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This Week:
Online Issue 39
Volume 10
Thursday, December 24, 2015
From the Oconee to the Apalachee
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Swim Meet
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MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Photo Gallery
Wrestling
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Malcom Bridge hosted rival Oconee Middle last Wednesday in the first of their two meetings in this basketball season. The Lightning beat the braves 36-20 in the boys’ game, and the Lady Braves beat the Lady Lightning 36-14 in the girls’ game. These two teams play against each other again on January 22 at Oconee County Middle School to close out the regular season. Pictured are Malcom Bridge’s Dreyton Dollander (24) and Adam Weynand defending Oconee County’s Stan Lacksen in the second half of last week’s game. For more photos of the games, see theoconeeleader.com. For the full stories, see Page 4.
County finalizing work on Mars Hill overlay BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY
Toys
The Oconee Leader
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners December 15 received an update on the progress of a potential “overlay district” for the Mars Hill Road corridor. The Mars Hill Road overlay district would shape development along the Oconee Connector, Mars Hill Road and Experiment Station Road as it relates to the Mars Hill Road widening project. The update on the proposed exceptions to the county’s Unified Development Code (UDC) was provided by Oconee County Planning Director B.R. White and the county’s con-
sultant on the future of the corridor, Bill Ross of Ross and Associates. “They had a session with the Land Use and Transportation Committee prior to reporting back to us,” said Melvin Davis, Chairman of the Oconee County Board of Commissioners. “The Board had several questions. Why are certain designations of property selected for particular areas? “For example, when you have two different categories (of land use designations), how do we deal with putting together several parcels of land with several property owners before they come to the Board with a request for a rezone or spe-
cial use? I think part of the UDC requires that if you build a high-density development, a certain percentage of it has to be for commercial use.” According to Davis, the Board of Commissioners has some ideas for the corridor and adoption of the overlay district could come as soon as February or March. “I think some of the commissioners are interested in making sure the corridor looks good and is consistent with landscaping and signage. What I think the Board would do is we probably ‘Mars Hill’ Page 3
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‘I really enjoy bringing joy to the kids’ BY ROB PEECHER
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Businesses
Toys for Tots Page 2
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Christmas Parade
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People passing by the gazebo in downtown Bishop Saturday morning slowed to look. Tim Carithers waved and drivers and passengers smiled and waved back. They might not have known his name, but they certainly knew who they were waving to. It’s the sort of reaction Carithersgets this time of year. His white hair and long white beard are probably enough, but added to the hair and beard, Carithershas afriendlyand endearing personality anda bit of a twinkle in his eye, sowhen he dons the traditional Santa suit, he is an undeniable Kris Kringle. Christmastime is a busy time of year for anyone, but for Carithers it’s magnified because he plays Santa at churches, private events and pretty much anywhere else people need him to be. For the past couple of years, Carithers has been the Santa at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s Mingle with Kringle. “I really enjoy bringing joy to the kids,” Carithers said. It’s not just kids, though. Carithers said it’s not uncommon for adults to pose for a picture with Old Saint Nick. “Anybody who wants to sit up on Santa’s lap is welcome to. It’s a wonderful experience to play Santa.” Carithers said one of his favorite
ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader
Tim Carithers has the natural attributes to make a convincing Santa Claus. things is to play Santa Claus at his car and another car rolled up bechurches where he’ll read the side him. Christmas story from the Bible. “A little kid in a car that pulled up “One of the biggest blessings is next to me looked at me and said, going to churches and reading the ‘Mama, there’s Santa Claus!’” Christmas story,” he said. “I like to Carithers recalled. “That was kind let them knowthe real reason for of what started me doing this.” Christmas.” When a co-worker found an old Carithers got started playing Santa costume and gave it to him, Santa five years ago. The inspira- Carithers started performing as tion came when he was stopped in Santa at private Christmas parties.
The next year he decided to upgrade his costume to the one he wears now, a bright red and white suit that, when combined with his natural attributes makes him as convincing a Santa as any who has appeared on a Coca-Cola advertisement. He poses each year for pictures with kids at a local day care for a Relay for Life fundraiser; he plays Santa at Christmas parties for local businesses and even attends family get-togethers in people’s homes. “I’ve never been to Santa School,” Carithers said, noting that there really are schools for people who want to play Santa, “but I’ve learned a lot doing this. For one thing, I’ve learned never to promise anything. When kids tell me what they want, I’ll say, ‘We’ll have to see what we can do,’ and I’ll ask them for their second choice.” Even when he’s not dressed up, Carithers said children recognize him as Santa. But that’s okay, because Carithers is always ready to step into character, even without the outfit. “Oh, I get it all the time,” he said. “We went to Helen with our neighbors, and I had a couple of kids say, ‘You’re the real Santa, aren’t you?’ We took pictures with me wearing my street clothes. I bought this pair of reading glasses, so I can always ‘Santa Claus’ Page 2
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OCAF donates to Toys for Tots Keep Oconee Clean to
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
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chip old Christmas trees
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
During its recent Mingle with Kringle event, the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation raised $600 for the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots, an annual charity that provides toys for children who might not otherwise receive them at Christmas. In addition to the cash donation, OCAF also donated two boxes of toys donated during Mingle with Kringle. Pictured above, OCAF event chair volunteer John Kirschner, presents Marine Corps League CWO4 Ray Fairman a check for $600 for Toys for Tots. The money and toys were donated by the children who attended OCAF’s Annual Mingle with Kringle event.
