3.25.10 Union Sentinel

Sentinel www.GeorgiaSentinel.com

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UNION

Volume 16, Issue 12

Two Union banks closed by feds Reopen under new ownership--employees still have jobs

By Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer "We welcome the Bank of Hiawassee, the Bank of Blue Ridge and the Bank of Blairsville to our Citizens South family," said Kim Price, president of Citizens South in Gastonia, North Carolina.

"We are comforted and proud of these banks 100-plus years experience and we will treat them and their customers with the same courtesy and the same customer service that we have always treated our customers," he continued.

Price was on his way back to North Carolina, the home of Citizens South Bank, and talked from his cell phone. He had spent the day in Union County, getting acquainted with the employees and customers of the banks, now under the umbrella of Citizens South.

On Friday, March 19, 2010, the Bank of Hiawassee and the Bank of Blairsville were closed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was

named Receiver.

To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Citizens South Bank, Gastonia, North Carolina, to assume all of the deposits of Bank of Hiawassee.

The five branches of Bank of Hiawassee reopened on Saturday as branches of Citizens South Bank.

This transaction includes a branch office of Bank of Hiawassee in Blue Ridge, Georgia, operating under the business name of Bank of Blue Ridge, and the branch office in Blairsville, Georgia, operating under the name of the Bank of Blairsville.

Hiawassee will automatically become depositors of Citizens South Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship to retain their deposit insurance coverage.

"There is absolutely no reason Bank marquee reassures customers of productive progress to worry about the new banks," He also said the banks had been He added, "If you have less than said Greg Hernandez, of the Fed- $250,000 in deposits, it is fully in- on the problem list since December eral Deposit Insurance Corporation sured by FDIC and no one has ever 2008 and that there four bids from (FDIC) in Washington. three bidders, with Citizens South lost a penny on insured deposits."

Working for You in a Citizen Legislature

Sentinel Photo/ Jacob Harris

winning the bid.

Calls to the Bank of Hiawassee and the Bank of Blairsville were referred to Price or the FDIC, which

provided the following information: Current employees will keep their

See Closed, page 3A

By Chip Pearson Senator

For those who can’t come to Atlanta to see first-hand how the state legislature operates, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain how business works under the Gold Dome.

The nation’s 50 state legislatures may be similarly structured, but differ vastly in how they operate.

In Georgia, the legislative branch is served by a citizen legislature, made up primarily of citizens who have a full-time occupation other than being a lawmaker. Our legislature is part-time, while many other states operate on a full-time basis where a senator and representative’s sole job is to serve in their elected capacity. Many of Georgia’s 56 state senators own their own businesses, as I do. Others are doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, pilots and dentists. These legislators work hard to balance their private business with serving the needs of their constituents. Based on the 2000 census, each state senator serves around 146,000 people.

We make the best use of limited resources to serve this amount of people. In the State Senate, one administrative assistant is assigned to two senators. They handle

much more than administrative duties; legislative assistants are responsible for every piece of legislation between their two senators, organize committee meetings for chairman and resolve all constituent requests, which can come in by the hundreds on a daily basis.

Senators who chair a committee get one aide to assist their office only for the three our four months we are in legislative session. State lawmakers do not have district offices with paid staff; we typically utilize our personal businesses to conduct legislative work.

The state constitution requires us to be in session up to 40 legislative days. The distinction here is that these are not consecutive days; we are typically in session three to four days a week, not counting those weeks that we suspend legislative action to allow for budget meetings or other business. We usually complete our work in early to mid April. This year is a little bit different due to our budget situation. Continually declining revenues are forcing us to constantly revise our budget so that we can balance spending through the rest of the year. Passing a balanced budget is our sole constitutional obligation. By law, the state cannot run a deficit, meaning we can’t spend more money than we have. We live within our means and operate the state based on what rev-

Sentinel Photo/ Jacob Harris

Appalachian Community Bank closed by feds

Georgia owned bank was 34th FDIC insured bank to fail in nation this year

By Frank Bradley Sentinel Writer

Appalachian Community Bank in Blairsville was closed along with nine other branches in North Car-

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olina and Georgia. All branches operated under the trade name of Gilmer County Bank.

On Friday the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, which appointed the Federal

Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver taking action to protect depositors. The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Community & Southern Bank. The

See MISTS, page 2A

UNION COUNTY WEATHER THURSDAY

FRIDAY

See FDIC, page 3A

What we call “the Old Court House,� now the home of the Union County Historical and Genealogical Society and the Union County Museum has occupied its present site in the center of the town square since 1899. Someone reconstructed a hand-made map of how the square looked one hundred and two years after the founding of Union County, the year 1934. Let’s take a visit this week to the town back then. It will help us get our bearings and appreciate the work and foresight of our forebears who really cared about the appearance and dignity of the county seat’s downtown.

Begin with the old courthouse itself. The modified federal architecture stands out even today in its restored state as dignified and picturesque. The clock tower catches the eye first, pictured against the blue mountain sky, its arched windows on four sides once revealing the old bell that called attention to special meetings.

When that courthouse building was erected in 1899, these citizens served on the By ETHELENE DYER-JONES County Board of Commissioners: Jesse W. Souther (11-01-1840 – 03-07-1920) was Columnist

See Working for you, page 3A

Union Sentinel PO Box 1996 Blairsville, GA 30512 SENTINEL NEWSGROUP

bank reopened on Monday under its new ownership.

Depositors continue to be insured by the FDIC. Customers should continue to use their exist-

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CO LU MNS & O P I N I O NS

By Jim Fitzgerald Sentinel Guest Columnist

LEANING LEFT

Six Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidates addressed a crowd in Blairsville last week.

Each stressed their commitment to cutting taxes and cutting the waste out of government. This is great conservative talk, especially since Georgia, like most states, is in a financial bind. Revenues have been falling for two years, financial reserves are exhausted, budgets have been trimmed, federal stimulus aid has been spent, and some fees and fines have been increased. Now, facing another billion dollar shortage, legislators in Atlanta are trying to figure out the where, when, how, and what to squeeze out of the state budget.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, small government, fiscal conservatives, already govern our state. State Senator Chip Pearson (R – Woodstock) is telling us that lean times call for a lean budget. Personally, I thought that is what conservatives stood for even in fat times. However, I suspect that our fiscal conservatives are not seeing this fiscal crisis as the excellent opportunity it presents for them. They have the opportunity to implement their small government philosophy and give the citizens of Georgia a significant tax cut – permanently.

I am not going to hold my breath but I have always wanted to know how small, small government would be. I have always wanted to know whether tax cuts would actually lead to increased state revenue. I have always wanted to know if conservatives actually believed their ideas about how small government would work if implemented, and now we have – no, make that they have, the opportunity to place their principles in practice. They have the opportunity to downsize govern-

ment and let us see firsthand their true priorities.

Now is the time that the proverbial tire hits the road because conservatives have to make the hard decisions of how limited government should be and how much revenue a limited and small government will require. How are they going to respond to this situation, particularly since they have been asking for just such a situation for decades? Interestingly, I hear no talk of permanently downsizing government, one of their stated goals. Conservatives are talking as if this is an aberration and as soon as the economy recovers, we can put the fat back in the budget.

According to Republican fiscal doctrine, a tax cut now would put more money into everyone’s pocket, people will go out and spend it, corporations will have an incentive for investments, and the increased growth would produce more jobs and tax revenue than before the tax cut. This, then, is the perfect time for a tax cut in the State of Georgia. This is the perfect climate to test Republican economic policies.

I am not sure we would like their priorities. Georgia Republicans are cutting significant monies from education, but that is not new. Since Governor Perdue took office, the Republicans have cut billions of dollars from education. For some reason, Republicans do not appear to value public education. Maybe that is why Georgia ranks among the lowest states in term of literacy, high school dropout rates, and test scores. In fact, we are 48th in the country in terms of our high school graduation rate. It was estimated that almost 25%, 1 in 4, of Georgia’s citizens are illiterate. These figures are from 2000 to 2003, suggesting an already dismal base rate at the very time Republicans started slashing the

educational budget. What do they have against an educated citizenry?

The cuts in education are not the result of low taxes. Georgia has the 16th highest taxes in the nation and among the worst school systems. If you look at the Business Tax Climate, of the states surrounding Georgia, only North Carolina has a worst tax climate. Georgia ranks 29th in the nation, not good for a Republican state with pro-business rhetoric. Maybe now we know why so many new automobile manufacturing plants went to neighboring states.

How are Georgia’s citizens going to respond when they get a taste of small government? How will Georgia’s citizens adjust to the decrease in services, the shortened hours of public offices, and the compromise in public safety? Consider the fact that Georgia State Troopers are likely to lose 10% of their yearly pay because of imposed furloughs over the next 12 months.

Their furloughs come on top of last year’s budget cut for Public Safety. Georgia has as few as eight Troopers covering 12 to 15 counties while 20 of the 48 patrol posts are closed anywhere from 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. and do not reopen until 7 a.m.

