3.18.10 Towns Sentinel

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WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010 | 50 CENTS

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Zoller speaks at Reagan Dinner

DOC'S RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

Two doc's and a dentist want a seat in Washington

By: Frank Bradley Sentinel Writer

Towns County Fire Department Assisted in stopping the blaze at Ridges Home Frank Bradley / Sentinel Photo

Dr. Chris Cates is running for Congress District 9 from Blairsville and Rick Stancil, of Towns County take a break at the Reagan Republican Dinner held Saturday night, March 13th in Union County.

By: Frank Bradley Sentinel Writer

Dr. Cris Cates wants to put a little heart in the U.S. House of Representatives. And he's ready to put up his own. A nationally recognized cardiologist, Cates has been actively involved in the national debate on health policy for the past 20 years. Now he wants to be one

of the deciders on what the federal policy will be by winning election to a seat in congress. On Saturday, he spoke at the Reagan Day in Blairsville saying what got him all riled up. He said he was in Washington recently talking with legislators about the Health Care Bill when he was told by a Democratic legislator that "You doctors better get on board with this bill or we're going to crush you."

POLITICS

Gubernatorial

Cates says he understands the importance of quality, affordable healthcare and is already fighting to protect every American's right to choose their own doctor, access to emergency care and access to the latest technological advancements in medicine. On other issues, he wants lower taxes, smaller government, locally centered education, traditionally family vaues, 12-year term limits on elected officials, and

he supports 2nd Amendment rights. Cates is well known in the mountain area since he has held weekly clinics in Hiawassee, Blairsville and Dahlonega for the past 21 years. Bert Loftman, a retired physician, is also running for congressman on the platform of Fairtax, control of the federal government's spending and keeping the federal See DOC'S Page 8A

Radio host and television commentator Martha Zoller was the featured speaker at Union County's first Republican Reagan Dinner last Saturday evening at the the Civic Center in Blairsville. Calling our 40th president our last great letter writer, she said she thinks he would have liked the Tea Party movement. "It's gotten a lot of people involved in the political process who have never been involved in a protest before," she said. Zoller spoke of the joblessness of many Americans, especially the men. She said it is devastating for them. "As a woman, you can take 10 years off from the workforce and then go back and nobody will think anything of it," she said. "But for men, so much of their life is tied to work that for them being without a job, it is simply devastating." Zoller said the country may be in for a bad time, but that it is not the worst of times. Nothing like the Civil War, the Great Depression, men lost in World War II. "What we have is a money problem," she said. "And that can be fixed." She said she thinks it is good to have many candidates running in the primary. "We get strong with strong competition," she said. "I encourage that. The important is to get behind the candidate we have (after the primary). For the candidates, you should do the things you say you are going to do, and if you decide to change what you said, then you should tell us." Zoller concluded saying, "The era of Reagan is not over." Chuck Honaker, who emceed the event, introduced Zoller and welcomed guests and all the candidates. Candidates were held to a two-minute time limit to say why they were running and what they stood for. In addition to gubernatorial and congressional candidates, others running for Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, Agricultural Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools, and Attorney General attended and spoke. District Attorney Stan Gunter, who is running for the State Court of Appeals, was also there. Representative Stephen Allison, who is also Deputy Whip of the State House, attended and announced that he will be running again for state representative. There was a silent auction and straw poll taken at the event. There was also an opportunity for folks to have their picture taken with President Reagan.

EVENT

candidates speak out

COMMUNITY

Paris honored for

Reaching out with

Research

Water Quality Stewardship HRWC presents Holman Award at banquet

Republican candidates for Georgia's Sentinel Writer Ninth U.S. Congressional District and for state offices flocked to Blairsville on Saturday to tell local voters why they are the best candidate for the offices they seek in a hotly contested primary to be held in July. Seven candidates running for the congressional seat vacated by Nathan Deal, now a candidate for governor, spoke at a crowded Civic Center. The occasion was billed as Union County's First Ronald Reagan Day Dinner with proceeds from the $10 a plate meal going to sponsor two $500 student scholarships. Five gubernatorial candidates spoke along with Sandra Deal, who explained that Nathan was unable to attend due to another political event commitment in south Georgia. "He regrets he couldn't be here tonight," she said. "He has served this area 15 years as your congressman. Now he is taking a big step in running for governor. It's a big state. Nathan is a kind and gentle man. I know because I have lived with him for 40 years. He's a See SPEAK Page 8A

GMRE seeks patrons from across county lines

By: Frank Bradley

TOWNS

Sentinel PO BOX 172 Hiawassee, GA 30546

The Georgia Mountain Research and Sentinel Writer Education Center wants to reach across state lines to help Clay County citizens become more aware of the environment. The center's community council met with local business leaders last week to discuss a series of programs and express the necessity of the center. "Even though we're neighbors in a different state, we have the same environment, we have the same needs, and we hope to serve you just as well as we can serve the citizens of Georgia," staffer Joe Garner said. Council members said that the goal was to encourage people to make better decisions through knowledge, noting that the closest similar program in North Carolina is hours away on the other end of the state. "We want to cooperate with them; we're not in conflict with them," Garner said. The center is open for residents of Towns, Union,

By: Harrison Keely

Ann B. Doran / Sentinel Photo

Callie Moore presents 2010 Holman Award to Lamar Paris standing with Robert Head.

By: Ann B. Doran Sentinel Writer

The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) bestowed its Holman Water Quality Stewardship award to Lamar Paris, sole commissioner of Union County, Ga. last Friday night following a banquet in the ballroom at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (BVR) in Young Harris, Ga. Preceding the dinner and

award ceremony, HRWC held a splendid silent auction wherein members and guests mingled festively while bidding on vintage and other interesting auction items donated to raise funds for the Coalition. Watershed, 1. A region drained by a river or rivers, 2. A ridge dividing such regions from each other. Hiwassee River watershed encompasses three counties in Georgia as well See WATER Page 8A

See GMRE Page 8A

We e k l y We at h e r Fo re c a s t Wednesday

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TOWNS SENTINEL March 18, 2010

CA LE N D A R & C O MMU N IT Y Alzheimer's Support Alzheimer’s Support Group for caregivers and family members meet the first Tuesday of each month at 1:30 in the McConnell Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Society meets the second Monday of each month at the Hiawassee Senior Center (beside the Courthouse) at 5:00 pm. For info 706-896-1060, TCHS, PO Box 1182, Hiawassee, GA 30546 www. townshistory.org

Enotah Garden Club

Intermediate Bridge

Enotah Garden Club of Young Harris meets the 3rd Thursday of each month, at 1:45 pm. The meeting will be held at the Young Harris City Hall.

GWRRA MEETS Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month (except December) at Daniel's Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403

Mountain High Hikers Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasional specialty hikes, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Chattahoochee-Nantahala Trout Unlimited Chapter 692 Meets the second Thursday of every month at the Cadence Bank,336 Blue Ridge Street in Blairsville, Ga. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with fly tying instructions beginning at 5 p.m. for both beginning and advanced tiers. For further information call 828-3893016.

Hiwassee River Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother's Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Towns Co. Historical Society Towns

County

Historical

Location change: Bridge playing is held at the Towns County Recreation Department, on Monday and Fridays at 12:45 p.m. Contact Eden at 706-896-6921 with questions or more information.

Columnist

Conservatives are really good at acting like victims. The latest injustice they are suffering is the proposed use of reconciliation to pass the health care reform bill. Conservatives are calling this method of covering an additional 30 million people and reducing the national deficit by 118 million dollars a parliamentary “trick,” an “assault on the democratic process,” and an attempt to “cram health care down our throats.” If you look at Wikipedia.com, you can see that, since 1980, 17 of 23 reconciliation bills were signed into law by Republican Presidents, undermining current claims that the Democrats are doing something underhanded. Under Bush II, reconciliation was used three times to pass tax cuts even after the Congressional Budget Office predicted they would substantially increase the federal deficit. Conservatives significantly violated the original purpose of reconciliation to pass their agenda in the face of Democratic opposition and now are crying foul when the tables are turned. How patriotic of them. They have been cramming legislation down our throats for several decades. However, are the Democrats really cramming (or ramming – depending on commentator) health care reform down our throats? Shortly after Obama was elected, he sponsored a series of conferences where he invited all of the health care stakeholders to participate in reforming a broken system. These series of meetings included business CEO’s,

Regency Hospice Regency Hospice announces new Men's Morning Coffee Group: New location: Victoria's Bake Shop 2386 Young Harris Hwy. Blairsville, Ga 30512 Dates: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month 10 a.m. to Noon

reflect and share. Facilitators will be Reverend Darrell Golnitz and his wife, Mary, Director of Christian Education, who also lost a child. Join them on Saturday, March 20 at 10 AM in the Parish Hall. Please call the church office at 828-3893397 if you are interested. Good Shepherd is located on one mile east of the traffic light at Kerr’s Pharmacy on Rte. #64

Army & Navy Garrison Free Food Distribution #66

Single Parent Support Group

Towns County Republican Party

There will be a free food distribution Tuesday, March 16th, 2010. The distribution will be held at The Towns County Food Pantry from 2pm-6pm. All that are in need of food assistance are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to pick up your food please contact the pantry at 706-896-4783, prior to distribution day so arrangements can be made to deliver your food. All clients and inquiries are confidential.

