, Kacey Anne Banaszek, Kelly Baran, Cassi Dampier, Savana Dampier, Angelle Zeigler, Austin Zeigler, Devin Smith, Abigail Margaret Smith and Stella

Smith; great-grandchild, Bentley Greybuffalo; and special friends, Umut Bulut of Texas and Chris Meseke of Montana.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at Center United Methodist Church, located at 7641 Jackson Trail Road in Hoschton. Pastor Blane Spence and Pastor Glenn Parrish will be officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the church building fund. Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

John G. Wilbanks Jr.

Died Dec. 13, 2012 John George Wilbanks Jr., 57, of Gainesville, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. The family will hold a private funeral service and interment.

Born March 19, 1955 in Chatsworth, he was a son of John George and Lena Wilbanks Sr. He was a member of Blackshear Place Baptist Church and Gideons International. He was a career prosecutor for the state of Georgia, receiving his undergraduate degree from Brenau University and law degree from the University of Georgia.

Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his wife of 28 years, Deborah Wilbanks; sons and daughterin-law, Matthew and Arlynn Wilbanks of Buford and Daniel Wilbanks of Chattanooga, Tenn.; daughter and son-inlaw, Kym and Mike Newman of Gainesville; grandson, Nethan Hewell; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Rhonda Wilbanks of Cohutta; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Bill Smitherman of Dalton; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, 505 Water Works Road, Palmetto, GA 30268, (770) 4633800, or Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

Pauline Stella Graham Wood

Died Dec. 14, 2012 Mrs. Pauline Stella Graham Wood, 81, of Hoschton, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.

Pauline, a faithful pastor’s wife for 61 years and four months, loved her family and had a meek and quiet spirit. Mrs. Wood was also a member of the Wood National Piano Guild and an accomplished pianist and teacher.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph Raymon Wood Sr.; sons, Joe R. Wood Jr., and wife Ruth of Simpsonville, S.C., and David R. Wood and wife Lorilee of Hoschton; sister ,Mary Bair and husband Jim of Cape Carteret, N.C.; and grandchildren. Joe R. Wood III, Jeffrey Graham Wood, Kaytlynn Wood Kopp, Whitney Wood, Shannon Wood and Hannah Wood.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at Grace Baptist Church in Dacula with Pastor David Wood officiating. Graveside services followed in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, S.C. Donations may be made to the Pauline Wood Memorial Music Scholarship Fund, administered by the Deacons of Grace Baptist Church of Dacula.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 20, 2012

CMYK LOCAL

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

CHURCH NEWS Hoschton United Methodist will be having a Christmas mini-musical at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 23. There will be not be a 9 a.m. service on that day, but at 10 a.m., there will be Sunday school in the fellowship hall and at 9:45 a.m. choir practice in sanctuary. Also, there will be a Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m.

The church is located at 12 Mulberry St., in Hoschton. Contact the Rev. Luis Ortiz at 706 6541422. sss White Plains Baptist Church will hold a Christmas candlelight service during the morning worship service on Sunday, Dec. 23.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and there will be no evening services.

The church is located at 3650 Highway 124 W, in Jefferson, between Hoschton and Jefferson.

Please join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. sss On Dec. 30 at 2 p.m., Jackson County Baptist Church, Jefferson will be having a ground breaking service on its land at 79 Memorial Drive in Jefferson. The church, pastored by Jacks Lawson, was constituted on July 11, 2010 and will be breaking ground for its building. sss Corner-Stone Church Preschool, located at 6933 Georgia Highway 11 in Jefferson, provides programs for preschoolers from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program for 2year-olds is Tuesday and Thursday; 3-year-olds attend Tuesday through Thursday; and 4-year-olds

atend Monday through Thursday.

For more information, visit www.corner-stone. org/preschool or contact director Kimberly Rewis at 678-524-6986. sss The Church of Hoschton would like to extend an open invitation to the community to join in worshipping Jesus Christ. Sunday services begin at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. for Worship and 6 p.m. for Sunday evening services.

Wednesday Bible study and prayer time starts at 7 p.m. Christmas events will be held on Sunday, Dec. 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m. for the Christmas Cantata with the Candlelight service and communion at 6 p.m.

“Come be with us and worship the birth of our Savior,” said Pastor Cory Sexton, who can be reached at 678-234-9408. The church is located in the West Jackson Min-e Mall shopping center on Highway 53. sss

service is at 11 a.m.

The church is at 1059 Dee Kennedy Road in Auburn. Call 770-8671107 for the Rev. Le Gibson. sss Covenant Baptist Church is a group of called-out believers who are Committed to following Jesus Christ as Lord. “We do this by sharing the good news of the gospel to those who are separated from God; and by teaching believers how to be fully devoted followers of Christ,” said Pastor Todd Coble, who can be reached at 678316-0273. Please join the congregation on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. for worship service at the Depot in downtown Hoschton. Nursery and children’s church is provided. “If you don’t have a church home or if you looking for a new church home or if you are lost and looking for a way back home, please come and visit with us and see if God speaks to your heart,” said Coble. “God bless you and ‘See you at the Depot on Sunday.’” sss

Celebration Church is holding three special Christmas Eve services.

Times will be 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The children’s Christmas Eve program, featuring ages 3 through fifth grade, will be at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Celebration Church is located at 5560 Thompson Mill Road in Hoschton. Call 770-9675529 or email office@ celebrationfamily.com sss

A Call To Salvation has Christmas trees available each Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

A Call To Salvation is located at 1295 Jackson Trail Road in Jefferson at the intersection of Highway 11 and Jackson Trail Road. The senior pastor is Arlene Smith.

Call 706-367-9612 or visit www.acalltosalvation.org sss

A Christmas communion is planned for Sunday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. at Sharon Baptist Church.

Sunday school starts at 10 a.m. and the morning

White Plains Baptist Church will host a New Year’s Eve singing from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Guest singers will be the Chestatee River Quartet and Gary Day. The church is located

at 3650 Highway 124 W., in Jefferson, between Hoschton and Jefferson.

Everyone is invited. sss Come celebrate and remember the meaning of Christmas with The Springs Church on Christmas Eve. This special service will be held 7-8:15 p.m. on Dec. 24 with Pastor Jamie Hudgins.

The Springs Church is located at 6553 Spout Springs Road, in front of Flowery Branch High School. No cost. Please visit the website at www. thespringschurch.org, call 706-491-6435 or email jamie@thespringschurch. org with any questions. sss Pleasant Hill Presbyterian is hosting a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 11:30 p.m.

Morning worship hour starts at 11. Sunday School starts at 9:45.

Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church is at 260 Pleasant Hill Church Road in Statham. Call 770725-2404. sss Auburn First Baptist will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Auburn First Baptist Church is at 1385 Sixth Ave., in Auburn.

Pastor Chris Parkin can be reached at 770962-1807. Visit www. auburnfirstbaptist.com sss Bethabra Baptist Church will host a Christmas Eve service.

The church is at 1054 Old Thompson Mill Road (Highway 211) in Hoschton. Pastor Landon Frymire can be reached at 770-867-3755. sss Fellowship Baptist Church youth will be offering babysitting services for those last-minute Christmas

shoppers on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 6-9 p.m. The cost is $5 per child.

Fellowship Baptist Church is on Rockwell Church Road in Winder.

Brother Kevin Pirkle is the pastor. sss Calvary Baptist Church will present the musical drama “The Richest Family In Town,” on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.

The Southern Gospel Bluegrass group, the Rochesters, will be singing in the 6 p.m. service on Dec. 30.

Calvary Baptist is at 1975 Highway 82 in Statham. Call 770-7255164 or visit www.calvary baptiststatham.org. sss Corinth United Methodist in Winder is hosting a Christmas Eve candlelight service starting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24.

Communion will be observed and the service will center around “the memory tree” (you are welcome to bring an ornament to honor a loved one – it will be returned if desired.)

There will be no service on Sunday, Dec. 23.

The church is at 689 Corinth Church Road in Winder. Contact Pastor David Staton at 770-8672728. sss First Baptist Church, Winder is hosting a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24.

First Baptist Church of Winder is at 625 Jefferson Highway. sss First Christian Church’s Sanctuary Choir will present a Christmas Eve concert at 6 p.m. A midnight Christmas Eve worship is planned in the chapel.

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First Christian Church is at 275 N. Fifth Ave., across from Winder-Barrow High School. Contact Pastor Jim Brooks at 770-867-9056 or visit www.winderfcc.org sss First United Methodist Church of Winder Children’s Choir will present a Christmas pageant on Dec. 23 at the 8:45, 10:55 and 11:00 services.

Christmas Eve services will include: Communion in the Chapel at 5:45, 7:30, 8:45 and 10:30 p.m.; Candle lighting services will be held in the sanctuary at 6:30, 8 and 11 p.m. A nursery will be available from 5:45-8:45 p.m.

The church is at 280 N. Broad St., in Winder. Visit www.winderfumc.com or call 770-867-4594. sss The musical “The Glory of Christmas,” will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 23, at the 11 a.m. service at Freedom Fellowship Church in Statham.

The church is located at 303 First St., in Statham.

Call 770-725-7194. sss Center Union Baptist Church, located on the Ednaville Road in Braselton, will hold a pre-New Year’s singing on Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. with the Center Union Church Band and The Mitchells.

For information, call 678410-3074. sss New Hope Baptist Church, located on Stapler Drive in Nicholson, will hold a New Years Eve singing at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 featuring the Mitchells, Sonrise Trio and others with breakfast in the church fellowship hall following the singing. For information, call 706-6148697. sss

Thursday, December 20, 2012

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We could use a few more Besse Coopers In recent days, the world’s oldest person, Besse Cooper of Monroe, died at the age of 116.

I thought about what had transpired in her lifetime.

She was born before the Wright Brothers made their maiden flight and before Henry Ford made his first Model T. She was a young adult before the first radio station debuted and was a middleaged woman before TV came along.

Think about it this way, she entered the world in the horse-and-buggy era and was driven to her final rest in a car that requires a computer to operate.

But then I thought about my own life.

In my 50-plus years on the planet, I was born in an era when most TV programs were black and white. Today, they are in high-definition color on a flat screen.

I remember the days when we were excited about getting electric typewriters in the newsroom. I shutter to think how long it would take me to write this column on such a primitive device.

I have an old brass cash register that is more than 100 years old. It has a little gizmo that counts how many times the drawer is opened.

It adds up the sales of each item of less than one dollar at time.

I taught myself how to make change playing with that old thing.

Sadly, the ability to make basic change computations in one’s head is not being taught anymore. Everyone relies on a computerized cash register that calculates change on its own. The ability to do simple math without a calculator is going the way of the nickel Coke.

I learned how to write in cursive or, as we called it, “real” writing. I’m afraid that’s also on the nearly extinct list (which certainly isn’t written in cursive).

Harris Blackwood I have used my cursive writing for handwritten notes, which are also an endangered species. We used to send thank-you notes and nice messages through the postal service. We are content to send someone an email, which lacks a certain amount of emotion.

I know how to whistle. I remember a man who used to walk by our house from the bus stop. He was always whistling a tune. He seemed like a happy guy with a happy song to whistle. Does anyone still whistle today?

I still carry a clean handkerchief on many days. My mother thought that a clean handkerchief and clean underwear were essential elements of every day. I’m still good on the latter of those.

I may not have seen as much change in life as Besse Cooper, but my point is that there are some things that have come and gone in my lifetime that we might have been better off to have kept.

I heard a fellow say that one of the things that led to our downfall was the backyard deck. His contention is that we used to sit on the front porch and speak to each other as good neighbors. I think there is some validity to that point of view.

Folks were neighborly in Besse Cooper’s day, and they were still mighty nice when I came along.

Good manners, human kindness and compassion seemed to have faded a lot in the past half-century. I hope someone figures out a way to bring them back.

Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville resident whose columns appear weekly.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Jackson school year is off to a strong start Dear Community Members: The holiday season provides a great time to connect with and cherish family and friends. As we conclude this first semester with major assessments, projects and exams, our students will have earned a well-deserved break. Winter holidays for Jackson County Schools are Dec. 19 through Jan. 4, which is a professional learning day for teachers.

Schools within both the East Jackson School Community and the West Jackson School Community have worked in alignment as K-12 entities to best serve the families in these respective areas of our county.

“Student Success” continues to be our collective mission, and the partnerships with parents and community members are providing wonderful experiences for our young people. We are so very proud of the students and teachers and their many accomplishments thus far, and look forward to many more achievements next semester.

Planning for 2013-2014 is under way. We look forward to sharing these plans early

this spring. Our emphasis is to have a balanced budget, appropriated staffs at each school, strong family/school connections, effective leadership, a student performance culture and a positive climate at each and every school.

Operationally, this time of year also brings the potential of hazardous weather conditions. The safety of our students and staff is paramount on a daily basis. The website and local media sources will serve as our agent for communication. Decisions to close schools in the Jackson County School System will be made prior to 6 a.m. the morning of the school day in question, and then the appropriate announcements will be posted.

Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa responded to the question: “How can we help you gain world peace?” Her response was one that I concur with, and especially during this holiday season: “Go home and love your family.”

With love and kind regards.