Now is the time for Georgia’s Republican legislators to step up to the plate and demonstrate, in detail, exactly what small and limited government looks like. Now is the time for Georgia citizens to learn whether tax cuts in an economic downturn will actually generate more state and county revenue. This financial crisis has been tailor-made for the Republicans to demonstrate their political beliefs in action. I hope they step up to the plate because I, for one, would like to see what the Republicans have had in mind all these years.

fully placed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1980. Today, persons who want to research family history, examine displays of the county’s past, or enjoy the many cultural and artistic programs offered in the old courtroom have but to visit the old courthouse on the square.

Thanks are due the citizens of the seventies and eighties and others since who have worked so unselfishly to maintain and perpetuate this portion of the county’s lofty past. C. R. Collins served as the first president of the Historical Society, and on the board then, during our country’s centennial year, 1976, were Edith Paris, Ronald Davenport, Herbert Dyer, Mary Smith, Ben F. Carr, Jan Devereaux, Bryan Webb, and Harold Nichols.

Now back to the year 1934 and that “in memoryâ€? visual trip around the town square and the old courthouse: Entering from the south, on the Gainesville Highway (recall that the Neal Gap Highway (now 129/19) was opened in 1925), a dwelling was on the right, and on the left a garage and another dwelling—this latter one once being the home of Judge Tom S. Candler. Proceeding around the square in 1934, visitors to the town would see a general store and a hotel building, with the jail a short distance behind the hotel. Next would be another dwelling, and on the corner, a general store. Next was a small cafĂŠ or lunchroom, a garage with a service station attached, and on the corner of the road leading to Young Harris, a drug store. Beyond that street, continuing around the square, another general store building, with an office building behind it commanded that space.

I must mention that the Methodist Church was located just beyond this office building on the road leading to Young Harris. In later years, the location of the Methodist Church was moved just south of the square, and in the twentieth century, to its current Appalachian Development Highway location west of town.

Then continuing around the square, next came the Blairsville post office, an office building and a printing shop. A “lunch stand� was in the corner, and attached to it was a barber shop (Ben Wilson was proprietor and barber in the 1930’s). Next came a hotel (Akins), and then the street leading out of town and toward Murphy and Blue Ridge at the junction farther beyond town. On the southwest corner was a hotel building (Christopher) with another filling station attached, and a general store next door. Maybe someone in the readership can fill in names of people who owned these businesses and dwellings.

The year 1934 was far too long ago, and I was too young to remember how the town square looked on some of my first visits to Blairsville from Choestoe to the south. But one thing I know and remember: A fondness for the place, its people and its history grew with each passing year. Here in 2010 I could wish for a time-machine so that I could return to those quieter days of yore when everyone knew his neighbor and all worked together, even to pay taxes that seemed impossible at the time. With a will the stately courthouse on the town square was erected, a substantial building that would be a monument to good government and a solid citizenry.

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county commissioner. Serving on the board with him were J. A. Butt, W. W. Ervin, and ordinary, John T. Colwell. Evidently then, commissioner and ordinary were two separate offices. These men put their heads together to try to come up with ways to finance the construction of the courthouse.

They proposed bonds, but when the referendum was presented to the voters, it failed miserably.

They even considered a new site, rather than in the middle of the town square, on which to build the new building. After all, the older courthouse which had stood in the same spot, burned. It might be reasonable to find another location. They proposed buying lots diagonally to the courthouse square for $800, but that did not meet the public’s approval. Mr. Stephen Major of Coosa District was generous and offered free land for the courthouse location if the citizens would but accept it. But again the offer of land, though with no cost attached, was defeated. So the commissioners decided to levy taxes to build a courthouse at the cost of $12,000. What a low price that seems to us in this twenty-first century. But then, the tax burden was heavy and many citizens had to sacrifice needed farm animals and other goods in order to keep their land and pay the accelerated taxes. To say the least, it wasn’t easy, building that grand edifice.

But the glorious old courthouse was built and it has stood, with modifications, for all these years since 1899. The center of court was moved to its new location in the new courthouse northwest of the square and the Historical Society undertook major restoration of the old courthouse. It was success-

The Green Column

CLIMATEGATE -A huge controversy about the questionable methods used by some to prove global warming. Added to this the coldest winter in many years, and there is an underwater tremor that is threatening the climate change movement with a tsunami.

Is global warming a fact? Honestly, most of us don't really know.

Have we scientifically examined the evidence to be able to answer that question? Do we have access to the data in order to verify it? Are we really different from the scientists on both sides who twisted the data to prove their beliefs? It is human nature to remember the facts that support our beliefs while we ignore evidence that proves otherwise. We jump to conclusions.

But we cannot afford to leave this to human nature. The fact is there are many other reasons to be green. Fact: We are damaging our planet. Fact: We cannot keep building energy hog buildings because of rising energy costs. Our economy cannot afford this. Fact: We need sources of energy and materials that cost less, are closer to us, and cause less damage to the planet. Honestly, that is what the

By Richard C. MacCrea Andrews Valley Initiative

green movement is about.

Are you spending a lot of money to heat and cool your building(s)?

Then fix that, not because you want to prevent global warming, but because you want to save money, and help our community keep the power company from raising its rates as fast, and reduce the amount of coal smoke that pollutes our mountains. Fix it to get a tax credit and because you are using the tax credit to give your local contractor a needed job.

Are you selling a green product or service? Don't sell it based on global warming. Use reasons that appeal to many more people. Show your customers how your product can save them money, help them be healthier, or preserve our beautiful mountains.

Yes, some of the leaders in the global warming movement are guilty of operating it like a corrupt religion, lying, bullying, even threatening to burn opposers at the

stake of public opinion. So have some of the opposers. Shame. As with the banking industry meltdown, the innocent will all pay for this -this time with much higher energy costs.

But we have many good reasons to change the way we live. We can leave climategate to the media while we make green changes in our own lives that save us money, improve our standard of living, and preserve our beautiful mountains.

Where to start: Local states are using the stimulus money to offer rebates on Energy Star appliances.

Georgia is offering rebates while funds last. (They estimate until June 1). North Carolina is offering 15% rebates during Earthweek, April 22-25. You might also qualify for tax credits and other rebates.

Go to energystar.gov and click on “rebate finder.� Fill in your zip code and check which type of appliance you are considering. Click the button to locate rebates. You will see a list of government and manufacturer rebates offered to your area.

Why not go down to your local appliance dealer and spend some of this stimulus and corporate money? Keep your neighborhood business going and reduce your electric bill. Now that's green!

Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building. rmaccrea@verizon.net

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

“What is that awful pain you get in your side when you walk fast, run real hard or play soccer?�

This is the question that I’m often asked, especially by young people.

(Probably because older folks don’t “run around� as much as the younger crowd.)

While running or walking briskly, nearly everyone has experienced the sharp pain in the side known as a stitch. A stitch or catch in the side-- a sharp, sometimes an incapacitating, but temporary pain. No one knows what causes a stitch, though there’s no shortage of educated guesses. One theory is that the diaphragm (the large muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) sometimes fails to receive enough blood, (which has the oxygen it needs) during its contractions, and much like a leg cramp, these results in spasm and pain. Another theory is that trapped gas pockets brought on by exercising immediately after a meal cause a stitch. “Sometimes running can block the flow of blood to the diaphragm,� explains Gabe Mirkin, MD, a private practitioner at the Sports medicine Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Every time you raise your knee you contract your belly muscles, which increase the pressure inside your belly. When you breathe deeply, your lungs expand to a much larger size than during normal shallow breathing. The dual pressure from the contracted belly muscles below and the expanded lungs above can shut off the flow of blood to the diaphragm.� Unable to get all the oxygen it needs, your diaphragm will go into a cramp and hurt. If you don’t breathe evenly, you can get side stitches when you’re running or walking or even laughing.

To prevent side stitches: 1. If stitches seem to hit you after a

By Claudia Parks RN Columnist

meal, wait thirty to ninety minutes after eating before exercising. Be careful what and when you eat before you exercise. Eat plenty of fiber. Try to have a bowel movement before you begin any exercise if you are prone to side stitches.

2. Warm up before exercising; a good policy in any case.

3. Work out at lower intensity for longer periods, rather than suddenly increasing the intensity of the workout. If you are going to increase intensity, do so gradually.

4. Well-conditioned runners and walkers don’t seem to get stitches as often, so work at increasing your aerobic capacity.

5. Learn to be a belly breather.

Look down at your chest and take in a big breath. What moved? If only your chest moved, you’re breathing with your chest cavity and that’s not enough. To fight side stitches, you want your diaphragm involved in the breathing exercise.

One way to tell if you are using that muscle is to get your chest and belly to move when you breathe.

6. Keep an eye on your belly.

Inhale. Exhale. It should move in and out.

If you get a stitch: First stop or slow down, then bend forward and push your fin-

gers into the painful area until the pain stops. Or, gently massage the painful area.

--Exhale deeply. As you begin to knead the cramp out of your diaphragm, take a breath, then purse your lips and blow it out as hard as you can. Take another breath and exhale again. Continue to massage your aching side and work to slow your breathing to a regular pace.

