The Oconee Leader

For hundreds of photos and updates about Oconee events and people, go to theoconeeleader.com

This Week: Sports

Issue 17

Volume 11

From the Oconee to the Apalachee

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Oconee County boys move to Elite Eight in state tennis

Story, page 3

Photos

See photos from Oconee County Relay for Life TheOconeeLeader.com

In Brief

Oconee begins weighing next year’s budget requests A growing court system, debt, and fringe benefits such as health insurance will claim more dollars in the Oconee County general fund budget this year, the county’s finance officer told Oconee County commissioners in a recent budget briefing.

As commissioners wade into budget planning, projected revenues for the county’s general fund are about $24.1 million — up around $800,000 from last year — but departmental budget requests are about $3.5 million more, finance director Wes Geddings told commissioners.

With a new Western Circuit Superior Court to be housed in Oconee County instead of Clarke County, court expenses may nearly double as the county hires bailiffs and other court workers and installs new office space and security equipment.

County debt payments will go up by $500,000 next year, but that will “level off” in the future, Geddings said.

The largest part of the budget is for law enforcement and related expenses, such as courts; law enforcement and the jail accounted for more than $6 million in last year’s $23.7 million budget, and other expenses such as the coroner and court expenses added up to nearly half of last year’s $23.7 million budget.

The county has an “unassigned” reserve fund of about $5.6 million, he said; state law requires an amount equaling 20 to 25 percent of expenditures to be kept in reserve, he said. ­— Staff Reports

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Fareways and greens

Photos by Donald Shelnutt

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament had perfect weather at the Lane Creek Golf Club last week. Lunch was catered

by Chick-fil-A and the 19th Hole dinner by Outback. First place winners were Carroll Daniel Construction, second place was the Edward Jones team and third was the Oconee State Bank team. For more pictures, go to TheOconeeLeader.com

Family and support

Relay for Life brings community together in fight against cancer

By Rob Peecher

TheOconeeLeader.com

Ansley Irvin puts her arms around her sister’s neck and holds Crystal Bradberry in a tight embrace.

They are standing on the track inside the stadium at Oconee County High School. Music is playing at the opposite end of the field. People are walking past on the track. On the field, kids are running around, kicking a ball or blowing bubbles or just chasing each other.

It is easy to smell the hotdogs cooking on the grill at the tent where the Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church Relay for Life team is set up.

“It means family and support,” Ansley says, not turning loose of her sister’s neck. Crystal is wearing the purple shirt. Across the back the T-shirt identifies Crystal: “Survivor.” You’ve just asked Crystal to explain what Relay means to her. “Can I just say goodbye to my family first?” she

ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader Marcheta Forrester and Allyson Edenfield, members of the Hot Mama’s Relay for Life team, dressed as rock stars for their team’s first trip around the track Friday at Oconee County High School.

asks. That’s when Ansley gives her that hug. That’s when Ansley offers what Relay means to her.

“It means family and support.”

Last year Crystal was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is in remission now, she says, but she

will do hormonal therapy for the next five years.

It was Crystal’s other sister, Kim Roe, who first got her involved in Relay. Kim was on the Relay committee in Concord, North Carolina, where she lived.

Crystal says she lost Kim to cancer last year.

“This means a lot to us,” Crystal says. Both Crystal and Ansley live in Bogart. They’re both graduates Please see ‘Relay’

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Residents ready gardens for inaugural tour

By Mike Sprayberry TheOconeeLeader.com

When Cindy Karp decided to participate in the First Annual Oconee Garden Tour, her 5.5-acre perennial garden – featuring Japanese, Tuscan and tropical gardens as well as a greenhouse and koi pond – joined several of the county’s most impressive gardens and properContributed ties.

The garden at Cindy Karp’s house, which is part of “I’m basically the the First Annual Oconee Garden Tour on Saturday.

novice on this tour,” said Karp as she listed her tourmates and some of their credentials. “There are four gardens on the tour: Nick and Jane Bath, a published author on landscape design, Bonnie and Michael Dirr, an acclaimed botanist and a world-renowned figure in gardening, Bill and Lisa Douglas with Hedgerow Farm, a working farm with sheep, chickens and

herbs and my garden.”