John Green, Ed.D. Superintendent

Steve Kelley Creators Syndicate

Simple gifts can mean the most When Mama was a small girl growing up in the Nimblewill Valley in the Appalachian foothills, it was the midst of the Great Depression. As she often said, “Times were hard but it’s all we knew so we didn’t know how poor we were.”

Mostly, they were a selfsufficient bunch, growing most of what they ate and bartering for what they couldn’t produce on the little rented farm they had.

My grandmother had been gifted a small farm from her father, a mountain merchant and postmaster, but when times turned bad, the farm was lost to taxes.

My grandparents, hardworking and earnest, spent the rest of their lives living in small rented houses.

“I would walk a couple of miles to the store, carrying a chicken or fresh eggs, and trade them for coffee, tobacco or flour,” Mama once said.

That is all to explain that each year when Christmas arrived for Mama and her family, there was no money for gifts. They celebrated the holidays with a freshcut tree and focused on what they, as born-again Christians, believed the

Ronda Rich day to commemorate: the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem.

“We’d usually have a stocking – really a sock – filled with fruit and nuts,” she remembered.

Once her little brother, Doyle, who at 3 mixed up his consonants as kids sometimes do, delivered a memorable line. He had poured out his sock and was delighted with the treats because fresh fruit and a couple of pieces of hard candy were a bounty to those who seldom knew treats. A bit later, he discovered that a large orange had stuck in the toe of the sock. It was as though he had found a new toy.

“Wook!” he exclaimed, clapping his little hands together and dancing around with joy. “It’s another wrange!”

Daddy, raised in an adjoining mountain county, was not as rich. He seldom

smiling. “I have Christmas every day.”

For it’s true. Unlike my parents back in those days, I can buy a new dress that I fancy if I’m willing to spend the money, or whatever groceries we want. A day or two later, I decided to take a page from my parents’ book.

“I need a new pair of running shoes,” I said. My others have holes in the soles and are coming apart at the seams. “And I need some lip balm.”

I figured that I was going to have to buy them anyway so I might as well get them for Christmas.

Tink nodded. “I don’t need anything so don’t buy me a gift. Promise?” I refused, though, to promise because I know exactly what Tink needs — a big box of Dove soap bars and antibacterial liquid soap.

He likes clean better than anyone I’ve ever known.

And, maybe if he’s really good, I’ll throw in a couple of oranges.

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

Hop in the whirlpool of friendship Dear Mr. President: What up?

First of all, congratulations on your re-election. If I would have remembered to vote, I would have voted for you. It’s my opinion, and I’m not scared to say this loudly and proudly: You are undoubtedly the greatest president this country has ever known, in terms of left-handed golfing ability (slightly ahead of James Garfield).

The reason I am writing you again (you can scrap that request for a pardon I wrote last month. I was just kidding) is that I would like to offer my services as this country’s next secretary of state. It is my understanding that Hillary Clinton is resigning and that the position will soon be open.

As you will soon realize after reading my unique qualifications and skill set, I am the perfect person to put the “secret” back in the secretary of state.

For your consideration, my qualifications as related to this position include: Dating standards chairman of my college fraternity (which, in retrospect, may have been a joke).

Len Robbins That’s about it.

But it’s not my superb qualifications or experience or knowledgeability that will make me the next great secretary of state.

No, it’s my outside-the-box thinking and ideas. Or, as I like to pronounce them, “idears.”

From what I read in Cosmo, the secretary of state goes around the world representing our country, acting diplomatic and what not, and tries to convince world leaders not to do stupid things, and bring about world peace and stuff. I’m great at all that.

Plus, I’m assuming the secretary of state is also the person who takes notes at your White House meetings. As the former secretary of my church’s van committee, I am quite adept at that.

In addition to my note-

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.

received anything for Christmas, therefore, tainting his view of Christmas gifts for the rest of his life.

“Bunch of foolishness,” he often said about exchanging gifts.

Practical man that he was, though, when his kids insisted on giving him gifts, he asked only for necessities like underwear and socks. One year when he needed a new pasture fence, he, in an unusual manner, embraced the tradition of exchanging gifts.

“I want bob wire,” he said, using the rural slang for barbed wire. We laughed off the request but his green eyes sparked with deep seriousness. “Do you know how much a roll costs? I’ve got to put in a new fence at the farm. It’s what I need.”

So on that memorable Christmas day, Ralph Satterfield was gifted with enough rolls of barbed wire to build his fence. It was the only Christmas where I saw his eyes dance with pure joy over gifts.

When Tink suggested that we not exchange gifts this year, I was unruffled by it.

“That’s fine,” I said,

taking prowess, one “secret” I would bring to my position as secretary of state is the mysterious incubator that can solve all our planet’s conundrums: The hot tub.

Actually, hot tubs alone can’t solve all the world’s problems. After much research, I found that people have to be in them for it to work. What my studies have shown is that when human beings are in a hot tub, for some reason (my guess: magic), they seem to be more reasonable and accommodating, and less formally dressed, than when on cold, dry, non-bubbling land.

One of my tactics as your next secretary of state would be to conduct all peace accords, negotiations, and staff meetings in a hot tub. Trust me; once you get someone in a hot tub, they become as cordial and amicable as Tommy Chong, and sound like him, too. Even that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dude from Iran won’t be able to resist the mellowing bubbly waters of the Secretary of State’s “Whirlpool of Friendship” (Please have

Publisher Dennis L. Stockton General Manager Norman Baggs P.O. Box 430 Hoschton, GA 30548 www.clickthepaper.com

Editor LeAnne Akin

that phrase written on the side of the official secretary of state hot tub prior to me taking office).

Being the father of three children, including boys that are now 11 and 8 years old, I also have great expertise and experience in settling disputes between warring factions, usually involving a television. That should also come in handy.

Bottom line: I may not be the most “experienced” candidate for the position of secretary of state. Or the most “qualified,” or “brightest,” or “smartest,” or “most handsome,” or “most likely to succeed,” or “most athletic” or “cutest couple.” But I can assure you of this: I will spend more time in a hot tub than any secretary of state this country has ever known.

I look forward to hearing from you, and to the confirmation process, which I’d prefer to occur in a hot tub.

LYLAB (Love You Like A Brother), Len Robbins Len Robbins is editor and publisher of the Clinch County News in Homerville. His column appears weekly.

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

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

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CMYK 8A

local

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Commission looks to LMIG road projects The Jackson County Boardof Commissioners accepted a staff recommendation for approval of the list of roads submitted for Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) Program funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The board authorized the chairman to sign all related documents and the anticipated grant award.

According to County Manager Kevin Poe, the 2013 LMIG formula amount for Jackson County is $560,488.70, with the county’s 30percent match of approximately $168,150. Inkind work performed by the county to ready the roads for resurfacing can be included toward that match. The funds are included in the FY 2013 General Fund roads department budget. The estimated cost of the 7.69 miles of road that the staff is recommending to be resurfaced in 2013 with LMIG funds is at least $750,000, in keeping with what the county needs to request.

Projects identified for resurfacing for 2013 include Oak Crest Lane, Hoods Mill Road, Mountain Creek Church Road, Mt. Olive Church Road, W.E. King Road, County Farm Road and Plantation Crossing.

In other business, the commission approved: ■ renewal of the 2013 license application for Country Comer Texaco, located at 2715 Highway 124 West in unincorporated Jackson County. While the business had not been

POLICE REPORT Continued from 2A

Jefferson Police ■ A fraudulent Jackson EMC check for $304,456.51 made out to Dat Estudios Productions and Television had been deposited into a Chase Bank account. The first-degree forgery was reported Dec. 11.

■ A Dec. 16 burglary was reported at Blanton Collision Center on Athens Center in which $1,010 in cash and coins were taken. The business alarm notified the owner and police of possible entry at the building and two officers responded but found no sign of entry.

A check of the video surveillance showed a white male entering the business through the back door and crawling to the office area where he took two $5 bills from a drawer before crawling to an office from which $1,000 is missing. The case was turned over to Criminal Investigations.

■ A Clay Drive resident reported the theft of a motorbike purchased for her son from Craig’s List last year for $250. The theft of the motor bike which was on the front porch was reported Dec. 14.

■ A driver reported his 2008 Ford F-150 was damaged while the truck was parked in the Kroger parking lot. Damage was along the passenger side of the truck and yellow paint was transferred during the apparent hit and run on Dec. 12.

■ A Jefferson man wanted on charges by the Commerce Police Department was taken into custody Dec. 14 in the Heritage Heights area.

■ A Nelson Drive resident reported a lowflying object over her apartment on Dec. 12.

The woman described a bright light just outside her window so she raised the window to see a star-shaped object that was glowing blue and white. The object, which was bigger than a man but smaller than a vehicle, made no noise. It lifted into the sky. Police advised the woman to call 911 if she saw the UFO again.

■ A Jefferson resident reported the theft of her wallet while she was at a Homer convenience store on Dec. 12. Video from the store shows a man approaching the woman at the counter and knocking her wallet onto the floor, picking up the wallet and leaving the store.

■ A warrant was served on a probationer at Sentinel Probation on

in compliance with county requirements of having at least three employees, all required paperwork for the added employee finds the business in compliance. Staff recommended renewal of the license.

■ authorization for the chairman to establish a special tax district for McCain Farms Subdivision. An application, submitted by Brittany Byrd on behalf of McCain Farms Subdivision, was considered under the county’s resolution for existing non-compliant subdivisions in Jackson County. Erosion and sedimentation control, bonding, roadway failures, roadway ownership and nuisance issues had been issues for the development.

A special tax district is being established to cover the roadway failures only as the individual property owners will resolve any remaining erosion and sedimentation control and nuisance issues.

The special tax district expenses are projected at $10,882 with a one-year tax of $351.03 per lot. Included in the expenditures are si­dewalk installation, asphalt repair, clean between asphalt and curbing, repair curbing and inlets, administrative fee and a 20-percent contingency.

The application was calls for all erosion and sedimentation control and nuisance issues to be resolved on a per lot basis prior to a building permit for the lot being issued and roadways must be deeded to Jack­son County prior to any work commencing.

Dec. 13. The 24-year-old was taken to the Jackson County Jail on the assist call.

■ Two men for whom warrants had been issued were taken into custody at Pine Street Apartments on Dec. 12.

■ A local veterinarian reported a financial identity fraud case Dec. 10 in which someone communicated with Northeast Georgia Bank by email to get $36,980 in funds wired elsewhere.

Police and the bank are investigating the case.

■ A father reported that the mother of his child failed to allow him his visitation with their 4-year-old on Dec. 13. The complaint was logged.

Another father reported his wife had again interfered with custody, in a Dec. 11 complaint.

■ A Jefferson resident reported someone had entered her vehicle and took a wallet. The victim reported $15,500 had been withdrawn from her account. The suspect, caught on surveillance footage at the CVS on Jesse Jewel Parkway in Gainesville, is a white female in her mid-30s wearing business attire.

■ A battery incident was reported Dec. 15 at a Kissam Street location. A man reported his fiancée attacked him, leaving scratch marks on his face and head. The man said he was unsure why the woman became upset.

She has not returned to the apartment.

■ A dispute was reported Dec. 15 at a Railroad Street apartment.

The incident did not get physical but the female left the scene with her mother, who had reported the incident.

■ The manager of Waffle House notified police of an ongoing harassment from a man calling from a blocked number. The man calls and talks vulgar to female employees.

■ Police were called to a Jefferson Walk Circle location Dec. 11 after a couple got into an argument while riding around looking at Christmas lights with their children. The man was going to a friend’s house for the evening after originally refusing to leave.

■ Checking on a vehicle idling in the parking lot of Pine Street Apartments just before midnight on Dec. 11, police went to an apartment where the smell of marijuana led to a small amount of marijuana being recovered. A consent search of the vehicle where the men who said they were coming to see the man in that apartment located no additional drugs. The man was cited for misdemeanor

possession.

■ A man who left his iPhone in his truck Dec. 11 while he went to make an ATM deposit in the Kroger shopping center reported he saw a man inside his truck with the door open. The man said the truck had been locked and all the windows were up. As the man walked quickly toward his Chevy, he identified a gold Ford F-150 parked at an angle near his truck. The iPhone’s replacement value is $350.

■ Police responded to a Dec. 16 disturbance and a woman claimed a man was waving around a sawed-off shotgun. There was no evidence of a gun but a man at the scene had an active warrant and was taken into custody.

■ A man who borrowed his friend’s Ford Expedition noticed the tag was changed from a Georgia to a South Carolina plate. The Georgia tag was reported as stolen on Dec. 11.

■ No injuries were reported in a one-car mishap on Damon Gause Parkway and a Gordon Street mishap on Dec. 15 also did not involve injuries. Two accidents were investigated on Dec. 14 and neither involved injuries. A two-car wreck occurred on New Salem Church Road and Damon Gause Parkway and another two-car mishap was investigated on Gordon Street near Fairfield Drive.

■ A two-vehicle accident was investigated on Dec. 12 on Lee Street at Athens Street. No injuries were reported. A Dec. 11 twocar wreck was probed at Old Pendergrass Road and Washington Street. No injuries were reported.

■ A one-vehicle wreck on Damon Gause Parkway at New Salem Church

JEFFERSON

Continued from 1A A conceptual design report is anticipated by Dec. 21.