--Stretch the abdominal muscles by raising your arms and reaching above your head.

--Stop to go. Even though a pinched diaphragm may be the cause of side stitches, some walkers and runners will get a similar feeling from trapped intestinal gas.

The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine gives this brief definition of stitch: “A temporary, sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen or side that occurs during severe or unaccustomed exercise, usually running. The cause of a stitch is unknown. Stitch is also commonly used to refer to a suture used to close a wound (see Suturing)�.

It is obvious that what is known, as a stitch is not high up in the pecking order of concerns for the AMA. I’ve told you all that I know about a stitch--always check with your doctor with a pain that concerns you.

Claudia Parks, RN, is a former doctor’s office and emergency room nurse and retired as an educator from Fulton County (GA) Schools.

She writes Your Health Matters as a public service; the information here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Claudia and her husband make their home in the beautiful north Georgia Mountains near Blairsville. You may contact Claudia at yhm@windstream.net

Editor's Inbox To the Editor: I want to commend you and thank you for publishing the columns of Jim Fitzgerald. While I do not know Mr. Fitzgerald, it is a pleasure to read the words of someone who can articulate a rational argument rebutting and debunking the ravings and misinformation of those who seem brainwashed by Fox "news." It is important that the voice of reason and truth be heard. I look forward to reading more of his columns.

Roger W. Dixon

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UNION

N E W S & CO LUM NS PUBLISHER: Frank Bradley EDITOR: Jacob Harris EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debbie Walker CIRCULATION: Debbie Walker BOOKKEEPING: Pat McCollum

Sentinel

Moving legislation for Georgia

By Stephen Allison Georgia Representative

The Georgia House of Representatives has spent much of the session looking at ways to reduce spending in order to help balance the state budget. While cutting spending and prioritizing state programs is one of my top priorities, I am also determined to make sure everyone is paying their fair share of taxes and am looking at ways to reform our tax code, making it fair for all Georgians.

House Bill 1093 ensures that businesses operating in Georgia are collecting and remitting sales tax as required by law. This legislation allows local governments currently levying an occupation tax or regulatory fee through the use of business licenses to send the information gathered in the business license application to the Department of Revenue.

The DOR will then cross reference this information with its own information to determine if the business is in compliance by submitting their state and local sales tax, if they are required to do so.

This week, we also passed legislation that will protect the privacy of crime victims and their families with House Bill 1322. The bill will prohibit the dissemination of graphic images of the genitalia, dismemberment or decapitation of a crime victim.

It requires the release of crime scene photos to be approved by the deceased victim’s next of kin or a ruling by a superior court judge to grant public

disclosure. News media will be able to view photos under rules and regulations determined by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. My colleagues and I felt compelled to pass this legislation after a pornographic magazine inappropriately requested graphic images of murder victim Meredith Emerson from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Unfortunately, this magazine exploited the Open Records Act by requesting these images. Speaker Ralston became aware of this request and urged the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to deny this despicable request. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, House Bill 1322 will protect the integrity of crime victims and prevent any future occurrence.

On another note, the House took steps this week to protect animals from inhumane and unnecessary euthanasia. House Bill 1106 requires animal shelters to scan animals for identification microchips within 24 hours of an animal being brought to the shelter.

If a microchip is found, then the shelter must make a reasonable effort to contact the animal’s owner.

This legislation is intended to save the lives of lost pets and reunite them with their families. Another bill, House Bill 788, was also passed and will prohibit animal shelters from using carbon monoxide gas chambers when euthanizing animals.

Another piece of legislation introduced this week was House Resolution 1590. This resolution is a constitutional amendment that will move the Georgia 4-H program from the Board of Regents to the Department of Agriculture. This move has become necessary due to a recent attempt by the University of Georgia to close all 4-H facilities across the state.

Finally, my legislation, House Bill 866, which deals with rural physicians, has made its way through the House Health and Human Services Committee and on Thursday it was heard by the House Rules Committee. This is good news for our district, as it will encourage physicians to relocate to the rural areas to practice medicine in the under served areas of Georgia, through the use of state matching grants from rural hospitals and other health care facilities.

I hope that this bill will be on the floor of the house this week.

As we discuss and vote on this new legislation, I want to know how you and your family feel about issues concerning the future of Georgia. I am always eager to hear your thoughts and concerns. Please feel free to call me with any questions or comments that you might have regarding our state. Contact me if I may be of any assistance at 404-656-0177.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the address listed below: Union Sentinel, PO Box 1996, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Closed: Continued from page 1A

jobs. They know their customers, the area and good customer service. They will continue as community banks, just as Citizens South.

All deposit accounts have been transferred to Citizens South and are available immediately. No one lost any money on deposits with any of the banks. The banks will keep their names, The Bank of Hiawassee, Bank of Blue Ridge and Bank of Blairsville, and operate as divisions of Citizens South Bank. The banks will remain open during regular business hours and business will be done as usual.

Checks that were drawn on the Bank of Hiawassee, Bank of Blue Ridge and the Bank of Blairsville that did not clear before closure will be honored as long as sufficient funds are in the account.

The Automated Teller Machines (ATM), debit cards and online service will stay the same.

The same checking account numbers, checks and debit cards can be used.

Checks will be processed as usual. All outstanding checks will be paid against the available balance(s) as if no change had occurred.

Customers with loans with the banks should continue to make payments as usual. The terms of the loan will not change.

Direct deposits, including Social Security and payroll checks, will continue as currently set up.

No changes need to be made.

Interest on all deposits accrued through Friday, March 19, 2010,

will be paid at the same rate.

Safe deposit boxes can be accessed as usual. Customers should go to the local branch just as they have in the past.

As of December 31, 2009, Bank of Hiawassee had approximately $377.8 million in total assets and $339.6 million in total deposits.

Citizens South Bank will pay the FDIC a premium of one percent to assume all of the deposits of Bank of Hiawassee. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Citizens South Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

The FDIC and Citizens South Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on $232.6 million of Bank of Hiawassee’s assets. Citizens South Bank will share in the losses on the asset pools covered under the loss-share agreement.

The loss-share transaction is projected to maximize returns on the assets covered by keeping them in the private sector. The transaction also is expected to minimize disruptions for loan customers.

On Saturday morning, most customers at Bank of Hiawassee, Bank of Blue Ridge and Bank of Blairsville were not aware that the banks were under new ownership.

One said, "It makes no difference to me. I’ve been with this bank for seven years and I’m not changing."

A lady from Young Harris said she had used the bank "as long as I can remember" and what they did with the name or the owners didn’t matter to her--she liked the

NOTICE you.

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Continued from page 1A

one percent to assume al of the deposits of Appalachian Community Bank. In addition to assuming al of the deposits of the failed bank, Community & Southern Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the bank's assets.

FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $419.3 mil-

lion. Community & Southern Bank's acquisition of all the deposits was the "least costly" resolution for the FDIC's DIF compared to all alternatives, according to its press release.

Appalachian Community Bank is the 34th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the nation this year, and the fourth in Georgia.

National health care bill passes

By Jane Kidd Democratic party of Georgia Chair

After nearly a century of attempts by both political parties to reform the American healthcare system, a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress made this dream come true.

No longer will pre-existing conditions prevent someone from obtaining health insurance. No longer must a person forego job opportunities with

higher wages in order to remain on their health plan. Insurance providers will not be able to drop your coverage should you get sick. Insurance coverage will expand to cover an additional 32 million Americans. It is the largest deficit reduction in more than a decade, as the non-partisan CBO expects it to cut the deficit by more than $100 billion over the next 10 years and by more than $1 trillion in the

next twenty.

Let’s enjoy this victory. It is good policy that empowers all Americans, lowers our budget deficit, and more importantlygives life and health to those who have the least among us.

We’ve won another important battle for the American people.

Let’s savor this moment and continue fighting for all Americans. It’s a triumph of the most important magnitude.

Governor Issues Writ of Election for U.S. House Seat Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has issued a writ of special election to fill the vacancy of 9th Congressional District due to the resignation of Congressman Nathan Deal. Deal submitted his resignation letter last night, effective immediately.

The special election to fill the va-

cancy will be held April 27, 2010.

Qualifying dates will be set by the Secretary of State’s office. Below is the writ of election: A vacancy now exists in the United States House of Representatives due to the resignation of the official elected to represent Georgia’s Ninth District.

GET BREAKING NEWS UPDATES ON YOUR PHONE:

Therefore, pursuant to Section 21-2-543 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, a writ of election is hereby issued to the Secretary of State for a special election to be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, to fill the vacancy in Georgia ’s Ninth District of the United States House of Representatives.

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people who handled her money and they "had never done me wrong."

Bank employees were equally upbeat. One teller said, "We’re a 5-star bank now--that’s better than ever."

Another said, "They told us we didn’t have to worry about our jobs and that’s important to me.

I feel like the customers are part of my family and I like to see them come in and be able to help them."