Support Group to encourage uplift and change the lives of Moms, Dads and Grandparents who are raising children on there own. Introductory meetings will start every Second Tuesday of the month @ the Mountain Regional Young Harris Library at 6:30 pm. If you have any questions or if you need more information please Contact us at 706-379-9974

We meet the first Tuesday of every month at Daniel's Steakhouse at 6:30pm. Guest speakers regularly. Please make plans to attend.

The Mountain Coin Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Enchanted Squares

Early activities begin at 5:30. Meeting follows at 6:30 p.m.

Lions Club Meeting The Towns County Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Anderson Music Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Mtn. Community Seniors

The Army and Navy Garrison #66 meets the first Wednesday of each month. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Veterans meeting and Women's Auxiliary begin at 7 p.m. 2641 Hwy 66, Young Harris, Ga ( at the Ga/ NC State Line) Bill Curns, Commander

The Enchanted Valley Square dance the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at the Towns County Elementary Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ray Mauney is our caller.

The club meets at Cadence Bank in Blairsville.. For more information, call YOCS, 706-379-1488.

Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Towns County Seniors Center. We invite and welcome all mountain seniors from Towns and Union Counties. Music, informative speakers, picnics, field trips.

Prayer meetings

Castaway Critters

Everyone is welcome and invited to attend! Prayer meeting every Tuesday morning 10 a.m. until service ends at Eagle Wing Deliverance Church and Out Reach Ministries!

"COMMUNITY NIGHT" TO BENEFIT CASTAWAY

Bereavement Support Group - Meeting Changes

1591 Fire Tower Rd S.E. Fairmont, GA 30139

Welcome to a community bereavement support group. A place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. First Thursday of every month at United Community Bank, Small Community Room, Blairsville from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will only meet once per month. Facilitator: Suzanne Repp, LCSW. The group is presented by Regency Hospice and is free of charge. Please call 1-800-5778791 or 706-896-1251 for more information.

Winter Storytime Sept.-March 2010 for Towns & Union Counties @ Mtn.Regional

Leaning Left By: Jim Fitzgerald

Library, Young Harris 379-3732, Wednesdays 11:00AM. Age open.

health insurance companies, providers of health care, politicians, ordinary citizens, and pharmaceutical companies – everybody that would be affected by changes to the system. The stakeholders fully participated in these meetings, progress was being made, and Obama was showing us a new way to deal with thorny issues. He was not only holding public, transparent meetings, but also, in

Free lunch after service with desert and tea Its time America turns back to much prayer like never before. Matthew: 26:41 Thessalonians: 5:17

and

HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 16th, FROM 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm BROTHERS RESTAURANT AT WILLOW RANCH ON HIGHWAY 76, YOUNG HARRIS

Are you ready to escape the house, the cold, warm up your tummy, and find out how all your friends fared during the Arctic Winter in the mountains?? Come to the Senior Center in Hiawassee and join your neighbors and friends on Saturday, March 20th from 7:00 am until 11:00 am for a big hot breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and socializing! Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.00 per person and the proceeds will assist in benefiting the many charitable projects that the Masons and Stars sponsor in your community! So, don't wonder what everyone is talking about on the afternoon of March 20th! You be there with your family and enjoy this time of true warmth and great food! To purchase tickets ahead, see a Mason or Eastern Star or tickets will be sold at the door! If you've been once, we know you won't miss this fabulous celebration of End of Winter Pancakes! See you there! For additional information, please contact Brittnay Pack (706-897-1725), Frances Shook (706-896-2647) or Shirley Stallings (706-896-7943).

Although the seminar is free, it is necessary for you to reserve a seat by calling Sylvia at 706-7455125 or Susanne at 706-781-1678.

FREE Event:

to the hostess that you are supporting Castaway Critters.

Grieving the Loss of a Child

A volunteer from Castaway Critters will be there to answer

2nd Annual “Swing Into Spring” Community Home Expo Located at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa March 13th & 14th 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Contact: 706-379-4606

that is power my friend! Not only did Obama hold these stakeholder conferences but also he met face-to-face with politicians from both parties. More important, some of these meeting were televised and we were able to witness his mastery of the complexities involved in changing the health care system. We were able to witness his openness to incorporating Republican ideas into the reform process. We were able to see first-hand that the Republicans had no intentions of working with the Democrats to overhaul a broken system. In spite of total conservative opposition, Obama folded a number of Republican ideas into the reform process. He accepted the arguments

City of Young Harris Meeting The City of Young Harris canceled their Called Meeting and

for small business tax breaks and medical malpractice reform, among others. He understood that these ideas had merit and would contribute to the success of health care reform. The bill is bipartisan even if the votes fail to be. However, the inclusion of these ideas did not stop the relentless conservative drumbeat that nothing was better than something. I have to hand it to them, Republicans are excellent at fear mongering. We are more than a year down the road since health care reform was introduced. As Obama said the other day, everything that needs to be said about health care has been said. There is nothing new to add to the debate. It is time to pass reform and in the face of continuing Republican opposition, Democrats must forget bipartisanship and go it alone. Polling shows that the primary opposition to reform lies in ignorance over the details. Overall, people say they do not want the reform bill to pass. However, when informed of the key components (health insurance exchanges, existing coverage unchanged, prohibited from denying coverage, close doughnut hole for seniors), they overwhelmingly support it. Space will not allow me to provide all of the details but check the Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll of January 2010. To answer the question I posed about the “cramming/ramming” distortion, I fail to see how a yearlong debate over reform, that included all of the stakeholders, “crams” anything anywhere. Everyone had a say, everyone was heard, and now it is time to pass reform. Let the Republicans take their best shot in November.

of the Natural Body and the "Shed weight, Feel Great! a 30 Day Lifestyle System

Bus: (706) 970-9505 www.NaturalBodyMakeover. com www.CookingWithKara.com

Auditions! Camp Neverland Children's Summer Performing Arts Camp.

T-Ball

If you would like some guidance in dealing with financial matters in these difficult economic times, plan to attend this FREE seminar which will be hosted by Sylvia Turnage, Certified Public Accountant, and Susanne Johnson, Regional Vice President of Primerica. The session will be targeted to ages 25 to 50. Topics covered will include budgeting, saving, credit scores, debt elimination, insurance needs and identity theft.

worthy cause. Come and bring your friends. Please mention

Democrats gained control became unacceptable. They seized on this excellent opportunity to distract ordinary citizens from their gross mismanagement of the economy and increasing the national debt over five trillion, with a T, dollars in less than seven years. They yelled so loud about death panels, government takeover of health care, and socialism that people begin to think the Democrats caused 10% unemployment, fell into bed with Wall Street, and crashed the housing market – all within nine months of assuming power! Now,

Home Makeover, Look, and Health and

March 25, 2010, 6:00 p.m. United Community Bank’s Meeting Room

Anytime you would like for me to come to your home or church to ministries Call:706-337-3241 Anytime! Let's all pray for our nation, Soldiers and Leaders.

Anyone who has lost a child or grandchild is invited to participate in a gathering at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville to

Cooking with Kara

FREE Seminar

What a great way to have a great meal and also benefit a

any of your questions regarding their non-profit organization.

their Regular Meeting that was to be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 due to the weather. The Called Meeting has been rescheduled for March 11, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. The Regular Meeting will immediately follow at 7:00 P.M. Both will be held in the Council Room of Young Harris City Hall located at 5187 Maple Street.

Auditions Saturday, March 27 at Towns County Recreation Center. 1 to 3 p.m. Call for audition time: 706-897-1041. 2010 T-Ball and Farm League Baseball & Softball Registration

Our 24-hour prayer line is always open: 706-337-3241

"...since 1980, 17 of 23 reconciliation bills were signed into law by Republican Presidents, undermining current claims that the Democrats are doing something underhanded." doing so, undermining the influence of lobbyists. As Republicans watched Obama usher in an intelligent, inclusive form of governing, they starting going ballistic. If Obama was successful, they would lose power for decades to come and that was more than they could bear. Though they had been obstructionistic before, they really cranked up the spin machinery and played to everyone’s fear though distortions and outright lies. In the recent past, conservatives had voted to cut Medicare funding, to turn Medicare into a voucher system, to pay physicians to discuss end-of-life decisions with their elderly patients, socialized pharmaceuticals for the elderly, and the list goes on. Suddenly, everything they had tried to change before the

CRITTERS PET RESCUE

Pancake Breakfast

The Towns County Recreation Department will be holding registration for T-Ball and Farm League the week of March 15th thru March 20th, also the week of March 22nd thru March 28th. T- Ball is for boys and girls ages 4 and 5. farm League Baseball is for boys 6,7 and 8. Farm League is softball for girls ages 6, 7 and 8. The age control date will be prior to May 1st for boys and girls. Boys and girls ages 6 may play in either the T-Ball or the Farm League programs. Cost for these programs will be $35.00 per participant, All registration will be held at the Recreation Department. Our hours of operation are : Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information please call the Recreation Department at 706-896-2600.