An initial look at the proposed use of space would find the Jefferson Library and police department sharing a multipurpose meeting room. The library would have a browsing section and adult collection off the entry with an area for computers, the young adult section and four separate study rooms. An area for story telling adjacent to the tots and intermediate section. A small conference is to be located between the Piedmont Regional Library offices and the Jefferson Public Library staff area.

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Beth Laughinghouse presents a $2,500 check to Camp Wellspring’s Josh Griffin.

Road was investigated on Dec. 10. No one was injured.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office ■ A Church Street resident in Pendergrass reported receiving threats via text messages on Dec. 16.

■ A Stillwater Lane resident reported damage to her property as well as simple assault and criminal trespassing on Dec. 16 after the wife of man with whom she’d been in a relationship with beat and kicked her door and broke several lights outside her home.

■ A suspicious person was reported at a Pond Fork Church Road residence on Dec. 16.

When officers arrived, they found a man and a woman in a vehicle. The woman stated she had run out of gas and was waiting for a friend to bring her some. Officers found the man to have been previously served with a protection order to not be around the woman, and he was placed under arrest for violating that order.

When the woman’s friend arrived, she did not have any gas. The officer gave the woman 25 minutes to get gas and return. When she did not return, the vehicle was towed.

■ On Dec. 16, a woman reported being locked out of her Martin Lane residence by her mother.

The mom said she had repeatedly asked her daughter to clean her room and she had refused each time.

■ A Boulder Crest resident called the sheriff’s office Dec. 14 after he tripped a breaker in his home, and the tenant that was renting

On the police side of the space, the public will enter in the lobby and flow will then go into the records area. The chief’s office and administration will have space along with defensive tactics training, CID and the K-9 unit with patrol having space.

An evidence room is planned and a small room will allow for muster.The preliminary design is to be done by March 4, 2013, detailed design should be completed by April 30, 2013, and substantial completion of work is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2013.

The estimated budget for the 37,000square-foot facility is projected at $125 per square foot which would bring the project to $4,776,843.

For BM&K, the project director will be Don Clerici with Robert McGrath as construction project manager, Wade Riley as construction superintendent and Tiernan McMillan as construction engineer. Ginger Parker will hand records and administration.

In other business from the Dec. 10 meeting, the council watched the presentation of a $2,500 check to Camp Wellspring director Josh Griffin. He was accompanied by camper John Ellis Camp Wellspring partnered with the City of Jefferson and Main Street Jefferson for this year’s Holiday Market, and the partnership, which found Camp Wellspring staff, volunteers and campers involved in setup, breakdown and manning of entry and ticket tables. They also assisted in the sale of raffle tickets. From the partnership, the event provided monetary support toward the nonprofit, non-denominational Christian camp for children age 8 and up and adults with disabilities and special needs.

out his basement refused to reset it.

■ A man was arrested Dec. 14 at an Old Barn Trail residence after he got into an argument with a woman over him spending money on alcohol. The subject began going through items within the house and, when the woman tried to leave, he shattered the passenger side and rear window of her truck. The man was arrested for simple assault, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

■ A Dec. 14 traffic stop on Highway 124 led officers to discover the driver was driving with a suspended license. The driver drove off from the traffic stop without authorization and, once the man eventually pulled over again, he was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude officers, driving with a suspended license and obstruction of officers and placed under arrest.

■ A Railroad Street apartment resident reported being threatened by her neighbor on Dec. 13. She said her neighbor had loud music coming from his apartment. When she knocked on the door, she said he told her to get over it and threatened her. When officers spoke to the neighbor’s wife, she claimed their neighbor beat on the wall, to which her husband went outside and commented on their neighbor’s fear to knock on the door.

■ A vehicle traveling on Highway 129 on Dec. 13 was pulled over, when a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) inquiry showed its owner had a suspended license and possible warrants.

The man’s license was suspended and he tested

over the legal limit of alcohol. He was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

■ On Dec. 9, a woman working at a Creekview Drive home she owns and is fixing up to sell reported a neighbor telling her the home was nasty and she ought to just burn it down. The woman said when she told the man she couldn’t, he told her to “turn the TV on, it happens all the time.”

■ A woman reported Dec. 11 that individuals were trespassing at a Highway 332 residence.

The home’s owner asked the woman to call 911 if anyone was at the home since it was vacant after she evicted her grandson’s wife the previous week.

The two individuals at the home said they were friends of the evicted woman and were there to get her things. Officers had them unload what they had taken, and they were advised not to return.

■ A woman reported her son stealing her lawnmower on Dec. 11 to pay for drugs. The man admitted to using the mower to give to his drug dealer in place of the $150 he owed him.

■ On Dec. 12, a woman reported receiving harassing phone calls from a man who claimed she was texting his wife.

The woman, who states she called the phone company and learned it was possible to download an application where the user can block their number and put in a different one. The woman said she plans to change her number.

■ On Dec. 10, a woman reported receiving harassing text messages and phone calls from her children’s father.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

9A

CMYK 10A

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

CMYK Thursday, December 20, 2012

SPORTS

B

DRAGONS WIN 2AA STATE TITLE

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

All season long, Jefferson has had to silence its critics.

It seemed like going 13-1 still wasn’t good enough yet they ended Calhoun High School’s 29-game win streak in what many thought would be a blowout game by way of the Yellow Jackets. The Jefferson Dragons delivered one of their best performances of the season.

JHS was beginning to resemble Marcus Dupree; a highly recruited running back in the early eighties that played collegiate ball at the University of Oklahoma but never lived up to his full potential. ESPN’s 30 for 30 aired a documentary on Dupree titled “The Best that Never Was.” If there’s one thing the Jefferson football team had in common with Dupree, it was being at the top but not long enough to see the best result.

“Everyone’s always thought of Jefferson as the team that couldn’t do anything. They thought we could win a few games but never take it all the way. We’ll show up at every ball game and take down anyone who comes in front of us,” said linebacker Kody McDonald.

“We had a grudge against them. They ran up the score against us [last year] and we were not happy with that,” said McDonald. “That gave us a boost of energy. [We wanted] to make them feel the same pain they gave us.”

When asked if this was what he came out of retirement for, Head Coach T. McFerrin said, “This never crossed

my mind when I came out of retirement because it never happened at Jefferson. I am speechless right now. All of Jefferson must have been here. I couldn’t believe the crowd we had. I can’t say enough about the chemistry of the team. They care about each other. They are brothers and they play hard for each other.”

The Yellow Jackets have made five straight appearances in the state championship game but were not well prepared this time around and suffered a formidable loss against the Dragons.

Jefferson drew first blood with a short touchdown run by junior running back Tristen Jackson. Calhoun came back with some fire of its own after taking the kick-off return back to the 50-yard line.

Yet, the Jefferson defense brought CHS to a standstill and two penalties continued to push them farther away from the end zone.

Trent Sorrells achieved a sack on quarterback Taylor Lamb of Calhoun that made Jefferson fans go crazy and sent the Jackets back to the sidelines.

Later, quarterback Bryant Shirreffs notched the second touchdown of the night with a courageous leap in between the pylons as Calhoun defenders began to swarm in.

More trouble ensued for Calhoun on 2-and-20 as they were called for illegal substitution and the Dragons took over from there.

JHS had a blunder of its own but made up for it when Shirreffs aired a deep ball out to Chandler Thompson who made the big grab. The play put the Dragons in the

Yellow Jacket’s territory and Jefferson scored its third rushing touchdown of the night. JHS held onto a 217 lead at the break.

CHS didn’t come out of the half rusty but an off sides penalty forced them to punt earlier than expected. Yet the Dragons faced some early second half problems of their own and couldn’t move the ball down the field.

On third and 10 with nowhere to run and a receiver to find, Shirreffs teamed up with McKay Dickens to extend Jefferson’s drive.

Later, Shirreffs aired out a very daring throw between a couple of Calhoun defenders and the Yellow Jackets seized the ball in midair.

Just one play later, Calhoun trimmed its deficit to seven. The Jackets had the momentum on their side for just a minute before Micah Carpenter gladly accepted Lamb’s pass and nearly took it to the house.

“Every time we made a play there was a roar. We have some of the best fans in Georgia,” stated McDonald.

Shirreffs ended the drive with a short run to pay dirt and later Chandler Schlutow added a field goal that gave Jefferson a 31-14 lead at the top of the fourth. The Dragons continued to hold off Calhoun until the clock struck zero.

Jefferson was able to run a variety of different schemes including the triple option; having different weapons by air and on the ground -- along with a solid crew of running backs -- made it difficult for Calhoun to defend.

“That’s a credit to the coaching and the offensive

Doug Chellew The Paper

Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs looks like a replica of the Heisman Trophy as he fends off a pesky Yellow Jacket last Friday night in the state title game at the Georgia Dome. line,” said Shirreffs.

Senior Tyler Cole, who was projected to start at defensive end this season, shed tears of joy as he stood next to his teammates on the stage to hoist the trophy.

“It’s unreal. They told me they were going to [go] all the way,” said Cole.

Cole broke his elbow at the start of the season and was told he may not return.

“Seeing all the fans here is [just] unreal; having the whole town behind us is unbelievable,” Cole said.

Cole is not the only one that went through adversity this year. Schlutow, who has been phenomenal in the kicking game, suffered a terrifying hit in the third

round of the playoffs against Fitzgerald High School. He admitted that after suffering a bruised neck, he was uncertain on whether or not he would return this season.

“I thought I would be done,” Schlutow said. It meant everything [to play in this game]. I love all of these guys. It’s just amazing. No one ever thought we would come this far and we did.

Now we are champions. I wouldn’t want to be with any other team.”

Schlutow has been a one man band in the kicking department all year long and has undeniably played a significant role. Shirreffs said he was glad that Schlutow was able to participate in

such a momentous game.

“It felt pretty great. We were all worried for his health in the Fitzgerald game,” Shirreffs said.

“Facing adversity is pretty much the story of our team.

When one person goes down, another person steps up. We have a team of young and talented leaders,” said McDonald.

All the hype prior to the game was surrounding Calhoun but Shirreffs put duck tape over the mouths of those who questioned whether or not his team would be able to take down CHS. “They may be better physically but, mentally and emotionally, I think we are better,” Shirreffs said.

Doug Chellew The Paper

Senior quarterback Bryant Shirreffs finished his epic day in the Dome with 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also had 188 yards through the air.

Junior running back Tristen Jackson rushed for 101 yards and had two scores of his own. Senior kicker Chandler Schlutow notched all four point after attempts along with a 35-yard field goal.

Mill Creek continues success in Hawks place 14th in Varsity Gwinnett County swimming “Their girls’ team has county meet always been strong. In

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

cited about how the season is going [but] I wish we had more bodies.”

The girls have accomplished more than three first-place finishes. Maddie Wrolson has been a strong performer for Mill Creek and has achieved required times for state as well as Corinne Dalley.

Marcos Rosenkjer had a very intense win against North Gwinnett and had enough fight in him to seal a second place finish in the Varsity county meet.

It’s been a very eventful season so far for the Mill Creek High School swim team which has certainly been exceeding expectations. Prior to the start of the season, Head Coach Rick Creed pointed out his worries on the boys’ side, yet both squads have taken a number of first-place finishes.

So far, senior Chris Powell, who signed with the University of Georgia, along with Will Jordan, Garrison Bemis and Andrew Kozlovski among others, has achieved qualifying times for state. Powell leads Gwinnett County in the boys’ 50 free and four Lady Hawks have placed in the top 15.

“We’re still a little thin. We need some young boys to really step up in a hurry,” said Creed. “We’re relying heavy on the upperclassmen. We have six or seven boys that we are counting on. We have some young boys that we hope will develop by the end of the season.

“We’ve been happy with the progress but as we start to face some of the stronger teams, we know that our depth is going to be an issue on the boys’ side... especially when we get to the county and state meet,” said Creed. “The boys have been [training] hard. I’m real ex-

LOCAL BASKETBALL

LOCAL SPORTS

LOCAL SPORTS

See who is hitting the hardwood this week

Swimming and wrestling are in action

Athletes ink to take their talents to college

The Lady Panthers of Jackson County Comprehensive High School will challenge Winder-Barrow High School tomorrow at 4 p.m. at home. The boys will take on the Bulldogs at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow as well. Jefferson High School will head South to take on Decatur High School. The boys will contend first at 7 p.m. and the girls’ squad will follow at 8:30 p.m. Mill Creek High School will have nearly two weeks to prepare for their respective tournaments. The Lady Hawks will compete in the Peach State Invitational while the boys will travel to Tift County for the McDonalds Classic.

The Jackson County Comprehensive High School wrestling team will compete in the War Eagle Classic at Woodward Academy on Dec. 21-22. A time has not yet been announced.

The Jefferson High School swim team will return to the pool on Jan 4. at Greater Atlanta Christian. A time has not yet been announced. The wrestling team will compete Dec. 21-22 in the Pigeon Forge Duals. The Mill Creek High School swim team will take on Brookwood High School at 7:15 p.m. in the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center on Jan 5. The wrestling team will hit the mat on Jan 2, 2013, at home against Grayson High School at 5 p.m.

The Mill Creek High School softball team celebrated three seniors who will be taking their talents to the next level.

Lauren Bennett has signed with Kennesaw State University.