Citizens South is a community bank based in Gastonia, NC that has been in business more that 100 years and operates 16 branches in and around Charlotte, NC. Georgia leads the nation in the number of bank failures. Regulators have closed 28 Georgia banks in one year (since March 20, 2009), and five since January 2010.

Forces that lead to Georgia’s growth is now leading to failures.

According to FDIC figures, investors were eager to cash in on the state’s growth and Georgia trailed only California and Florida, both larger states, in the number of new banks started in the 21st century.

"The banks that failed had a concentration in acquisition development construction loans and commercial real estate loans," said Hernandez.

Kim Price said he didn’t consider any of the banks as failures and they would work to make them all part of Citizens South and be "better and stronger" than ever.

Get people to

FDIC: ing branch until they receive notice from Community & Southern Bank that it has completed systems changes.

As of December 31, 2009, Appalachian Community Bank had approximately $1.01 billion in total assets and $917.6 million in total deposits. Community & Southern Bank is to pay the FDIC a premium of

828-389-8338

CORRECTIONS: If you find a mistake of fact in the Union Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call or stop in so we can make it right in the next week's edition. Email us

Working for you: Continued from page 1A

enues we receive, primarily from sales and income ta xes.

It’s interesting to note that many states w ith worse budget situations than ours have a full time legislature, such as California, New York and New Jersey. Though we officially meet for only 40 legislative days, we are ex pected to represent our constituents 365 days a year. During the months we’re not in session, we continue meeting w ith constituents, working on legislation and attending study committees or polic y meetings to prepare for the next session.

The state’s budget crisis forces lawmakers to make some tough decisions. Yet while we’re asking all state entities to help share the burden of budget cuts, we’re also working to find internal efficiencies and spending cuts. Legislators have been furloughed 11 days this fiscal year, and our staff has taken the same three furlough days required of all state employees. Despite

hav ing taken these furlough days, we continue to work from home and on the road for our people. Again, we do our best to operate on as little as possible. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and New York make over $79,000 a year. California state legislators make over $95,000. In Georgia, our state lawmakers are paid $17,000 a year.

Making money is not our focus; we’re here to represent our people.

Meeting the needs of Georgia’s more than 9 million citizens w ith limited resources is a daily challenge. It’s a challenge that first inspired me to enter public ser v ice.

After working at the local par ty level for 15 years, my passion for public ser v ice led me to the State Senate. Here I’m dedicated to working on behalf of conser vative Republican principles that influence the direction of our state toward positive grow th and securing our freedoms for the next generation.

I’m pleased that so many

of my constituents reach out to my office for assistance. I especially enjoy the oppor tunities when I can help solve a constituent’s issue. W hile our state government must be increasingly trimmed back , I’m dedicated to ensuring that my ser v ice to you is not affected in the slightest.

The role of a state legislator is to represent constituents’ interests in developing favorable public polic y to govern our state. For si x years, it has been my honor to ser ve the people of the 51st Senate District in this capacity, and I look for ward to continuing my ser v ice on your behalf.

Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@ senate.ga.gov.

Send news tips, photographs, letters, opinions and suggestions to usentinel@gmail.com

Page 4A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

C A L E NDA R will meet April 9th @ 11 : 3 0 a . m . at Daniels' Steakhouse in Hiawassee, Ga., in their small private dinning room, known as the " L i b r a r y " . We l o o k f o r w a r d to meeting you there. For questions, please call Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Counselor with Regency Hospice at 706-896-1251 or 1-800-597-8791.

Union: Upcoming Events Ca s t aw ay C r i t t e r s Pe t R e s cue Castaway Critters Pet Rescue is seeking a Fundraisi n g C o r d i n a t o r. I n d i v i d u a l will plan and coordinate various fund-raisers for the financial needs of the animals, transport of dogs, and upkeep of dog and cat shelters. Please call June Yo u n g a t 7 0 6 - 4 0 0 - 8 6 1 2 , o r

Martha Rollison at 706379-2729.

Blue Ridge. For tickets or more information, call (706) 632-9223.01.

C h i l d r e n' s Th e April "Dining ater "James and the Giant w i t h Peach," this season's first Fr i e n d s " Sunny D Children's Thea t e r p l a y, w i l l o p e n M a r c h 26 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances will be staged March 27 and April 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and March 27 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 2591 East First Street in

For those who have experienced the loss of a loved o n e o r f a m i l y m e m b e r, friend or other loss, and would enjoy a meal with others with the same loss, p l e a s e c o m e a n d j o i n u s . We

Po s t m a s t e r s Co nve n t i o n

SUPPORT Road to Recovery

Are you a cancer patient? Do you need a ride to and from your treatment sessions?

A lack of transportation should not be the reason why cancer patients do not receive the life-saving cancer treatment they need. The American Cancer Society offers their Road to Recovery program to help transport cancer patients to and from their treatment. The Society has a toll-free number that you may call, and an operator will put you in touch with local volunteers that give cancer patients without personal transportation rides to and from their cancer treatment sessions.

Give them a call at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Man to Man

Prostate Cancer Support Group—3rd Monday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at The Cancer Treatment Center Auditorium, 750 Deep South Road, Blairsville.

Parkinson’s support

Our group meets at 3 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the conference room of the Union County Public Library. For further information contact Paula Wilde at (706) 745- 6594 or Peter and Helen Schultze at (706) 745-9171.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Blairsville group meets every Monday and Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. at the Mountain Presbyterian Church on Hwy. 515. For more information call 706-994-4462.

T.O.P.S.

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) support group is moving to a new location at Zion United Methodist Church, 4812 Young Harris Hwy. Time weigh in 5:00; meeting starts at 5:30. Come join us to learn how to lose weight the sensible way. Membership fee of $24 includes monthly magazine subscription. Monthly awards and contests, weekly programs on nutrition and health. For more information call Sandy at 706-835-1607.

Morning Coffee Group

Regency Hospice announces Men’s Morning Coffee Group at Mary Ann’s Restaurant. For men who have a lost spouse, partner, or experienced other losses and would like to share with other men, please join us on Tuesday at 10 a.m. We meet the first and third Tuesday morning of each month.

For more information call Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Counselor at Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Ga., at 800-577-8791.

Cancer Support Group

At the United Community Bank in Hayesville, N.C. Patients, families and friends are all welcome to attend. United Community Bank is located at the corner of Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 69. Meeting time is 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The group will meet twice a month (on the 2nd and 4th Mondays). For more information, please call Janet Curns evenings at 828-3890295.

Narcotics Anonymous Weekly Meetings List

Mondays - 7 p.m. 12-Step meeting at Union County Annex Building located at 71 Hospital Street. This is an open meeting. Union County Anti-Drug Coalition.

Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Towns County Avita Community Partners. Meet at 1100 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris, Ga. Tuesdays - 7 p.m. Discussion meeting at Union County Annex Building & New Hope Counseling at 71 Hospital St. Wednesdays - 6 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Avita Community Partners. 41 Hospital St., Suite 100, Blairsville.

Fridays - 8 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Annex & New Hope Counseling, 71 Hospital St. All the meetings are open & anyone can attend. For more information regarding any of these meetings, please call 706897-9775, 706-896-6263 or 706-7454066.

Bereavement Support Group Meeting

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 1-800-577-8791 or 706-896-1251 for more information.

Young Harris Al Anon

The Young Harris Al Anon Family Group will meet at 12 Noon every Tuesday in Young Harris, Ga., at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church, Room 105.

For more information, please call 706781-3158.

Your Journey From Mourning to Joy

GriefShare is a Biblically-based weekly support group for people grieving the

death of someone close. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life.

A GriefShare group meets every Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting September 1, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Blairsville. Call 706 745-7777 for more information.

ACTIVITIES GWRRA meets

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00 during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed.

We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters.

There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us.

For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403

Tri-State Business Women

Formerly known as Business Women of Blairsville, the Tri-State Business Women is an organization of entrepreneurial women in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee who own and operate their own businesses and are a positive force in the community. Their vision and mission is to support one another in continuing success through networking and marketing.

If you are a woman in business in the area, there is a place for you to receive support, gain leads, and spread the word about your practice or business in the area. Meetings are held every Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at Grinds N Glazes in Blairsville. For more information, please contact Susanne Johnson, President, at 706-781-1678 or Cathy Wheeler at 706781-1050.

Ga. Mtn. Writers Club

We meet 10 a.m. to noon the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church on the Young Harris Highway. We have no PHPEHUVKLS GXHV RU HOHFWHG RIÀFHUV DQG meet to share our writings and provide helpful criticism, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to each other. Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a writer - just visit and enjoy listening to readings and discussion. You will be entertained – and maybe acquire a new interest. Call for information: Larry Casey at 781-6636 or Ellie Dobson at 745-0678. Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council, monthly meeting is on the second Thursday of the month and meets 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville. All active members are invited to attend the meeting and social hour.

Bagpipe Instruction

The Appalachian Saint Andrew’s Pipes and Drums bagpipe band is offering free instruction to all who want to learn how to play the Great Highland Bagpipe or learn Regimental Drumming. The band meets each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Parish Hall of Saint Clare’s Episcopal Church for instruction and practice. For further information, please call 706-835-9071 or 706-745-3526.