Submit your events to Towns@Georgiasentinel. com

Broun Applauds Earmark Moratorium U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today issued the following statement after House Republicans adopted a unilateral moratorium on all earmarks: “I applaud my Republican colleagues for taking the first, small step to restore fiscal discipline and change the way Washington spends the American people’s money. While families

are struggling to make ends meet, Georgians should not be forced to pay the price for other state’s pork,” said Broun. “President Barack Obama continuously touts the need to reform the earmark process, so I urge my Democrat colleagues to follow our lead and turn their rhetoric into reality. We must use this as a stepping stone to reform the broken, budgetary process.”

Ted's Tax Tips Be fully prepared for the 2010 tax season By: Ted Noelle Contributing Writer

Tip # 1 – If you have questions about your taxes or whether you need to file call me at 706745-7998 or email at tjnoelle@ WINDSTREAM.net Tip # 2 – The IRS has just released a notice there is a $1.3 Billion fund for people who have not filed for tax year 2006. Of that, $45,700 belongs to people in GA who have not filed for 2006. And $39,100 belongs to people in NC who have not filed for 2006. SO WHAT? April 15, 2010, THIS YEAR, is the last date to file your 2006 Income Tax Return to receive your refund. Come by, ask for me and we will look at your 2006 tax information to see if you

might be one of the people who could receive a refund for 2006 and if so we can assist you by preparing your return. Tip # 3 – As a reminder, if you plan to use the Standard Deduction on your 2009 Income Tax Return, please bring your Real Estate Bill (Property Tax) you paid in 2009. This year we can add it to you Standard Deduction to lower the taxable amount of your income. LESS INCOME MEANS LESS TAXES! Tip # 4 – Don’t let the preparation of your Income Tax Return be a burden or concern you hate to face. Bring your information to us and we will prepare your return and EFILE it absolutely FREE. And smile while we are doing it.

March 18, 2010 TOWNS SENTINEL

Sentinel

OPINION

FRANK BRADLEY, Publisher / Editor The Towns Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor. Letter should be typed and no longer than 500 words. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number for verification. Letters that cannot be confirmed with the writer cannot be printed. Mail to: TownSentinel@gmail.com

The Towns Sentinel (USPS 015364) is published weekly each Thursday. Subscriptions are $25 a year in Towns County; $45 out of area. Single copy price $.50. Periodical postage paid at Hiawassee, Ga. Call 706-896-6397 to subscribe. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Towns Sentinel P.O. Box 172, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Ask Lulabelle

EDITOR’S INBOX Response to Mr. Lee's Comments I read Mr. Lee's letter in last week's Sentinel. Evidently I've been thinking all this time that a newspaper was obligated to print all points of views. I wonder if Mr. Lee would like to live in a country with only one political party and only one

From the frying pan into the fire

school of thought was allowed. I sure wouldn't. Remember the old quote " I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your Dear Lula Belle, right to say it." My son is almost two years -Patricia Snyder old. We meet with a play group with other moms and toddlers once a week. The problem is my son is for ordinary water withdrawals from our rivers, learning bad habits like hitting, bitGeorgia’s Environmental Protection Division which ing and screaming from the other is charged with managing our water need do noth- children. I really like the moms but ing more than issue a press release to newspapers in they don’t seem to care that their the area impacted by a proposed transfer seven days children are so aggressive. I try to before issuing the permit. No criteria for evaluating talk about my concerns but they the transfer’s potential impact must be considered. dismiss me by saying it’s just the That is not the case in Tennessee and South age. I am thinking about quitting Carolina where state regulators must consider more the play group before my sweet than a dozen factors before approving interbasin son turns mean like the others. What should I do? –Mom of a nice transfers. The River Basin Protection Act of 2010 keeps kid Dear Mom, the existing prohibition on water transfers into the Your friends are partly correct Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District about hitting being a problem with and creates a list of criteria for EPD to consider in toddlers simply because of their evaluating whether to issue a permit for an interbaage. They lack communication sin transfer. skills which can be extremely frusGiven our state’s reluctance to regulate intertrating. When children cannot get basin transfers and given recent proposals at the their point across verbally, they highest level of state government to move water often resort to hitting or biting. across the state to fuel Metro Atlanta, it’s no wonder Luckily, as children grow older, legislators and business leaders outside the state’s they are able to communicate their capital are calling for change. needs and desires better and they The State of Georgia should not attempt to stop being so aggressive. settle issues with other states at the expense of Aggressiveness is not a wanted Georgia cities and counties. Until regulations are in behavior for any mother but keep place that assure downstream communities that in mind, total passivity should not their economic interests will be protected, distrust be either. Here you have a great will grow and the real water wars in these parts will opportunity to teach your child be between Georgia communities, not our neighbor- some very important lessons in ing states. Although the growth of metro Atlanta is being assertive and standing up for important to Georgia, the remainder of Georgia himself. If the play time is more does not exist solely for the welfare of metro structured, it will prevent many aggressive outbursts and will be Atlanta. -Ron Cross more fun for the children and the

A thought on interbasin transfer regulations

This week, Senator Jim Butterworth (R-Cornelia) and Rep. Tom McCall (R-Elberton) introduced legislation that aims to regulate interbasin transfers—the process of moving water from one river to meet water demands in communities around another river. Even before the bill’s introduction, a firestorm of opposition to this common sense, good government bill was billowing from Metro Atlanta’s growth industry. That the bill has stirred such fervor only underscore the fears that business leaders outside Metro Atlanta have held for years—that the state’s metropolis knows no bounds when it comes to securing its water supply. If they have to pipe water from Lake Burton in Rabun County, they will. If they can stick a straw in South Georgia aquifers, they will. And, they want state government to facilitate it, not restrict it. It is the state’s responsibility to assure the economic well being of all Georgia communities and that is what this bill aims to do—to assure citizens of Augusta, Rome and other growing Georgia communities that their economic future will not be forfeited to fuel potentially unsustainable growth in Metro Atlanta or some other neighboring community. Opponents of interbasin transfer regulations will tell you that their regulation is merely a ploy by environmental extremists to prevent humans from fully utilizing our state’s water resources—that it’s about saving fish and mussels. But, if you ask any chamber member downstream of the big city, they will readily tell you their desire to regulate interbasin transfers has nothing to do with mussels and everything to do with economic muscle. These business leaders understand that when you ship water across the state, you ship jobs as well, for economic development cannot occur without sufficient water supplies. And, how does Georgia regulate such a contentious issue? It doesn’t. Beyond the considerations

Ron Cross is Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and chair of the SavannahUpper Ogeechee Regional Water Council The Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Regional Water Council unanimously adopted a resolution in favor of prohibiting Interbasin Transfers

Nancy Pelosi on the edge of 70 Get out your cards and letters folks, good ole' Nancy Pelosi turns 70 years old on March 26th. With the help of her plastic surgeon she should be 'good' for several more terms in Congress------unless the California folks get wise to her! Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas reminds us of her promise made during the Bush administration, she said, "if the voters allowed the Democrats to regain a majority in Congress they would establish the most ethical Congress in history". Yup-----I can surely believe that!! She also went on to pledge to "drain the swamp" of corruption in Congress. I am sorry for our country but I'm afraid her 'swamp' has turned into a cesspool. The Republicans don't have a corner in the market for

The Towns Sentinel is in the 11th year of publication.

DEBBIE WALKER, Subscriptions/ Circulation

LETTERS WELCOME

purity but this Congress and our 'glorious leader, Chairman Obama' have sunk to a new low when our President bribes legislators with legislation favorable to them. Vote buying is despicable-----to see lawmakers participating in the practice is horrifying! Thomas Jefferson, at almost 80 years of age foresaw the corruption in a Federal Government with too much power. He wrote, "if ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of extensive corruption, IN DIFFERENT and incapable of wholesome care". Does this ring any bells?? -Gordon Held MD

What's your opinion? Submit your letters to Towns@georgiasentinel.com

mothers. Take turns with the other mothers to offer a more structured atmosphere. Each week, one of the mothers could be in charge of a circle time, snack time a game, and some dancing. It should be short and sweet keeping everyone’s attention span in mind. Lastly, I would like to add that you should be careful labeling your son the “nice kid” as if the other children are not. One of the most loving and generous people I know got kicked out of three preschools for biting. All children face challenges, just not the same ones at the same time. Dear Lula Belle, The economy is tough right now and I count myself lucky to have a job. My boss seems to feel he has an advantage in this situation and has been mistreating his employees by cutting hours and being late on pay day more than once. I want to take a stand but am afraid I’ll get fired. What should I do? –Hard Worker Dear Hard Worker, You are right that you’re lucky to have a job and are not one of the (at least) 15 million Americans out of work. There are two ways to look at situations like this: On one hand, you can stand up and fight for what is right. But, I doubt your boss will say, “I am so sorry I’ve been unfair. Thanks for pointing this out to me. I am going to change now.” On the other hand,

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CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Towns Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 706-896-6397, fax 706-896-7036 or e-mail townsentinel@ gmail.com ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Towns Sentinel is responsible only for the cost of the actual advertisement. Customers are encouraged to check their advertisements the first week of run. In case of errors, the Towns Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

you can secretly seek other employment while you bite your tongue and endure your current boss until something better comes along. Take advantage of some of the cut hours and go hunting for new opportunities. Being “right” does not equal being happy. You cannot change your boss, so change what you can. Dear Lula Belle, I am going through a divorce and have recently reconnected with a guy I dated in high school. We went out to dinner and sparks were flying for me, but not for him. I can tell he is just not interested. I feel so heartbroken. I think it might be because I have been married before and have a child. Why can’t guys just get over it? If they want to date women in their thirties, chances are, there will be kids involved. He won’t return my calls. Should I give up? –Suddenly Single Dear Suddenly Single, Are you crazy? You stated you are GOING through a divorce, present tense. No dating allowed, honey. Period. You have a child. The last thing he or she needs is this high school Mama drama. If you want a recipe for a happy love life, give yourself at least one year after the divorce is final before beginning dating. Let the next year be a gift to yourself. Work on yourself. Discover who you are. Focus on your child and become the best mother you can be. I am afraid if you don’t give yourself a year to be single, you will end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire, getting burned by new and old flames. Need advice? Ask Lula Belle by sending your questions to: asklulabelle@winstream.net or mail them to: P.O. Box 311, Cleveland, GA 30528.