Taylor Rogers will play for the Eagles of Georgia Southern University, who achieved the 2012 Southern Conference title. GSU is located in Statesboro. Brittany Abbott will play for Emmanuel College. The Lions are led by Head Coach Kacey Alexander. EC is located in Franklin Springs. The Hawks had a signing celebration on Dec. 17 in which fans came out to support the Hawks in their momentous occasion. Check out next week’s sports edition for more on the Lady Hawks.

BY LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

Marcos Rosenkjer sealed a second-place finish after falling to Archer High School at the Varsity county meet. Rosenjker had a very relentless performance in the semi-finals against North Gwinnett High School. Andrew Klemm finished the day in fifth place after defeating Brookwood High School. The Hawks will have plenty of time to rest up before returning to the mat on Jan. 2 at home against Grayson High School.

Latrice Williams The Paper

fact, over the last few years, Brookwood and Mill Creek have been the top two teams in the county.”

Head Coach Rick Creed Mill Creek High School

“The girls are really having an outstanding season so far. We are fortunate to have a lot of depth. We’ll swim [against] Brookwood in January and that will be a big test for us,” said Creed. “Their girls’ team has always been strong. In fact, over the last few years, Brookwood and Mill Creek have been the top two teams in the county.”

Coach Creed noted those who remain dedicated to practice through the holiday break will play a crucial part in how well they compete when they return.

“We will have to work hard through the holidays,” said Creed. “Hopefully

we will have a good turnout. That’s the big challenge...getting the kids to commit during the break. We have some kids that swim year round and they are very serious and they know that holiday training is very important.”

Mill Creek will return to action Jan. 5 at 7:15 p..m. against Brookwood High School. The Broncos have freshman Erin Scott leading the way in the 50 free.

On the boys side, Alex Taylor is ranked seventh in the 50 free among Gwinnett County swimmers. The Hawks are at the top of the leader board in the boys’ 200 and 400 free relay.

CMYK 2B

sports

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Panthers come together Hoffman, Lattimer take after unthinkable scare careers to the next level The Jackson County boys basketball team stood tall as one of their brothers went down

By LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

“I looked at my mom and said, ‘Mom, I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.’”

Those were the frightening words spoken by Mo Wade.

As a player on the Jackson County Comprehensive High School boys’ basketball team, Wade found himself in a challenge bigger than the Panthers faced when taking the court Dec. 4 to challenge the Winder-Barrow High School Bulldogs.

Wade noted he had feelings of apprehension surrounding him the previous week and he even sent a text message to Head Coach Britt Beaver to inform him about the way he was feeling.

“A week before the WinderBarrow game, I texted my coach and said, ‘I’m kind of feeling overwhelmed and I am starting to get depressed.

Coach, I am getting kind of worried,’” said Wade.

A different kind of ailment that was inescapable attacked him prior to the start of the Dec. 4 game yet he continued to push through.

Wade was able to compete through the entire game but had trouble breathing in the final seconds of the match.

“I came out of the locker room and they said I had a spell. I started having seizures,” said Wade. “They rushed me to the hospital. I stopped breathing and they gave me a breathing tube.

They said it was miraculous [that] I came back because I was supposed to learn how to walk and talk [again].”

Word began to spread on Twitter that Wade had fallen ill and students of Jackson County and his teammates showered him with prayers and support as he recovered.

“All of the prayers of the team helped me out. I thank my team for it because if it wasn’t for their prayers, I would not be here. It gave me a reality check because [my] team needs [me],” Wade said.

“The morning after it happened, everyone came into

the gym and prayed.

The kids came into the gym on their own and prayed for Mo to get better.

It touched the whole school.

It was such a neat thing to see. Kids from other schools heard about what happened and were [praying for him],” said Beaver.

If Mo was heavy on the minds of the Panthers, they certainly didn’t show it four days later when they hosted Washington-Wilkes High School.

The team fought through adversity with great finesse and notched its first win of the season in front of their home crowd.

Students and Wade’s teammates wore red shirts that read “Play for Mo” as a token of their support to Wade, who was advised not to play in order to allow his body time to rest.

“We have preached to those kids about having your brother’s back and being there for your brother and they got a chance to kind of live that out,” Beaver said.

“I don’t consider them my basketball team. I consider them my brothers because they really touched me. It was amazing. I am kind of glad I went through [this] because I am taking it slow,” Wade said.

“It kind of touched me the way they played [that night].

I have never seen them play like that before. They just went crazy. I thought, ‘Man, if we can just play like this when I get back.’ I was sitting in the stands thinking, ‘I want to be in the mix of it,’ [but] I had to control myself,” said Wade.

Wade, along with others, has suffered from [this] form of seizures that doctors have not been able to come up with a name for...until now.

“The doctors couldn’t find a name for [what I have].

There were kids before me that have had [what I have].

On my way home, my mom got a call from the hospital and they said they wanted to name it the ‘Mo Wade Syndrome’,” Wade said.

Wade noted he may have developed symptoms of the ailment due to a rigorous schedule that was too much for his body to handle.

The experience as a whole taught him a lot and now he would like to turn what was once a near-death experience into motivating others to take life one day at a time.

“I’m a living testimony,” said Wade. “I want to be a motivational speaker to kids and learn how to motivate people and tell them, ‘when your mind is tired, you have to rest.’”

“His body just shut down. It was too much for his mind,” said Beaver.

“My mind was so overworked. I would wake up in the morning and at 6 [a.m., go to] the gym [and] [practice] shooting. After school, I would [come] back to the gym, watch film or do something with my team. From there, I [wouldn’t] get home until 8 [p.m.], and then I [would get] back on my phone or watch basketball,” Wade said.

Nowadays, Wade is looking forward to getting back on the court but realizes he must settle down and take care of himself.

“Even on the weekends, I would say, ‘Coach, we have to get in the gym this weekend,’” said Wade.

Today’s youth are constantly on the go and, if they are not out competing in their respective sport or out with friends, they have television, Facebook, Twitter and cell phones full of apps to cure their boredom. “[Now] I have to let go of some things,” Wade said. “I have to relax.”

Michael Crump For the Paper

The Panthers may not have been large in quantity but certainly had quality athletes to secure a first-place finish at Lumpkin County

Panthers clinch superb wins in area matches

By LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

It’s not easy to come out as the victor more times than one, but the Jackson County Comprehensive High School wrestling team demonstrated their ability to do so after a couple of fantastic finishes.

The Panthers were faced with a little bit of adversity as a few wrestlers were feeling under the weather but the team proved they can get the job done with a smaller crew.

The Panthers defeated East Jackson and Franklin County High School on Dec. 11.

“It was a great night for us. I am very proud of how we wrestled. We still had a couple of wrestlers out of the lineup and we were able to pull together for a couple of big wins,” said Head Coach Jason Powers.

“The flu has impacted nu-

merous local wrestling teams and we are no different. We are fighting off the flu better than some teams, but we still have a few out sick and others [that are] not at 100 percent yet,” said Powers.

“Every area match carries a lot of importance not only for the team but the individuals as well because of seeding [that will take place in] February.”

This past weekend at the John Smith Mountaineer Tournament, the Panthers remained dominant with wins over East Hall, Riverside Military and Forsyth Central High School. The Panthers went on to take a 1point win over host Lumpkin County High School and garnered an overall first-place finish.

“I thought this was the best dual showing that we had all year. We [were] very disciplined and stuck to our

“I thought this was the best dual showing that we had all year. We [were] very disciplined and stuck to our strengths.

Head Coach Jason Powers

strengths. We still have a lot to learn and have a lot of areas to improve upon but, we are coming together nicely individually and [as] a team,” Powers said.

Conner Andreasen, Luke Gonzalez, Daivon Ledford and Evan Breakspear took first place while JT Wood and Zak Evans achieved second place. Conner Crump, Anthony Ledford and Lane Robertson finished in third.

“For some of our wrestlers, this was their first high school medal of many to come. I am very proud of how they wrestled. Each one of them showed a lot of heart at some point during the tournament and it paid off for them as individuals and as a team,” said Powers.

The Panthers will compete at Woodward Academy on Dec. 21-22 in the War Eagle Classic which will serve as a pivotal meet for JCCHS. “This will be a tough tournament and will test [a] numerous [amount] of our wrestlers and will give them a good [look] at state opponents that we normally don’t see until the end of February,” said Powers.

Following the War Eagle Classic, the Panthers will head to Oconee County for the Area Duals which are set for Jan. 4-5.

By LATRICE WILLIAMS

lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

The time of year has come for student-athletes to ink their signatures on their letters of intent to play at their respective colleges. Audrey Hoffman and Kaitlyn Lattimer of the Mill Creek High School volleyball team are excited to extend their playing days into college. Lattimer will be a part of the inaugural volleyball team at Georgia College and State University while Hoffman will head to Salisbury, N.C., to play at Catawba College.

Both admitted they are glad the recruiting process is over and noted all the hard work they put into it.

“It was stressful because you start when you’re a junior and you’re emailing as many coaches as possible just to get your name out there,” said Lattimer. “They don’t know anything about you, yet you’re asking them to visit you and you have to deal with the stress of seeing coaches at the tournaments and wondering what their thoughts are about you.”

The recruiting process involves more than just the athletes putting on a show in front of recruiters.

Everything from the location of the school to where you are on the depth chart plays an important role in the decision-making process.

“It’s such a relief that it’s finally over,” said Lattimer.

“You have to make sure that you like the school and that the coaches are actually interested in you. When you get an offer [you have to ask yourself], ‘Do I accept this or do I not’? ‘What if there is a better one out there?’”

Hoffman said, “It makes you very anxious. It’s very nerve-wracking when you have multiple coaches coming to watch you play at tournaments. It was definitely a goal of mine to have this done by the fall. It was such a huge relief to have it done by the fall.

“It’s stressful not knowing where you are on their list.

[You don’t know] if you are their No. 1 or No. 10 recruit,” said Hoffman. “Trying to get a feel [as to] where you are on the coaches’ list, how interested they are in you and whether or not they are going to offer you a scholarship is very nerve-wracking.”

Hoffman and Lattimer had options to choose from and sought advice from their coaches to lead them in the right direction.

“I had offers from Brenau University and Berry College,” said Lattimer.

“I had monetary offers

Angie Hoffman For the Paper

Audrey Hoffman will play collegiate softball at Catawba College located in North Carolina.

Karen Lattimer For the Paper

Kaitlyn Lattimer will be part of the inaugural volleyball team at Georgia College and State University. from Bluefield College, Queens University and Georgetown College,” Hoffman said.

“I asked [the coaches] what they thought about the offers and certain schools. Also, my club coach helped me out a lot because she calls the colleges. I had Coach [Brian] Williamson give me recommendations,” said Lattimer.

“I think the club coaches really guide you in the direction of what level of play you are at and where they think you can play at. They also contact coaches. Also, it’s up to you to email the majority of the coaches,” Hoffman said.

Both Hoffman and Lattimer agreed that having trustworthy opinions and coaches that are knowledgeable of the recruiting process was a big help.

The last thing they wanted was to end up somewhere where they wouldn’t be happy.

“It was definitely valuable because they’ve seen the process happen.They’ve seen girls get crushed because they try to go to Division 1 schools and that doesn’t work for everyone. Those colleges aren’t for everyone,” said Lattimer. “It helped to have someone [there] who has been through the recruiting process before.”

“There’s a lot of pressure at Division 1 schools and a

heavy schedule,” said Hoffman.

“Some girls don’t want rigorous practices. Sometimes there is more seriousness than the amount of fun you have. It depends on how you want your volleyball season to go,” Lattimer said.

The sport has grown and definitely brings in a lot of revenue for some programs.

However, money isn’t everything and Hoffman and Lattimer say they would rather have a less strenuous career than play on a higher platform.

“The only reason why I would have wanted to go to a bigger school was because of the atmosphere, not for the attention and the money the volleyball program would get. I’m not the type of player that wants the seriousness of a big school,” said Lattimer.

“I like the smaller school atmosphere,” said Hoffman. “The class sizes are a lot smaller. Since I’m going to be a dual major (biology/ chemistry), I’d rather not be in an auditorium with 200 students. Catawba kind of has a big school [atmosphere] because they have a football team and that’s something that I wanted. That really made me like Catawba.”

Lattimer has been honored as a First-Team All County Selection and Hoffman as a Second-Team All County Selection.

CMYK Thursday, December 20, 2012

FEATURES

3B

‘Polar Express’ reading night finds Santa at school

BY KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

“All aboard the Polar Express,” announced the intercom throughout the West Jackson Primary School building on Friday, Dec. 14, as the school hosted a “Polar Express” Reading Night.

As students and parented entered the building, they were greeted by a conductor and given tickets that included a list of classrooms with activities for the holiday-centered night.

Students and parents in their holiday pajamas enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies and visited with Santa before heading to activities in various classrooms. Each room featured story time from a Christmas-themed book and an activity centered on the book.

In Ms. Lanie VanWie’s room, students listened to “Santa’s Reindeer Games,” as they made a reindeer craft including reindeer food.

In Mrs. Cindy Thompson’s room, “The Dream Snow” was read as students made snowy picture crafts.

From ornaments to a holidaythemed headband, students left the school with a variety of crafts, and even a special gift from Santa himself. Each student, after visiting with the man in the red suit, was given a special bell, like the one in the book and movie “The Polar Express.”