Local businesses donate to Toys for Tots
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Fox’s Pizza Den recently held a Dinner with Santa event to get toys for the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots. This was a combined effort between Fox’s, Todd Whitaker Edward Jones, Candy Byrd at Premier Dance/Cheer/Twirl and Mack McClung Allstate. Customers were able to stop by and take free photos with Santa, and enjoy Fox’s annual pizza special. WMOQ 92.3 was live on site. Pictured above are David Walton, Fox’s, Mack McClung Allstate, and Marcia Millians, Edward Jones.
When Christmas is over and the decorations come down, the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission has an answer for Oconee residents trying to figure out what to do with their dead trees. As in past years, trees can be taken to Harris Shoals Park where they will be chipped into mulch or used in fish habitats. On Saturday, Jan. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents who bring their trees to Harris Shoals will receive a free seedling, donated by the Oconee Lions Club, as part of the KOCBC’s “give a tree, plant a tree” campaign. The seedlings are available only on January 2. However, trees can be dropped at Harris Shoals Park on Experiment Station Road in Watkinsville prior to January 2 for those who don’t wait to take down their decorations. Trees can be dropped at Harris Shoals from December 26 through January 2, and signs will point to the proper location at the park. Trees will also be accepted at all Oconee County Recycling Centers until January 14. Georgia Power will chip some of the trees into mulch, and that mulch will be available at Harris Shoals Park to area residents beginning on January 7. Junk South, a KOCBC partner is offering complimentary Christmas tree removal for thedisabled, veterans, and elderly (aged 65+). Please contact them at 855-RIP-JUNK or info@junksouth.com.
‘Santa Claus’
Continued from the Front
pull these out and put them on. Kids everywhere ask me all the time when I’m not dressed if I’m the real Santa, and I’m happy to stop and pose for a picture with them. That’s what Santas need to do – make it a happy time for kids. “I was at the Mall of Georgia last year with my grandkids, and they had a Santa there who was posing for pictures. They asked me to leave the area because they were afraid I would confuse the kids.” Carithers has three adult sons and 10 grandchildren. Most of his grandkids understand it’s grandpa under the red suit, but his youngest granddaughter Averie, who is almost 2-yearsold, didn’t recognize her own grandfather when she saw him dressed as Santa. When he’s not playing Santa, Carithers works for the University of Georgia. He said even college students love to see him dress up at Christmastime. A lifelong resident of Oconee County and a 1975 graduate of Oconee County High School, Carithers said his hope is to one day be able to be Santa in the Watkinsville Christmas parade. Those interested in hiring a Santa Claus can contact Carithers at 706-7697195 or 706-296-5146. “One of the things I enjoy about being Santa is giving hope to children and adults. You know, everyone can’t help but smile when they see Santa.”
A branch in my toe: Suffering for 100 miles down the river
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Back in July I started paddling rivers again. When I was a kid, I made a few trips down the Broad River and a couple of slow floats through the Okefenokee Swamp, and I paddled over any number of lakes in the area. I always thought that paddling down rivers would be the sort of activity I would continue throughout my life, but then life started happening all around me, and my adult priorities seemed to take precedence over my kid priorities. When my oldest son was about five years old, I got a Weenonah Canoe catalog, thinking Harrison was just the right age to start riding down rivers. But one thing or another got in the way, and I eventually tossed out that catalog having never bought myself a canoe. Fifteen years later, one trip down the North Oconee River in a borrowed kayak was all it took for my kid priorities to claw their way back on top. In July, my pal Rodney Carr convinced me to go down the North Oconee with him, and he loaned me a kayak for the trip. The next day, I bought an Old Town canoe (though I still dream of a Weenonah), and over the past several months I have rekindled my old love affair with rivers. I’ve made all of my sons ride down the river with me a couple of times. I’ve driven Rodney’s poor wife Elizabeth crazy with all the trips I’ve made him take with me. I even forced my wife to ride with me when no one else would. I’ve made a couple of solo journeys, and I’ve been among crowds of friends paddling down the river. In late October, after I made what I expected would be the last trip for the year (it was starting to get cold out), I decided to add up all the miles I’d paddled and see how far I’d gone on rivers since July. The number was an enticing 96.7 miles. It didn’t hardly seem right that I would close out the year with such an ugly number as 96.7. I was so close to topping 100 miles on rivers that I felt compelled – regardless of the temperature – to get in one more trip down the river. One trip, on any of the legs of the river I typically paddle, would push me over 100 miles. I told Rodney about my goal, and we vowed together to make it happen. We planned to make it last Friday, but we got something close to a thousand inches of rain in an hour on Thursday, and the river was too high to make it a safe journey. So we set Sunday as the day. Rodney got his friends Andy and Julie to go with us, and early Sunday afternoon – with the water still high and moving at a pretty quick pace, we pushed our boats into the water. The short story is that I got in my 100 miles. Assuming I don’t make another trip down a river in 2015 (and, who knows, I might) I will have closed out the last six months of the year with 101.9 miles paddling down rivers. It’s a good way to spend time, and maybe I’ll go for 200 miles in 2016. The long story is, I’m suffering for my achievement. Toting the boat down to the river, we had to cross a mine field of splintered limbs where Georgia Power or somebody