Presented by the Oconee Resource Council and the Watkinsville Garden Club, Saturday’s tour is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will benefit the Oconee Mentor Program and the Oconee School Children’s Garden.

A real estate agent by day, Karp has not made a career out of gardening Please see ‘Garden’

Page 2

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Getting older, but not old yet In church Sunday the pastor was talking about people who put their hope in something other than Jesus and are subsequently disappointed. I’ve noticed this is a recurring theme in his sermons. His point was that Jesus won’t disappoint, and even if you’ve grown cynical from being let down by other things, you should still put your hope in Jesus.

But he’d already lost me because he had called me old. In his sermon, he lumped 40-somethings in with 50-somethings and 60-somethings. I don’t have anything against 50-somethings and 60-somethings. God willing, I’ll be one someday in the very distant future. But no 40-something wants to be grouped with those people.

If you’re a pastor and I’m in your congregation and you don’t want to lose me, group me in with the 30-somethings.

Still making the point that sometimes people will put their hopes in the wrong thing, the pastor was now talking about marriage. As I said, he’d lost me. My feelings hurt over being called old, I was now caught up in the fascination that the small print in my Bible – which I easily read three or four months ago – was today inaccessible to me without aid from my wife’s reading glasses.

Nevertheless, I did hear it when the pastor said that for couples who have been married for a number of years “the bloom is off that rose.”

Some of the women in the church laughed out loud. Jean was among them. Startled, I looked at her and she was nodding her head and amening.

In the car on the way home I pointed out to Jean that I might have been angrily ignoring the pastor, but I did note that she agreed with the bloom being off the rose.

“Why was that so funny?” I demanded of her.

“Because a lot of people go into marriage with high expectations,” Jean said.

“And they get disappointed.” Then, seeing that I was rapidly becoming offended, she added, “Not us, though. I think expectations around our marriage were pretty low.”

“That’s because you only knew each other four months when you got

Artwork of Athens Academy students in Congressional art contest The artwork of Athens Academy juniors Severen Brown and Frances Herrin will be on display at Georgia Square Mall through April 23 as part of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. Severen is a finalist in this contest

Brown

Herrin

for selections that will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

‘Garden’

married,” our 16-year-old helpfully pointed out.

It’s true. Our turnaround time from first date to marriage was pretty quick. Several years ago, when Jean and I had been married about a decade, we were at a gathering with a bunch of our friends from college – people who knew us when we got married.

“I never thought y’all would make it this long,” one of the women said.

That was the first time it really struck me that most of the people who attended our wedding weren’t placing bets on a long marriage.

Sometimes marriages are made for reasons that fall outside of the traditional boy meets girl, boy dates girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy marries girl. I have a friend who proudly tells people he got married so he could get on his wife’s health insurance policy. Sometimes, especially in sitcoms, people get married because they are trying to gain U.S. citizenship.

Jean and I got married for one of those outsidethe-traditional reasons.

And I think it’s accurate that we had no expectations. We hardly knew each other, so we didn’t know what to expect.

We built a marriage without expecting much, and that’s helped us to also limit the number of times we’ve disappointed each other. It hasn’t all been easy, of course, but if it was easy we wouldn’t need to go to church.

Now we’ve made it through two decades, which is a reminder that some people think it’s OK to group us in with the 50- and 60-somethings.

Getting older beats the alternative, as they say, but the biggest disappointment is how fast it happens.

Rob Peecher is author of the book “Four Things My Wife Hates About Mornings,” available at Amazon.com.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

or agriculture like some of the other stops on the tour, but she approached the land around her home with creativity and passion.

“I’ve never been a gardener per se, but I have always been an artist and I had a blank canvas. When I bought this house, there was not a blade of grass here. Now there’s a koi fish pond, a Tuscan area outside the wine room, a greenhouse, hundreds of azaleas and over two acres of Japanese gardens that go down to Frazer Creek and the shoals.

“This is an equestrian community, so there are horse trails that surround the property. There is a tropical area around the pool. It’s 5.5 acres of perennial garden. The landscape has been my canvas.”

Karp’s garden also features laminated QR codes that visitors may scan with smartphones to learn more about various plants. Though she still tinkers and may move plants from time to time, the perennial nature of her gardens keeps Karp’s workload manageable.

“I don’t want to make

Clara Herrin of Athens.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.