Katie Justice The Paper

Top, left: Emma, Blaine and Jackson Dowdie enjoyed a visit with Santa Claus during the “Polar Express” event. Top, right: Erica and Joy Greene were decked out in their matching snowman pajamas and Santa hats; Right: Jason and Cheyanne Hutchins show off their crafty creations; Below, right: Luke Hayes and Adam Grubb were all smiles; Below, middle: Klayton Collinsworth, Bo Souto and Ty Collingsworth sport their Polar Express Reading Night tickets; Below, left: Madison Mayfield, Jamyaa Walker and Chelsey Bell posed for a photograph.

Denny was a quadriplegic but never handicapped Denny Jarman, a quadripleVII when the Dallas Cowboys gic since 1988, died recently defeated the Buffalo Bills. I from complications from his wonder how many people had injuries sustained nearly a their picture made with Denny. quarter century ago when his Once when Denny was at Datsun 280ZX struck a 2,500 the beach with his family, pound Black Angus cow in the he talked a man into taking road near his Lake Jackson him parasailing. Denny was home near Jefferson, Georgia. Dr. Michael Helms strapped into a harness along THE PASTOR’S PEN Doctors said that only about 1 with his 800-pound wheelchair in 3000 people with the injuries and lifted into the air as one Denny sustained survive. member of the family member He was airlifted to the hospital and reasked, “Has he lost his mind?” No, Denny vived twice on the way. He spent many had lost the use of arms and legs, but he months at the Shepherd Center learning to never lost his sense of adventure, his love live as a quadriplegic, but not as a handiof life, or his desire to feel the rush of excapped person. Denny Jarman never concitement from experiencing God’s world sidered himself handicapped. To Denny, around him. handicapped meant limitations. He never Denny loved restoring Camaros. Now allowed his condition to dictate what he most would think that his days of restoring wanted to do in life. If there was something Camaros were over. Not Denny. He discovhe wanted to do, he thought of the possibiliered that his nephew Spenser shared his ties until he found a way to do it. passion for old cars. He began to mentor Denny was an avid hunter before his acci- Spenser and pour into him his knowledge dent, so after the accident he devised a rifle of restoring old cars. Denny had a shop set that he could guide into position with his up and had a large mirror positioned on the chin, and fire using a “sip and puff” system ceiling so he could see down into the engine with his mouth. block. This enabled him to instruct Spenser His invention was later duplicated and on the full restoration of the Camaro, from has been used to help many people in the the engine to the paint job. In essence, Georgia Handicapped Sportsman’s AssociaSpenser became Denny’s hands. tion and beyond enjoy the outdoors again.

This is a great example of what God does Denny bagged many sporting trophies with us. God mentors us. He finds those himself. One of them was a buffalo, which things that we are passionate about and he had mounted onto the front of his wheelworks through those passions to help us chair the year he attended Super Bowl XXmake this world look more like God origi-

nally wanted it to look. In essence, we become God’s hands to do the works of service and ministry in this world. It’s not that God is incapable of getting this work done in any other way. This is the way God has chosen to get it done. God gets great joy from working through us!

Denny had a love for boating. After his

accident, he enjoyed going out on the pontoon boat with his family. While that was relaxing, it didn’t do much for his sense of adventure. He talked a buddy of his into taking him down to Florida and launching his pontoon boat into the Everglades.

See DENNY JARMAN, 8B

For The Paper

Denny Jarman lived his life to the fullest and enriched the lives of others along the way.

CMYK 4B

SCHOOLS

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Formula may tie college funds to graduation rates Governor’s proposal creates incentive-based formula connected to student progress

BY SHANNAN FINKE

Regional staff

A new formula to determine how much state funding Georgia’s public colleges and universities receive will be based heavily on student progress and graduation rates.

The Higher Education Funding Commission, a group appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal, approved the framework for the incentivebased formula Wednesday.

Under the new plan, each school will be given an initial base from which to work, and funding will depend primarily on the number of students who earn degrees or certificates and their progress toward that goal.

The new formula will differ from the current system for funding, which relies mainly on enrollment and how many credit hours students take.

Deal has asked all participating schools in the university and technical college systems to devise detailed plans on how they will help more students graduate.

“There’s a lot of work that has to be done,” said John Millsaps, Board of Regents spokesperson with the University System of Georgia.

“This will be a significant

change in terms of the model that funds public colleges and universities in Georgia.”

Based on the framework, students’ class standing in school will determine how much they will receive, to an extent. For example, freshmen will earn less than sophomores, and sophomores will receive less than juniors.

Funding will also be sectorbased. Different scales will be used for varying types of schools, including technical colleges, state and two-year colleges, regional and state universities and research universities.

Although the formula won’t go into effect for a couple of years, the hope is for the system to support Deal’s “Complete College Georgia” initiative that aims to increase graduation rates for students seeking higher education.

According to the governor’s office, the goal is to have at least 250,000 more college graduates by 2020, when it is believed 60 percent of Georgia jobs would require employees to have some form of higher education.

“The idea is to tie funding in some level into performance. As to how that’s going to play out for individual

institutions, it’s impossible to speculate right now,” Millsaps said.

Deal and others have commented that Georgia’s economic future is dependent on colleges sending more skilled employees into the workforce to attract and keep employers. He believes the new formula will be a step in the right direction.

While some have expressed fears that an incentive formula based on graduation rates might lead to grade inflation, Millsaps believes Deal’s commission is well aware of the need to maintain the quality of higher education while seeking to further the governor’s initiative.

“I think the commission is very aware of the need to maintain academic quality because that’s what’s going to serve students best, so that’s obviously going to be an area of focus,” he said.

“How does the formula best serve the state, and also what mechanisms are in place to maintain academic quality?

Whatever final form this formula takes, one of the benefits will be to align more closely with that work and providing some kind of financial connection to the goals of that initiative.”

For The Paper

Sixteen members of the West Jackson Middle School Band were selected for MidFest participation at the University of Georgia.

WJMS band members particpate in MidFest

BY KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

For 22 years, the University of Georgia has been celebrating advanced middle school musicians with its Middle School Band Festival or MidFest, and 16 local students recently got to participate in the noted event.

Each year, UGA selects band students from across the state to participate in the three-day event. Band directors are encouraged to nominate their most advanced students.

West Jackson Middle School was represented by 16 seventh- and eighth-grade students.

Participating students included Karrin Swenson, Samantha Jones and Abby Cooper playing clarinet; Jackson Weaver playing the bassoon; Brandon Moua play-

ing the horn; Jessica Fisher and Nic Martin playing the euphonium; Sterling Bain and Isiah Thao playing the tuba; Denise Gamez and Juan Silva playing trombone; Madison Stuckey on the oboe; Kaytlin Hansen and Jackson Harris playing the alto saxophone; and Christian Solis playing the tenor saxophone.

“The concert is always phenomenal. It is a great opportunity for our students to be able to perform in a beautiful concert hall, like Hodgson Hall,” said WJMS director of bands William Kilgore.

“It is always wonderful to see our students learning from and performing under the leadership of some of the very finest band directors in the country. This is a great annual event and I thank the University of Georgia Bands for the opportunities that they make available for our students,” said Kilgore.

Local schools surpassing state Flags lowered average on revised grad numbers in sad tribute

BY KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

accountable and ensuring that students succeed,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a November press release. “Ultimately, these data will help states target support to ensure more students graduate on time, college and career ready.”

However, according to April Howard, director for instructional improvement for Jackson County School System, the new national rate may not paint a true

A recent report placed Georgia near the bottom of state ranking for graduation rates, but local school systems surpass the state average in success.

According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Education Georgia has one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation, with only 67.4 percent of cohort students graduating for the 2010-2011 school year.

North “We’re not where we Carolina need to be, but we do have Tennessee 78% the right pieces in place to 86% continue to move the neeSouth dle forward on graduation Carolina rates,” said State Superin74% tendent Dr. John Barge, in a Alabama Georgia statement last month.

Mississippi 72% Only Nevada, New Mex75% ico and the District of Columbia fared worse in the rankings, with Nevada having the lowest graduation Florida rate with 62 percent.

However, Jefferson City 71% School System’s graduation rate is higher than the highest state average. According to Donna McMullan, associate superintendent, Jefferson’s graduation rate using new standards set by the U.S. Department of Education had a picture.

90.1 percent cohort graduation rate.

“The change in the graduation rate Jackson County, according to the has more to do with the calculation pronew standards, has a graduation rate of cess than the actual number of students about 72.4 percent, a rate that’s about 5 who finish high school with a diploma. In percentage points greater than the state former calculations, students who took average. longer than four years to earn a diploma “The 2010-2011 graduation rate is the would be accounted for in calculations,” first year all states used the same mea- said Howard. “Also, students who transsures, according to the U.S. Department ferred or did not return to school would of Education these are preliminary be removed from the whole group calnumbers, based on state-reported data. culation as long as they enrolled in an“By using this new measure, states other school or program.” will be more honest in holding schools According to Howard, with the new

67%

calculations students are tracked and given four years from their ninth grade entry into high school to earn their diploma, and if they don’t finish high school within that four-year cohort they don’t count as a graduate.

“Under the AYP Graduation Rate calculation, which accounted for summer graduates and students who completed beyond a four year cohort measure, the Jackson County graduation rate was 83.7 percent,” said Howard.

Jefferson City School System, using the AYP based calculations, had a graduation rate of 92.2 percent, according to McMullan.

“In Jackson County Schools, we are not looking for any excuses. We own this responsibility along with families and our communities. We will continue to invest in our teachers, schools, and ultimately our students to ensure optimal student success,” said Howard.

Furthermore, if the current cohort system of determining the state graduation rate were applied to previous years improvement is visible.

“Based on recent numbers from the DOE, if the cohort calculation were applied in 2009 the graduation rate would have been 58.6 percent. While it is only at 67.4 percent now, there has been improvement in the past two years,” said Howard, who admits the Graduation rate is an important factor, which reinforces a focus on student success.

“Jackson County Schools will strive to improve these results. However, while the numbers stop counting at the end of four years, Jackson County Schools will continue to invest in students until they graduate even if takes an extra semester or two. We all know that it is important for students to earn a diploma to take the next steps in life toward college or career,” said Howard.

Flags have been flying at half staff around Georgia and the nation as there is a sense of mourning and disbelief after a 20-year-old gunman killed 20 first-graders and six adults inside a Connecticut elementary school.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal ordered flags to be lowered in memory of those who died in the methodical shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. President Barack Obama also ordered the lowering of flags at federal facilities.

In a released statement, Georgia State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge said, ”We at the Georgia Department of Education grieve with the victims and families of the senseless tragedy at Sandy

Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Generally speaking, schools are safe places for students, but these kinds of incidents remind us to always keep school safety at the forefront. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sandy Hook Elementary School community.”

School officials across the country were stepping up security with extra awareness on the possibility of copycats.

Adam Lanza entered the school last Friday and confronted the principal, who was killed. With two handguns and extra ammunition, Lanza took aim at 20 children. Lanza, who is also suspected in the death of his mother at their home, apparently took his own life to end the spree.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

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CMYK 6B

schools

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

SITTING WITH SANTA

Katie Justice The Paper

After all the hard work of making and presenting their inventions, the students and Santa take a moment to goof off.

Below, left: Joshua Tanner shows off “The Super Light,” which he says Santa can use to save energy when he goes from house to house. Below, right: Ty Collinsworth discuss his invention “The Candy Cane Chopper 3000” with Santa Claus.

Helping Santa with inventions

By KATIE JUSTICE

kjustice@clickthepaper.com

Mrs. Amy Tinnell’s first grade class at West Jackson Primary School hosted a Dec. 17 invention fair with a holiday twist.

A lesson that began with the class studying inventors and inventions, led Mrs. Tinnell to assign students to build an invention that would help make Santa Claus’ job easier.

“I heard somebody making phone calls because he was really tired, and

his job just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” said Amy Tinnell to her students explaining the concept behind the project.

Students showcased “prototypes” of their inventions for parents and even Santa himself.

“What I love about this project is that it’s truly the students’ own ideas and creations, and they have the freedom to do whatever they dream of,” said Tinnell.

Inventions were planned to help Santa do everything from deliver toys

with ease to helping tend to the reindeer.

Siearry Townley made a “Milk and Cookie Saver,” so Santa “doesn’t eat the milk and cookies all at once, so he doesn’t get a tummy ache.”

Kailyn Anthony made “The Awesome Chair,” a chair with extra hands to help Santa. “I thought about all the things he had to do and it seemed like a lot,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have thought of half this stuff,” said Tinnell of her class’ inventions.

Debbie Purvis Theh Paper

Breakfast with Santa was enjoyed Dec. 15 at Braselton Prep, located on Lewis Braselton Boulevard in Braselton. Children shared their holiday wish list as they talked with the jolly old elf and they also enjoyed a breakfast fare cooked up in the holiday spirit.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

7B

ENTERTAINMENT

Writing off Christmas isn’t easy for anyone to do nowadays Dear Margo: I hate Christmas. I mean, I really hate Christmas. It is all false bonhomie, buying, spending, too much drinking, uncomfortable family gatherings (for many), phony sentiment and a general pain. I find the whole deal an imposition.

So I guess my question is: Is there anything I can do to opt out? — Scrooge Dear Scrooge: You clearly suffer from an advanced case of bah humbug.