cut a bunch of trees on the right-of-way earlier in the year. I hate walking through these splintered branches in open-toed sandals. The truth is, I hate open-toed sandals. When it comes to footwear, my preference is something akin to encasing my feet in concrete. I wear heavy hiking boots most all of the time. I’ve always liked heavy-duty shoes. But heavy-duty shoes aren’t ideal for rivers, so for paddling I wear my sandals. As we were walking the canoe down to the river, one of these splintered branches popped up, I kicked it taking a step, and I drove a massive splinter into the middle toe on my left foot. I stumbled and looked down, and my toe was already bloody like the battlefield at Gettysburg back in 1863, but I paid it no mind because I had a goal of 100 miles to achieve. I gritted my teeth in manly fashion, said nothing to my traveling companions as we pushed our boats into the river, and I thoroughly enjoyed miles 98, 99, 100 and 101. When we got off the river I was limping around. The pain was pretty intense, but I didn’t start crying until we were in the car and driving away from Rodney, Andy and Julie. You don’t let your river buddies see you cry. Jean got the tweezers when we got home. The branch that had embedded itself into my toe was sticking out quite a bit. “It looks like you’ve got a Louisville Slugger in your foot,” Jean commented. At least, I think that’s what she said. She might have told me to quit blubbering and man up, but then I think she said, “This splinter in your toe is so big, we could take it to someone to make into a dining room table once we pull it out.” Jean pulled with the tweezers. I howled in horror. My youngest son, Robert, thought it was fine entertainment and laughed in glee to see his father cry. “I think that got it,” I said to Jean. I didn’t think it got it, but I was in so much pain I couldn’t stand to have her yanking on that 2x4 embedded in my toe. I took a shower so I wouldn’t continue to smell like a river, and after the blood was cleaned up from my toe, Jean looked at it again. “Oh, wow,” she said. “That’s still in there. It’s pretty deep.” So after a couple of hours, we decided to give it another try. Robert came downstairs to hold the flashlight. Our middle son, Nathan, came downstairs to hold my leg. Jean prepared the tweezers for the surgery. I chickened out. I couldn’t go through with it. So here I am, an hour away from a doctor’s appointment, with a small tree jammed into my toe. I have suffered for my 100 miles down the river. But I intend to turn my suffering into a new victory. When the doctor removes this massive piece of wood from my body, I intend to fashion it into a new paddle for the next 100 miles. Rob Peecher is an avid river paddler and a great big baby when he gets a splinter.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
‘Mars Hill’ need to have a special work session in early January to really sit down and discuss this and to get a dialogue going with the consultant and the staff in order to determine what will be presented for consideration. “Of course, the process we go through is to first go to the Planning Commission for recommendations and input and then it goes on to the Board of Commissioners for acceptance, modifications or denial. I would guess that the plans would go to the Planning Commission in February and to the Board of Commissioners in March. We could be a month early on that, so we want to have the work session with the Board in January in case it goes to the Planning Commission in January.” The Mars Hill Road overlay district would create different rules for development along the corridor than in other areas of the county. “There would be some modifications and changes with the Mars Hill overlay district,” said Davis. “This will be just for that corridor. Whatever stipulations and guidelines we put on there as far as size of signs, facades and buffers, anything placed on the overlay district would be an exception to the normal rules that we have.” Davis compared the application of an overlay district to exceptions to the UDC made for other corridors in the county. “An example would be signage. Currently, there are to be no signs greater than four feet tall, but that would not apply to Epps Bridge Parkway.” Preparing for the development of the Mars Hill Road corridor is a priority for the county as the widening of the road becomes a reality over the next couple of years. “I think what we’re trying to do is we are trying to get ahead of the curve on any type of development that might occur along that corridor,” Davis said. “We are trying to look 15 or 20 years ahead. Initially, that is a difficult thing to do and to make sure that you’re doing it correctly.
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Continued from the Front
“We don’t know when any development or modifications may come along or what may occur. I do not think you’ll see any huge strip malls. I do not think that is something that would lend itself for that corridor. The commissioners have to make that decision.” The draft ordinance of the Mars Hill Road overlay district, available on the Planning Department’s page at the county website, lays out its purpose: “to minimize the potentially negative land use impacts on properties adjacent to and near” the widening road, “protect the stability, value and livability” of neighborhoods, “provide appropriate locations” for development “compatible” with residential neighborhoods and “provide a transition” for residential properties to subdivisions and mixed use developments. Over the course of six pages, the draft ordinance also describes the boundaries of the district, “regulatory areas” ranging from “residential preservation neighborhood,” “residential conservation area” and multi-family zoned properties to commercial zoned properties, office zoned properties, “future development opportunity,” mixed use development and tax exempt properties. It also lays out development standards regarding inter-parcel access, parking lot screening and landscaping, buffers and signage. Sixteen maps are also available on the website: four different maps for each of four different segments of the proposed Mars Hill overlay district. Each segment has separate maps depicting tax parcels, zoning, aerial photos and policy. For more information on the Mars Hill overlay district, including the draft ordinance and related maps, visit http://www.oconeecounty.com/index.ph p/departments/planning/27-content/departments/planning/506-mars-hilloverlay-district. Mike Sprayberry is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
For hundreds of photos and constant updates about Oconee events and people, go to theoconeeleader.com
This Week:
Wolverines
Oconee girls, Malcom Bridge boys top rivals WARRIORS TITANS SPARTANS WOLVERINES LIONS
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Softball
Sparr signs Page 6
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Basketball
Malcom Bridge vs. Oconee photo gallery
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Online
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Oconee County’s Julia Peroni had 17 points to help the Lady Braves beat Malcom Bridge last Wednesday at MBMS. For more photos of the game, see theoconeeleader.com.
