4.14.2010 Fannin Sentinel

At least 3 dead in plane crash

Naval aircraft narrowly missed Fannin home By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

A Naval aircraft based in Pensacola, FL and used for training purposes crashed just after 5 p.m. Monday. The US Navy T-39 Sabreliner crashed in a field off Star Creek Road in Fannin County.

According to FAA officials, the plane was part of Training Air Wing 6, which conducts routine cross-country missions through Fannin County.

The plane went down after after narrowly missing a home and set fire to the woods where it crashed.

A U.S Forestry Service helicopter was called in to keep the fire contained. The copter was leased from Helicopter Express in Lawrenceville, Georgia, one of the largest fire contractors in the United States.

According to witnesses, the downed aircraft was mangled with little left other than the tail section.

Officials said the pilot and two others were confirmed dead in the crash.

Rescuers are searching for a fourth person said to have been on the plane.

The pilot and crew members were not identified at press time.

Courtesy of Louis DePaemelaere, Flickr

A US Navy T-39 Sabreliner, the same fleet of aircraft that crashed in Fannin County Monday.

Sentinel For breaking updates on the crash, become a fan of the Sentinel at: Facebook.com/NewsSentinel.

Elaine Owen/ Sentinel Photo

This helicopter made at least six trips carrying water to the crash site.

FANNIN

Motel tax collection doubles By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Hotel/motel tax collections for January and February 2010 are close to double the amounts collected for January and February 2009. January 2010's amount of $25,528.52 was double that of January 2009's $11,097.22, and February's amount of $23,375.75 is almost double February 2009's $12,839.13.

Some, including Chamber of Commerce President Jan Hackett, attribute it to increased collection efforts by the county. Debbie Jackson was hired to be the lodging tax representative at the county tax commissioner's office in June 2009.

Hackett said that the increase could be caused by businesses paying tax on different schedules than before. The tax may be paid on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

At least one Chamber member, Paul Gribble of Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals, has said he believes the increase shows true growth in the hotel/ motel business as Atlantans and Floridians economize by vacationing closer to home.

Sales tax collections for January 2010 show only a slight decrease from the same month last year, according to Davis' figures. January's sales tax collection is $190,671.65 compared to January 2009's amount of $191,086.93.

Unemployment statistics are mixed.

Although Fannin County's preliminary February 2010 unemployment rate of 11.3 percent is higher than the U.S. rate of 9.7 percent and Georgia's rate of 10.5 percent, the county's decrease in initial unemployment claims may portend a brighter outlook.

February initial unemployment claims fell to 215, a 47.6 percent drop from January and a 31.5 percent drop from last February. Gilmer's February figure of 306 reflects a 32.9 percent drop from last month and 19.7 percent drop from the previous year. Union's figure of 276 is 26.6 percent less than January's and 30.8 percent less than last February.

Preliminary county unemployment figures are not so rosy, although February's rate of 11.3 percent is lower than January's revised rate of 11.7 percent.

February 2009's unemployment figures were 10.3 percent.

Gilmer's preliminary February unemployment rate of 11.4 percent is higher and Union's rate of 10.9 is lower than Fannin's rate.

Fannin

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13 | THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

Public comment Snack in a Backpack dominates latest takes a community board meeting By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Gaye Whalton, community volunteer, has one goal that follows her wherever she goes. That is to eliminate hunger in Fannin County.

"I see it everywhere I go," she said.

"I can’t stand to think that one out of four children will go hungry tonight."

That’s one of the reasons Whalton started the "Snack in a Backpack" program. Working with Linda Mahan at Family Connection, Whalton is coordinating an effort to provide food for children who get their meals at school and have little or nothing to eat on weekends.

At a meeting of volunteers March 19, Whalton related how she felt when she discovered that 53% of the children in Blue Ridge schools were on free or reduced lunches. She had to do something about it.

And she did...by going to the United Methodist women’s group and asking for their help. Within weeks, Sandra Malecki from Epworth Methodist Church had volunteered to become the "Snack in a Backpack" coordinator for West Fannin School. Each Thursday afternoon, Malecki and her group fill 35 backpacks with four meals—two breakfasts and two main meals, along with four nutritious snacks—and deliver them to West Fannin School, where counselors disperse them to designated children. Malecki gets help from Lebanon Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church and the

Sentin el P.O. Box 799 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

The newest Leadership Fannin class had the opportunity to observe the Fannin County Board of Education, as well as the role of public comments, during last Thursday's board meeting.

Leadership Fannin is a Fannin County Chamber of Commerce program designed to encourage and develop community leaders. As part of the class requirements, members attend civic, governmental and educational meetings.

And although none of them spoke, they had the opportunity to hear from two members of the community during the meeting's public comment section.

Joe Webb, president of the Blue Ridge Community Theater, asked the board to consider donating the old maintenance facility, which is slated for replacement, to the theater.

In only 90 seconds, Webb managed to remind the board of the influence of theater on students. He said that students in drama classes have a 100 percent graduation rate and 85 to 90 percent of them go on to higher education.

"This is truly one of your success stories," he said.

First Baptist Church of Epworth.

Now, all schools except Blue Ridge Elementary have a similar coordinator, and Whalton is hoping to soon have a coordinator for that school.

"We have so many hungry children that now have healthy food over the weekend. The kids are truly appreciative, too. One little girl told us she was excited that it was Friday because that was the day she got her backpack," she said.

While Whalton hopes to find grant funding to keep the project going, it is now dependent upon sponsors and donors. "Five dollars per week per child is all we need," she said, "$20 a month to feed a child every weekend."