History hysteria unfounded By: Paula Canup Columnist

The textbook controversies are again in the news. Texas is currently writing its standards for their social studies curriculum. Since Texas and California have the nation’s largest student populations, it is likely that book publishers will write their books to conform to the standards of these states. Those books will then be the ones available to all states. The outcome of this Texas dispute is likely to affect education throughout the country. As usual, liberals and conservatives are facing off in a war of words and misinformation. If you have been listening to FOX News, you have no doubt heard that the standards committee is recommending United States History begin in 1877, leaving out the Founders and the writing of the Constitution. What they are not telling you is that early American history will be taught in eighth grade, and eleventh grade will pick up where it left off in 1877 and cover modern American history. As a former history teacher, this makes perfectly good sense to me; in fact, I fought for permission to break American history into two separate courses in the private school where I taught. My reason was simple – there is just not enough time in a school year to cover over 500 years of history (assuming you begin in 1492 with Columbus’ discovery) with any depth. And depth is what makes history interesting. I cannot count the times I have told someone I was a history teacher only to be told how much they hated history when they were in high school. It was boring, just a lot of names and dates to memorize. Well, I don’t

mean to toot my own horn, but my students were not bored. When we studied the writing of the Constitution, they divided into small groups and wrote school constitutions. We studied the Declarations of Causes of Secession issued by the southern states prior to the Civil War so they would know what really caused the conflict – and yes, it was about slavery. We watched Ken Burn’s excellent documentary, The West, and I read to them from the diary of missionaries who were massacred by Indians in Oregon Territory. The kids loved all of it. But, it took time – lots of time. There was no way to do all that and cover two world wars, the Great Depression, Vietnam, etc., in one year. The truth is, many history teachers never finish a history textbook, so modern history often gets shortchanged. I’m guessing that is what prompted the Texas standards committee to make modern US history a separate course. I would never have known about the two separate courses from the sound bites I’ve been hearing on the news. I googled “Texas textbook controversy” and was led to a press release from the Texas Education Agency refuting some of the claims made by FOX News. I also learned that the standards being recommended must be voted on by an elected State Board of Education which is dominated by conservative GOP members. For this reason, there has been much concern among educators that the standards will have a conservative, not liberal bias. The board feels there is a liberal bias in the current standards being taught. They would like to add information about groups such as the Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority, and the NRA as well as information about the

Republican Contract with America. Certainly there is no harm in including those items, but both liberals and conservatives must realize that one textbook cannot possibly include every thing they consider important. If it did, it would break the backs of the students who had to carry it! The board also wants to see more emphasis on Christian influence in America’s beginning. Of course, any study of the settling of American must include religion, as the Pilgrims came hear looking for freedom to worship as they pleased. This is included in the eighth grade standards. The Texas Tribune has published online the entire standards along with additions and deletions suggested by the conservative BOE. For example, the board crossed out American imperialism and wrote the term “expansionism” in its place. The two words definitely have different connotations, but the classroom teacher will be the determinant of how the period is presented, not a word in the standards. Most of the changes proposed are inconsequential – just changes in the wording. I have read proposed changes and see no cause for controversy in them. The final vote on the new standards is due to take place in May. Meanwhile, the Board of Education is holding hearings so citizens can voice their opinions about what should and should not be included in the state’s history standards. The media loves it – nothing like a good fight to help fill up 24 hours of news. What we have here is a nonstory, one that recurs every time new standards are written. We have bigger problems that need our attention.

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TOWNS SENTINEL March 18, 2010

C O MMU N IT Y Local Bowlers support Habitat "Harmony Grits" performs

The 5th Annual Habitat for Humanity Bowling Tournament recently took place at the Galaxy Bowling Center in Blairsville. Twelve teams competed on a Saturday afternoon, two weeks ago for an afternoon of fun and competition. First place winners were the team of Nell and Ernest Rice, Darlene Wilson and Ranny Jones. The team of Ines Bergstrom, Donnie Magar, Curtis

hadn’t used for awhile, was a little stiff but enjoyed herself as well as her team mates. Habitat would like to thank all who participated in this charitable event especially the tournament sponsors. Once again the following local businesses made the tournament a success: Alexander’s Store, Arne’s Auto Service, American Legion Post 121 Blairsville, Authorized TV and

Contributed Photo

First Place winners Nell and Ernest Rice, Darlene Wilson and Ranny Jones

Corn and Bonnell Thomas took second place while Steve Daniels, Joyce Suraci, Janice Allen and Dewey Allen came in third. Bowlers of all levels participated in this fun event. Some folks bowl in regular leagues at Galaxy while others like Lisa Strickland, Sr. VP at the Community Bank & Trust in Hiawassee, had not bowled in years but still had fun. Lisa said she found a few muscles she

Electronics, Aviator Café, Bergeron and Maltby CPA, Brasstown Professional Pharmacy, Bill’s Taxi Service, BPM Homewatch, Brasstown Valley Resort, Bread of Life Family Restaurant, Builder’s First Source, Butternut Creek Golf Course, Cadence Bank, Calvin Collins Construction, Carter Insurance, Chiropractic Health Center Blairsville, Community Bank and Trust Hiawassee, Cozy Cove Realty,

Cook’s Country Kitchen, Corrugated Replacement, Curves of Blairsville, Enrico’s Restaurant, Griddle Café, Grinds and Glazes, Head-Westgate Corporation, Home PC Services, H&R Block Blairsville, Jacky Jones Chrysler Hayesville, Jacky Jones Ford Hayesville, Ken’s Herbs, Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital, Licklog Players, Louise McTaggert and Assoc., Merle Norman Cosmetics, Mike Kelly Realty, Mike’s Seaford Market and Grill, Moschetto Restaurant, Mountain View Funeral Home, Natural Body Makeover, Nelson’s Ace Hardware, Pat’s Hallmark, Radio Shack Blairsville, ReMax Enotah Realty, Resthaven Florist, Rick’s Rental, Sears of Blairsville, Southern Geosystem, Smith and Boemann Law Office, State Farm Insurance, Stephens Federal Bank, Steve Perry Certified Cleaning Care, Steve’s Steak House, The Book Nook, The Hair Place, The Owl’s Nest, United Community Bank, Ware Chevrolet, Young Harris College and Young Harris Florist. Bobbi Tower, Chair of Habitat’s Fund Raising Committee and organizer of the tournament said, because of all of the community support and that of the participants, we are all winners! Thanks to all who donated their time, effort and talent helping to forward the Habitat mission of helping to build affordable housing for those in need in Towns and Union Counties.

Contributed Photo

The residents of the Manor had a great time when a group called "The Harmony Grits" came to perform at the Manor. With Jerry Wood, Tenor, Jerry Hobbs, Baritone, Lloyd Dunham, Bass, Hal Callaway, Lead. The residents all enjoyed their performance and hope to see them again. Also our independent living enjoys a Brunch once a month to get together and catch up on the events of the Manor. We hope to see a lot of performers come to the Manor to entertain our residents. If you would like to come and perform just call us and let Debbie Grooms schedule you on the residents calendar. Just call 706-896-4285. We hope to hear from you.

Lions Recognize Honor Students

Dreams, Trains, Music and Cures Contributed Photo

Back Row (L-R) Heather Poole, Cody Partin, Kaleb Garrett, Austin Arrowood, Chris Holloway, STAR Student Thomas Black, and Jordan Moss. Front Row (L-R) Hailey Silvey, Amy Vardeman, Melissa Conrad, Ginny Rhodes, and Kerry Abernathy.