Continued from page 1

Contributed The garden at Cindy Karp’s house, which is part of the First Annual Oconee Garden Tour on Saturday.

it sound like it’s a lot of work because it’s perennial,” she said. “Everything is established now, so there is little to do going forward. I mow a little grass. I get up at 7 in the morning depending on what needs to be done, but you never know what to expect.

“I get enjoyment and pleasure from it because

‘Relay’ of Oconee County High School. Crystal and her husband arrived early to Relay to help set up. Relay is important, she says, because it raises awareness.

“It reminds people to be aware of their bodies and to give back when you can,” Crystal says. “Find a way to give back, like this, to show support for people.”

You’ve just come from the tent where the congregation from Brown’s Chapel is cooking hotdogs.

Rhondolyn Smith, whose husband J. Ricardo Smith is the pastor at the church, says the church’s theme for this year’s Relay is “keep believing.” They want to encourage people who are facing a cancer diagnosis – and the people

A reception for the artists will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Georgia Square Mall.

Severen is the son of Mark and Holly Brown of Athens. Frances is the daughter of Andrew and

every day, something else is blooming in the garden.

If I don’t like a plant in one place, I’ll move it somewhere else. I moved some azaleas today. But it is totally a source of love and inspiration and pleasure every day.”

Proceeds from the First Annual Oconee Garden Tour benefit the Oconee Mentor Program and

Oconee School Children’s Garden.

“It’s for a good, worthy cause for Oconee children’s programs. Tickets are only $15 and these houses are going to blow you away.

Everyone has something beautiful and unique. We had a preview tour of the homes and people said it was one of the most fabulous days and a great way to spend a day.

“When I had my home on the Piedmont Garden Tour, I got notes from people thanking me and asking if they could come back with their grandchildren. It’s just really nice that people can appreciate something I created.”

The First Annual Oconee Garden Tour is Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event and may be purchased at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Outdoor Specialty on Highway 15, Oconee Chamber of Commerce, Picadilly Farm Nursery, Oconee Farmer’s Market, Rizo’s Hair Salon, Ace Hardware, Cofer’s Home and Garden Showplace and Oconee Resource Council.

Continued from page 1 who love them.

“We have six cancer survivors in our church,” Rhondolyn says. “It hits very closely with all of us, so that’s why we’re here, and because we believe in service in our community.”

Rhondolyn also sees the effects of cancer more than most people. She is a pharmacist at Georgia Cancer Specialists.

“I see it every day,” she says.

At the Hot Mama’s tent, Laura McHugh is sitting by herself. Some of her teammates are walking the track.

Others are at the stage listening to the music.

Laura is on her phone sending a text when you sit down beside her.

The Hot Mama’s are the region champs of the Oconee County Relay for Life. They’re the team to beat. Year after year, they raise the most money locally. They’re always among the most colorful of the teams, embracing the theme to the fullest.

Laura says she thinks they’ve been doing this 17 years. She’s been with them every year. Her son was in sixth grade when the team first formed, and he’s 29-years-old now, she says.

“So many people in life are affected by cancer,” she says. She’s yelling into your ear to be heard over the music. She says she lost her father and her grandfather to cancer. “I have many friends now who are fighting it.”

Last year the Hot Mamas team lost one of its members, Carol Bray, to cancer. “Being here, we’re helping to show support to the survivors,” Laura says.

She says when the luminary bags are lit in remembrance of those who have lost their battle to cancer she will walk around the track.

“Walking the track when the candles are lit and looking at all the names is the most meaningful part of the night,” she says.

You walk around the track and see the friend who this week – this week – started cancer treatment.

It’s not his first time, either.

His cancer has come back for the third time, and this week he started treatment at the Cancer Center of America.

But here he is walking around the track. Smiling, he shakes your hand and asks about your family.

He looks good. He says he feels good – so far. And he keeps asking about your family.

You pass the two guys who are shaking hands and laughing with each other.

Neither of them are wearing the purple shirt, but you wonder if their wives are. They’re old enough that they’re almost surely at Relay because of someone.

“We’ve been out of school 30,” one of the men says to a group of people.

“Thirty what?” “Thirtyfour years now,” the other man says. “Thirty four years!” They’re laughing, and that’s part of Relay, too. It’s a celebration, of sorts. A celebration of friendships that go back 17 years or more than 34 years. A celebration of life and surviving.