East Fannin requested 45 back-

Webb added that, since the community theater has moved to its new location at 2591 East First Street, it's become a "high school hangout."

He then requested that when the school district builds a new maintenance facility with funding from the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), the district donate the building to the theater. "The theater would very much like a donation to the community for a children's center," he said.

The second speaker was Soccer Booster Club Treasurer Jim Bennett Jr. who voiced his concern about open meetings and ensuring the Soccer Booster Club's board of directors is representative of the membership.

He criticized a meeting that he said was called by one or two faculty members that reduced the size of the board from seven to five. He added that the entire membership had voted to increase the size of the board to seven members. "I wanted to bring it to your attention to let it be known that any organization that is going to use your campus...be as inclusive as possible, not have private meetings that exclude students and parents," Bennett said.

Later, high school Principal Erik Cioffi said that he had attended the See Comment, page 4A

packs, Blue Ridge Elementary 30, and Blue Ridge Middle School needs 30 backpacks. These numbers change as backpacks are donated so may not be accurate when the paper goes to press.

The cost to fill each backpack is approximately $5 per child. That would be just $75 a week to sponsor 15 children. Whalton is working with Mahan to purchase food through the local food pantry to make the program as cost efficient as possible.

Volunteers are needed to be responsible for each school and organizations and individuals are asked to commit to fund each school. Donors are asked Contributed Photo to fill each pack with non-perishable Soccer Booster Club Treasurer Jim Bennett Jr. voiced some concerns about foods from a provided list and deliver See Comment, page 4A

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

80/51

81/52

72/42

71/45

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the club at the Board of Education's April 8 meeting; Chairman Terry Bramlett, seated.

Tuesday

73/49

Wednesday

68/49

Page 2A

April 15

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C A L E NDA R

Assistive technology helps all students

LATER

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WHATโ S GOING ON?

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Coffee Cup bowling league helps Relay for Life

Sentinel Writer Assistive technology (AT) is not just for those students who require special education, Special Education Specialist Heather Finley said during her presentation to the school board at last week's work session. Nor is it always as complicated as implementation of augmentive communication devices, speech recognition software and optical pointers, she added.

Finley was introduced by Mary Hyde, director of special education.

Hyde pointed out that the graduation rate of students taking special education classes has increased from 46 percent during the 2007 school year to 64 percent this school year.

She commended Finley, teachers in the core AT implementation team and other teachers who are using AT to help their students.

In the Fannin County school system, assistive technology is being used by English Language Learners (ELLs), children with physical and developmental disabilities, and students with no handicaps. And it can be as simple as a pencil grip that enables students to write better or a slant board that holds documents for easier reading.

Finley said the documented use of assistive technology in IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) has increased from 18 percent last school year to 43 percent this year. Students who have delayed skills or slight disabilities have IEPs. Others, including those with diabetes or allergies or slight physical or mental disabilities, have 504 plans. A 504 plan seeks to level the playing field so those with disabilities have the same opportunities as other students. An IEP plan is for those students who need significant assistance.

Hyde said that a third of the children in the Fannin County school system have some sort of plan, which may include gifted, 504, special education, ELL or RTI (Response to Intervention). RTI is used to detect learning disabilities and find effective

Contributed Photo

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ways to remediate any reduction in ability caused by them.

Blue Ridge Elementary has the highest percentage of students with disabilities using assistive technology, 70 percent. The middle school's score is 50 percent, East Fannin is 36 percent, West Fannin is 32 percent and the high school is 28 percent.

Finley noted that West Fannin's score is low, not because of failure to implement AT, but because it's not very diverse. The high school, she said, needs to increase its score to 70 or 80 percent.

She added that use has probably increased more than the percentages show, because AT is not only being used for students with IEPs, who have delayed skills or disabilities, but also for other students. Students learning English and those who are struggling but not categorized as disabled have benefited from the use of these technologies.

There are five steps to successful assistive technology implementation, Finley pointed out. They are set the hook, create a core team, monitor the consideration of AT and documentation of AT use in IEPs, monitor how

AT is implemented in the classroom and provide ongoing support.

"Not only do we see it and say it, we use it," Finley noted about AT documentation.

Implementation was also aided by a Breaking Down Barriers to Assistive Technology Grant for the Premier Literacy program, she said. This permitted the school system to implement a parent component for parents of students in special education, as well as students who are struggling with passing criterion referenced competency tests (CRCTs).

The core team consists of Finley, as well as vice principals at the schools, who are generally in charge of RTI. Hyde noted that the core team are not the only teachers working with assistive technology.

"We have quite a few teachers-regular and special education--who are using it," she said. She explained that since the state's focus has shifted from one-on-one intervention to classroom-based intervention, special education teachers and content teachers are working in tandem in classrooms with all students, not just those who need special help.

Adult Learning Center moves to town By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

From September โ til May, Wednesday mornings are reserved for bowling. Thatโ s what 36 women in the Coffee Cup Bowling League will tell you. They will also tell you that they have fun, enjoy the "50/50", remember birthdays and bowl in crazy tournaments with mixed-up rules that makes everything backwards.

What they might not tell you is that this group of women is a family.

Two years ago, when a bowler had breast cancer, cards, letters, emails, calls and visits were routine...and updates a necessity before bowling could continue. When another had surgery and no relatives nearby, meals were prepared and taken to her after bowling so she could spend her time and energy getting well. Engagements, marriages, anniversaries and births were happy occasions shared weekly. Loss of jobs and other setbacks were grieved. Deaths were mourned.

Shouts of joy might be heard even outside the building when good news is announced. And moments of silence and tears are observed just as often...as these women share their lives on Wednesday mornings.