On February 28th Hiawassee resident, Gene Fox, was surrounded by friends and family from all over North Georgia in a little church in Hayesville, NC known as the Cowboy Church. Gene is the recipient of a Second Wind Dream sponsored by Regency Hospice. “Every month I interview one of our patients and find out if they have any unresolved wishes or dreams,” says Linda Tatum, social worker with Regency Hospice. “I compile the interviews and our Second Wind Dreams board determines how we can make the dream come true.” Gene’s dream as a boy was to be a train conductor and now in physical decline he expresses only a wish to be a part of 2 things; a cure for cancer and to hear good gospel music. Gene’s dream of being a conductor was fulfilled as Suzanne Repp, bereavement coordinator with Regency Hospice placed a

new conductor’s hat, courtesy of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway out of Blue Ridge, GA on Gene’s head and announced the offer from the BSR to let him ride free of charge on the train when trips begin in mid-March. Another gift was a book of train lore and songs. The audience stood and saluted the smiling conductor. The church band played a medley of I’ll Fly Away and I Saw the Light to an upbeat tempo that had the whole church tapping toes and clapping hands and finally exploding into a full stance of celebration of the life of the guest of honor as he sat smiling and nodding to his wife, Shirley, displaying his contentment with the magical moment Lori Burks represented the American Cancer Society in accepting a donation made by the Second Wind Dreams Board in Gene’s honor as his contribution to researching a cure for cancer. To cheers and tears of onlookers a man who currently

endures physical weakness, showed the crowd his spiritual strength as he took his place on stage to once again play the guitar with his church band family. The music flowed from the guitar Gene played as the crowd marveled at his talent. While waiting for him to come down from the stage, Gene was heard to say, “I think I have one more in me”. And the band played on. Julia Vereb, Executive Director at Regency brought the Second Wind Dreams program to Regency Hospice in 2009. The mission of the program is to grant a dream to those living in eldercare communities or in hospice care. Currently, Regency is the only hospice in Northeast Georgia participating in the SWD program. For more information about making a hospice patient’s dream come true, contact Robin Watts, Hospice Care Consultant at 1-800-577-8791.

Do you have pictures, news items, or press releases?

Send them to Towns@georgiasentinel.com

On February 23rd, several of Towns County High School’s best were honored at an annual banquet sponsored by the Towns County Lions Club. School Superintendent, Dr. Richard Behrens shared an inspiration story about life lessons he has learned before TCHS Principal, Roy Perrens, and Counselor Duncan Weekley awarded certificates of recognition. Certificates were awarded to the school’s Honor Students, those with SAT scores over 1600 (national average for 2009 was 1500), and to the STAR Student and Teacher of the Year. Those students receiving certificates as Honor Students were: Kerri Abernathy, Allison Arnold, Austin Arrowood, Thomas Black, Melissa Conrad, Kaleb Garrett, Cody Partin, Shanna Pettengill, Heather Poole, Hailey Silvey, Alexander Spiegel, Jeffrey Stewart, and Amy Vardeman. The SAT awards went to: Melissa Conrad, Heather Poole, Jeffrey Stewart, Christopher Hollwoay, Jordan Moss and Ginny Rhoades. The student

receiving the HIGHEST SAT score award was Camille Guss who received over 1900 on her tests! The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 52nd year, is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education. Since its inception, the STAR program has honored more than 21,500 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic success. To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. STAR begins each year in participating high schools throughout Georgia when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by

their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system titles, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. This year, the Lions Club was proud to recognize STAR Student Thomas Black at this meeting. Thomas gave an impromptu acceptance speech, in which he thanked not only his choice for STAR Teacher, Alecia Frizzell, but everyone at TCHS for helping him to become the student and person he is today. Mrs. Frizzell teaches a variety of science classes at the high school, including the Honor’s level courses offered by the school. Congratulations to all of those who give their BEST! Submitted by: Laurie Rhatican

With three new swimmers traveling down to Gainesville with the North Georgia Rapids swim team, the team spent a rainy day competing against eight other teams. The new swimmers, Rachel Barnard and sisters Emily and Sydney Ebersold had a great performance for their first competition. Sydney, swimming in the girl’s eight and under, won her first ribbon, taking a 7th place in the 100 yd freestyle. Rachel and Emily, competing in the twelve and under highly competitive age group, swam excellent races. Their best finishes

were a 10th and 11th respectively. The other more experienced swimmers, ranging in age from eight to fifteen earned personal best times. Gracie Weldon brought home two ribbons in the girl’s eight and under division. Megan Foster, age ten, swam five personnel best times, perhaps having the best day among team members, earning one ribbon. Tanner Gay, swimming in his first meet since the end of the high school season earned two medals and one ribbon. The team will swim in one

more meet next month before preparing for the summer season. The team has been traveling to Murphy for the past several months to practice, as the team’s pool at the Blue Ridge Mountain Fitness Club has been undergoing extensive renovation. The team will be returning to the Fitness Club in April and is anxiously looking forward to swimming in this State-of-the-Art facility. For more information about the swim team, contact coach Barry Gay (706)835-1662.

North Georgia Rapids Update

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TOWNS SENTINEL March 18, 2010

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Public Hearing Opportunity City of Young Harris The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding policy document for growth and development in the City of Young Harris. In the State of Georgia, all local governments are required to adopt comprehensive plans, in compliance with the Georgia Planning Act. The Planning Act also assigns local governments certain minimum responsibilities to maintain “Qualified Local Government� (QLG) status and, thus be eligible to receive certain state funding. The Plan consists of several elements including Housing, Natural and Community Resources, Economic Development, Population and Land Use, which includes the Future Land Use Map. The Plan also includes a Short Term Work Program (STWP) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIE). These sections direct the City on implementation of projects within a five-year timeframe. The City of Young Harris, City of Hiawassee, and Towns County are working with the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission to develop their new joint Comprehensive Plan. Participation from the public in this plan update is critical to develop a policy document that reflects the needs and desires of the community. The City of Young Harris will hold two Public Participation Opportunities this month. One will be held on March 16, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. in the Council Room of Young Harris City Hall located at 5187 Maple Street. The second meeting will be held on March 23rd. at 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. in the Council Room of Young Harris City Hall located at 5187 Maple Street. Since you have a stake in how we grow, we would like for anyone who has a Young Harris address or has a business in Young Harris, to participate in these hearings. We would like for you to submit the following: Submit one (1) photo of Young Harris – Why is it Beautiful – as you see it Submit one (1) photo of what you don’t like about Young Harris Submit one (1) photo of what you would most like to see in Young Harris These photos can be old photos (historical) and photos that were taken in other seasons. You can drop the photos off at City Hall or mail them to: City of Young Harris, P.O. Box 122, Young Harris, Ga. 30582. Any individual who will need accommodations for a disability in order to participate in these meetings should contact Young Harris City Hall at 706-379-3171.

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Writers' Hub of the Mountains proudly presents the following : The Elements of a Novel $60 per student, 2.0 Hours Hayesville -Thursday, March 18th to April 22, 2010 2-4 p.m. Hayesville Senior Center

706-896-2002

1374 US Hwy, 76E - Hiawassee GA www.americaninhomeblinds.com

1034<RXU &RPSOHWH :LQGRZ 7UHDWPHQW 6WRUH Young Harris Hwy (Hwy 76E) Blairsville, GA 30512 (706) 745-1020 www.americanhomeblinds.com

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“Ballet�, “Tap�, “Jazz� and MORE! Ages 3 to Adult, Beginner to Expert

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On US 76 on the hill across from the EMC in Young Harris

Since 1949—

W.N.C. Marble & Granite 294 Old State Road Marble, N.C. Buy Monuments—Direct 1-800-621-1279

Britt & Capri

BENNY’S Sanitation

Women’s Boutique

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Residential and Commercial Garbage Service 706-896-2573

706-896-6222

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Jacky Jones

BRASSTOWN MANOR

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KB HEALTH Technology, Inc. Georgia Licensed Medicaid Agency also providing: Private Pay and Insurance Services Personal Care and Respite Celebrating 21 Years ‡

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Law Office

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Writers' Hub of the Mountains is a Division of Galactic Publishing www.writershubofthemountains.com www.galaticpublishers.com 828-644-4413

Men - Women - Children Come in and browse: Jewlery, Socks, Tees, Handbags, & Belts

Dance Classes

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Hiawassee Wednesday- March 24th to April 14, 2010 1-3 p.m. Mountain Perk Coffee Shop

Strut’s Shoe Store

APRIL 1, 2010 The Young Harris Planning Commission has rescheduled their March 25th. meeting for April 1, 2010. The Meeting will be held in the Council Room of Young Harris City Hall, located at 5187 Maple Street.

Look good and feel even better! 706-­896-­3300 2I¿FH 706-­896-­1050  -­  Fax

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Writers' Hub of the Mountains Upcoming Class Schedule

YOUNG HARRIS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

Aloha Wellness

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Sunday School . . . . 9:30 AM Worship Service . . . 10:45 AM Wed. Bible Study . . 6:00 PM

Senior Pastor Jim Blair Director of Music and Worship Hope Horkavy

Praise God Together With Us! P. O. Box 609 Hiawassee, GA 30546

1139 US Highway 76, West “ On the Hill “ www.hiawasseeumc.org

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Mossy Bottoms Cafe 1620 Hwy 76 W Hiawassee, GA 706-896-0553 Christ mas

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Page 6A TOWNS SENTINEL

March 18, 2010

L O CA L Broun to bring Congress to the Square Constituents are invited to meet with members of Dr. Broun’s staff U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) announced that he will host “Congress on the Square” this month in ten local communities. “Congress on the Square” is a series of events where Dr. Broun sets up mobile offices in communities where he does not have a district office. Broun’s staff will be available to help constituents who require assistance with federal agencies, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs. His staff will also be on hand to provide updates about health care reform and other legislation before Congress. The congressional voting schedule in Washington, D.C. does not permit Dr. Broun to be present at these events. ´, DP KHUH WR VHUYH WKH SHRSOH RI *HRUJLD LQ HYHU\ ZD\ , FDQ , XUJH IRONV WR WDNH DGYDQtage of this opportunity to meet with my staff members during ¶&RQJUHVV RQ WKH 6TXDUH· ,I P\ team is unable to help you, they will certainly point you in the direction of someone who can,” said Dr. Broun. “Congress on the Square” is free and open to the public. For more information about “Congress on the Square”, constituents may call one of Dr.