The girl who isn’t out of elementary school yet – you’re friends with a couple who know her parents – she’s wearing a purple T-shirt. She’s a survivor.

You know enough about her to know her cancer is in remission. She’s skipping with her arms around another girl who is wearing a green T-shirt.

Some of Relay for Life is solemn, but some of it is a celebration of surviving. Sometimes Relay for Life is sisters hugging.

Sometimes Relay for Life is remembering friends who are not here. Sometimes Relay for Life is two elementary school girls skipping.

For hundreds of photos and updates about Oconee events and people, go to theoconeeleader.com

This Week: Warriors

WARRIORS l TITANS l SPARTANS l WOLVERINES l LIONS

April 28, 2016

Blessed win for Warriors Soccer

Connors resigns Page 4

Upcoming

Several athletes have signed to play collegiate athletics.

Their stories will be featured in an upcoming edition.

Online

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Oconee County’s Malachy Mejias and Landen Benson shake hands following the Warriors’ 5-0 win against Blessed Trinity in last week’s second round of the Class AAA state tennis tournament. Mejias and partner Jake Boran (pictured below high-fiving his sister Hannah) clinched the match with their win at two doubles. The Warriors won 5-0. For more photos of the match, see theoconeeleader.com.

Oconee County tennis

Warriors sweep Blessed Trinity to advance to Elite Eight

By Matthew Caldwell TheOconeeLeader.com

Story, photo gallery

North Oconee baseball theoconeeleader.com

Online

Atlanta private schools Westminster and Blessed Trinity came to Oconee County High School last Thursday afternoon for the second round of the Class AAA state tennis tournament.

Westminster, who has won 45 girls’ tennis state championships, got wins at three singles and both doubles lines to end the Lady Warriors’ season.

Blessed Trinity, the 2013 state champion, left Oconee County without winning a line. The Warriors ended Blessed Trinity’s season and earned a berth in the Elite Eight.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the fact that everyone jumped on them really quickly. We won the first set on four courts within 30 or 40 minutes and one doubles was a real tight match so I knew we had the potential to win that match,” said head coach Derek Hon. “Almost everybody except Connor (McCarthy) at one singles dipped in the second set. We lost some momentum and started to make errors, but mentally we hung in it.

Please see ‘Oconee tennis’

Page 5

Spartan Dynasty continues with 30th straight region championship

Story

North Oconee head soccer coach Billy Harrell gets 50th win theoconeeleader.com

Contributed photo

The Athens Academy Spartans won their 30th straight region championship last week thanks to their 3-0 win against Hebron Christian.

Magill Bauerle won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 singles, Rolf Reynolds won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 singles, and Hatton Abernathy and Elijah Gabriel won 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2 doubles. Alex Boyette (No. 1 singles) and No. 1 doubles (Jordan Sennowitz and Rob Clements) were up a set when the match ended. ‘I’m excited for the team and the school,’ said head coach Jami Cashin. ‘It is quite an achievement and a testimony to the commitment of these players, their parents and the school.’ It was also the school’s 200th overall region/area championship. The Lady Spartans finished second in the region tournament. Both teams played earlier this week in the first round of the state tournament. ‘They are not overconfident, but they like their chances and are working hard to do what they need to do to help achieve their goals,’ Cashin said. ‘They spend a lot of time together on and off the courts, working hard, coming together as a team.’

Page 4

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Oconee County soccer

Connors resigns as head coach

Thursday, April 28, 2016

North Oconee wins fifth straight region title

From Staff Reports TheOconeeLeader.com

Coach Colin Connors will resign as the soccer coach of Oconee County High School after 14 very successful seasons. Coach Connors has accepted the head coaching position at Archer High School in Gwinnett County. Connors said, “My family and I live in the Archer School district, so this change will allow me to have a bigger impact on the lives of my family and the students I teach and coach. Although I am extremely comfortable at OCHS, I don’t feel God calls me to be comfortable, but rather to have the greatest possible positive impact as I can on my family and the youth I get to teach and coach.”