Another factor was introduced to the family this year.

Another bowler was diagnosed with cancer. Two surgeries caused Lisa Gagnon to miss a few weeks. When it was time, she arranged chemo and radiation for days and times that would not interfere with her Wednesday morning league. After seven months, in January, she was pronounced cancer free. Her bowling family rejoiced along with her natural family.

But there was more.

By: Lisa Gagnon

Contributed Photo

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Every year, Blue Ridge comes together as a community to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Relay For Lifeยฎ is a fun-filled, overnight event that encourages everyone to help fight cancer by raising money and awareness to support the American Cancer Societyโ s lifesaving mission. Teams of people camp out at the local high school and take turns walking or running around the track.

Each team has a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Relay For Lifeยฎ symbolizes the hope that people lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face the disease have support, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

This year marks the beginning of the celebration of 25 years of Relay For Lifeยฎ. And this year, Gagnon decided she would be part of that Relay.

Going to her bowling "family," she asked for help. To walk with her and to raise money.

Last week, the League decided they would forgo the "50/50" and take up a special collection that would go to Gagnonโ s team. Names were written on footprints as money was dropped into a gallon jar. When the money was counted, it was more than $200. Gagnon cried.

Her family will forgo the 50/50 again next week. Relay For Lifeยฎ is more important right now.

North Georgia Technical College and FLAG's Adult Learning Center has moved from the Epworth campus to 71 Overview Drive, behind Ingles, in Blue Ridge.

"If people go up the hill behind Ingles and turn right at the big American flag, then we are on the left, across from the Ramada," Carol Crawford, community director for FLAG adult education, said.

The Adult Learning Center provides GED (general equivalency diploma) exam preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Compass Test preparation, beginning reading and Georgia Work Ready preparation and testing. It also houses FLAG (Fannin Literacy Action Group) and the Educational Opportunities Center.

The Educational Opportunities Center helps prospective college students of all ages with financial aid.

Steve Dougherty, president of North Georgia Technical College, said he hoped the move will increase participation in the learning center's offerings.

"Our participation in the programs has never been what it needs to be since we have been out at

Contributed Photo

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Epworth. We've tried it there for a year-and-a-half and have not been able to attract the number of Fannin County residents we'd like to see and really we should see, compared to other counties of this size," he said.

Presently, the college offers business and computer classes at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. The new Adult Learning Center will continue to host the same offerings as the former center in Epworth.

Dougherty said that the move may provide opportunities to increase course offerings in the area.

"We are keeping our eyes open to offering other classes in Blue Ridge," he said.

Hours for the new center will remain the same as those at Epworth.

The center is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dougherty said the center is closed on Fridays as part of a move to conserve energy. Crawford said the new center will be up and running April 12. For more information, call (706) 946-FLAG.

Subscribe to the Sentinel 1 Year is just $25 Call (828) 389-8338

NE W S A Taste of Blue Ridge

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Stray dogs and cats aren't permitted at the Taste of Blue Ridge, but they'll be benefiting from the April 24 event. The third annual fundraiser, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the RiverStone Medical Campus, raises money for the homeless, abandoned and injured animals helped by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

Featuring 28 restaurants, four wine and beer vendors, live music, and live and silent auctions, the event is one of the Humane Society's chief fundraisers. Robbie Muschamp, one of the event's chairs, said that it raises approximately $25,000 each year.

Anne Williamson, president of the Humane Society and a local realtor, is the

other chair.

Event proceeds go toward boarding and medical costs, as well as the society's goal of having a permanent animal shelter.

Music will be provided by The Boomers and pianist and Celtic fiddler Dawn Davis.

The silent and live auction items include trips, furniture, spa packages, golf outings and more.

"The silent and live auction items have all been donated by local businesses, as well as individuals," Muschamp said.

In addition, local artist Anthony Abreu, owner of the Anthony A. Abreu Fine Art Gallery, is donating a gicle print of one of his works, "Forever Faithful." The print will be on display at the local United Community Bank.

Many of Abreu's works include ani-

Crisis Network workers honored Serenity in the Mountains rewarded The North GA. Mountain Crisis Network for their hard work with a Day at the Spa and dinner. They do a Customer Appreciation contest where a group of workers is nominated by anyone in the community for recognition of their services. I nominated the Crisis Network for their 24/7 coverage of domestic violence and sexual assault.

mals. He said the dog in "Forever Faithful" previously appeared in last year's donated work, called "My Pals."

"He does a painting for us every year," Muschamp said.

This year's Taste of Blue Ridge features more room inside and a large tent outside.

Vendors participating in the 2010 Taste of Blue Ridge are Amy's Catering, Angelina's Italian Restaurant, Anthony's Bakery, Blue Ridge Brewery, Buck's Fancy Meats, Charlie's Restaurant, The Chocolate Express, Christy Lee's Courtyard Grill, Cindy King Catering, Cohutta Grill, Copperhead Lodge Restaurant, Cranke Creek Vineyards, Cucina's Italian Restaurant, Daddy's Smoking B'Que-Clay Bell, Danielle's Great Eats, El Agave Mexican Restaurant, Enchanted Mountain, Harvest

7KXUVGD\ $SULO ‡ FANNIN SENTINEL Page 3A

on Main, Il Forno's, La Pizzeria at Cucina Rustica, L&L Beanery & Cafe, Mercier's Orchards, Moonshine Hollow Cafe, Monte Alban, Out of The Blue, Serenity Garden Cafe, Shane's Rib Shack, Smoky Mountain Coffee Cabin, The Village Restaurant, Toccoa Riverside Restaurant and Three Sisters Winery & Vineyards.