Mountain High Hiker's Schedule

Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, 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.

Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is dedicated to serving and supporting young people in the immediate area around Blairsville through numerous projects.

The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobb’s Mill restaurant in Blairsville at 12:00 Noon each Monday. Come join in the fun with us. For more information, contact President Charlie Krick at (706)7816793.

DAV

The Disabled American Veterans meet monthly on the second Monday of each month at noon in the Old Nursing Home, Room 116, in Blairsville. Please join them.

Club 180 for Teens

Join us on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship, fun and snacks at Choestoe Baptist Church, 4455 Choestoe Church Rd., located south of Blairsville off Hwy. 129 and Hwy. 180. For more information and directions, please call the church at 706745-6370.

Mountain Sounds

We meet every 2nd & 4th Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Senior Center in Blairsville. No matter if you just started playing the dulcimer or if you are experienced, come join us for a good time playing your favorite songs and learning new songs. For more information, please contact LaDale at 706-835-1688 or raydale@windstream.net. Hope to see you at our next meeting!

Just 4 Hours

Just 4 hours a week can make a big differ-

ence in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at Cadence Bank conference room in Blairsville at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call Marcus Tuschel at 706-835-9010.

Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. For more information, contact Jim Olson at 828-557-2446.

Shooting Creek Basket Weavers

The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers Guild meets on the 2nd Wed. of each month from 9:45 until 2:00 at the ShootLQJ &UHHN &RPPXQLW\ &HQWHU ÀUH VWDtion) in NC. Refreshments are served and a business meeting is held before a weaving project is presented. For more information, contact Joan (Guild president) at 706-896-1534.

UC Republican Party

The Union County Republican Party holds its monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month at Victoria’s Sweet Shop. Meetings begin at 9am and have an optional breakfast for $6. More information can be found at www.uniongop.org.

Tri-State Business Women

Women business owners in the tri-state area are welcome to attend and join our weekly meeting every Tuesday at 8am.

Meetings are held at the Blairsville Restaurant with breakfast available to those interested. Come and see how women are making an impact as leaders in our community. For more information visit www. tri-statebusinesswomen.com.

Republican Women Of Union County

The RWUC meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Meetings are held in the Brackett Room at the United Community Bank. For more information visit www.RepublicanWomenOfUnion.org.

Mothers of Preschoolers

0236 ,QWHUQDWLRQDO D QRQ SURĂ€W PRWKering organization, creates communities and resources to help make "better moms who make a better world." A MOPS group is a place where moms can comejust as they are-to build friendships, receive mothering support, practical help and spiritual hope. Join us - because better moms, make a better world! Visit us at www.MOPS.org Mothers of Preschoolers meets on the Third Thursday of each month in the new fellowship hall at First Baptist Church of Blairsville from 6-8pm. Call the church RIĂ€FH DW IRU PRUH LQIRUPDtion or email us at mopsofblairsville@ gmail.com.

Smokie Mountain Melodies

Smokie Mountain Melodies is a ladies barbershop-style chorus whose members FRPH IURP ÀYH FRXQWLHV LQ 1RUWK *HRUJLD and Western North Carolina. As a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is committed to a goal of advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.

Smokie Mountain Melodies meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 at the First United Methodist of Union County in Blairsville, Georgia located at 859 Highway 515.

Any women who have a love of singing are welcome to join. For more information call the Director, Phyllis Baker at 706-379-3836.

Forming Gourmet Dinner Club

6KDUH VXSHUE GLQQHUV ZLWK RWKHU ÀQH dining connoisseurs, must have some gourmet cooking skills and room to host candle light, sit down dinners in your home. Full time and part time residents welcome. Hiawassee and Young Harris.

Limited membership. Call Diane 706835-5007

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio. The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) PHHWLQJV DUH KHOG RQ WKH ÀUVW 7XHVGD\ RI each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is to be held December 1st and will begin with a special technical session on Amatuer Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and PRUH VSHFLÀFDOO\ WKH 7DUKHHO 1HWZRUN in North Carolina. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Amateur license testing will be held on December 7th in Blairsville at 310 Welborn Street, Blairsville, GA. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

DAR Meeting

The December meeting of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolu-

Superstars of the South Wr e s t l i n g

Superstars of the South wrestling will be presented by the Fannin County Middle School Chorus March 27 at the middle school gym. The event takes place from 5-10 p.m. and raises funds for the chorus. For more information, call (706) 455-9669.

Wr i t e r s C i r l ce

A new writing program begun by Glenda Beall, will hold the first writ-

The Postmasters will be having their state conven-

Union: Recurring Events

t i o n a t t h e B r a s s t o w n Va l l e y R e s o r t o n A p r i l 9 - 11 .

tion will be held at the Big Springs meeting room at The Oaks in Hiawassee, GA, Saturday, December 12th, 2009, at 10:15 AM. OUTDAR members will tell about their memories of celebrating Christmas in other countries. Members will also KROG D &UDIWV DQG %DNH 6DOH WR EHQHĂ€W club chapter projects. If you are interested in learning more about DAR, an organization for women who have Revolutionary War patriots in their family history, contact Eloise Wolfersteig, Regent, 706-379-2533. Old Unicoi Trail Chapter serves Towns, Union, and Fannin Counties. The Old Unicoi Trail homepage is found online at http://oldunicoitrail.georgiastatedar.org.

Computer Club

The Mountain Computer User Group Will meets in November on TUESDAY at 7 PM in the Goolsby Center, Young Harris College. Please note this is a change from our normal meeting date.

At this time we will be presenting a program on all the new technologies that you can expect to get for Christmas.

Come join us as we travel into the land of new technology. You might just get a glimpse of what Santa has in store for you at Christmas this year. Don’t forget we are meeting on Tuesday, November 10th. at 7 PM and not on Monday as we normally do.

We will start the evening with our usual Q&A session. Come and join us for a lively session that is bound to increase your computer knowledge. Our Q&A session begins at 6 PM. Bring a friend and join us for the evening, you’ll be glad you did.

Auto Club

The next meeting of the Good Neighbors Auto Club will be on Thursday starting at 7:00 PM. Meeting to be held at Brothers Restaurant in Murphy, NC. All meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Thursday of each month.

Mountain Community Seniors

They meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics DQG ÀHOG WULSV 2Q 7KXUVGD\ )HE WK We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis.

Light refreshments served. Do come join us.

Master Gardener Organizational Meeting

,I \RX DUH D &HUWLĂ€HG 0DVWHU *DUGHQHU interested in supporting projects in Towns and Union counties, please join us at 6PM, March 18th at the Blairsville Civic Center for an organizational meeting. We will discuss potential projects, as well as review possible meeting locations and dates and time for monthly meetings. For additional information, please contact Patti Bransford at 706896-6430, or cell 706-781-4040. email: bransford@brmemc.net The Master Gardener Program in Georgia is a volunteer training program designed to help Extension agents transfer research-based information about gardening and related subjects to the public by training home gardeners.

For more information about the Master Gardener program in your area, contact WKH &RRSHUDWLYH ([WHQVLRQ RIĂ€FH QHDUHVW you.

Mountain Coin Club

meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Early activities begin at 5:30. Meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. The club meets at Cadence Bank in Blairsville. For more information, call YOCS, 706-379-1488.

MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the 0LOLWDU\ 2IĂ€FHUV $VVRFLDWLRQ RI $PHULFD (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, former military, Public Health Service, NOAA RIĂ€FHUV ZDUUDQW RIĂ€FHUV DQG VXUYLYLQJ spouses are invited to attend. For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: Jim Ferrell at 828-335-9203, and in Georgia: John Quinlan at 706-896-2430, or visit www.moaa. org/chapter/blueridgemountains.

CHURCH Cornerstone Community Church

Special Easter Sunday Service 11:00am April 4 at Cornerstone Community Church Andrews 191 Robinson Road. Free gift for DOO ÀUVW WLPH YLVLWRUV DQG FDQG\ IRU DOO RI WKH children. We will be having special music selections by Adults, Teens and Children.

We will also be showing a special 4 minute video called "Sunday's Comin'" Everyone is welcome. For more info call 321-3777 www.cornerstoneandrews.org

Christian Faith and Reincarnation at Unity

Sunday March 28, Gene Curry will explore New Testament references to reincarnation. He will explain how Edgar Cayce, a devout Christian and Sunday school teacher who read the Bible from Cover to Cover every year of his life, faced this subject head on and how it made his faith stronger.

Mr. Curry has a BS degree from Florida Atlantic University in General Management and is retired from the U.S. Navy. He has been published in several magazines and has written dozens of computer hardware and software technical manuals. He is well known in the community as a storyteller and artist, and is a member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Storytellers and the

i n g c l a s s , W h o a r e Yo u a n d W h y D o Yo u Wr i t e ? Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 6 , 1 0 : 0 0 a . m . 1:00 p.m. at her studio on Chatuge Lane, Hayesville, NC. Class fee is $35.00 except for those who have d i s c o u n t c o u p o n s . To r e g i s ter or learn more about this class and upcoming classes throughout the spring and s u m m e r, contact Glenda Beall, writerlady21@yahoo.com or call 828-3894 4 4 1 . A t 1 : 0 0 p . m . Wa y n e Drumheller will hold a free class on creating your own digital books with Creative Memories software. Those who come in the morning and wish to stay for the afternoon class should bring a b a g l u n c h . C o ff e e , w a t e r a n d snacks will be provided.