OCHS announced Brent Leitsch as the next varsity coach. Leitsch currently serves as the assistant coach on Connors’ staff. Leitsch has served as an assistant soccer coach at Brookwood High School, including the 2004 season as Brookwood won the state championship. Leitsch has served as an assistant coach at Alpharetta High School and North Gwinnett High School.

Leitsch also served as the head girls’ coach at Mill Creek High School from 2007-2013 and advanced to the semi-final round in 2011.

Leitsch said, “I am excited about the opportunity to be the head coach of a soccer program with the culture and tradition of OCHS.” Connors said, “I am thrilled that Brent Leitsch will be replacing me as the Varsity boys’ soccer coach. Brent has served as my assistant coach this past year. Brent and I share a similar coaching philosophy, and I know he will do a great job leading the program.”

Contributed photo

A strong front-nine at Lane Creek on Monday helped lead the North Oconee Titans to a fifth straight region championship. The Titans shot a 311 and beat North Hall (327), Buford (330) and six other teams to win the Region 8-AAAA championship.

It’s their eighth overall. ‘Every year it gets a little bit harder simply because the number works against you. You are on a streak and you are trying to keep that thing going so you become the target, the one everyone points at. It’s like king of the hill.

Once you get on top of the mountain, it’s tougher to stay there. That is what you are most proud of. You are continuing to do that,’ said head coach Terry Tuley. Candler Murphy and Jack Taylor both shot a 77. Wells Foust shot a 78. Garrison Britt shot a 79. Chris Dunlap shot an 80 and Payne McDonald shot an 83. The Titans will compete at the state match May 16 at Jones Creek Golf Club in Evans. For the full story, see theoconeeleader.com.

Colin Connors

North Oconee breezes through first round of state tennis tournament

Warriors win second straight Region 8-AAA title

Contributed photo

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

The first round of the Class AAAA state tennis tournament was not a problem for the North Oconee tennis programs. Both teams entered as the top seed from the region thanks to their region championships and played a fourth seed. The Lady Titans took on Sandy Creek last Tuesday and they came away with a 5-0 victory.

The Titans took on Fayette County last Wednesday and they were also victorious 5-0. For a photo gallery of the matches and the full story, see theoconeeleader. com. Pictured are Maddie Bruning, Gemma Kummerer, Keller Barks, Sydney Yang and head coach Michael Williams following the Lady Titans’ win in the first round.

Oconee County’s golf team was the favorite going into this week’s Region 8-AAA golf match. At the end of the day, it was the favored Warriors who came away with the region trophy after four players shot in the 70s to give the Warriors’ a team score of 301. Hart County was second with a 322. ‘That was a good victory for us.

We were expected to win but it didn’t end up as close as I thought it would be,’ said head coach Randy Landry. Ben Huckaby was the low medalist in the region match for the second straight year with his round of 70. Dustin DeMersseman, last year’s low-medalist in the state match, and Josh Bar-Haim both shot a 76. Sil Colalancia shot 79. The Warriors qualified for the state match, which is May 16 at Gordon Lakes Golf Club in Fort Gordon. For the full story, see theoconeeleader.com.

Wolverines capture Area 2 golf championship

Warriors qualify for postseason, play at Cedartown on Friday

Contributed photo

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

After the Oconee County Warriors lost to Hart County on April 8, they knew they needed to win their remaining six region games of the season to have a shot at qualifying for the Class AAA state tournament. After sweeping Elbert County, the Warriors needed to sweep East Jackson to qualify for the postseason. Last Tuesday the Warriors won the first game 6-5. Last Friday they won the first game 12-2 and closed the series and regular season with a 14-1 win to finish 10-8 in Region 8-AAA. The Warriors travel to play Cedartown in a best-of-three series on Friday in the first round of the state tournament. For photos of last Tuesday’s game and senior night festivities, see theoconeeleader.com. Pictured are seniors Chase Holbert, Joe Jessup, Conor Gunby and Noah Mejias with their families prior to last Tuesday’s game against East Jackson.