Tickets are available at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, Cohutta Animal Clinic, Ocoee Animal Hospital, Loves Dogs & Cats Too and the Humane Society Thrift Store at 1425 East Main Street in Blue Ridge. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door.

For more information, go to www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org or call (706) 838-4783.

Contributed Photo

Humane Society of Blue Ridge volunteer Nancy Thomason displays the print donated by artist Anthony Abreu.

Feed Fannin presents herb seminar By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Feed Fannin's second in a series of five free seminars focused on growing and using herbs April 8. It was led

by Sue Campbell, RN, MRC, who has been growing and studying herbs for 37 years.

Although she has picked up information from others, she cited Hawk Littlejohn, a Cherokee medicine man who taught her in the 1970s as one of her major influences. One time, she recalled, she presented lions tongue to him, not realizing it is sacred to the Cherokee. She noted that Native American teaching methods and lore inspire her actions and teachings.

She said that, as a nurse, she's been trained in the scientific method, but Native teachings tend to be more rambling and kinesthetic, and, as a result, her teachings owe more to that influence. As an example, she told participants she carries baggies full of corn meal or tobacco to sprinkle around the area where she's harvested a plant. And she tries not to pick more than half a patch and only pick plants that can be replaced.

"The honoring of plants, to me, is important," she said.

Campbell described how to identify, find and use a number of herbs and weeds native to the area, as well as a few imports she's found useful.

The leaves of chickweed, she noted, are a nutritious salad accent. She presented samples of costmary, which were formerly used as bookmarks because of its broad leaf and minty smell.

Pipsissewa or evergreen can be described by many names, including wax flower, ground holly, and ratsbane, she said. And although she can't and won't advocate medicinal use, she offered an anecdote about an acquaintance who used pipsissewa tea for bladder problems.

Campbell gave recipes or potential uses for henbit, arugula, white pine needles, lions tongue, milkweed,

Contributed Photo

Sue Campbell presented a seminar about growing and using herbs as part of Feed Fannin's educational series.

violets, clover, staghorn sumac, catnip, sassafrass, cat tails and day lilies, sprinkled with anecdotes about her own experiences.

At the end, she gave most of the samples she'd brought to participants.

Remaining seminars include "Using the Farmer's Almanac" April 15 by Luke Dilbeck, "Eating Well Inexpensively" April 22, and "Mulching and Composting" April 29.

All seminars are free, with no registration required.

They will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at Family Connection, 101 Industrial Park Boulevard. For more information, contact Bill Voyles at (404) 455-3965.

The mission of Feed Fannin is to help feed hungry citizens of the county and promote self-sufficiency in meeting nutritional needs.

YHC presents check to local S.A.F.E.

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Contributed Photo

From left to right: S.A.F.E. Volunteer Coordinator for Margie Porter, YHC Director of Financial Aid Linda Adams, YHC President Cathy Cox and S.A.F.E. Executive Director Kathie Hollis.

Young Harris College President Cathy Cox and Director of Financial Aid Linda Adams recently presented Support in Abusive Family Emergencies, Inc. (S.A.F.E.) Volunteer Coordinator Margie Porter and Executive Director Kathie Hollis with a $1,100 check from the College.

Young Harris College raised the money through an annual fundraising effort for S.A.F.E. coordinated by the Office of Financial Aid. The College hosts a yard sale in which the campus community donates and shops for items and makes monetary contributions.

S.A.F.E. is a non-profit organiza-

tion funded by the State of Georgia, various United States federal agencies and by local contributions.

S.A.F.E.'s 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 Union and Towns counties.

For more information about S.A.F.E., contact the local chapter at (706) 379-1901 or info@safeservices. org.

Founded in 1886, Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the

beautiful mountains of north Georgia. Historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education.

Long known for nurturing students during the first two years of college, Young Harris College received accreditation in 2008 to grant bachelor’s degrees. The College currently has approximately 700 students across four divisions—Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Science—and plans to increase enrollment to 1,200 over the next few years.

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FANNIN SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

Boyd Wayne Rule

military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family received friends Friday, April 09, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the HenryCochran Funeral Home, Blue Ridge, GA. Serving as Pallbearers were Doug Ledford, Jason Ledford, Andy Rice, Isaac Rice, Ben Rice and Mark Rice.

Great grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers.

Contributions may be made to the Gideon (Blue Ridge) Memorial Bible P.O. Box 1375 Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United Hospice of Blue Ridge. 500 Appalachian Highway Blue Ridge, GA 30513, North Georgia Honor Guard, P.O. Box 2372 Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Arrangements were entrusted to the Henry Cochran Funeral Mr. Boyd Wayne Rule, age 92, of Home of Blue Ridge.

Morganton, GA, passed away Friday, April 2, 2010 at the Stonehenge Assisted Living Facility in Blairsville, GA. Mr. Rule was born in Sevier County, TN to John Ira Rule and Tina Gibson Rule. He was a member of United Methodist Church of Copperhill/McCaysville, and the McBy: Cindy G. McCubbins Caysville Lions Club. He enjoyed colColumnist lecting rocks gem stones, and retired from the Tennessee Chemical ComYou’ve heard the saying before: save pany after working for over 20 years. for a rainy day. We’d like to suggest you He was preceded in death by his save on a rainy day. Just as April’s showwife, Lucy Alma Rule, and father, ers bring May’s flowers, your savings John Ira Rule. today can help make your retirement Survivors include: mother, Tina savings flourish in the future.