Of course, you are not the only one with unkind feelings about what has moved from an intended holy birthday party to a giftapalooza accompanied by turkey, ham and bourbon-spiked eggnog.

To wit: Noel Coward’s annual greeting card always said the same thing: “Christmas is at our throats again.”

And a woman I was very fond of never stopped referring to the weeks preceding Christmas as “all that ho-hoho crap.”

I would remind you, however, that for many it

Dear Margo is a genuine time of reverence, good feelings and good cheer.

To directly answer your question, you might lie low during the run-up to the actual day, make a date with a bunch of atheists for Christmas Day, or take a trip.

Happy New Year. — Margo, pragmatically Dear Margo: From the date my sister “Helen” fell ill, in October 2011, until she died in January 2012, she had her family’s support with visits, calls and cards — with the exception of our father and half-brother. The whole family attended her funeral — with the exception again of our father and half-brother. They offered

no explanation.

Five months later, our sister “Elaine” died of natural causes. She lived in the South and was not married, so by law our father was next of kin and responsible for arrangements. He refused to allow anyone else in the family to have a say. “She’s my daughter, and I’ll take care of it,” he stated.

Then he denied the family any information, with the exception of his stepson, our half-brother. My father had our sister cremated and had her ashes mailed to his stepson, who then dumped them in his backyard. We learned of this after the fact, and our father denied knowing what happened to the ashes.

Why did this happen?

We suspect it was a collaborative effort between our father’s third wife (20 years his junior) and our half-brother’s wife. They are only a few years apart in age and good friends, but they’re also controlling and spiteful.

There are different theories as to what they were

trying to achieve and whom they were trying to hurt, but we really don’t know. Why would our father turn his back on his own flesh and blood and allow his stepson to perform such a vile and hateful act? Is there a way to get answers and closure?

— Gloomy Dear Gloom: The situation you describe sounds like the Hatfields and the McCoys -- only in this case you are all Hatfields. If you don’t know now, there is little hope of finding out what’s behind your father’s actions, so accept the fact that there will be no answers.

Because the sisters are gone, I suggest you and the family members with whom you remain close simply write off your father and half-brother and stop torturing yourselves. I hope this will give you the small comfort of knowing that you pulled the plug on a destructive, dysfunctional relationship. — Margo, forwardly Dear Margo: My boy-

WORKING IT OUT

friend and I are in our mid20s. Two years ago, I moved to a new city to live with him where he is attending school.

My friends from college live on the other side of the country. It has been hard to keep in touch, and it’s hard knowing they are all together without me.

I haven’t really made any new friends here, and my boyfriend isn’t that interested in meeting new people right now since he is focusing on school. I did have one good friend who lived here at one point. We didn’t exactly have a falling out, but it seemed like she moved on when she stopped returning my calls and texts. I don’t know what I did wrong.

Even though I’m trying to get over it, I’m still very insecure about friendships. My boyfriend gets really angry when I tell him that it is hard for me to talk to new people without constantly worrying about whether or not I’m offending them. He thinks I’m paranoid. I don’t mean to complain, but I just feel

like I have no one I can open up to. How do I get past this?

— Feeling Untethered Dear Feel: No offense, but there is a touch of immaturity in a woman in her 20s fretting because her college friends are all together without her. It also sounds like the one local friend who pulled away has you thinking you’re not up to making and keeping friends. You clearly kept your college friends, so I would say the difficulty is in your head.

You might want to take an inventory of the strength of your feelings for your boyfriend. There’s a chance you’re not happy with him, rather than the city. If you are committed to being together, try seeing a counselor about your sense of social inadequacy. — Margo, introspectively

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 8B

FEATURES

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Last-minute holiday gift ideas – just ‘round the corner

By LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

Braselton Antique Mall, located in the former Braselton Brothers Store in downtown Braselton, has vintage and vintage look jewelry which is seeing a revival with wearable art taking on a stepback-in-time look.

Why not invest in a gift of a Donna Bailey-designed bracelet. The beaded handiwork will delight in an array of designs, including Native American looks.

If you find last-minute company is on the way, stop by and pick up a small silver tabletop Christmas tree decked out in aqua ornaments to brighten up the bedroom for those guests.

You can even add a unique painted spoon to the tree or use the artistic design to accent a present’s bow. Make that bedroom complete with a painted sidetable to match the tree. You can also ready the guest bath or put together a holiday gift basket with items found from Kristi’s Country Store such as premium hand soaps in peppermint, oatmeal spice and apple spice.

Other ideas to found at Braselton Antique Mall are Spiderman comic books and vintage cars for that young one or senior, either of whom would enjoy a gift of nostalgia.

That feline friend would delight in a specialty crafted rat.

The outdoorsman would take to a duck decoy crafted

by Ed McGrath or a Case knife, guaranteed to bring back memories of a Christmas past when a young man would receive a small knife similar to that of his dad or granddad.

The musician in the family can find their pick of musical instruments for play or for décor at Braselton Antique Mall where a special Christmas Eve drawing will be held.

Dealers of the Braselton Antique Mall have donated prizes for which tickets are being distributed. One ticket is being given to a customer for every $10 spent, and those who were at the Nov. 10 Braselton tree-lighting and went inside Braselton Antique Mall also got a ticket. The drawing is being held Dec. 24 and the winning numbers will be posted on the front door as well as online at www.braseltonantiquemall.com where you can see a complete list of the prizes.

Some of the items include: earrings by Margaret Hobe’, a Cow on Parade from Kristi’s Country Store, a Tiara

relish dish, a hand-loomed bracelet by Donna Bailey, a lamp from Fred’s Lamp Repair and a 6-foot tall curio cabinet.

The Braselton Antique Mall is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For information, call 706-654-3693.

Other shops on the antiques destination of Braselton are Countryside Antiques, located at 115 Harrison St., and A Flea An’tique, located at 185 Broadway Ave. Artistic designs You can shop at the Hoschton Heritage Arts Center’s gift shop with a selection of the works of local artists available. One-of-akind handmade items all created by local artists include jewelry, pottery bowls and dishes, paintings, framed photographs, note cards, crocheted and knitted pieces and more. When you buy an item from the HHAC store, you support a local artist and 30 percent of the proceeds of every sale benefits the HHAC. Contact HHAC55@ yahoo.com or call 706-6542693.

Other artistic gifts can be found at Braselton Gallery, located at 36 Frances St., in downtown Braselton. Visit www.braseltongallery.com You can also check out another new downtown Braselton business and get set for some pampering. Elements A Day Spa is just steps away from Braselton Gallery and the Braselton Library and is offering a $39 grand opening special. Check it out at on their Facebook page.

For the outdoor cook and more Last-minute shopping for the outdoor cook on your shopping list is easy at S&S Ace Hardware, located at 3740 Village Way in Braselton, where you can pick up a four-piece Grill Mark tool set for $19.99 or a Big Dog BBQ Lighter for $12.99. Weber offers Grilling Essentials to make the meal special for $11.99. If you want to invest for the whole family, a Big Green Egg can provide for years of cooking delight.

For your meals for a gathering, an 8-piece buffet set for $9.99 will keep the food warm and a bright-colored ice bucket with scoop for $16.99 will keep the ice readily available.

For the feathered friends outside, you can give a household a Holiday Chalet feeder for $27.99. (Yes, it’s lighted.)

Or pick up a $5.99 bag of birdseed for those who already have feeders.

DENNY JARMAN Continued from 3B

His friend Wes, a nurse by profession, knew nothing about boating or navigating through the Everglades.

But he knew how to care for Denny and Denny knew all Wes needed to know about boating and navigating through the Everglades.

They spent two weeks together on a splendid adventure. What a wonderful example of trust and interdependence!

Don’t we all need each other every day? While we might pretend that we are strong and can handle things quite fine by ourselves, the truth is that every one of us is just an accident away from needing someone with skills we don’t have. Some of us are just a paycheck away from having to borrow money. We are a crisis away from needing a trusted friend to share our burdens. We are all just a heartbeat away from needing a Savior to give us a gift of eternal life, which we cannot give to ourselves.

Actually, we need that Savior long before that last heartbeat comes. We need that Savior in the joyous times to thank and give praise. We need that Savior for guidance and direction.

We need a Savior for forgiveness and redemption.

But in the end, that Savior guides us into eternity.

Denny believed that he was suspended between earth and eternity on the day of that accident in 1988. He told his son-in-law that he could see himself in the ambulance and he could feel himself being drawn toward the Light.

He said that he remembered not wanting to die and asked God that he be given

more time, even though at that moment he knew that “coming back” was going to involve great struggle.

Perhaps Denny endured his struggle so well through the years because he chose it. He asked God to live despite the challenges. His peace came because he knew that one day he would be released again to the Light, which the scripture calls Jesus, the Light of the World.

It is the same Light that

Just in case you think the winter will bring an abundant snowfall, consider these wishful thinking gifts: A Flexible Flyer for $9.99 or a sled for $25.95.

How about investing in The Skrapr for $7.99 to keep that glasstop stove clean or a sinkside composter starting at $21.99, for that person who spends lots of time in the kitchen. Canning equipment is also on hand for those who want to make their garden bounty last throughout the year and yield some gifts to share with others next Christmas.

A youngster would enjoy a popcorn bowl with popcorn for $7.99 or an electronic piggy bank, available for $6.99.

Get the lady on your list her own tool kit for $25.99.

Give a gift that will help a family show off their patriotic spirit. S&S Ace Hardware carries Valley Forge American flags and accessories.

Nostalgia, candles and Bulldawg pride West Jackson Medicine Center has a selection of wooden toys by Melissa & Doug including a stacking train, a tool kit and kitchenrelated sets. You can purchase Caryn & Co. candles and University of Georgia serving plates and pieces to make a dozen homemade cookies even more special for your Bulldog fan.

Have vehicle, will travel Have a young driver in the family who would like to enahnce their ride? Consider sponges, wash and wax supplies from Hoschton Auto Parts & Hardware or give the gift of an oil change to tuneup at Hensley Automotive Service in Hoschton to drivers of any age. Stop in for last-minute ideas and gift certificates.

Enhance a garden or holiday table Outdoor Environments, located at 68 Zion Church Road in Braselton, will be open for last-minute holiday shopping through Saturday. Whether it’s a Christmas cactus starting at $5.99, a Narcissi bowl for $7.99 or an amaryllis for $12.99, you can brighten the holidays – and beyond – for a friend or family member or accent your own Christmas table.

New at Outdoor Environments is Talavera Pottery, which starts at $27.99. Colorful salamanders can be hung from the wall or other designs can sit on a table or

the Wise Men were drawn to from the East as they followed a star that led them to Jerusalem, where they stopped to inquire about the place where a king was to be born. When they were told that it was prophesied that this King was to be born in Bethlehem, a town just down the road, they continued on their journey until they found Him, along with His parents, Mary and Joseph.

Jesus was later to call himself the Light of the World. He once said “to let your light shine before others, that they may see your

Denny Jarman never considered himself handicapped. To Denny, handicapped meant limitations. He never allowed his condition to dictate what he wanted to do in life. If there was something he wanted to do, he thought of the possibilities until he found a way to do it.

on the ground.

Enhance the outdoors with wind chimes, a Welcome Planter or other pots which can be planted with winterhardy plants such as Viola.

If there is someone on your list looking to enhance their garden, Japanese maples, gardenias, azaleas, camellias and evergreens can be found at Outdoor Environments.

Unsure what to select?

Consider a gift card which the recipient can redeem this spring for something special for their garden or outdoor living area.

Take aim at a great gift For the outdoorsman in your life, stop in at TSG Outdoors & Trading Post at 4188 Highway 53 in Hoschton.

You can call 678-261-7599 or email sales@tsgoutdoors. com for information on the lines of firearm, hunting and fishing merchandise stocked and which can be ordered.

Locally owned and operated, TSG Outdoors can talk to you about what your shooter or fisherman may need.

Give a gift that keeps on giving all year long AFTERWORDS, the gift shop inside the Braselton Library operated by the Friends of the Braselton-West Jackson Library, also has an assortment of educational toys, home décor, Christmas gift wrap and bows, books including Glenn Beck’s “The Christmas Sweater” and even cleverly-bagged Reindeer Food (birdseed).

You can get cute snowmen pins crafted from buttons. A Friends membership could be secured for gift-giving.

Memberships of $10 annually, $100 lifetime or $500 for corporate can be sent to Friends of BWJ Library, in care of Hector Iglesias, 9032 Lexington Court, Braselton, GA 30517.

The library will be open Dec. 21 but close Dec. 2225 for Christmas. On New Year’s Eve, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be closed on New Year’s Day. Tickets for special showing Do you want to provide a gift that will connect someone with some community talent? Consider giving tickets for the Jefferson Community Theatre’s production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs” set for Jan. 17-20, 2013, at the Jefferson High School’s William Duncan Martin Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 706-367-5715 or visit www.jeffersoncommu-

good deeds and praise your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (NIV).

Denny Jarman lost his mobility in 1988, but his light never dimmed. If anything, it shined brighter, showing people how to remain positive when they had plenty of reasons not to be.

Although he has passed from this world now, his family and friends live with the hope that he has again been drawn to the eternal Light which he saw years ago, the Light that lived within him, which he let shine before others, the Light we know as Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate this Christmas.