Oconee County 36, Malcom Bridge 14 Basketball
Oconee vs. Malcom Bridge photo gallery
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North Oconee swimmer Caroline Allen signed with Liberty. Her signing story will be in next week’s edition of The Oconee Leader.
Malcom Bridge 36, Oconee County 20
Peroni’s big first half helps Strong second half lifts propel Lady Braves Lightning past Braves BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
Upcoming
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Malcom Bridge’s Dreyton Dollander (24), DaShawn Elder (2) and Woody Barks (23) defend Oconee County's Zach Bolding last Wednesday at Malcom Bridge. For more photos, see theoconeeleader.com.
A strong defensive effort by the Oconee County Lady Braves and an offense led by eighth grader Julia Peroni helped the Lady Braves defeat rival Malcom Bridge 36-14 last Wednesday in a packed gym at MBMS in the first meeting between the two schools this season. The Lady Braves created numerous turnovers, which led to several baskets on offense, and Peroni scored 17 points to lead the team on offense. “We worked a lot on defensive shifting because we knew we were playing a good team that’s well coached. We knew they would make us honest with our shifting. We have been having some trouble with that. We are cleaning that up. They started to buy into that and see the benefits of that,” said Lady Braves head coach Shelynn Scott. “(Peroni) plays very well. She is a great guard for us. She is developing nicely. She is going to be a special player.” The Lady Braves outscored the Lady Lightning 10-0 in the first quarter and eight of the points were scored by Peroni. Vanessa Sekandi had the other two points. “I ignored the crowd and tried to focus,” Peroni said. “We were all
game ready and focused all day. We had to be prepared.” Peroni scored the first five points of the second quarter to help the Lady Braves take a 15-0 lead with 4:14 left in the half. The Lady Lightning scored their first points of the game with 3:51 left on a basket by Carley Moore. Peroni didn’t score again in the half but Sekandi added another basket, as did Jordan Murphy, Avery Mercer and Campbell Ball to help the Lady Braves take a 24-2 lead late in the half. Ashlen Thacker added a basket for the Lady Lightning, and the Lady Braves went into the locker room at halftime with a 24-4 lead. “I was proud of them because we kept looking for open opportunities,” Peroni said. “They took advantage of it and scored.” The Lady Braves led 28-7 after the third quarter and built a 34-7 lead before the Lady Lightning ended the game on a 7-2 run. “We were trying to do some things in the first half but we didn’t catch on. We came out in the second half with a much better performance and able to get a hold on (Peroni),” said Lady Lightning head coach Kevin Daniel. “They Please see
‘OCMS-MBMS girls’ Page 5
BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
After trailing 11-9 at halftime, the Malcom Bridge Lightning outscored the Oconee County Braves 27-9 in the second half to beat the Braves 36-20 and remain undefeated this season. “I don’t know that we can put our finger on anything. Shots fell a little bit. Maybe they got tired legs. Maybe we got the right combination of guys in there,” said Lightning head coach Randy Cain. “It was an ugly game. I don’t think either team played particularly well offensively. Both teams got rolling but we certainly had a better game offensively in the second half. We shared the ball better. That was our emphasis at halftime – play better team ball. We had a lot of one on one in the first half.” After trailing 4-2 after the first quarter, the Lightning took a 5-4 lead thanks to a 3-pointer by Woody Barks. The Braves then went on a 7-0 run to take an 11-5 lead with 1:40 left in the half, but the Lightning scored the final four points of the half in the final 1:05 and went into halftime down 11-9. Twenty seconds into the third, a basket by DaShawn Elder tied the game but a free throw by Patrick Gattiker and a basket by Stan Lack-
sen allowed the Braves to retake the lead at 14-11 with 3:27 left in the quarter. Just 17 seconds later, Will Pearson hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 14 and with 2:37 left, a shot by Gunner Robinson gave the Lightning a 16-14 lead. “Will Pearson hit a 3-pointer. It was big for his confidence. He later hit another one,” Cain said. “We have great confidence in him shooting the ball. Sometimes the kids will miss a shot and sometimes they may be afraid the coach doesn’t want them to shoot, but he has the green light to shoot the ball. That 3-pointer was huge.” A free throw by Donell Randolph cut the lead to 16-15 but that was the closest the Braves got to the lead again. The Lightning ended the third with a 21-15 lead. They started the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by Pearson to start a 7-1 run to build a 28-16 lead with 4:52 left in the game. “With middle school kids, sometimes you play with a six- or eightpoint lead, you play pretty loose. If you play with a one-point lead or you are down two or three, you play tight,” Cain said. “We played Please see
‘MBMS-OCMS boys’ Page 5
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‘MBMS-OCMS boys’
tight when we were behind early on. When we got a one- or two-point lead, our guys got energized. That is nothing but middle school basketball.” The Lightning outscored the Braves 15-5 in the fourth quarter. Adam Weynand led the Lightning with nine points. “We were more intense and played a lot better,” Weynand said. “I was happy the whole time. It felt good. It was a little tough but it worked out pretty good.” Pearson finished with six points for the Lightning. Dreyton Dollander, Elder and Tommy Chambers all finished with four points. Barks had three points. Ty Sims, Tre Heard and Robinson each finished with two points. “I am very proud of this team,” Cain said. “We are getting better at little things. One of those things is blocking out. We didn’t do that well tonight but we will by the next time we play them. We are seeing improvement. We are focusing on trying to get little things better that are fundamentals – handling the ball better, making better decisions, blocking out, following the shot, stuff that the varsity coach wants the middle schoolers to do.” Randolph led the Braves with eight points. Lacksen had six points. Ben Noland had three points. Drew Ward had two points and Gattiker had one point. “For the most part, we got tired,” said Braves head
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MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Above, Malcom Bridge’s Adam Weynand drives to the basket in the second half of the Lightning’s win last week. Below, Oconee County’s Elliot Martin looks for a teammate to pass to in the first half last week.