Rule; son & daughter-in-law, Frank According to a recent survey by the & Heidi Rule of Morganton, GA; Employee Benefit Research Institute, daughter, Linda Rule of Dahlonega, 43 percent of Americans have saved less GA; granddaughter, Emily Rule; than $10,000 for retirement; 27 percent nephew, Don Rule; and niece, Cathy have saved less than $1,000.

Rule.

If you haven’t started already, now is Funeral services: Finch-Cochran the time to begin saving for your retireChapel on Monday evening, April ment — no matter what your age. If 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. with Reverend retirement is near, you’ll want to jump Barry Sarver officiating. Burial will into the fast lane right away. If you’re be in the United Methodist Church younger and retirement seems a lifetime Cemetery in Pigeon Forge, TN on away, it’ s still in your best interest to beTuesday. gin saving now, as compound interest The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home will work to your advantage.

Investors of McCaysville, GA was in charge of arrangements. You may send condo- and financial advisors agree that saving lences to the family and sign the guest when you’re young will make a world register at www.cochranfuneralhomes. of difference when the time comes to draw on your retirement savings. com.

The Retirement Estimator offers an instant and personalized estimate of William "Kenneth" Lawrence, age your future retirement benefits based 60, of Suches, GA passed away on on your earnings record. Try it out at Sunday April 4, 2010 at his home. www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

We encourage saving for retirement, Born in McCaysville, GA he was the but there are reasons to save for every son of the late Quentin Lawrence. stage of life. A great place to go for help He served in the National Guard is www.mymoney.gov.

MyMoney.gov and worked for a number of years as a is the U.S. government's website dediLineman for AT&T. cated to teaching Americans the basics He was also preceded in death by a about financial education.

Whether son, Alan Lawrence. you are planning to buy a home, balSurvivors include his mother, Billie ancing your checkbook, or investing in Galloway Lawrence of Blue Ridge, your 401(k) plan, the resources on www.

GA; brother, Joe and wife Debbie Lawrence of Blue Ridge; sister, Tina MyMoney.gov can help you do it betand husband James Martin of Ac- ter. Throughout the site, you will find worth, GA; nieces and nephews, Crys- important information from 20 federal tal and Beau Chancey, Robert and agencies government wide.

Another excellent resource is the Heather Poole, Misty and Troy CalBallpark Estimator at www.choosetolihan, Chase Lawrence, Megan Lawsave.org/ballpark.

This online tool takes rence, Whitney Martin; great nieces complicated issues, like projected Social and nephews, Christa Allen, David Security benefits and earnings assumpand Olivia Chancey, Landon Poole, tions on savings, and turns them into Kobyn and Logan Chancey. language and mathematics that are easy Mr. Lawrence was cremated and a to understand. private service will be held at a later These online resources are a great date. Condolences may be sent to the way to spend a rainy day. And if you’re family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. hungry for more, dive into a wealth of Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is further information at www.socialsecuin charge of arrangements. rity.gov.

T R I BU TE S Backpack: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

the food to the school each Thursday or Friday. The child will take the pack full of food home on Friday with enough food to last the weekend, return the empty pack on Monday and the process will be repeated. The food may help feed their siblings as well.

Dr. Trisha Senterfitt, Executive Director of The Craddock Center, said she was moved to volunteer because the Bible tells us to "feed the lambs."

The Craddock Center has adopted the Pre-K Headstart School.

Some of the types of items that might be included in the backpacks

Save on a Comment: rainy day

William K Lawrence

George Rice

January 16th, 1922 - April 6th, 2010 George W. Rice, 88 years old of Mineral Bluff, GA, died Tuesday April 6, 2010 at his home. He was born January 16, 1922 the son of the late Thomas Milton Rice and Margaret Shields Rice. He was a US Army WW II Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of Welcome Hill #2 Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, GA and a partner at Rice Lumber Company until his retirement. He enjoyed gardening.

Surviving are son and daughter-inlaw, Jerry and JoAnn Rice, son and daughter-in-law, Bethel and Vondell Rice, daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Bradley Ledford, son and daughter-in-law, Freddy and Judy Rice, son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Mary Rice; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Services were held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of the Henry Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Buchanan officiating.

Interment followed in the The Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with

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meeting to which Bennett referred and had stopped it because it did not seem to be going in the right direction.

After the Board of Education meeting, Cioffi said he found bylaws from 2001. Another meeting was convened, during which Cioffi distributed copies of the bylaws.

The bylaws dictate a board of directors of five people elected for a oneyear term. Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by a two-thirds vote of the remaining directors.

"Upon the death, removal, resignation, or incapacity of any member of the Board of Directors, a majority of the then remaining directors shall elect a successor to complete the term of the Director..." reads the bylaws.

The bylaws also prescribe that the president set the location, time and date of a meeting held annually during September and any other meetings that "may be necessary."

Both Cioffi and Bennett agreed that the misunderstanding is part of the club's "growing pains" caused by soccer parents' increased interest in assuming leadership roles in the booster club.

Bennett, after reading the bylaws, said he's willing to let "bygones be bygones." He said the document addressed many of his concerns about transparency and inclusiveness in the club.

"Everybody on this board has worked very hard and made many sacrifices," he said. "That still doesn't give them the right of privilege...I believe we should be transparent and inclusive. I believe soccer boards should be a place of responsibility, not a place of privilege."

Club members who are interested in becoming members of the board of directors may sign up until April 16.

The next parent meeting is April 26, during which board officers will be chosen, Cioffi said.

"I really do commend the soccer club for going in the right direction.

Our student athletes cannot survive without the booster clubs," he said.