Broun’s three district offices in Toccoa at (706) 886-1008, Athens at (706) 549-9588, or Augusta at (706) 447-3857. Hartwell Monday, March 15th - 9:00 AM – Noon Hart County Chamber of Commerce 31 East Howell Clarkesville Monday, March 15th - 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Mauldin House in downtown Clarkesville 458 Jefferson Street Homer Tuesday, March 16th - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Banks County Chamber of Commerce (Historic Courthouse) 144 Yonah-Homer Road Clayton Wednesday, March 17th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Rabun County Chamber of Commerce 232 Highway 441 North Washington Wednesday, March 17 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Wilkes County Courthouse,

Board of Commissioners Room 23 East Court Street

Tributes Eva Jane Cothren

Eva Jane Cothren, 87 years old of Murphy, NC, died Friday March 12, 2010 in Dahlonega, GA. Hiawassee Eva was born September 13, Wednesday, March 17th 1922 in Clay County, NC, and was 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM a daughter of the late Barn Ledford Hiawassee City Hall and Ruth Tanner Ledford . 229 Chatuge Way She was a member of Moss Memorial Baptist Church and had Carnesville worked for Levi Strauss in Murphy Thursday, March 18th - 9:00 for several years before moving to AM – Noon Los Angeles, Calf. and worked for Carnesville City Hall Marriott Airlines before retiring and 919 Hull Avenue moving back to North Carolina. She loved gardening and had a green Lincolnton thumb.She was preceded in death by Thursday, March 18th husband, Denmon Cothren, daugh10:00 AM – 1:00 PM ters, Margaret Franklin and Helen Lincoln County Chamber of Cothren, son, Andrew Cothren, sisCommerce, Board Room ter, Ruth Ledford, brothers, Ethern 112 N. Washington Street Ledford and Lawrence Ledford. Surviving are her son , Robert L. Eatonton Cothren of Hayesville, NC, daughThursday, March 18th - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Putnam County Courthouse Audrey Lou Osborn, age 61 of Annex, 2nd Floor Conference Hiawassee, GA passed away on Room Friday, March 12, 2010 following 108 South Madison Avenue a period of declining health. She was born to Glen Alvin and Willie Lexington Friday, March 19th - 9:00 Lou (Sampson) Rogers on October 07, 1948 in Hiawassee, GA. She is AM – Noon Oglethorpe County Board of survived by her mother, Lois Rogers, of Hiawassee, GA; sons, Eddie Commissioners Office Osborn, of Hiawassee, GA; Brent 341 West Main Street Osborn, of Hayesville, NC; Bryan Osborn, of Hiawassee, GA; brothers, Gene Rogers, of Hiawassee, GA; Joel Rogers, of Sugarland,

Audrey Lou Osborn

Towns County Fire Report 03/08/10 13:54 R-1 Sky View Dr Medical 17:26 R-2 Duncan Rd Medical 19:08 R-1 Longview Dr Medical 03/09/10 03:42 R-1 Forest View Dr. Medical 12:27 R-2 Crooked Creek Conn Medical 03/11/10 14:17 R-2, E-2 Gumlog Rd Auto Accident 23:01 R-1 Gander Gap Rd Medical 03/12/10 09:30 R-1 Sky View Dr Medical 14:48 R-1 Hwy 75 N Auto Accident 19:08 R-1 Poplar Ridge Rd Medical 03/13/10 18:49 R-1 Church St Medical 18:55 R-5 Turkey Trot Rd Medical 03/14/10 00:31 R-1 Church St Medical 12:09 R-1 Hidden View Dr Medical 13:16 E-1 Walls Mtn Rd Fire Alarm

Towns County Sheriff 's Office vs Towns County 4H Shooting Team When: April 1 ( April Fools Day) Towns County Recreation Center ( On the Lake) Yep, its going to happen again. The Towns County Sheriff's Office is going up giants the Towns County 4H Sharpshooters in a re-match of last years shoot off between the 4H kids and TC Sheriff Chris Clinton and his Deputies who last year gave the kids a run for their money. No comment on who actually won but the kids have bragging rights and Sheriff Clinton and his men turned out to

be a 1st Class Act and good sports to boot. This match will be open to the public and will be a fund raiser for the team and will be held at the TC Recreation Center on the lake from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is welcome and will aid the kids with the additional equipment they might need in the upcoming competitions in Athens and Rock Eagle 4-H Center near Macon, Ga. competing with several other ounces hoping to shoot their way into the State Championships gain at Rock Eagle where last year they shot

against over 500 shooters and top teams from all over the states. Under the guidance of 7 NRA certified firearms instructors from the Chatuge Gun Club the TC Sharpshooter have shot their way into the state championship 7 out of the last 10 years. The fund raiser at the Recreation Center will help the kids get ready for all the upcoming competitions. Stop on by and watch our kids take on Towns County's Finest. The Shooting Team will again be sponsored by the Sons of the American Legions.

Local author published Here's what the author says about the book: Residing in the north Georgia town of Hiawassee, former detective Wade Tillman receives ominous news. A killer by the name of Mary Kate Turner has escaped from prison, vowing to exact revenge for his causing her incarceration. Accompanied by a second psychopathic woman,

Turner sets out on a bloody trail from Minnesota, headed for a confrontation with her hated enemy.The sexually starved Mary Kate nearly causes her own end at the hands of her partner when her lust for the kill is overcome by her desire for physical satisfaction.A local murder adds to Tillman's problem, as does a

ter, Terri Ex of Carrollton, GA, daughter & son-in-law, Lou & Buzz Stalcup of Murphy, daughter & sonin-law, Lillie & Fred Lancaster of Warne, NC, son & daughter-in-law, James & Lisa Cothren of Buchanan, GA son, Douglas Cothren of Murphy, NC, son, Ronnie Cothren of Carrollton, GA, daughter & son-inlaw, Sara & Mike Stalcup of Talking Rock, GA, sister, Donnie Wood of Young Harris, GA, sister, Maggie

Crane of Hiawassee, GA, brother, Darnce Ledford of Burlington, NC, brother, Garnett Ledford of Blairsville, GA, brother, Clarence Ledford of Hiawassee, GA, twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren Funeral services were held Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 3PM at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, Hiawassee with Rev. Jimmy RogHUV RIÀFLDWLQJ ,QWHUPHQW ZDV LQ WKH Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Ricky Lancaster, David Lancaster, Doug Tanner, Brian Gentry, Daniel Stalcup, Dean Franklin and Jamie Burton You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhome.com.

romantic involvement with a female acquaintance. With the help of three motorcycling friends, his bulldog Maynard and the local sheriff, he sets up a defense only to discover that one of the things he was depending on was not what it seemed to be.

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Mr. J.W. Shook, age 79 of Young Harris, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 following a period of declining health. He was born to the late Alexander Steven and Lula Mae (Hyatt) Shook on July 17, 1930 in Young Harris, GA. He was an active Mason. He was a saw miller all of his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Bob (McClure) Shook, sons, Buddy and Randy Shook and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Delores Mason, of Clarkesville, GA; Christi Schafer (Robb), of Blairsville, GA; Michelle Gibson (Jesse), of Young Harris, GA; sons and daughters-inlaw, Danny Shook, of Augusta, GA;

TX; Bert Rogers, of Hiawassee, GA; sister, Gail Wood, of Hiawassee, GA; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a number

J.W. Shook

Larry Shook (Cheryl), of Young Harris, GA; brother, Ray Shook, of Young Harris, GA; sisters, Lois Parker, of Young Harris, GA; Gertrude Graves, of Murphy, NC; Betty Jo Sampson, of Hiawassee, GA; sixteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral

of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 2:00PM from Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Ledford and Rev. -LPP\ 5RJHUV RIÀFLDWLQJ 0XVLF was provided by Bobby Taylor, and Lois Phillips. Pallbearers were: Jason Dyer, Matthew Goodwin, Greg Rogers, Wesley Wood, Matt Turpin DQG -HIIHU\ 2VERUQ ,QWHUPHQW ZDV in Macedonia cemetery. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.

services for Mr. Shook were held on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:00PM from Many Forks Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Ash and Rev. James /HH RIÀFLDWLQJ 0XVLF ZDV SURYLGHG by the family and Troy and Linda Henderson. Pallbearers were: Trevor Shook, Terence Shook, Kyle Arrowood, Eric Arrowood, Clay Gibson, Chase Schafer. Honorary pallbearers were: Austin Denton, Jason Shook, Jared Shook, Russell Barnes, Chandler Schafer and Kenny Barnard. ,QWHUPHQW ZDV LQ 0DQ\ )RUNV %DStist Church cemetery with Masonic Rites provided by Stephens Lodge #114 F&AM. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.