coach Allan Bailey. “We didn’t go to our bench a lot
and they executed very well. We put in a new game plan for them tonight that we hadn’t run a lot in practice and it broke down on us. I tip my cap to them because they executed. They made shots when they needed to. They just played a better game than us tonight.” The Braves dropped to 61 this season. “I like where we are at. We are young. We have a lot of guys that didn’t play last year. We only returned two starters. It is a process. We are building some chemistry. I like where we are at going into the second half of the season but we have to play better if we want to compete with them because right now, they are the best team and they played like it tonight,” Bailey said. “We have a long way to go. We will get better as a team but ultimately, we’ve got to make shots. Tonight we didn’t. That was the story of the night.”
‘OCMS-MBMS girls’
were getting in our passing lanes. They were creating turnovers by their aggressiveness. They came out a lot more confident than we did. They seemed to be a lot more loose and free to do what they wanted to at the beginning of the game. We were a lot more uptight and more nerves, maybe because we were at home but they created a lot of problems for us on defense and we didn’t have very much success on offense because of that.” Sekandi had six points for the Lady Braves. Mercer and LaNya Scott both had four points. Murphy had three points and Ball had two points. The Lady Braves improved to 4-1 overall this season with the win. “We are pretty good, a solid team with defense but we knew Malcom Bridge would make us honest. We really tightened up the defense in practice this week and made sure everyone was shifting and talking, and making sure that we protected the basket,” Coach Scott said. “We have got a heavy road ahead of us. We have to keep our head. We need to work on our offense game. Our defensive game is close to perfect. We need to work on our offense and working the ball into the post, and work on our shooting and keeping our cool under pressure.” The Lady Lightning were led by Ellie Young’s four points. Taylor Frew and Wells Finch both had three points. Moore and Thacker both had two points.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Continued from Page 4
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Oconee County’s Vanessa Sekandi and Jordan Murphy defend Malcom Bridge’s Wells Finch last week.
The Lady Lightning dropped to 4-1 overall. “We are coming up on a break and it’s a much needed break,” Daniel said. “We have a couple of injuries and a lack of confidence in our shooting. We haven’t shot very well our
last four games but the defense has been able to save us. We are OK. We have to pick ourselves up in January and come out of the break and see how well we handle the success we have had so far.”
Thursday, December 24, 2015
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North Oconee girls, Oconee County boys win swim meet at UGA
Skylar Sparr with family
Prince Avenue Christian softball
Sparr signs with Truett-McConnell BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
Sitting on the stage at the church worship center last month with all of her classmates looking on, Prince Avenue Christian senior Skylar Sparr signed her letter of intent to play collegiate softball at Truett-McConnell. “I was really nervous. I don’t like public speaking or talking in front of people so it was really nervewracking being in there in front of my whole school,” Sparr said. “I know even if I had messed up, they would have been there to support me and they wouldn’t have cared if I had messed up or not. I was nervous but excited to finally sign. “At some points in my life I was very iffy if I wanted to play, but once I got to high school and was serious about playing, I knew college ball is what I wanted to do.”
Sparr won’t be the first Lady Wolverine to become a Lady Bear. She will be joining PACS graduate Lauren Hudson on the team. Hudson is a freshman on the team this school year. Sparr also has several teammates on her travel ball team, the Georgia Select out of Monroe, who are also either on the team currently or have committed to play there in the future. Talking to the people she knows helped cement the idea of her attending TruettMcConnell. “I have a bunch of friends that go there and me and my best friend are going there. I wanted to further my walk with Christ. It is small and I like small schools. It seemed like a great fit,” Sparr said. “I talked to them and that’s why I decided to go up there because I heard how much they liked it, and I
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wanted to see it for myself. I went up there and loved it. I knew it was going to be a good fit.” Sparr has played softball for eight years. She has played travel ball for nearly the whole time she has played softball. She said travel ball has helped her improve because she is spending most of her time playing the sport. “It is year-round so there is never a lost season, and I love that because I don’t like taking time off because softball is my life and that’s what I love to do,” Sparr said. “I went to a couple of showcases and had a couple of schools talk to me. I never really went in depth because I was waiting for that right college. Then I talked to Truett and I knew a bunch of people there, so I went up there and tried it and I loved it, so I stuck with Truett.”