WCA soccer programs, baseball team wins region championships

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

It was a successful week for Westminster Christian Academy. Last week, the varsity baseball, boys’ soccer and girls’ soccer all won region championships. It was the second straight region championship for the boys’ soccer team and the program’s first for the girls’ soccer team. The Lady Lions went 8-1 overall and 3-1 in the region. Goalkeepers Peyton Turner and Kinley Phillips combined for the shutout in their 1-0 win against Lanier last Thursday. Calvin Koslowsky had six goals in last Tuesday’s 9-1 win against The Campus. Koslowsky, Jack Dobson and Josh Russell all have more than 10 goals this season, and Luke Phillips, Russell and Dobson all have seven or more assists. The baseball team came away with a 20-5 win against Lanier last Tuesday and a 14-4 win against Monsignor Donovan last Thursday.

The Prince Avenue Christian boys’ golf team won the Area 2 private championship last week with a team score of 318. Athens Academy finished second with a 324.

PACS’ Will Kahlstorff shot a 71 to lead the Wolverines. Tanner Foster shot a 79, Grant Crowell shot an 83, Duncan Taylor shot an 85, Bradley Lastinger shot an 86 and Peyton Shedd shot a 93. Matt Moseley and Charlie Ruhl led the Spartans with a round of 79. Charles Clarke shot an 82, Nick Manfredi shot an 84, Owen Roberts shot an 85 and Asa Hill shot an 89. The PACS girls’ team finished second in their region match and the Lady Spartans finished third. Delaney Cook led PACS with a 102 and Hope Hewatt shot a 119. Wynn Ivy led the Lady Spartans with a 105.

Grace Kerner shot a 117 and Cardy Pennington shot a 126.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

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12U Watkinsville Warriors win Long Ball Global NIT

Contributed photo

The Watkinsville Warriors 12U team finished first in the USSSA Long Ball Global NIT earlier this month. In the four baseball games playing in the tournament, the Warriors outscored their opponents 53-14, and in two games they shut out their opponent behind pitchers Jacob Bennis, Sam Carter and Kyle Dickerson. Logan Ruark and Tate Yancey both had two home runs. Pictured are players Jacob Bennis, Clay Frost, Ryan Weeks, Noah Hatcher, Bubba Strum, Glenn Higgins, Logan Ruark, Sam Carter, Kyle Dickerson, Tate Yancey and Braxton Berryman with coaches Jay Higgins, Keith Carter and Matt Bennis.

Classic City Yankees finish second in Back to School Backyard Brawl

Contributed photo

The Classic City Yankees 9U Team participated in the Triple Crown Sports ‘Back to School Backyard Brawl’ earlier this month and they placed second in the Sliver Flight Bracket. Pictured are (back row) coach Asif Qadri, coach Craig Fuchs, coach Adam Bradley, coach Brent Rollins, (middle row) Thomas Ferland, Porter Drudge, Matthew Clausen, Mac Bradley, Eli Frost, (front row) Michael Fabris, Carson Rollins, Carson Fuchs, Zakariyya Qadri and Peyton Knowles.

‘Oconee tennis’ “Even though we dipped in the second sets, we got it back. Two doubles won in a tiebreaker in the second set. Gabriel (Young) came back and won 7-5. He was down 2-5 at one point and came back.

That was awesome. One doubles won the second set and third set. They played the way we knew they could play. Clay (Malcom) dipped in the second set but came back and won 6-4 in the third set to win his match. That shows a lot of heart and shows how far we’ve come.”

Johns Creek in 2010 is the only non-Atlanta private school to win the Class AAA state championship since 2000. The Warriors won the state title in 1999.

“This is a big win because of that reason.

Sometimes wins in any sport against those Atlanta private schools are tough to come by,” Hon said. “Their coach was nice.

Their players were fantastic. We couldn’t have asked for more likeable opponents but it does mean a lot to beat an Atlanta private school. I am proud of these guys.”

McCarthy was first off the courts with a 6-2, 6-1 win at one singles. Young was next with a 6-2, 7-5 win at two singles.

“We knew (Connor) had won but it took us a while to see that he wasn’t down there anymore,” said freshman Jake Boran, who is one of the members of the two doubles line. “That didn’t take as much pressure off as much as Gabriel Young winning.

Seeing the rest of our team was up too helped us out a little bit.”

Boran and partner Malachy Mejias won 6-3 in the first set but trailed by a game throughout most of the second set.

With their 7-6 win in the second set, that gave the Warriors their third point to clinch the match.

“It feels great,” said Mejias, who is also a freshman. “We couldn’t have done it without the other two lines that won and the support from our team. It feels fantastic to clinch it again. We were hitting all of our shots pretty well. We made a few errors but we were able to bounce back.”