Humane society relocated The Humane Society's Mountain Shelter is celebrating the Hiawassee Thrift Store relocation with an Open House, Saturday, march 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hiawassee store has moved to 536 Bell Creek Road adjacent to Fred's and across the street from McDonald's. "Our Hiawassee Patrons have generously supported us with their donations and repeat shopping, and we want to provide a better shopping experience for

them." said Tricia Spears, Hiawassee and Blairsville manager. Free hot dogs and drinks will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Through the generosity of various Towns and Union County businesses, many gift certificates will be raffled off with the Grand Prize , a Toshiba Laptop computer.The drawing will begin a 1 p.m. When you adopt a pet from the HSMS Shelter, they will bring your new best friend to you to provide a loving home. they

are now recruiting volunteers for the newly relocated Hiawassee store and also invite good, sellable donations. Together, the Hiawassee and Blairsville stores provide over 50% of the funding used to care for the Shelter's dogs and cats. Raffle tickets are available now at both thrift stores and will be available at the Open House as well until the drawings begin. See you there. Call 706745-0033 for more information.

The 3rd Annual Stars Shine for Cancer Presented by the Relay for Life Teams from Towns County & Union County to Benefit the Relay for Life American Cancer Society. Saturday March 27, 2010 Tickets $5 Purchased at the door Georgia Mtn. Fairgrounds- Anderson Music Hall Las Vegas Game Tables- 5:30 - 6 p.m. Live Auction 6- 6:30 p.m. Shows begin @ 6:30 p.m. Food Concessions Open Great Bake Sale Advanced tickets available at cadence Bank & Seasons Inn in Blairsville.

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300 - For Sale Brown Couch, 2 years old, $25.00, Rollaway bed, $65.00 706-896-0565 Gorgeous, soft green, Country French, distressed China Cabinet. Original Price $1,950.00 will sell for $475.00. I will be happy to e-mail pictures for anyone interested. Call 706-897-5728 2008 Jayco Feather for Sale : 19’9� Camper $12,799.00. Excellent condition, only used during travel one time. Have used where it sits 2 times. Have sway tow bar ( worth $400) , electronic brake adjuster, 12 ‘ x 9’ awning, full kitchen, gas stove/oven,microwave, cd/radio, shower ( inside and out) . Please contact ONLY if serious about looking at it, and possibly purchasing. It is located 2 miles south my home, in a rental space, so like I said please be serious if wanting to see/purchase it! Located south of Blairsville, just north of Vogel State Park. Queen bed, sofa folds down to a full sizes bed, Tires like new ( about 200 miles on them) e-mail me at : scottan59@yahoo.com if you would like photos Call 706-781-1748 For Sale Dining Room Table with 4 chair, handmade solid hardwood, asking $200 call 828735-1328

400 - Animals Happy Jack Mitex For ear mites in rabbits, dogs, or cats, ask for Happy Jack Mitex. Contains no IGR’s., Hiawassee Feed

Eagle Restoration, LLC., Staining and Pressure Cleaning. 706-632-6266 eaglerestorationllc.com Cooking with Kara *NEW* The Hiawassee Health Hut, your natural grocer. 3243 Dogwood Lane Hiawassee GA. Open TuesdayFriday from 8-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-4. Saturday morning cooking classes from 11-1. For more information call Kara 828389-7044. Visit: www.Cooking with Kara.com A and R Landscape Residential and Commercial Lawn Care. Plant, tur f and grassing, lot clean-up, mulching and retaining walls. 706-994-2457 Tile installer your tile or mine, 26 years experience have references and liability insurance. Ask for Don at 828-389-9394 D&L Painting & drywall INC. 1BJOUJOH 4UBJOJOH *OUFSJPS t &YUFSJPS t 3FTJEFOUJBM t $PNNFSDJBM %3:8"-- )BOH t 'JOJTI t 5FYUVSF all types of finishes & textures 100% Quality Driven. Free Estimates cell: 828-508-5270 office(1): 828-321-2111 office(2): 828-479-4052 Massage Therapy- in the comfort of your home. Licensed and insured. 18 years experience, call Gerri; 1 hour $40; Half hour $25; 706-896-6108. Bush hogging, Stump-grinding, gardens plowed, gravelroads/driveways scraped, postholes dug, sickle mowing. Free estimates, reasonable rates, dependable service. (828) 8377809 Cell: (828) 361-8738 Housing Crisis hitting home? Payments straining your wallet? Call 877-835-8904 to lower your Mortgage payments. Walker Storage Corner of Old Highway 64 West and West Cherry Road. Convenient to Warne, NC. and Western Clay County.

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800 - Wanted Paying cash for gold! Rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.In most cases, paying at least DOUBLE what any pawn shop will pay. Gold tested, weighed and you are paid on the spot! 706-896-1380Sell your Boat, RV. We bring the buyer to you. 1-866-4178291 We buy junk, wrecked, rusted old cars and trucks. Call George 706-455-1129 Have any old Mac/Apple products just sitting around gathering dust? Donate old iPods and computers, even if they don’t work anymore, to Harrison by contacting hkeely@gmail.com. Wanted : Old Pinball Machines, Electro-mechanical, Call 828-389-6459

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Page 8A

TOWNS SENTINEL March 18, 2010

C O MMU N IT Y Doc's: government out of education. Lee Hawkins, a dentist, is also in the race with a platform of Fairtax, bringing jobs to Georgia and building up small businesses. He called the proposed federal Health Care Bill a "nightmare." Of the non-doc's running, Bobby Reese has served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. He said he is for term limits in congress and thinks

the U.S. representatives should have their salaries cut based on the employment rate. Tom Graves of Ranger, Georgia is running for congress on a pro-gun, pro-life platform. He said he is the author of a zero base budget for Georgia, and that he has traveled extensively across the country speaking to different groups including being one of the keynote speakers at the recent National Tea Party gathering in Washington. Bill Stephens has also served in the Georgia State Senate, including being its leader. He said he was for Fairtax, term limits, and a

freeze on federal spending. Stephens traces his family roots to Union and Fannin counties, and is well known in this region. Jeremy Jones, who is running for the U.S. Congress, said, he supports Fairtax and getting a handle on illegal immigration. He said he is only running to fill Nathan Deal's unexpired term and would not be running for the regular twoyear term in November. That way you will know that I will devote my full attention to serving you during this period he said, and that he would not have to be out campaigning.

Nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes today. Diabetes develops when insulin—a hormone that helps glucose from digested food nourish cells in the body—is in short supply or is not functioning properly. In diabetics, unused glucose builds up in the blood stream to higher than normal levels. Diabetes is increasingly widespread. While roughly 10% of the population over the age of 20 has the disease, another 57 million people are thought to be pre-diabetic. Most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 45, but diabetes can occur at any age. Type 1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes usually strikes in children and young adults. It develops when the body’s immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of diagnosed cases of diabetes. The body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, forcing the pancreas to pro-

duce more to keep glucose levels normal. When the demand for insulin becomes too great, diabetes develops. Some pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes, in which the hormones of the placenta limit the effectiveness of insulin. This form of diabetes occurs in 2% to 5% of pregnant women and usually subsides after delivery. However, gestational diabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Diabetes can lead to severe damage to the liver, nerves and blood vessels; blindness; amputation; birth defects or stillbirth; and thyroid problems. You are at a higher risk for the disease if you are black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, overweight, or physically inactive, or have a family or personal history of diabetes, high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, previous abnormal glucose screening results, polycystic ovary syndrome, given birth to a baby

weighing more than nine pounds, or a history of gestational diabetes. If you have these risk factors or experience increased thirst or urination, constant hunger, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, recurrent infections, or sores that are slow to heal, talk to your doctor. Women over age 45 should be tested for diabetes every three years, but earlier or more frequent testing may be needed in women at high risk. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how to keep it well-controlled. Type 1 diabetics use insulin shots to regulate blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through diet and exercise in some cases, but insulin shots or medications that lower blood glucose levels may also be necessary. Healthy lifestyle choices can also lower your risk of diabetes. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet of healthy and lowfat foods, and get regular exercise. For more information, go to www.diabetes.org.