In other matters, Board of Education members, upon the suggestion of Lewis DeWeese, removed the financial report from the consent agenda.

DeWeese said that he believed the financial report is important enough

are juice, fruit roll ups, instant noodles, mac ‘n cheese, poptarts, nutritious snack bars, granola bars, Quaker oats packets, cup of soup, easy mac, non refrigerated milk, cheese and crackers, small boxes of cereal, home baked cookies, healthy chips and pop top meals such as lasagna and ravioli.

Items included should be sufficient for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for Saturday and Sunday. Here’s a sample menu: Saturday Breakfast: Granola bars Lunch: Chicken salad kit, apple Dinner: Ravioli, corn Snack: Apple or Applesauce Sunday Breakfast: Instant oatmeal Lunch: Chicken soup, apple

Dinner: Pot roast with vegetables, fruit cup Snack: Pudding Whalton said the lack of education is one of the root causes of being trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty.

By meeting basic needs through the backpack program, students will be better able to focus on learning and schoolwork, instead of feeling hungry.

Sponsors and volunteers are still needed for the Snack in a Backpack program. To make a donation to the backpack program, please send a check to Family Connection, 101 Industrial Park Road, Blue Ridge, with "backpack program" written in the memo section. For more information, please call Gaye Whalton at 706258-4090.

to discuss separately. The other items on the consent agenda--minutes, field trip requests and fundraiser requests-were approved unanimously.

Assistant Superintendent Art Hubbard presented preliminary completion dates for projects funded

by SPLOST II (special purpose local option sales tax).

Putting wind screens on the tennis courts was done in March. Paving the back walkway at Blue Ridge Elementary, adding gas pack heaters at the middle school and adding a canopy between the main building, the new gym and the Performing Arts Center on the high school campus are scheduled to be completed in April. Resurfacing the tennis courts will be done in May. Removal and replacement of wall-hung heating, ventilation and air conditioning units at West Fannin, addition of roof-top gas pack heaters at West Fannin, re-roofing the high school main building, re-roofing the technology building, paving the back walkway of Blue Ridge Elementary, removing and replacing one section of the bleachers in the high school's old gym, and renovating high school restrooms are all slated to be completed this summer. Adding roof-top gas pack heaters at East Fannin and the middle school and installing an orchestra lift at the Performing Arts Center are scheduled for fall.

Hubbard said that other projects-renovating the old cafeteria into a computer lab/art-music classroom, building a new maintenance facility, adding a backup generator system at the tech center, renovating the bleachers at the middle school football field, and installing additional security cameras at the middle and high schools-are not yet scheduled for various reasons.

"I didn't want three bid projects at the same time," Hubbard explained.

"I still feel comfortable we can do them all."

As part of the project to become a standards-based board of education, members voted to approve changes in the policy to approve superintendent spending limits and tabled a motion to revise the Family Medical Leave Policy to conform to the Family Medical Leave Act. "Once you have approved this...you have met all the criteria to be a standards board," Superintendent Mark Henson said.

Members also voted for Henson to act for them to voice their agreement

as a group with the legislative position of the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA). DeWeese amended the motion to have Henson note individual members' disagreement with part or all of some positions.

Chairman Terry Bramlett was voted GSBA delegate and Vice Chair Emily Dunn was voted an alternate for the June 11 meeting in Savannah.

The board awarded mowing services after receiving bids from Johnny Dillard from Blue Ridge Mountain Landscaping, David Nix from Dependable Lawn Care, LLC, Gary Stanley, Southern Building Maintenance, Dewayne Henderson and Drew Deaver.

Hubbard said that although Gary Stanley had the lowest bids for Blue Ridge and West Fannin Elementaries and Fannin Middle School, there is a concern about awarding too many schools to one bidder because of potential issues with mechanical problems or the weather.

After some discussion, all board members except for DeWeese voted to award the bids for Blue Ridge and East Fannin Elementary Schools and Fannin Middle School to Gary Stanley, for East Fannin to Southern Building Maintenance and for the high school to David Nix. The difference between taking the low bids, which totaled $3,348 and the compromise of $3,400 the board accepted is $52.

DeWeese voiced his opposition to the compromise. "A low bid's a low bid," he said.

Henson noted that bids have decreased from a total of $37,542 in 2005 to the 2010 final award of $20,400. He added that awards are all contingent on the winning bidders providing liability insurance.

Director of School Finance Susan Jackson informed the board that the district was seeking bids for a checking account. She noted that, two years ago, the interest rate was 5.5 percent, but that amount plunged to 1.35 percent this year. She said she hoped to have figures for one- and two-year bids for board members at the work session May 11.

Board members voted to amend the school calendar to make the last day of school May 21. The high school prom is May 8 from 9 to 11 p.m. at North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville.

Director of Transportation & Safety Benny Long informed the board about the School Bus Rodeo May 11.

He said the competition sharpens the skills of local bus drivers. "It's more than just a contest. It's a safety issue," Henson said.

High school Principal Erik Cioffi noted that the high school had 100 percent participation in the graduation test.

"It's something that we're very proud of," he said.

Mark Your Calendar May 15, 2010 Picnic in the Park The Fannin County Republican Women will host an Old Fashion Picnic in the Park on Saturday, May 15, 2010 VWDUWLQJ DW $0 7KLV ZLOO EH D ³0HHW DQG *UHHW´ with lots of great food and music at Horseshoe Bend Park, near McCaysville.