Mejias and Boran also were the clinching point for the Warriors in the region finals.

“I am very happy. I feel like we did a great job and helped our team out,” Boran said. “As freshmen knowing we have three more years ahead of us means we can build on what we have accomplished

Page 5

Continued from page 3 and do better next time.”

After losing the first set 4-6, the one doubles team of Landen Benson and Andrew Davis won the second set 6-3 and the third set 6-3 for their fourth point. Malcom won his first set 6-2 at three singles but lost the second set 2-6. He rebounded in the third set with a 6-4 win to give the Warriors the sweep.

“I thought this was a winnable match and they agreed, and we came out and we did it,” Hon said. “I am confident in our players. We will line it up and see how it goes.”

The Lady Warriors had their season end to a program that has won five straight state championships.

“We were not excited about (seeing Westminster in the second round) but it is what it is. I am glad we lost against them and not some other team. We know that they are good. It’s not as depressing,” said senior Hannah Boran. “I am really sad about it but the guys will pull this out and we will get to watch them and support them. Our team is really close.

“We bond so much and get to know each other so well. I will be back with my brother because I will have an excuse to come back. We have the region championship twice in a row and Jekyll Jam is fun. We get to go to Jekyll Island and stay at a nice hotel. Our tennis team is all the best of friends. These are my best friends inside of school and outside. It has been fun. I will miss them but I will be back though.”

Boran lost her first set in a tiebreaker but didn’t get to finish her match.

“I am glad I finished on a good match,” Boran said. “It was close and fun to play.

We had a great season. I can’t be mad about that.”

Claire Lacksen at two singles lost the first set but won the second set before her match was ended because Westminster’s third point sealed their win and ended the match.

“I thought everyone played well. There is no shame in losing to Westminster. They are really good. They are usually in the finals every year and it will probably be the same this year with Westminster and Blessed Trinity in the finals,” Hon said.

“Our one and two singles players did fantastic.”

• aThens Banner-herald • A8 Thursday, april 28, 2016 Thursday, April 28, 2016 Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Oconee Leader • Go to theoconeeleader.com for picture galleries

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1060

Tissue Culture Technician

Georgia Seed Development (GSD) is a quasi-State, non-profit organization that produces Foundation seed and plants 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 Tissue Culture 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, plant biology, crop science, or a related discipline) and experience in tissue culture or micro-propagation techniques.

Other Qualifications: To perform this job successfully an individual should have experience and knowledge in tissue culture or 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.

Education/Training

1180

1180

The Northeast Health District has is seeking Environmental Health Specialist III.

Work as a member of an Environmental Health team to provide Environmental Health assessment and evaluation as a part of the Public Health Department. Evaluate programs and facilities for compliance with Environmental Health rules and regulations.

Recommends monitoring and enforcement/corrective actions.

Under general supervision, performs inspections, interviews and technical reviews and recommends enforcement action as needed.

Investigates complaints and provides education and technical support to the public, regulated community and officials.

Serves as compliance officer and liaison between public health agencies and facilities, municipalities, institutions, organizations and county and state agencies.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Primary responsibilities will be to provide oversight and management of the environmental health program in Madison to include inspection/permitting/consultation for the On-Site Sewage Program, Individual Well Water Programs, Tourist Accommodation Programs, Public Swimming Pool Programs, and Food Service Programs, and Rabies Control to ensure compliance of state rules and regulations. Investigate all assigned health-related complaints received and perform all environmental health office duties such as filing, letter writing, data entry, etc. Use of personal vehicle at State reimbursement rate will be required.

Minimum Experience and Entry Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which included the completion of 27 semester hours (or 40 quarter hours) in laboratory sciences (e.g., chemistry, biology, geology, physics, etc.) AND One year of experience at the lower level PH Envir Compl Specialist 2 (RCP121) or position equivalent AND completion of the Georgia Environmental Health Training class.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Pool Operator certification, On-Site Inspector Certifications I and II, Georgia Food Standard Certification. Current registration as a registered environmental health specialist or registered sanitarian by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), or the recognized credentialing board of a state or country having equivalent standards as NEHA.

Salary depends on qualifications. Excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance and retirement plan.