Area high school swim teams were back at the University of Georgia last Saturday for a meet. It was just the second meet of the season for most schools but was the fourth of the season for North Oconee and fourth overall win for North Oconee, who won with 699 points. The Lady Titans finished first overall with 460 points. The Oconee County Lady Warriors finished third with 252 points. The Warriors won the boys’ meet with 263 points. The Titans were third with 239 points. For more coverage, see theoconeeleader.com. Pictured above is Oconee County’s Danielle Della Torre and North Oconee’s Caroline Allen at the start of the 100-backstroke, which was won by Della Torre. Allen finished second. Pictured on the right is Oconee County’s Robert Wylie in the 500freestyle, won by Wylie.
Photos by MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
Warriors, Titans compete in 13th annual Tommy Warren Duals at Oconee
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Oconee County finished third in the Tommy Warren Duals last Saturday at OCHS. The Warriors opened with wins against St. Pius X (41-30) and Salem to earn a spot in the finals pool of the event. The Warriors then lost to Jefferson but defeated Rockmart 37-36. In the final match of the day, the Warriors lost 48-24 to Jackson to finish third. Pictured is Tay Brown (195 pounds) pinning his opponent against St. Pius X.
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
North Oconee’s David Sprague (132 pounds) got the pin in the third round against his opponent from Calhoun in last Saturday’s Tommy Warren Duals at Oconee County High School. Tanner Leierzopf (113 pounds) pinned his opponent from Calhoun in the first round. For more pictures of the Titans against Calhoun, see theoconeeleader.com.
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thursdAy, decemBer 24, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
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School days in Oconee County
A big thanks to the Colham Ferry Elementary School PTO for providing a great Santa Shop for our students this year.
Rocky Branch Elementary School during a holiday sing-a-long.
Santa skit fun at High Shoals Elementary School.
Top: Oconee County Elementary School students thanks Mrs. Jenkins for doing an excellent job student teaching at OCES. Malcom Bridge Elementary School fourth-graders enjoyed a presentation from Dr. Snook on astrology.
To Advertise: Phone 706.208.2290 Biotech / R&D / Science
1060
Biotech / R&D / Science
1060
Micro-propagation Technician Georgia Seed Development (GSD) is a quasi-State, non-profit organization that produces Foundation seed of new varieties. We also work with the University of Georgia Research Foundation in the licensing of new varieties into the market place. Our mission is to serve as the bridge between plant breeders and commercial companies by providing genetically pure plant material of new varieties. We supply quality services and support for breeding and research. Position Summary: The GSD Micro-propagation Technician performs duties in all phases of producing tissue culture plant material of new horticultural plants developed by University of Georgia horticultural plant breeders. Duties / Responsibilities: I. Performs duties to receive and maintain newly developed plant cultivars and experimental lines into the laboratory to develop protocols that result in efficient and rapid micro-propagation II. Performs duties to develop tissue culture protocols to efficiently regenerate new cultivars and experimental lines III. Maintains laboratory, laboratory supplies, and current inventory status of plant material IV. Performs general duties as assigned Job Requirements: Education and/or Experience: B.S. degree in a plant science or related discipline (e.g., horticulture, plant science, botany, crop science, agronomy, or a related discipline) and experience in tissue culture and micro-propagation techniques. Other Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience and knowledge in tissue culture and micro-propagation techniques; database software; inventory software; spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs. Compensation: $30,000 - $32,000/year depending on experience. Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave. Twelve paid holidays and benefits package. Please submit resume to: Mrs. Erin Montgomery, Georgia Seed Development Commission, 2420 Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605 or email to employment@gsdc.com.
Medical / Health
1380
Medical / Health
1380
PHARMACIST, HOME HEALTH Monday-Friday with call rotation (24 hours/week) Athens Regional Health System, one of Northeast Georgia’s largest healthcare systems, serves 17 counties and is comprised of a medical center with 350-plus beds, three urgent care centers, a quality network of physicians, a health maintenance organization and a home health agency. Each Athens Regional employee plays a vital part in our commitment to quality service and care. We are dedicated to helping our employees realize their full potential as healthcare professionals. Individual will be responsible for pharmacy operations including supervision of all compounding and necessary recordkeeping, supervision of all office staff, maintaining all policies and procedures in accordance with JCAHO standards, and providing direct patient care primarily for patients age adult through geriatric. Requires Georgia RPh license, one year experience in acute care or home IV infusion, working knowledge of drug administration techniques, sterile technique and parenteral compounding techniques, excellent oral and communication skills, and ability to supervise others and to interact with patients, physicians, family members and 3rd party payors. Must also possess necessary clinical skills to adequately monitor patient drug therapy, and recommend dosage changes to physicians when necessary, using methods of pharmacokinetics and nutritional assessment. As a leading healthcare employer, Athens Regional offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. For more information or to apply online, visit us at www.athenshealth.org/jobs We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screens. Morgan Memorial Hospital Registered Nurse (RN) – PRN Seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to work on a PRN status. The candidate must hold current licensure in the state of Georgia and have CPR/BLS and ACLS certifications. Apply online at www.mmh.org Or send resume to Sarah S. Phillips, HR Fax: 706-342-2742 e-mail: sarahp@mmh.org Morgan Memorial Hospital is a Drug Free Workplace/EEOC
Medical / Health
1380
Medical / Health
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Morgan Memorial Hospital Med-Surg RN – Full Time Nights – 2 Positions Available Seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to work full time Nights in the Med-Surg Department. The candidate must hold current licensure in the State of Georgia and have CPR/BLS, ACLS certification. Must be willing to work weekends when needed. Apply online at www.mmh.org Or send resume to Sarah S. Phillips, HR Fax: 706-342-2742 e-mail: sarahp@mmh.org Morgan Memorial Hospital is a Drug Free Workplace/EEOC The Northeast Health District is looking for a Registered Nurse to assist with the coordination of the Infectious Disease Program. Under general supervision, this nurse will provide clinical expertise, training and leadership to public health nurses on STD’s, HIV, TB and other infectious diseases. This nurse will coordinate infectious disease prevention and educational programs within the community and will participate in the emergency preparedness program. The nurse will provide case management and advise clients on health maintenance and disease prevention. Opportunities for supervising support or lower level staff may arise. Minimum training & Experience: Current Georgia license to practice as a registered professional nurse AND one or more years in a managerial, supervisory or leadership role. Preferred Qualification: Professional experience in public health nursing, or experience with HIV/AIDS, STD, TB and other infectious diseases desirable. Generous benefits include 12 paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans. Salary ranges from $40,000 to $45,000 based on experience. To apply, go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/ jobs/1244568 and then follow instructions on the website to apply. Please apply ONLY through the DPH website. Deadline to apply is December 13, 2015.