Dr. Michael Helms is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jefferson. Reach him at michael@fbcjefferson.org

nitytheatre.com The Winder-Barrow Community Theatre will be presenting “The Mousetrap” next March, “Dearly Beloved” in May, “Cotton Patch Gospel” in August and “The Battle of Shallowford” in late October and early November in the Colleen O. Williams Theatre in Winder. You can purchase a single show ticket or get season tickets by contacting Pam Veader’s State Farm Office at 770-8671679 or make credit card purchases of tickets by call Winder City Hall at 770-8673106. See more at www.winderbarrowtheatre.org Consider an invitation for a friend to accompany you to a free film screening. At the Winder Cultural Arts Center is a film screening site for the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers and, on Feb. 10, 2013, “Eating Alabama” will be shown. This is the Winder theatre’s second year as a host site. On March 23, look for “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” and see “Follow the Leader” on April 14.

Call 678-425-6884 for more information from Cultural Arts Director Don Wildsmith, who can also be reached at don.wildsmith@ cityofwinder.com

happenings for 2013 can be seen on the website.

Friends of Fort Yargo, a group of volunteers affiliated with the larger Friends of Georgia State Parks, work to enhance the park in Winder.

Especially during these lean budget times, the park looks to volunteers to help man and fund programming and provide some sweat equity in making the park an even more attractive tourist spot.

Get more information about through the park office at 770-867-3489 or by emailing friendsoffortYargo@ yahoo.com You can also become a friend or give a Friends membership by visiting https://friendsofgastateparks.org/

Other Friend opportunities

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort has gift cards available for spa, golf, dining and more by visiting the website at www.chateauelan.com.

You can also stop in at the chateau and check out the selection in the gift shop. There are holiday packages which could be just the getaway you or someone you love need for the holidays and a Christmas buffet could be enjoyed. Several New Year’s packages are available as special gifts to be anticipated.

How about a gift that reminds one of something uniquely local? Visit the Crawford W. Long Museum and pick up items in the gift shop such as a brass ornament featuring the museum or get a stuffed surgeon bear. Or take in a visit and tour to Mayfield Dairies visitors center in Braselton and check out the assortment of items in the gift shop. You can present a family with a Friend of the Museum membership for a $35 donation.

You can process that Friends membership online at www. crawfordlong.org or get more information by calling 706367-5307. A list calendar of

Connect with the past Another membership opportunity for gift-giving is for the Jackson County Historical Society. The dues year runs from July to July, and checks can be mailed to Jackson County Historical Society, P. O. Box 1234, Commerce, GA 30529. Individual memberships are $15; Family memberships are $25; and a Life membership is $100.

Resort to close-to-home gift-giving options

These are just a few of the opportunities available for last-minute gift ideas which range from the unusual to the unexpected. Put on your Santa thinking cap and come up with more.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS The annual community Christmas dinner will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, in the cafeteria of Jackson County Comprehensive High School. Bring the family to share a Christmas meal and enjoy holiday music and the kids can visit with Santa. The community dinner is free to all. sss

The Food from the Heart & Soul will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22.

Pre-registered individuals and families in need will be served a Christmas dinner of turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce at The Savory Spoon, located at 705 Sycamore St., in Jefferson.

The goal is to feed 150 people with donations and sponsorships now being accepted. For those dining at The Savory Spoon between now and Dec. 20, 50 cents will be donated on behalf of each diner. There is no extra cost to the diner.

For more information, call 706-352-5754 or visit www.facebook.com.thesavoryspoon sss

The 2013 Barrow-Jackson Walk for Babies is set for Friday, April 26, 2013, at Fort Yargo State Park. The kick-off will be Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.

cmyk CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Services 000 028-Child Care KID’S WORLD Christian Childcare Jesse Jewell/985 Now Enrolling 6wks & up. $100/wk.

770-297-1500 Oakwood Daycare McEver Rd. Now enrolling Babies120; One & Up - 110.

770-536-4671

043-Firewood FIREWOODSeasoned Oak. Cut & Split. Free Delivery.

678-630-2775 678-549-6901 leave message Seasoned Hardwood. 1/2 cord $75; face cord $140.

Free Delivery.

706-693-0099 POP’S FIREWOOD Proprietor: Dylan Robertson. Pick-up or Delivery. Best Prices In Town!!!

678-997-8737 770-540-5372

Announcements 100 115-Business Opportunities Browns Bridge Mega Mart Largest Flea-Market in Gainesville. Grand Opening. SaturdaySunday 9-9. Free Food & Give Aways Lots of Entertainment for all ages.

2275 Browns Bridge Rd. Gainesville GA, 30501. 678-971-7461

160-Lost & Found $1200 Reward Lost- Brown Female Poodle (7lbs). Wearing pink shirt. Gwinnett/Hall on 11/19/12.

Please Help!

770-633-1994

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

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

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

Jobs 200 210-Adult Care: Help Wanted SKILLED NURSE needed for in-home care for son. N. Hall area. Must have refs.

Excellent pay.

770-983-1993 lv msg

230-General Sales Agents

SALES REPRESENTATIVE The Times is seeking enthusiastic and eager professionals to join the established and experienced team in place.

Desire to sell in a team environment and seek new business is an absolute must. An individual with high energy and assertive work ethic along with the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fluid environment daily will fit into our sales territory partnerships well. Dependable track record on attendance and attention to details will assure success.

Self-starter and self-motivated toward the senior account executive business plan will

Every day is the right day

230-General Sales Agents produce the highest achievements.

Primary duties include developing new business in tandem with the seasoned sales staff to exceed monthly territory sales goals.

Working knowledge of excel software, reliable transportation with a valid driver’s license/good driving record and ability to comprehend written and verbal instruction are required.

We offer you a start in sales culture with comprehensive compensation package to include competitive salary and health & time benefits.

Resumes and references to: hr@gainesvilletimes.com

OFFICE FURNITURE DELIVERY & SALES APPRENTICE Previous retail furn. exp. a must. Start in delivery-work into sales. Must be clean cut, athletic w/ perfect MVR w/ goal of working into sales making $50,000+ per year. Lots of OT, no Sundays, Vac & health ins. after 6 mos. We are a drug, smoke, dip, chew free workplace.

Fax, email or bring resume to John @ Office Pro’s.

2121 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30501. Fax: 770-287-3866 or 770-535-7020 email: theofficepros@charter.net

233-Maintenance Hall County Government Fleet Maintenance Department is seeking a Heavy Equipment Service Technician/Corrections Officer. Must pass background investigation and be willing to obtain POST certification.

For more information and to apply for the position, visit www.hallcounty.org

240-Medical The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: Practice Management Systems Coordinator (M-F, IDX experience required. Coding and/or CPC certification preferred) Gainesville Cytotechnologist CT (ASCP) (Part-time; 24 hours per week) InterLab Gainesville Physician Assistant Neurosurgery Gainesville Registered Vascular Tech Vascular Surgery Gainesville Licensed Practical Nurse (P/T; Pre-and Post op exp. Recovery exp.

IV exp) Vascular Surgery Gainesville Clinical Assistant (Part time or PRN; C-arm exp pref’d) Vascular Surgery Gainesville

All positions are full time unless noted.

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

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

M-F with full benefit package. Must be professional and organized with positive attitude. Send Resume and salary requirements to: 1296 Sims St, Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501

Join Our Team!

Registered Nurses United Home Care a proud member of the UHS-Pruitt family of providers, invites RNs to join our team of dedicated quality caregivers as the best gets even better. We currently have the following openings available in Hall county.

•RN Case Managers - FT •RN Patient Care Coordinator Home Health experience is required.

Electronic point of care documentation.

We are offering exciting new growth opportunities with competitive salaries and a top-tier benefits package. To learn more, please email your resume to jmcconnell@uhs-pruitt .com Find More Career Opportunities Online at: www.URReady.com EOE/M/F/D/V

Anytime Fitness of Braselton Now Hiring Personal Trainers Gym exp and certification or certification in progress necessary. Resume to: davidewingdt@yahoo.com or call 678-982-2149 Piedmont Automotive Products, inc. in Clarkesville, GA has a Fulltime opening for an SMT OPERATOR. General Responsibilities include: Set-up of various SMT equipment such as Dek screen printer, MV2C Chipshooter, Universal GSM and Heller Reflow Oven.

Assist SMT Technicians in troubleshooting and efficiency improvements. Inspect of circuit boards.

Qualifications: Experience working on and operating surface mount equipment, ESD procedures and practices, plated through-hole experience

LPN (Minimum 1 yr exp.

Span/Eng a plus) Bariatrics Gainesville

SHOPPER, DRIVER, GENERAL HELP. 706-429-6315

Clinical Coordinator (LPN preferred.

Leadership & supervisory skills) Family Medicine Oakwood Registered Mammographer (Position is PRN) Imaging Dept Gainesville Physician Asst/ Nurse Practitioner (Surgical assist exp required) General Surgery Gainesville

Call today!

LPN or CMA (Prev OB or GYN exp) OB/GYN Gainesville

LPN or CMA (Rotating wkends/holidays) Pediatrics Gainesville

Medical Asst.

(1 day per week Mon; 8:30am-5pm) Oncology

270-Professional Corrections Officer/Light Equipment Operator Jackson County Government, Jefferson, GA. See www.jacksoncounty gov.com for job description and resume submission or apply in person at Jackson County HR 67 Athens St., Jefferson, GA. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

Expanding Mortgage Banker seeks Exp’d *Processor, *Production & *Underwriting.

EOE. Inquiries: gmsjob@gbmail.com

275-Restaurant SUBWAY- Now hiring smiling faces in all locations. Please apply at all Gainesville/ Oakwood locations.

277-Security

ISMG, Inc. has Security Officer positions available in the Gainesville area.

Security experience and truck gate experience preferred: • 21 years of age or older • High School diploma/ GED • Clean criminal background • Drug/alcohol free • Available to work any shift/any day • Excellent customer service skills ISMG Benefits: • Pay rate is $9/per hour • Medical/ Dental/Vision plans • Paid vacation • 401k • Direct Deposit • Referral bonus program Apply in person: ISMG, Inc. 8215 Roswell Road, Bldg. 1100 Atlanta, GA 30350 http://www.ismgusa.com *ISMG, Inc. is an EOE, VPE, and drug free workplace.

279-Technical

265-Production ASSEMBLY OPERATORS Needed Southern Switches Corporation is currently taking applications for assembly operator positions. If interested, please submit an application between the hours of 6:30am & 4:30pm at Southern Switches Corp 715 Happy Hollow Rd Dahlonega, GA 30533

270-Professional KIK International, LLC Gainesville, GA seeks SENIOR MARKET ANALYST- SALONS Resp for market analysis and tracking of international salon product launches as well as trends in salon product packaging and salon product ingredients.

Reqs Bachelor’s deg or foreign equiv in Marketing, Bus, or rel + 8yrs exp or no deg + 10 yrs exp with a Hair Stylist Lic. Travel required up to 10% of the time, fully reimbursed. Email resume specifying job code 66969 in the subject line to mpartridge@kik corp.com

285-Truck Drivers

Service/Start up Technicians.

Experience required.

Competitive pay, benefits and Signing Bonus.

CONDITIONED AIR SYSTEMS 2410 Hilton Way, Gainesville, GA 30501 Fax: 770-535-8096

770-536-7509

280-Trades Commercial Cabinet Co. seeking Exp’d CABINETRY/ TRIM INSTALLERS must have exp with Corian & Laminate.

Also seeking CABINET BUILDERS Call Brannon, 770-932-2226 ext 111 Drug Free Workplace TIG WELDERS. Exp a plus. Call for interview, Ashley, 678-630-5538 We presently have an opening for an INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN in our Processing Plant. Applicant must have industrial electrician experience with TLC training, will be 2nd shift.

We offer good wages and a good benefits package.

If you meet these requirements contact the Personnel Office at Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc. 770-531-5007.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

285-Truck Drivers NEED A NEW POSITION FOR THE NEW YEAR? START YOUR SEARCH HERE. •$1500 SIGN-ON BONUS! •Medical As Low as $28.62 Family $18.12 Individual/wk •Dedicated Accounts -Get Paid for the MIles you DRIVE •Home Weekends •EVERY Friday is Payday •24/7 Live Driver Support •No Out of Pocket Expenses •CDL-A Experience Required Call and Compare at 855-818-2956

**Get Paid $500 for Referring a Friend** www.AIMNTLS.com

Thursday, December 20, 2012

410-Apartments Unfurnished

DriversRun to Iowa and back!

•Up to $1190/per wk regardless of miles •BC/BS benefits •Advance to SE dedicated Call 1-800-851-8651 kbtransportation.com

Pathfinder Scooter Brand-new, never used. 14 miles on odometer. 2 new helmets. Only $900.

770-543-9891 or 770-543-9894

1&2br, quiet, energy efficient, Sardis Rd. 678-776-6432

CLASS A CDL Drivers needed.

Must have clean MVR, 2 yrs. exp.

Must comply with all DOT reg. Apply @ 4880 Leland Dr. Cumming, GA or Call 770-887-6117

VIDEO ROCKER CHAIR, Maroon colored, velour, $15; 5' x 3' KITCHEN TABLE w/ 4 chairs, black legs, wood tops, $65; REI Piggyback Baby BACKPACK CARRIER, $65; Safety 1st Infant ACTIVITY WALKER, blue & orange, $15.