Look who will be there (confirmed as of April 15, 2010) GOVERNOR Jeff Chapman Nathan Deal Karen Handel Eric Johnson Ray McBerry John Oxendine Austin Scott

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Ralph Hudgins Chris Cates Harold Logsdon Tom Graves Stephen Northington Lee Hawkins Gerry Purcell Jeremy Jones Maria Sheffield Bert Loftman SUPERINTENDENT Bobby Reese of SCHOOLS Bill Stephens John Barge AG COMMISSIONER Steve Tarvin Roger Hines Gary Black ATTORNEY GENERAL Richard Woods Darwin Carter Sam Olens FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL GINA ADAMS @ 706-374-4286 OR ELAINE OWEN @ 706-632-0021

Social Security releases open plan Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency has released its Open Government plan. The plan, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/open, reflects the agency’s commitment to increase transparency, expand opportunities for citizen participation and collaboration, and make open government sustainable at Social Security. Three flagship initiatives are highlighted in the plan -- the Spanish-Language Retirement Estimator, Online Service Enhancement, and an Online Life-Expectancy Calculator. These initiatives support the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives, as well as showcase the value of open government principles. “I applaud President Obama’s commitment to opening the federal government to the people it serves and I am especially proud of the three flagship initiatives we have chosen to implement by the end of this year,� said Commissioner Astrue. “These initiatives signify Social Security’s ongoing commitment to transparency, citizen participation, and collaboration as we improve the services we provide to the public.�

Social Security’s Spanish-language Retirement Estimator will be the agency’s and the federal government’s first-ever non-English interactive Internet application -- a tool that furthers transparency by offering the Spanish-speaking public an opportunity to get instant, personalized estimates of future retirement benefits.

Last year, over three million people used the English-language version of this popular online service available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

As part of its Online Service Enhancement initiative, Social Security will unveil a new service-channeling tool that will help people more easily find the information and services they seek on the agency’s website www.socialsecurity.gov. A key feature will be the opportunity to go online to schedule an in-office appointment for those who are unable to use our online services to conduct all of their business.

This idea was submitted by Christie Dickson, an employee of Social Security, and was one of the finalists for the President’s SAVE award. In developing this tool, the agency will collaborate with members of the public as well as with industry experts.

The agency also is developing an Online Life-Expectancy Calculator – a simple, but important tool to assist the public with retirement planning.

Many people substantially underestimate life expectancy, and this new online service will add a measure of accuracy to retirement planning by providing average life expectancies at different ages based on the person’s gender and date of birth, and drawing on assumptions provided in the annual Social Security Trustees’ report. “I look forward to continuing to translate the values of open government into lasting improvements in the way the agency makes decisions, solves problems, and addresses its challenges,� said Commissioner Astrue. “Social Security’s flagship initiatives will improve our services and further break down barriers between the American people and their government.�

Fannin

Sentinel

PUBLISHER: Frank Bradley EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debbie Walker CIRCULATION: Debbie Walker

The Fannin Sentinel (USPS # 024-582) is published weekly each Thursday by Sentinel News Group at P.O. Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30153. Subscriptions are $25 for 1 year in Fannin County; $45 out of area. Single copy rate is 50¢. Periodical postage is paid at Blue Ridge, GA. To subscribe: call 706.632.6397.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the address listed below: Fannin Sentinel, P.O. Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30153

828-389-8338

CORRECTIONS: If you find a mistake of fact in the Fannin 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 at fannin@georgiasentinel.com

CO M MUN I T Y

Plein Air Festival paints the town By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Artists may not be painting the town red, but those entered in the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's Plein Air Festival were depicting a variety of scenes in Fannin County April 10 and 11.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, artists in a variety of media dispersed throughout the county to begin artwork that had to be finished and submitted by 3 p.m. Sunday. Blank canvases were stamped with insignia that had to appear on the submitted canvas.

Awards include the Artist Choice Award for best in show, the Adventure Race Award, and The Voice Magazine Award. Works were submitted in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor.

Judges for the competition were Executive Director Sarah Verner and local artist and gallery owner Anthony Abreu.

Verner said that more than 30 artists participated in the festival, and some of the artists had completed as many as three works. "I really have to commend all the artists here-anybody who picks up a brush or chalk. The more you do, the better you're going to get. Keep on painting. Keep on drawing," Abreu said.

The winner of the Artist Choice Award and $200 was John Guernsey's oil painting, "Blue Ridge Spring." Karen Margulis won $100 and the Adventure Race Award with her pastel, "Spring Tango." Another pastel, this one entitled "Baileys Farm" by Carolyn Molder, earned The Voice Magazine Award and a quarter-page ad in the arts association magazine.

The event is a fundraiser for Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.

Works will be on display and for sale at the association building through May 1.

Above: Judy Howard of Woodstock heard about the festival from the Southeastern Pastel Society. This is her first year competing.

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Hiawassee Park, planned senior housing coming

Baptist Retirement Communities of Georgia, Inc. presented progress on Hiawassee Park, a planned senior housing located on Highway 76 overlooking Lake Chatuge. BRCGA was funded to provide below-market rates for independent and assisted rental living. BRCGA developed and currently operates two senior living campuses - Clairmont Crest in Decatur, Ga. and Palmetto Park in Palmetto, Ga. Laura Willis, President and CEO of BRCGA, said their purpose is to provide affordable housing for seniors age 50 and up in a Christian environment.

"However," Willis stated, "we do not discriminate! We have non-Baptists and even non-Christians who live in our neighborhoods."

"We can hope they will want to be Christian after living there," she suggested with a smile.

Dottie Aiken, VP Development & Information, next showed an architectural and engineering site plan rendering the community layout. The residences will be built terraced, so that each living quarters will have a view to the lake and mountains.