Thursday, December 24, 2015 Medical / Health
Medical / Health
1380
Thursday, december 24, 2015
Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Oconee Leader • Go to theoconeeleader.com for picture galleries 1380
WIC Clinic Manager Under limited supervision, manages WIC services at a county health department in Athens. Provides overall management and administrative guidance, assesses needs, develops policies and collaborates with others in provision of services to target populations. Provides professional services to clients, including nutrition education. Minimum requirements: Registration as a Dietitian by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration AND Licensure as a Dietitian in the State of Georgia (or ability to become licensed in Georgia) OR Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia, BSN preferred. Previous WIC experience strongly preferred. Supervisory experience preferred. Monday through Friday full-time. Annual salary $45,000, Generous benefits include 12 paid holidays, annul and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans. APPLY ONLY THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CAREERS WEBSITE AT: https://www.governmentjobs.com/ jobs/1309248 Medical / Health
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1380
1260
LPN needed to run 40 suite assisted living community. Needs excellent communication skills and customer service skills, & basic computer skills. Managing small staff of 20 nursing assistants/on call for emergencies. Please apply to Morningside of Athens 1291 Cedar Shoals Drive Athens Ga 30605 (706)227-0919
University Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has immediate openings for the following positions: Full Time RN/LPN: Weekend Baylor shifts 7a-7p Full Time RN/LPN All Shifts Mon-Friday Full Time Certified Nursing Assistants All Shifts with every other weekend Email resume to
swilkinson@cypressga.com
Busy medical practice in need of the following positions: Certified Medical Assistants, Medical Lab Technicians, Emergency Medical Technicians. We offer competitive compensation and good benefit package. Please email resume to RMGjobs@reddymedicalgroup. com
To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290
Maintenance person wanted: Maintenance person/life safety director for small 40 suite assisted living community. Must have valid driver’s license, Good customer service skills, & Basic computer skills. Experience in apartment turnover and basic maintenance skills required. Please apply to Morningside of Athens 1291 Cedar Shoals Drive Athens Ga 30605 (706)227-0919
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1260
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1260
PLUMBER Monday-Friday; 7:00am-3:30pm Athens Regional Health System, one of Northeast Georgia’s largest healthcare systems, serves 17 counties and is comprised of a medical center with 350-plus beds, three urgent care centers, a quality network of physicians, a health maintenance organization and a home health agency. Each Athens Regional employee plays a vital part in our commitment to quality service and care. We are dedicated to helping our employees realize their full potential as healthcare professionals. Individual will be responsible for installing, maintaining and operating various mechanical components of the Medical Center to ensure optimal safety compliance with state and local codes, JCAHO and NFPA requirements. Requires high school diploma or GED, state non-restricted license, a minimum of 5 years commercial/institutional plumbing/mechanical experience, familiarity with state plumbing and local building codes, basic math, reading and writing skills, and ability to read plans and shop drawings. As a leading healthcare employer, Athens Regional offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. For more information or to apply online, visit us at www.athenshealth.org/jobs We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screens. Logistics / Transportation
1320
Earn Extra Holiday Money! Deliver Phonebooks from 12/9 to 1/15 in Athens Including: Watkinsville, Winder and surrounding areas stop by: 150 Trade Street Athens, 30622 Classes Mon-Fri 9a & 11a Call (877) 581-0555 deliverYELLOW.com Human Resources
1240
Education/Training
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aThens banner-herald
Education/Training
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Oconee Preschool Academy, Inc. is seeking energetic, caring and dedicated individuals to join our growing team. We have two locations located in Watkinsville and are convenient to Clarke, Barrow and surrounding counties. Caring for ages 6 weeks – 12 years, we offer a loving, nurturing environment in which children thrive cognitively, socially and emotionally. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity and you love children OPA is the place for you. OPA is accepting applications for the following positions:
*Full Time and Part Time Teachers: Lead Teachers must have a minimum of CDA or AA in ECE All applicants must apply in person at 1890 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville, Georgia Accounting / Finanance/Insurance
Accounting / Finanance/Insurance
1000
1000
Surgery Center of Athens, LLC Fast paced surgery center is looking to fill the following positions: RN- Full Time position with two years of Pre-operative Nursing experience RN-Full Time Pre-Admissions coordinator with two years of Preoperative Nursing experience Surgical Technologist-Full Time with minimum two years experience in multi-specialty OR RN-PRN position with minimum two years experience in Pre-op, PACU, or OR Circulating Surgical Technologist-PRN position with minimum two years experience in multi-speciality OR Reliable, flexible, team players needed. If you are a people person looking for a rewarding job please apply. No holidays or weekends. Send resume to kmixon@surgerycenterofathens.com
Local organization in need of a seasoned HR Director. Experience in all aspects of HR management required. Competitive benefits and compensation. Please email resume to 7000036846@ad2jobs.com
Let us help you find your new career today!