Southern Appalachian Artists Guild. Unity Church of the Mountains is located at the 19/129 Plaza, 226 Gainesville Highway, Suite F, Blairsville, GA. Sunday service starts at 10:30 AM. The Course of Miracles Class starts at 11:00 AM every Tuesday.

You can visit our web-site at www.unitychurchofthemountains.com

Easter Vigil at Meeks Park

Begin your Celebration of our Lord's Resurrection with an Easter Vigil at Meeks Park in Blairsville. Surrounded by the beauty of Creation, the service will begin in the dark at 7 a.m. As the dawn of light appears, Readings from Scripture and Holy Communion will take

Surviving in Economic Hard Times

FREE Seminar March 25, 2010, 6:00 p.m. - United Community Bank’s Meeting Room If you would like some guidance in GHDOLQJ ZLWK ÀQDQFLDO PDWWHUV LQ WKHVH GLIÀFXOW HFRQRPLF WLPHV SODQ WR DWWHQG this FREE seminar which will be hosted E\ 6\OYLD 7XUQDJH &HUWLÀHG 3XEOLF $Fcountant, 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.

Although the seminar is free, it is necessary for you to reserve a seat by calling Sylvia at 706-745-5125 or Susanne at 706-781-1678.

place. Imagine hearing the Creation Account in Genesis read as the mist rises off of the Nottely River and the birds begin to chirp. The Service is sponsored by and Mountain Presbyterian (USA) and Mountain of Life, a Mission Development of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA). Questions or more LQIRUPDWLRQ HPDLO DW PRXQWDLQRĂ LIH# gmail.com. The service will take place where Butternut Creek meets the Nottely River. Directions: Park in lower parking lot of Meeks Park, walk path to the right along Butternut Creek until it meets Nottely river. In case of inclement weather the service will be held under shelter #2 near the parking lot. Bring your own lawn chair if you wish to sit. Coffee and fellowship will follow.

Union County Arrest Report March 15- March 22, 1010 March 16, 2010 Johnathan Ryan Elrod, 20 of Brunswick, GA arrested for simple battery Trevor Jennings Dyer, 24, of Blairsville, GA arrested for simple battery Joshua Lewis Berger, 19, of Blairsville, GA arrested for criminal trespass (city); disorderly conduct (city) March 17, 2010 Jonathan Andrew Mashburn, 17, of Blairsville, GA arrested for reckless drivng (city) Nathan Allen Lemay, 37, of Hayesville, NC arrested for failure to maintain lane; driving w/lic suspended or revoked 2nd (city) Eric Joe Francis, 31, of Murphy, NC arrested for driving w/lic suspended or revoked 2nd (city); headlight requirements March 18, 2010 Sandor Korfonai, 59, of Blairsville,GA arrested serving time Rickey Lamar Lindsey, 46, of Douglasville, GA arrested for driving w/lic suspended or revoked 2nd (city); tail light requirement March 19, 2010 David Anthony Lowe, 29, of Blairsville, GA arrested for no proof of insurance; driving on suspended registration 1st offense; safety restraint 18 and over Seth Samuel Aldridge, 25, of Blairsville, GA arrested for bench warrant James Adam Dwinnell, 31, of Hiawassee, GA arrested for probation violation (2 counts) Denns Bryan Loggins, 59 of Griffin, GA arrested for possession of marijuana; failure to maintain lane Veronca Lynn Byrd, 44, of Blairsville, GA arrested for probation violation March 20, 2010 Kenneth Edward White, 38, of Blairsville, GA arrested for disorderly house; obstruction of officer Deborah Key Duke, 52, of Blairsville, GA arrested for obstruction of officer (2 counts) Frank Anthony Colangelo, 33, of Hayesville, NC arrested for taillight requirement; DUI 1st offense Tonia Renee Prysock, 36, of Hayesville, NC arrested for driving w/lic suspended or revoked 1st; giving false info to LE Mary Tatham Jackson, 34, of Chattanooga, TN arrested for hold for other agency Mary Jane King, 36, of Blairsville, GA arrested for driving w/lic suspended or revoked 1st (city) March 21, 2010 Amanda Jo Shubert, 23 of Blairsville, GA arrested for hold for other agency

Submit your events to the The Sentinel Community Calendar!

828-389-8338 or news@wncsentinel.net

7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK ‡ GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 5A

CO M MUN I T Y Tributes Robert Dee Ball

MS., and Ann Mayo of MS., one grand daughter, Megan Black of MS., many other relatives and friends also sur v ive.

Funeral ser v ices were held on Saturday March 20,2010 at 11:00am from the Coosa United Methodist Church w ith the Rev.Earl Bishop and Rev. Dr.Steve Midkif f of f iciating. Special music w ill be presented by Rev.Earl and Ida Lou Bishop. Interment followed in the church cemeter y w ith the North G A .

Honor Guard conducting Militar y Honors. The family met w ith friends at the f uneral home on Friday evening from 6-8pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsv ille in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at w w w.mountainv iew f uneralhome.com

Rebecca Ruth Stevenson

Jim Hall of Spring Borough,OH., Peggy and Everett Riffey of Lafayette,IN., two brothers and one sister in law, Alex and Tonya Stevenson of Seattle,WA., Mike Stevenson of Hamilton,OH., eleven grandchildren, Joey, Destiny, Owen, Faith, Madison, Chloe, Aaron Cole, Jayden, McKenna, Emma and Andrew, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Cincinnati,OH. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that memorials may be made to the March of Dimes Foundation in memory of Mrs.Stevenson.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www. mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Marjorie Irene Dyer

Su r v i v i ng M r s . D y e r a re o n e d au g h te r a n d s o n i n l aw, Pat r i c i a a n d Ste p h e n Pow e r s o f L e e s b u rg , F L . , o n e s i ste r, Fl o re n c e P. B o u d reau o f Eu st i s , F L . , f i v e g ra n d c h i l d re n , L au ra , B o b, Sc o tt , Su z i a n d Vi c k i , ma ny o t h e r re l at i v e s a n d f r i e n d s a l s o su rv i v e.

A memorial ser vice will be held at a l ate r d ate . In l i e u o f f l ow e r s i f y o u w i s h ,t h e f a m i l y re q u e st s t hat m e m o r i a l s may b e mad e to R e g e n c y Ho sp i c e o f Hi aw ass e e i n m e m o r y o f M r s . D y e r.

Mo u n ta i n Vi e w Fu n e ra l Ho m e o f Bl a i r s v i l l e i n c ha rg e o f t h e a r ra ng e m e n t s .

Yo u may s i g n t h e f a m i l y g u e st b o o k a n d s e n d c o n d o l e n c e s o n l i n e at w w w. m o u n ta i nv i e w f u n e ra l h o m e.c o m

Joel Kevin Mashburn

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Min. Butch Jones officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Cary Wilkins, Chuck Jones, Mike Eller, Steve Greene, Chris Hollifield, Kerry Lockaby, Jeff Kirkpatrick, Beau Thrasher, Espy Smith, and Jim Lawhon. Donations in memory of Joel and in honor of Sara Ashley Ledford may be made to T.C. Thompson’s Children’s Hospital Foundation 975 East Third Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

Thank You The family of U.E. Sampson wishes to express its appreciation to all friends who showed support during his sickness and death.

The prayers, food, cards, calls, flowers, visits, gifts to Old Union Cemetery, and those willing to stand in line during visitation on Thursday night.

The outpouring of your love and respect for him and his family will always be in our memories. We

will never be able to let you know how much it means to us and made us feel his life had touched so many people. Again, thank you and may God Bless.

Mr.Robert Dee Ball age 81 of R aburn Rd. Blairsv ille passed away on Wednesday March 17,2010 in the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgev ille, GA .follow ing an ex tended illness.Mr.Ball was born on Dec.13,1928 in Louisv ille,MS.,the son of the late William D.Ball and the late Hester Prisock Ball.He was a veteran of the US Army of the Korean War.He was preceded in death by a daughter,Penny Black . Mr.Ball was a member of Coosa United Methodist Church.

Sur v iv ing Mr.Ball are his lov ing w ife of twenty two years, Mar y Ann Payne Ball of Blairsv ille, one son, Mike Ball of WA ., one brother and sister in law, Marion and Frances Ball of Louisv ille,MS., two sisters, Delores Glazer of Mrs. Mar jor ie Irene D yer age 95 of Wesle y Mt n. D r i ve Bla i r s v i l le passe d aw ay o n Sunday March 14,2010 in the Union General Hospi ta l fo l l ow i ng an e x tend e d i l lne ss .