Please apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/ jobs/1409559. Position open until filled.

Let us help find that perfect new employee! Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.

Installation / Maintenance / Repair

1260

Installation / Maintenance / Repair

1260

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC/ INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN Benson’s Old Home Kitchens Bakery, in Bogart, has an employment opportunity available for a Maintenance Mechanic/Industrial Electrician. Applicants MUST have industrial maintenance experience in conveyor belt systems, packing/packaging machines, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical.

Experience in a food production environment a plus. Minimum 3 years’ experience working in Plant Maintenance and should have experience in mechanical troubleshooting, electrical, and PLC controls. Applicants must be available to work any days Sunday through Saturday any shift. Pays $18.00-$19.50/hr., based on experience plus benefit package which includes company paid employee medical/life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance and 401-k retirement program.

Qualified candidates may apply in person at 134 Elder St., Bogart, GA 30622, on line at www.bensonsbakery.com or e-mail resumes to employment@bensonsbakery.com. EOE. Installation / Maintenance / Repair

1260

Small local company needs Journeymen Plumber & HVAC Technician.

3-5 years Exp. with clean 7 year MVR. Send Resumes to mrsinc@bellsouth.net

To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290

Let us help you find your new career today!

Biotech / R&D / Science

Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.

PR OFESSIONAL

A Guide to Professional Services in the Oconee County Area To Advertise:

Shopping

Phone 706.549.FAST

Home Services

3910

Home Services

3520

Home Services

3520

3520

Home Services

3520

Home Services

3520

EDT CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

* 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

Queen Pillow Top Mattress Sets $200.00.

King Pillow Top Mattress Sets $300.00.

706-347-4814 Financing Available with no credit check Delivery Available 5 states

METAL OR SHINGLES • We do ALL the work & repairs: soffit, cornice, fascia & painting

State Licensed & Insured

For ALL Your HOME IMPROVEMENTS, Large Or Small, Call Today For A FREE ESTIMATE

706-202-6066 Call Anytime & Ask for ET Visit our website at www.edtconstruction.com edtconstruction@yahoo.com Serving Athens since 1989

Home Services

Home Services

3520

3520

BRIAN’S TREE & HANDYMAN SERVICES

WE DO IT ALL!

TREE SERVICES • TREE & HEDGE TRIMMING • UNDERBRUSH CLEARING • FULL TREE REMOVAL

FLOOD PROBLEMS? • STORM DRAINS • FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION • RETAINER WALLS

ROOFING • PATCHWORK • METAL • SHINGLES • ANY KIND OF ROOF REPAIR

www.gbedellconstruction.com Do you provide a professional service?

Advertise Here! Call 706.549.FAST! Home Services

STATE OF GEORGIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR Home Services

3520

3520

Home Services

3520

Home Services

3520

OTHER HOME SERVICES • PAINTING • WOOD REPAIR • LANDSCAPING • PRESSURE WASHING • MULCH, GRAVEL, & PINE NEEDLE SPREADING & HAULING • YARD & LEAF CLEANING

CALL BRIAN 706-247-5430 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK LICENSED & INSURED SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT 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 f Tree Service f Lawn Maintenance f Stump Grinding f Brush Chipping f Bobcat f Dump Truck Insured

Lamar Adams 706-224-2079

Paramore Plumbing

Licensed & Insured #MP209645 Professional & Dependable Offering cost effective common sense plumbing solutions! Honesty is Our Greatest Policy.

Emergency services are available.

FREE ESTIMATES | Call 706-283-5743 DO YOU OFFER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST

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

MARSHALL’S ROOFING

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: 706-715-0940

Crystal Clear Windows & Gutters, LLC.

• Window Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Gutter Cleaning 706-614-6798 • Instant Quotes Online Spring Special 10% off Total Services www.crystalclearwindowsandgutters.com PR OFESSIONAL

Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST

www.gbedellconstruction.com 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

Classic Home Repairs “I do the work myself and I guarantee the work I do” • Carpentry Work • Decks & Ramps • Int/Ext Painting • Drywall Repair • Windows & Doors • ROOFING AVAILABLE Kenneth Hightower

Professional Services

770.601.1479

homerepairs02@gmail.com 3715

Professional Services

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

Insured Free Estimates! 706-201-4380

3715