770-561-5308

Exp’d CLASS A CDL DRIVER needed 678-997-3386 Driver

$2,500 Sign-On Bonus

SUPERSERVICE •Hiring Solo and Team Drivers •Great Benefits Pkg. •Excellent HomeTime •CDL-A Required •Students with CDL-A Welcome

888-441-9358 www.superservicellc. com

Stuff 300 305-Antiques & Collectibles Antique Slot Machine & Old 1899 Carpets.

Nickel, 1942, cherry, ex. condition, works well. From downtown Las Vegas. Before Bugsy S. Price $1950; appraised at $5,000. 12 antique carpets $250 ea.

Great Christmas Gifts 678-516-4833

RIMS 2010 Dodge 20" Factory Chrome Rims-4 @$500, Nice.

706-973-0662

370-Musical Instruments CONN ORGAN, w/ complete instrumental background components, like new cond., $450.

770-532-1424

380-Pets & Supplies CHIHUAHUA, Pups Beautiful! Born Oct. 15th. $200.

706-864-5331 CHIHUAHUA- puppy CKC registered.

Long haired, female; very tiny. 7 wks old, 1st shots & worming. $250. 678-897-7332 770-900-5115 CHORKIE, (Chihuahua/Yorkie), $275.

Up-to -date on shots. 678-836-3605 DACHSHUNDS Minature, CKC, red, S/H, shots/wormed, 6wks, 2F, 2M. $300. also Adult FemaleCKC, red, S/H. $100.

Adult Female L/H. Chocolate $200.

706-864-7660 or 706-429-7402

310-Appliances Electric RangeAmana. Smooth surface. Like new. $350. 706-693-4520 WASHER & DRYER, Kenmore, Exc cond $250. 770-983-1507

327-Christmas Trees SERVICE TECHNICIAN

The Paper

365-Misc.

For Sale

WASHERS $100; DRYERS $75; STOVES $125. Can Deliver 678-546-9184 or 678-617-5560

245-Misc.

Help Wanted

Apply in person at Piedmont Automotive Products, Inc., 1058 Rocky Branch Rd., Clarkesville, GA 30523, Mon - Thurs 6:30am-5pm

Clinical Assistant (LPN or CMA) OB/GYN Gainesville

or 1-800-395-5005

Gainesville

Check in/ Registration (Minimum 1 yr exp.

Span/Eng a plus) Vascular Surgery Gainesville

to advertise in The Times Classifieds 770-535-1199

240-Medical

770-535-1199

MADDOX CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, 10 miles S. of Gainesville, off Hwy 60, (Closed Sundays) Leyland Cypress, Sapphire, Blue Ice, Virginia Pines.

Starting @ $25.00 “Choose & Cut” 706-654-3250

345-Furniture DINETTE SET- Nice!

White with 4 chairs.

Paid $600; Asking $200. 770-532-8744

Grandfather Clock Must Sell! Howard Miller. Chiming.

610F983 (Made in USA). New! Reg: $2,982 Sell: $1,200.

Will delv & set-up at N/C. 706-344-7283

350-Guns Browning 270 WSM Stainless Stalker. 1 owner. $550. 678-943-4904 Remington AR-15 $850. Bowtech Extreme VFT bow $300. 770-540-9327 RUGAR M77 Mark II 7mm. Rem Mag SS New Hogue Camo Stock Leupold VX3-3.5x10x40 3lb Trigger, 4 boxes Shells-$1,000 706-973-0662

355-Household Items THOMAS KINKADE, lithograph prints, FRAMED, drastically reduced. Large selection to choose from. Starting at $250. Comes w/ appraisal & certificate of authenticity.

770-534-0942

365-Misc.

For Sale 4X8 TRAILER Heavy Duty. 15” side boards & tail gate.

Will haul up to 3000 lbs. Good heavy duty Tires. $500.

770-532-4348 LEATHER JACKET, Wilson brand, have original box, ladies large, black, worn two times, $60 770-532-1424 New Electric Water Heater. 50gal. $180; Harley Davidson Leather JacketNew. Size 44 reg. $75; James Darnell Print- Screech Owl #964/1000. $75 770-534-3708

YORKIE'S CKC male/female breeding pair, 9 months old. $400 each or $700 for both. 706-809-9096 YORKSHIRE TERR. AKC. Pups. Males, $400 & Females, $500. 6wks old. 1st shots, ready now!

706-654-6654

Homes & Rentals 400 410-Apartments Unfurnished 1 BD 1 BA Apt. Dwntn G'ville $500+dep. Call 404-643-8302 G’Ville- 2BR $610/mo water/trash incld no pet 678-677-1898 Oakwood- 2/1.5,yrd, safe, C/H/A $605$645. 678-357-5044 Oakwood- Cedar Springs. 1-2BR. $540 & up. 770-287-1456 www.callapartments. com VISIT US AT GAINESVILLEGA APARTMENTS.COM See our New Web Site for your New Home Or Apartment.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK LANDMARK PROPERTIES Or call about our $599 Move In Special

678-779-2687

420-Condos For Rent 2/2 w/Garage, Quiet, 1 story, Sardis, lawn care. 770-313-1333 CITY/LAKE-2/2.5 No pets. $600/mo + Dep. 770-718-1708

425-Duplexes For Rent 1BR-$495; 2BR $595. 3BR- $650 In City. 678-617-5073 N. Hall- 2BR/1BA. Big yard. $575/mo.

770-540-7571 Oakwood- 2/2. $675. All Electric. www.callapartments.c om. 770-287-1456 OAKWOOD- 2BR/ 1.5BA. $595mo.

678-315-7051 770-833-9437 Oakwood- Pine Forest. 2BR/1BA $660 www.callapartments.c om. 770-287-1456

525-House for Sale - City

SUN HOMES 888-246-2803 countrysidelakelanier. com EHO WAC 3BR/3BA finished bsmt, lakefront, great location $1,250 770-539-4400 FLWRY BR. 3/2 gar. $1100. 770-287-1456 www.callapartments.c om LAKESIDE SPRINGS sbdv.

4BR/2.5BA. 1717 Sawgrass Cove.

Jacuzzi tubs, tile/ hrdwd flrs, hard surface counter tops, Etc $1100/mo 208-401-5828

745-Import Autos

BRICK 2BR/2BA, Liv/Dining Rm, Kitchen/Fam Rm combo. $115k.

AD Watson Realty 770-519-2934

585-Real Estate Wanted Mobile Homes needed! Top prices paid! 770-519-3174 or email markmussel@aol.com for more information.

MAZDA 2008 6i Sport, 2.3L 4 cyl., 98K miles, $9,899 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

Wheels 700 710-Antique Cars/Trucks CADILLAC 1986 Sdn DeVille 89k, Exc 1 owner. $4000/obo.

Possible truck trade 770-967-0751 770-841-4548

735-Autos for Sale

435-Houses for Rent Unfurnished $0 Application Fee 3BR/2BA HOMES From $629mo All appliances incld NO RENT until Feb. 1, 2013

9B

CADILLAC 2002 Deville, 4.6L V8, 129K miles, $5,455.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CHEVY 2011 Impala LT, 3.5L, V6, 25K miles, $14,455.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 CHRYSLER 1994 Lebaron. Cnvt. auto, V6, green/gray. New top/tires. 157k. $1795. 770-262-8200

MAZDA 2010 Mazda Speed 3 Sport, 2.3L, 4 cyl., 25K, $19,899.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 MITSUBISHI 1996 Eclipse, 4cyl, 5spd, red/gray. 186k. New tires/clutch. $1795 770-262-8200

755-Sport-Utility Vehicles CHEVY 1989 Silverado K-5 Blazer, nice cond., complete history file, $4,650.

770-532-1424

JEEP 1981 Laredo $4500. Orig paint, 6cyl, 4spd, new tires on front, straight body, one spot of rust, less than 70k miles. includes hard & bikini tops, 2 soft doors, spare wheel & rack. Good restoration project. Runs Great! No problems!!

770-889-7148

KIA 2009 Borrego LX. Exc Cond. 54k, V6, seats 7, Trailer Hitch. Non-smoker. $16,750/OBO. Call 678-928-1853

Nice 3BR/2BA, quiet New paint/tile floors, $825. 770-532-0966

460-Mobile Homes for Rent 2BR/1BA- Single wide, East Hall 706-654-0958

CHRYSLER 2008 Aspen Limited, 5.7L, V8, 98K, $16,899 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

3/2, Prvt lot, Jackson Co. $125/wk + dep.

No pets. C/H/A 770-561-0273 CLERMONT 2BR $140/wk. Free heat/ water. 770-654-4073 Reduced Rate Free Rent Starting at $85/wk. N. & S. Hall & Gainesville.

770-534-7596 LRG. 3/2 dbl wide, 1 ac, Lula, fireplc. rent/lease purchase.

770-365-9610

FORD 2010 Focus SES, 2.0L, 4 cyl., 54K miles, $12,455.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

745-Import Autos

MEN-ONLY. Fur Br, All priv + Xtras Oakwd. 770-530-1110

Homes & Real Estate 500 510-Business Property For Sale Lula Corner Cafe, Owner Retiring $60k/ obo. 678-612-4445 dgcaskey@yahoo.com

TOYOTA 20064Runner. Wht, Super Clean! All records.

Best used auto you will ever own. Has It All! No tax. 85k miles. 1 owner, newer tires, $16,500/ Firm. 770-967-8886

765-Trucks

N HALL, 2BR/2BA, $135/wk; $500 dep.

770-532-7226

465-Roommates Wanted

NISSAN 2005 Xterra Off Road, 4.0L V6, 109K miles, $9,899 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

BMW 2006 325i, 3.0L, 6 cyl., 73K miles, $15,455.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CHEVY 2009 Silverado 1500 LT, 5.3L V8, 22K, $21,455 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

770-Vans HONDA 2003 S2000 Base, 2.0L 4 cyl., 49K miles, $16,755.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

FORD 1994 Aerostar.

Newer tires, battery & front brakes. Runs Great! 125k. $1400.

678-943-8906

CMYK 10B

The Paper | Thursday, December 20, 2012

‘Tis the season for donating money

By Jason Alderman Like many other economic measures, charitable donations in the U.S. have yet to bounce back to pre-recession levels.According to Giving USA’s Annual Report on Philanthropy, charitable contributions totaled $298.4 billion in 2011 – up 4 percent from 2010, but still 11 percent below 2007 levels.

The vast majority of those contributions (73 percent) came from individuals, demonstrating that even during tough economic times, people still find ways to support organizations that help those less fortunate than themselves.

Because half of all donations typically are made between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, this is a good time to highlight precautions you can take to ensure your gift has the biggest possible impact, both on the people you want to help and on your own bottom line; also to remind seniors about a tax policy that has changed since last year: Contribution eligibility.

If you itemize expenses on your 2012 income taxes, any charitable contributions you plan to deduct must be made by year’s end. That means either charging your credit or debit card or postmarking a check by midnight on December 31, 2012.

You must have a receipt to claim deductions for cash or property, no matter how small. A cancelled check or credit card statement is fine for contributions under $250, but amounts over $250 require a written statement from the charity.

See IRS Publication 526 for details (www.irs.gov).

Confirm taxexempt status.

For your contribution to be deductible, the organization must be recognized as taxexempt by the IRS. It’s important to note that in recent years the IRS

has revoked the taxexempt status of scores of nonprofit organizations because they didn’t file annual reports for three consecutive years, as required by law. Use the IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check tool to ensure an organization’s eligibility.

Get bang for your buck. Make sure any non-profit to which you donate is well-run. Ideally the organization applies at least 75 percent of contributions to programs that serve its beneficiaries, versus spending on salaries, advertising,

fund-raising and other administrative expenses.

Study the organization’s website, annual report and mission statement, and ask for a copy of its IRS Form 990, which details how contributions are spent.

Speak to staff members or volunteers, or volunteer there yourself. Or, if you know someone who has used its services, ask for their impressions of the organization’s efficiency and helpfulness to clients.

Other helpful sites: Charity Navigator’s “Top 10” lists and “Tips and Resources” sections provide helpful

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Hope Crossings Church

2106 Old Pendergrass Road 706-654-(HOPE) Jefferson, Georgia www.hopecrossings.org

invites you to...

Christmas Eve I 6:00 PM West Jackson Middle School Family Friendly I Kids Welcome Candlelighting www.arborpointe.org

evaluation tools (www. charitynavigator.org). And GuideStar offers helpful questions to ask potential recipients and tips for choosing a charity (www. guidestar.org).

No more direct IRA distributions. A major tax break for senior citizens regarding charitable contributions expired at the end of 2011. Formerly, people over age 70 ½ could contribute up to $100,000 from their IRAs directly to charity and have it count toward their annual IRA Required Minimum Distribution.

This allowed seniors to

avoid having to count the funds as adjusted gross income, thereby reaping a tax advantage even if they didn’t itemize deductions.

And finally, if you can’t afford a cash donation but still want to help, consider donating your time.

Numerous organizations can match you up with local charities that suit your interests, including the government’s United We Serve site (www.serve. gov), Network for Good (www.networkforgood. org), and Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch. org).