Mr s . D yer w as b or n on Dec.14,1914 in Su m mer v i l le, M A ., the daughter of t h e late Aug ustus B oudreau and the late Flo rence Tur ner B o ud reau . Marj o r i e l oved ant i q ues,she and her hus ban d ow ned D yers A nt iques for over f o r t y f i ve years.She w as al w ays know n f or her ho me baked c o ok ie s.She w as pre c e d e d i n d eat h by her husband ,Fre dr ic k Douglas D yer in 1990 and by a si ster,Carol B othf ield i n 1998. She l eaves b e hind many dear f r iend s.

Mr s . D yer w as o f th e Epi s c o pal f aith.

Teresa Ann Gibson

Mrs. Teresa Ann Gibson age 52 of Garrett Rd. Blairsv ille passed away on Tuesday March 16,2010 in the Union General Hospital follow ing a brief illness. Mrs.Gibson was born on May 27,1957 in Towns County, the daughter of Edith Zimmerman Ingram and the late J.M.Ingram Jr.She was a lifelong resident of Union and Towns Counties. Teresa was a person who was f ull of life and never met a stranger.She was preceded in death by her father, J.M.Ingram Jr., step father, Rev. Willis Garrett and a brother, Jef frey R ay Ingram. Mrs.Gibson was a member of Gum Log Baptist Church.

Sur v iv ing Mrs.Gibson are her lov ing husband of twenty f ive years,Donny Gibson of Blairsv ille, one son, Marshall Gibson of Blairsv ille, one daughter, Shaye Gibson of Blairsv ille, one brother and sister in law, Tim and Sherr y Ingram of Young Harris, two sisters and one brother in law, Shela Owens of Brasstown, NC., Shirley and Johnny Smith of Blairsv ille,step brothers

and sister in laws, Alv in and Elizabeth Garrett, Larr y and Bonnie Garrett of Blairsv ille, three step sisters and one brother in law, Ila Mae and Dorsey Docker y of Blairsv ille, Rose Garrett of Cartersv ille, Arlene Garrett of Blairsv ille, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also sur v ive.

Funeral ser v ices were held on Friday March 19,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel w ith the Rev. Jimmy Rogers of Rev. Ronnie Abernathy of f iciating.Special music was presented

by L.D. and The Happy Pilgrims. The follow ing gentleman ser ved as pallbearers, Dean, Doug , Darrell and Dale Gibson,Terr y Kirby, Mitchell Ingram, Brandon Smith and Shawn Owens. Interment followed in the Many Forks Baptist Church Cemeter y. The family met w ith friends at the f uneral home on Thursday evening after 6:00pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsv ille in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at w w w.mountainv iew f uneralhome.com

Jerry Eugene Gilliam

of Dahlonega, GA; step-mother, Mary Lee Gilliam of Springfield, MO; sisters, Lorraine and husband, Orville Hampton of Harlem, GA and Mary Helen and husband Jim Mitchell of Springfield, MO; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Salem #2 Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Mann officiating. Music was

by Staci Ross. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Lionel Johnson, Chris Johnson, Justin Johnson, Matthew Ingle, Tyler Abbott, and Dwayne Ingle. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Glen Gooch

of Dahlonega, Claramae Kidd of Gainesv i l le, Inez Crook of Jack son,G A ., Mar y Ann and Jessie May f ield of Buckhead ,G A ., Sandra and Jerr y Bai ley of McDonough, Blondine Br yan of Dahlonega, four grandchi ldren, Jef f , Stephen, Br ittany and Jake Gooch, f ive great grandchi ldren, many other relatives and f riends also sur v ive.

Funeral ser v ices were held on Tuesday March 23,2010 at 1:00pm f rom the First Baptist Church of Blairsv i l le w ith the Rev.Danny Parr is, Rev.B. A .Buchanan. A eulog y w i l l be g iven by Rev.Stac y D yer and Doug Gooch. The fol low ing gentleman ser ved as pal l bearers, Chand ler, Patr ick and Jake Gooch, Terr y Jones, Kenneth Jenkins and Cur tis Colwel l .

Ser v ing as honorar y pal l bearers were Jack Lance, J.W.Pay ne, Al len Conley, Carlton Colwel l , Charles Hi l l , Charles Jenkins, Dr.George Gowder and Loyd P.Gooch. Interment w i l l follow in the Union Memor y Gardens Cemeter y w ith the Nor th G A .Honor Guard conducting mi litar y honors. In lieu of f lowers i f you w ish,the fami ly requests that memor ials may be made to the Glenda Gooch House. The fami ly met w ith f r iends at the f uneral home on Monday evening f rom 1-3pm and 5-8pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsv i l le in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the fami ly g uest book and send condolences on line at w w w.mountainv iew f uneral home.com

Mr. Jerry Eugene Gilliam, Sr. age 67 of Mineral Bluff, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010 in the Kindred Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He was born on February 4, 1943 in Polk County, TN to the late Hershel Carmen and Ollie Goode Gilliam. Jerry was a miner with Cities Services and a member of Salem #2 Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita R .

Gilliam of Mineral Bluff, GA; son, Jerry "Corky " Gilliam of Copperhill, TN; daughters, Angela R . Gilliam of McCaysville, GA and Deborah Vanessa and husband, Troy Johnson of Morganton, GA; stepdaughters, Stephanie and husband, Dwayne Ingle of Ellijay, GA and April and husband Jamey Chapman

Mr.Glenn Gooch age 85 of Wren Drive Blairsv i l le passed away on Saturday March 20,2010 in the Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta fol low ing a brief i l lness. Mr. Gooch was born on June 15,1924 in Suches,G A ., the son of the late Homer W. Gooch and the late Maebel le Wi l kins Gooch. Glenn was a veteran of the US Army of W WII, w ith the 4th Infantr y Div ision and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Purple Hear t and Bronze Star.He was a li fe member of of the VF W Post 7394.

Glenn had ser ved on the Board of Education for t welve years, Clerk of Cour t for t welve years and was the Commissioner of Union Count y for t welve years.

Glenn was a lov ing father,brother,grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his f irst w ife, Leota Elizabeth Gooch, and w ife Bett y Gooch, a grand daughter, Glenda Gooch and a brother Tom Gooch. Mr. Gooch was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blairsv i l le.

Sur v iv ing Mr.Gooch are t wo sons and one daughter in law, Doug and Nanc y Gooch of Blairsv i l le, Glendon Gooch of Blairsv i l le, three brothers and sister in laws, Bi l l and Minnie Gooch of Smy rna, Er v in and Barbara Gooch of Suches, Ned and Carol Gooch of Suches, si x sisters t wo brother in laws, K athleen Fitts

Mrs.Rebecca Ruth Stevenson age 56 of Mountain Wood Rd. Blairsville passed away on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at her home following a brief illness. Mrs.Stevenson was born on June 23,1953 in Hamilton,OH., the daughter of the late Robert Stevenson and the late Barbara Durbin Stevenson. She was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Turner. Rebecca was a loving wife, mother sister and grandmother. Mrs.Stevenson was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mrs.Stevenson are her loving husband Robert (Bob) Honken of Blairsville, two daughters, Carmen Turner of Jefferson,TN., Regan Turner of Cape Coral,FL., one son, Aaron Turner of Tampa,FL., two sisters and brother in laws, Amy and

Joel Kevin Mashburn, age 46, of Ellijay, GA passed away Monday, March 8, 2010. He was born in Hinesville, GA on January 26, 1964. He worked as a builder and was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Joseph Mashburn, grandparents, Lloyd and Ruth Mashburn, and Tom and Helen Mosley.

He is survived by his parents, Tommy Jo Mashburn and Kennon Mashburn of Ellijay; special friend, Malinda M. Geers of Ellijay; sister and brother-inlaw, Amy and Rusty Hellen of Roswell, GA; niece, Chloe Hellen; nephew, Avery Hellen; and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In loving memory, Dorothy, Philip, Teresa, Brittany, Melvin, Claire, Chloe, Sydney

WorthConsidering A thought for today .

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GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

CO M MUN I T Y

Applauds For President Obama’s signing of jobs bill

By Jane Kidd Democratic party of Georgia Chair

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd Applauds President Obama’s Signing of Jobs Bill HIRE Act Encourages Businesses to Get Americans Back To Work Washington, DC – Earlier today, President Obama signed the HIRE Act, a jobs bill that will encourage businesses to hire workers, provides tax breaks for companies investing in their future, and helps get Americans back to work. In response to the President’s signing of this groundbreaking legislation, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd released the fol-

lowing statement: “Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia thanks President Obama for signing the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act into law. This legislation builds on the investments made by the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is credited with funding up to 2 million jobs in the last year and bringing our economy back from the brink of collapse. At this critical time when our economy is just starting to turn around but too many Americans are still looking for work, this bill creates added incentives for businesses to create jobs and grow their operations.