Water:

that must be protected." The stunning sculptured art glass statuette was created and donated by David Goldhagen of Hayesville. T h e Hiwassee River's headwaters begin in the North Georgia mountains, flowing into North Carolina and Tennessee to join the Tennessee River. The Hiwassee River is the southernmost major tributary flowing into the Tennessee River from Cherokee Co., N.C. in the east and drains a 2,700 square mile area for example. The water-trip starts high up on the north-facing slope of a granite bulge that defines North Georgia with, let us say, one molecule of water beginning its journey that will end in the Gulf of Mexico. As stated by HRWC member Tom Bennett, "The maternity ward for this water molecule is Union County, fortunately, which has good leadership and an acute understanding of water science." With correct water stewardship, our aforementioned tiny molecule of water can remain pristine. Most likely our citizenry want their descendants and their friends to behold the same sparkling waters we are still free to behold. Much has been accomplished by this dynamic coalition that crosses beyond political parties to create achievements toward this goal. In 2006-07, Callie Moore and HRWC assisted as Paris led Georgia counties to craft smarter rules for water supply watersheds. Stronger language includes site plan approvals, annual renewals of permits, no more building homes above 2,200 feet above sea level or within 50 feet buffers from the full pool levels of Lake Chatuge; nor on slopes of 25% or greater steepness. Since its inception in 1995, HRWC has taken responsibility for and performed the following duties: It fixes riverbanks and plants trees; it fights algae in lakes, having developed the 2007 Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan containing step-by-step guidelines for lake recovery from algae, "if we will only follow them"; it tests water quality; and, last but not least, it educates (i.e., "A Day at the C.R.E.E.K. camps for junior high students, as well as other learning

events for all ages for which HRWC will coordinate, find a hall in which to hold your event, and set up everything). HRWC works primarily in the upper 1,486 square miles of the Hiwassee River basin in Georgia and North Carolina. Eighty-five percent of this watershed is forested. "Open water" is contained in our larger rivers and our five large reservoirs: Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin Co. and Lake Nottely in Union Co., Ga.; Lake Chatuge in Towns Co., Ga. and Clay Co., N.C.; and Lakes Hiwassee and Appalachia in Cherokee, N.C. The generous donations for the silent auction showed the dedication to this cause by persons from many walks of life. More than 50 items were displayed in the vast hallway outside the Resort's ballroom, ranging from vintage first edition books to a newly published novel by George Ivey; from delicate English Queens Bone china tea cups and saucers in a Shamrock pattern (won by Ben Kennedy) to a miniature John Deere round baler and hay tedder; and from a Round of Golf For Two at Brasstown Valley Resort to a sixcourse Country French dinner for six created and hosted by Anne Mitchell of Hiawassee. Our photo depicts the winner of a 32" Limited Edition R.M.S. Titanic wooden model. Mr. Tom Bennett of Hiawassee donated the Titanic model as well as a pair of Hodgman rubber chest waders. Those of us who are lucky enough to dwell in Northeast Georgia or Western North Carolina need to know that the HRWC is our "home place" in the watershed to practice the ideals of water protection. The HRWC is where both elected officials and all of us as citizens can discover these watery ideals and begin to support the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition to keep clean waters. Visit their website to learn more information at www.hrwc.net. Or, you can call 828-837-5414 or toll free 877-863-7388 or email to info@hrwc.net. They will welcome your comments, suggestions and donations.

t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

On Women's Health

t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " as Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina. That's us, folks. Forest and agricultural lands have shrunk as our watershed is being developed. Most people know in theory that land use and land management determine the protection of our water resources. The HRWC members and other volunteers put this theory into practical applications all year long. On Friday night, HRWC honored Lamar Paris for his many years of service and his commitment to strike the right balance between growth and environmental protection. Lamar Paris has been called a model to follow for other elected officials in our watershed. Paris stated, "The Holman Award is a great honor. I'm a private property rights person, but there is no reason we can not still have our water quality." Paris remains committed to working with state and local governments and believes the HRWC works so well with elected officials, who therefore see the Coalition as a partner rather than an adversary. This and similar attitudes will help to reach and to maintain the right balance between private property rights and a safe environment. While about 160 guests finished dessert (Brasstown Valley's perfectly dark chocolate truffle cake) and coffee, the lovely and hardworking HRWC Executive Director Callie Moore of Hayesville, N.C. welcomed attendees and introduced special guests such as Paris' wife and family. Robert Head, Chairman, HRWC Board of Directors, then presented the 2010 Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award to Paris. HRWC member Tom Bennett described the sculptured art glass trophy's significance: "The glass torso shape suggests the strength of HRWC and the power of water. The glass also represents the fragile ecosystem of streams and rivers - the colors of the living things in it

Speak: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " homebody. He loves Georgia. In the entire time he has been in Washington, he has only stayed up there three weekends. All gubernatorial candidates stressed their commitment to conservatism: right to life, Second Amendment rights, cutting taxes and the waste out of government. Jeff Chapman talked of his experience in business, as a county commissioner and a state senator. He said he was for an open transparent government and that he had never voted for a tax increase. Karen Handel, currently Georgia's Secretary of State and the sole woman Republican candidate for governor, said she was for comprehensive tax reform and was out to downsize the state government. Calling herself a bold reformer, she said she had already downsized her depart-

ment by 20 percent. Austin Scott said he was the candidate who had walked the state, some 1,068 miles in 64 days talking to Georgians along the way. He said he wanted to get the state's economy back on track, and that he sees better days ahead. Eric Johnson referred to himself as the only candidate who was involved in the Reagan Revolution. He has served in the state senate and said he believes in speaking his mind. He was also on a recent mission trip to India and said it made him realize just what a great country we have here in the U.S. "I'm for building a better Georgia," he said. He added that the state needs to put people to work by improving the state's infrastructure and by cutting out unnecessary regulations which are stifling businesses. He's for zero based budgeting and educational reform by allowing greater parent choice regarding schools. John Oxendine, who has served 15 years as the state's Insurance Commissioner, said he

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GMRE: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " Fannin, Clay and Cherokee Counties, the council said. "I think we all realize the increase in population in our region," member Lou Ann Bleakley said. "New residents face the challenge of a different environment completely in their gardening and farming." The center aims to help newcomers by answering questions and offering advice. "This year we are trying to help people deal with the economic situation," she said. "We are so blessed to have this in our region to help our residents." Seminars on topics such as cutting energy bills and even raising backyard poultry all add up, she said. Council member Peg Schneider described the importance of the program in local schools. "If we had to name one major supporter of our programs, it's Hayesville Elementary and Mr. Tommy Hollingsworth," she said. "They come to everything,...so we always go to them first." Schneider said that the center just introduced its first water lessons in Hayesville schools, adding that Hayesville will get the "first shot" at every new program. "The teachers told me the kindergarden students have an attention span of about 20 minutes," she said. "They are so wrong. You keep them busy, you teach them the right stuff, you're gonna have them forever." At the research center's recent Johnny Appleseed program the kids paid attention for an hour and fifteen minutes, she said. On March 19 the research center plans to teach a bird lesson at Hayesville schools, encouraging kids to create their own birdfeeders

in class. "Our programs are all about action," Schneider said. "Hayesville's really special to us because they believed in us from the beginning." A base of about 200 volunteers come together to design programs for each grade level, she said. Of the 2,700 students served last year by the center's education program, more than 600 were from Clay County, Schneider said, noting that the council expected more than 3,000 kids to take part this year. "Obviously, you can tell we are excited about this place; we view it as a treasure that's in our community," she said. Clay County Commissioner Herbert Cheeks said he enjoyed visiting the center as well, noting that he approved of the student events. "I always love the kids being able to go," he said. Council member Jennifer Cordier invited citizens to the grand opening of the center's interpretive center on June 5. "These are the oldest mountains in the world, and we have the most diverse biological plant life probably on the planet," she said. "We are living in a very, very, very special place." Cordier said that a plant rescue team volunteers to move plants that may be in harm's way due to developments. "Many of the weeds we stomp around on in our backyard are actually displayed in [the center's] garden because they have played an important role in our past and in our present," she said. "We honor folks who have set aside a portion of their property as a native botanical sanctuary;...more than 700 acres have now been preserved." Sandy Zimmerman, a representative from Congressman Shuler's office, said that the agriculture and education program was of big interest to Shuler. "It's good to see that the council

is the only gubernatorial candidate with sufficient administrative governmental experience. He said he can hit the ground running on day one. "Our state has a serious budget crisis," he said. "We have to do more with less. I've already done that with my department. We are still operating with the same budget we had 15 years ago, and in that time I've managed to cut my personnel where I have 31 percent fewer employees than I had at the start. Oxendine also stressed the importance in getting the state moving with regard to education. He said Georgia is continuing to fall behind other states. "Right now North Carolina is blowing us away," he said. "We've got to make changes in the way we fund education giving priority to the children." He said he favors a voucher system where parents can choose where to send their children. He said one of the biggest problems in today's schools is that the teachers can't maintain discipline.

+PIO 0YFOEJOF is working across not only county lines but state lines," she said. Garner said that the community council relies on donations to keep activities going. "The state legislature's been going through some turmoil," he said. "We think that there will be some cuts, we don't know how hard. We're expecting our budget to be restored;...hopefully the cuts are not as severe." Council member John Mays said that the center's budget is $8,000 lower this year than the standard $60,000 per year. "Would we like financial support from Clay County? I think the answer is 'yes'," he said. One of the research center's recent projects has been to study the effect of cold weather on palm trees. Garner said that while there have been more chill hours this year than last, the temperatures fluctuated more wildly in the past. "In 2006 we started working with wine grape, trying to have a diseased vineyard," he said. "We've got an acre and a half of wine grape. I know that you at least have some wine grape enthusiasts in Clay County;...they've come to see us before." The center's current concern is Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, a pest that has started killing hemlock trees in the north, Garner said. "This is the big black eye coming into our general area. ...We're working with scientists who are trying to discover answers on how to control it," he said. Claire Johnston, the community council's technician, said that the insects are originally from Southeast Asia, and noted that by the end of April, the problem will be extremely apparent as a serious concern. Clay County resident Clay Logan voiced his support of the council's programs to local business leaders, too. "It sounds like you all have come to join us, not to change us," he said.

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