To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290 To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290
PR OFESSIONAL
A Guide to Professional Services in the Oconee County Area To Advertise: Phone 706.549.FAST Professional Services
Professional Services
3715
3715
Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
Home Services
Home Services
3520
3520
CHUCK HARDY & SONS LLC BRUSH, MULCHING & STUMP GRINDING
u Underbrush Removal u Stump Grinding u Lots Cleared u We grind brush around lakes u Concrete Removal u Demolition of Houses & Mobile Homes
METAL OR SHINGLES • We do ALL the work & repairs: soffit, cornice, fascia & painting
Insured Free Estimates! 706-201-4380 Home Services
Home Services
3520
3520
www.gbedellconstruction.com Firewood Split Hardwood Delivered & Stacked in the Oconee/ Clarke Co. Areas. Call Shelley at 706-224-4928.
www.gbedellconstruction.com Chris’s Carpentry Handyman Home Repairs and Upgrades. Inside and Out. 25+ Years Experience. Very Reliable and Dependable. References Available.
Call 706-424-0190.
BAT SEASON
“Resolving Conflicts Between People & Animals” WILDLIFE TRAPPING Wildlife Detection Removal & Prevention
LEAFPROOF
“Pest proof & leaf proof your gutters Free Estimates
Peyton Hopkins Call 706-546-7438 AthensExterminating.net PO Box 5772 7080 Smokey Rd. Athens GA 30604 Lic. Trapper #99993 LOADER WORK & BOBCAT WORK Underbrush Cutting, Gravel and Asphalt Driveways, Lot Clearing, Backyard Grading, Bush-hogging, Landscaping-Seed, Drainage Fill Dirt, Top-Soil, Sink Hole Fill In, Tree Removal, Retaining Walls, Demolition & Backhoe Work 770-945-2488
Plumber Pro Service and Drain
Your Residential Plumbing Service Experts
STATE OF GEORGIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
EDT CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
MARSHALL’S ROOFING
706-202-6066 Call Anytime & Ask for ET Visit our website at www.edtconstruction.com edtconstruction@yahoo.com
Shingles, metal, patchwork, any kind of wood repairs or home maintenance. We Do It All! Licensed & Insured 7 Days A Week Senior Citizen Discount Call Today: 706-207-0481
www.plumberproservice.com www.facebook.com/plumberproservice Master Plumber License #Mp210274 • Insured • Free Estimates
$25 First Time Customer Discount $30 Senior Citizen Discount PROFESSIONAL
Home Services
3520
BRIAN’S TREE SERVICES HANDYMAN, ROOFING, PATCHWORK, GUTTER CLEANING,PRESSURE WASHING, & PAINTING, YARD & LEAF CLEANING, HEDGE TRIMMING & SHRUB REMOVAL, UNDERBRUSH CLEARING, STORM DRAINS, MULCH, GRAVEL, & PINE NEEDLE SPREADING & HAULING CALL BRIAN 706-247-5430 23 YRS EXP. LIC & INSURED 7 DAYS A WEEK. FREE EST. SR. CITIZEN DISC.WE DO IT ALL!
706-769-7761
Home Services
* Rotten Wood Repair *Carports & Garage *Additions *Renovations *Roofing Repairs *New Home Construction *Sun Rooms *Decks & Patios *Ceramic Tile *Home Maintenance *Painting (Int/Ext) *Kitchen & Bath Renovation *Window & Door Replacement
State Licensed & Insured
For ALL Your HOME IMPROVEMENTS, Large Or Small, Call Today For A FREE ESTIMATE
Serving Athens since 1989
UlmBrothers Tree Service
Local and experienced! We are fully insured and offer Tree removal,Trimming Pruning, Debris Removal, Insurance work, Right of way work, Lot clearing, and Stump Grinding. We pride our self on customer service and satisfaction. Call for a free estimate today. Office: 706-369-5300 Cell: 706-255-4941
Bickley’s Tree Service Service You Can Trust
Winter Tune-Up $59.95 Per Tune-Up We Service ALL Makes & Models. 404-454-0401
f Tree Service f Lawn Maintenance f Stump Grinding f Brush Chipping f Bobcat f Dump Truck Insured
Lamar Adams 706-224-2079 PR OFESSIONAL
DO YOU OFFER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST
3520
Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
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