A strong private sector is critical to economic growth and is

the engine of job creation in our country. “The HIRE Act forgives payroll taxes for businesses hiring folks who have been out of work, encourages small businesses to invest in their future and towns in schools and clean energy, and maintains critical infrastructure investments. “This bill is one of several job–creating measures Democrats are working to pass this year. While some Republicans broke ranks with their party and joined Democrats in supporting this commonsense legislation, we call on Republican leaders to stop their obstruction and work with Democratic leaders to help the middle class and get our economy back on track.�

The HIRE Act: 1. Forgives payroll taxes on new employees hired by businesses by the end of the year in cases where the employee has been out of work for at least the past two months.

2.

Allows small businesses to write off investments in equipment this year.

3.

Reforms municipal bonds in a way that encourages investments in schools and clean energy.

4. Maintains investments in construction projects throughout the spring and summer.

"Are you hungryand feeling friendly?"

Time to check your calendar!

If you're ready for a great dinner out, Brother's at Willow Ranch is the place for a delicious meal.

Owner Bobby Burns offers periodic Community Nights to benefit local charitable groups, and this Thursday, March 25th from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Brother's will be donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to benefit Friends of Union County Library. FOUCL continues its efforts in raising funds for the renovated and expanded library, FOUCL Fund-raising Chairman, Joanne Olson and Brother's Restaurant owner, Bobby Burns and loves being part of Brother's offer of funding in exchange for check the calendar for the upcoming Community Night to benefit FOUCL.

man-hours of service. This is the first time FOULC members will be working at the new Young Harris location, but many members have already eaten there and look forward to both workingand eating- there on the 25th.

Come join us for a delightful meal and help Union County Public Library at the same time. What a sweet dealalmost as " sweet " as their desserts. ( Have you tried their scrumptious bread pudding?)

Hope to see you there. Be sure to bring your appetite and your friends.

Community Awareness for Senior Center A team of local business leaders from the Leadership Union program decides to help the Union County Senior Center (UCSC) in their efforts of advertising and creating community awareness to the public. The team decided to help the UCSC because they realized that many citizens had no idea all the benefits the center offers their local seniors. Some of those benefits include: Meals on Wheels (food assistance program), Hot Lunch Served Daily, Grocery Shopping Trips, Silver Sneakers

(exercise & wellness program), Visiting Nutritionist, Arts & Crafts Classes, Quilting, Ceramics, Line Dancing, Checkers, Bingo, and, for those who need it, transportation is available. The Center will also soon be offering a computer lab, an Alzheimer’s Respite Program and Grief Counseling. They will be having their annual Medication Management Program on April 13th when pharmacists will be available to answer questions about drug and supplement interUnion County senior center actions.

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GEORGIA SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

CO M MUN I T Y

New thrift store ser vice The S.A.F.E. thrift stores are pleased to announce that we are again able to pick up donations.

Our stores are the S.A.F.E. Thrift Store on old Blue Ridge Hwy. in Blairsville (at the corner of Kiutuestia Rd.) and the S.A.F.E. Again Thrift Store on Bonny Hills Dr. in Young Harris (turn left off Hwy. 17 just past the Windstream building). If you have large items such as furniture or appliances which you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring yourself, call our S.A.F.E. Again Thrift Store at 706-896-1700 to schedule a pick up. Our currently designated

day is Thursday, but we will work with you if other arrangements are needed. Please help us out and see that all donations are in good condition and ready for resale.

Do you know where your money goes from your donations to these stores? Our two stores are part of the public face of S.A.F.E., and are vital to the support of our programs. We operate two facilities, our 15-bed domestic violence shelter and office, as well as the Enotah Child Advocacy & Family Visitation Center. All of the profit from

both stores is returned directly to our operating budget to fund these facilities and all of our services to the community. We also provide your donated clothing, furniture, and household items at no cost to clients accessing our services who are in need. Our mission is to provide support, advocacy and emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse, child abuse and sexual abuse, regardless of gender, and to heighten community awareness of such abuse in Towns and Union Counties. Help us continue our work by supporting our thrift stores, and remember that all your donations are tax deductible.

Both stores are in need of donations and can receive them every day except Sunday from 10:00 to 4:30 (stores close at 5:00).

Jacky Jones contributes to GMRE council

Cathy Cox guest speaker at Lions meeting Left to right: Dale Cable, Cherokee County Ambassador, Community Council; Jon Fullerton, Co-Owner & General Manager, Jacky Jones Chevrolet- Buick GMC ; and John Mays, Resources Committee, Community Council.

Photo Contributed

Union County Lions Club welcomed Cathy Cox, President of Young Harris College, Lion President Lisa Little and Rick Davenport.

Photo Contributed

A unique introduction occurred at this very special Union County Lions meeting when Lion Michael Thompson first introduced Rick Davenport, a long time friend of the Thompson family as well as several other Lion members present. More about Rick's knowledge and association with the Lion's later.

Rick is a member of the Associate Board of Young Harris College and works with obtaining scholarships for students wishing to attend this very unique college located in Young Harris, Georgia. he spoke of his concern of students' parents not having financial means to send them to college in this of economic crisis.

He then introduced Ms. Cathy Cox, President of Young Harris and stated that she has net the most excited and enthusiastic attitude of any person he ha met and that her passion for higher education for young adults is outstanding!

Ms. Cox became the 21st president of Young Harris College in 2007 after serving 2 terms as Secretary of State

for Georgia. She thanked Rick of his glowing introduction and began to speak of the recent growth of the College from a 2 year to a 4 year status with several new Majors and a 10 year strategic plans that calls for more than doubling the student body, adding 20 more faculty members to the 50 already recently hired, to the current expansion of the Campus and more yet to come! Her excitement is truly beyond explaining!

She then related that the O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium is open to the public and gave hand outs of the scheduled shows. She also spoke of the close workings with Blue Ridge Mountain E.M.C. for the College to become the most energy efficient place of learning ever! Theres even plans for 'solar panels' that would allow for even more efficiency.

As this vivacious Lady continued to relate of the new buildings, new fields for Soccer and Baseball, etc., for potential property acquisition, she had the attention of every Lion and visitor present! Her true passion

for Young Harris College to Educate, Inspire and Empower came through loud and clear!

There was much more that Cathy Cox shared, however, after her passionate presentation and time for questions and answers, Rick Davenport asked for another brief time to speak. He then spoke of his older brother, Ron Davenport, now deceased, was not only a Lion of Union County Lion's Club, but a chartered member! Rick told us of his brother's passion for Lion causes and though he was not a lion, he too had a passion; that of a higher education for high school graduates and in particular that their education include entrance to Young Harris College.

Rick's plea was more scholarships to be made available for those desiring to attend YHC. A huge thanks to Ms. Cathy Cox and Rick Davenport got his excellent program. Note of interest: Union County Lions Club has recently made a donation to Young Harris College.

Jacky Jones Chevrolet-BuickGMC of Murphy has made a gift to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nurture Our Rootsâ&#x20AC;?

Campaign of the Community Council of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center.

The announcement was made

by Jon Fullerton, Co-Owner and General Manager of the dealership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jacky Jones and I are pleased to continue our support of the programs and activities of the Community Council. We are glad that the Council is now providing programs for students and adults in Cherokee County.

Our customers, their children and grandchildren benefit from the services the Community Council provides to the fivecounty region,â&#x20AC;? said Fullerton.

Established in 1995, the Jacky Jones dealership opened with

the Pontiac, Buick and GMC lines. Chevrolet was added in 1997. The dealership has received the prestigious â&#x20AC;&#x153;GM Mark of Excellenceâ&#x20AC;? award six times. A full service dealership, it serves customers throughout the tri-state area. Dale Cable, a Cherokee County Ambassador for the Community Council, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This generous gift is but another example of Jon's commitment to improving the quality of life in Cherokee County and the region. I applaud his support of this very worthy cause.â&#x20AC;? John Mays, a member of the Council's Resources Committee added, â&#x20AC;? Jon and Jacky were among the first in Cherokee County to support the work of the Council.

We appreciate their partnership

with us in service to the students and adults in Cherokee County and the region.â&#x20AC;? The Community Council has the three emphases of educational enrichment experiences for students, outreach seminars and workshops for adults and preservation projects important to the region. In five years of operation, the Council has served over 16,500 students and adults in Fannin, Towns and Union Counties, Georgia, and Cherokee and Clay Counties, North Carolina. In addition, it has initiated nine preservation projects important to the mountain region. The latest is the Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary Project which has involved 40 landowners in certifying over 700 acres.

T he g if t of life

Amazing love

One of our Curves of Blairsville, owner/managers, Pam Ouzts of Blairsville (on left) gave the wondrous gift of life by donating her kidney to Pat Baldwin (on right) also of Blairsville on January 21, 2010 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Pat had polycystic kidney disease and for her to enable to have a decent quality of life, she desperately needed a kidney, which of course, Pam was a match. What an amazing and wonderful story. They are both members of First Baptist Church, Blairsville which was where they had become close friends. They are both doing very well and back to their normal activities. Congratulations to both and contin- Curves of Blairsville owner Pam Ouzts stands close to ue to keep fit and well.

Photo Contributed her friend, and kidney recipient Pat Baldwin

Timothy wants you to know...

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