The "Manor House" will house 60 independent and 24 assisted living units ranging from 322 up to 1,170 square feet each with varying floor plans. Inside the Manor House will be found a dining room, library, activities and crafts rooms, beauty and barber, chapel, exercise and laundry facilities.The smallest units starting at 322 square feet are for those residents who need nursing attendance.

Separate cottages of 1,750 square feet with up to two car garages will be available on the property, which will include walking trails and outdoor amenities.

Peggy Beckett, VP Marketing and Public Relations, explained the current stage of "lease-up" where those interested in living at Hiawassee Park can place a $1,000 deposit to reserve their space. After the lease-up phase is substantially complete, the developers will be able to budget and announce the specific rental rates.The plans were approved to date with a promise to keep the city posted as developmental questions arise. Mayor Mathis thanked the three for their presentation and said the City welcomed the plans so far for Hiawassee Park.

The ofďŹ ce has moved Right: Marsha Savage, chairman of the Plein Air Festival, set up her easel in the shadow of the arts association building as she depicted a flowering tree across the street.

The office of Blue Ridge Sports Medicine and Wellness has moved from Riverstone Campus to 980 East Main Street, Suite 300, Blue Ridge, according to Stefanie Shaver, M.D. Dr. Shaver holds professional certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Life Support in Ob-

stetrics (ALSO) and Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS).

Her professional memberships include the American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.

The phone number at the new office is (706) 632-5454.

Start here

When you take to answer you help our community get what it needs for the next

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Let's take Let's see WKH KDWH RXW 2EDPD ÀJKW of politics destruction By: Paula Canup

By: James F. Davis

Columnist

Columnist

I don’t know if the editor planned it or not, but I had to chuckle when I turned to the editorial page of last week’s paper. My column was flanked on the right by Jim Davis asking “Who are the hateful ones?� and on the left by Jim Fitzgerald proclaiming, “The Republicans are the hateful ones.� I didn’t laugh long. The truth is, there is plenty of hate on both sides of the aisle. The vitriolic partisanship that divides our nation is no laughing matter. We have serious issues that threaten the economic future of our country and our children, and if we don’t pull together and address those issues in an honest and forthright manner soon, we are all going to pay for it.

As a friend of mine says, politics is not a sporting event, where one team must always win while the other loses. We, the people, are not mere spectators sitting on the bleachers pulling for our favorite team to come out ahead no matter what. Folks, government is not a game. In fact, it is deadly serious, as our leaders must confront a dangerous world and make decisions that will affect every single American for years to come. Our economy is on an unsustainable path, and we need statesmen who will tell us the truth about what lies ahead and what must be done to get us going in the right direction again. We need leaders who care more about this country than they do the next election.

We need a news media that does its job. Here’s a news flash for the news media – I DON’T CARE whether the Democrats will be helped or hurt by health care legislation in the next election. I DON’T CARE if the Republicans are hurt by this scandal or that.

I care about how legislation is going to affect the people. Please report on the things that matter most. Explain to us the intricacies of new policies and legislation and how they will affect our lives. Stop acting like sports casters calling a football game, telling us who’s ahead in the latest polls. I want answers, not controversial sound bites from one politician attacking another. When did government become a public relations game?

I am sick to death of the endless back and forth that goes on between Democrats and Republicans. When one party is in power, all the other party does is criticize and obstruct them in every way possible. Then there is an election and power shifts from one party to the other.

The parties just reverse roles, each doing the exact same things they’ve been criticizing the other for. Can we say hypocrite? No wonder so many people hate politics and want nothing to do with it! Others are saying, “A pox on both their houses,� and threatening to “reelect nobody.�

We need to take the hate out of politics and start talking to one another in a civil manner. Only then can we work together to solve problems.

Republicans should stop making wild accusations about Obama, calling him everything from a communist to the Antichrist. He is a progressive liberal who seems to like the European model of government and is moving us in that direction. Conservatives can certainly attack him on those grounds, but should stop spreading rumors and emails about him being an undercover Muslim or a non-citizen. People who do so destroy their own credibility, making themselves look like right-wing nut cases.

Democrats should stop dismissing the Tea Partiers as an angry mob or a fringe group of ignorant people who don’t think for themselves. Doing so just comes across as arrogance. Liberals need to acknowledge that many Americans have legitimate concerns about our mounting debt and the growth of big government.

It’s time to realize that we are not just Democrats or Republicans, but Americans, and we are all in this together.

It has been said that for liberals and Socialists, history begins when they got up in the morning. It appears to have been confirmed by President Obama who has negotiated a nuclear weapons reduction treaty with Russia that gives away a lot, and gets virtually nothing in return.

Obama has agreed to cut US military weapons in the one area where the United States holds a substantial advantage. Russia holds a substantial advantage in conventional tactical low yield nuclear weapons and troops. They are not addressed in this treaty.

Therefore it appears that the only real result of this Treaty will be to weaken the United States ability to defend itself and encourage our enemies to do more mischief. Under this Treaty the Russians essentially keeps the same number of its deployed strategic launchers, whereas the United States will have to destroy several hundred of ours.

According to Frank J. Gaffney, Jr., a former national security adviser and weapons systems expert, “The Russians are aggressively modernizing their strategic forces with both new missiles and warheads. They claim, that by 2015, roughly 80% of their long-range arsenal will have been upgraded - an activity the United States is subsidizing by paying them to dismantle their old weapons systems, freeing up funds for Moscow's modernization programs.

By contrast, the United States has not introduced a new nuclear weapon in over 15 years.� Our missile submarines and bombers are even older, some dating back to the fifties and sixties.

Also Moscow has said it will feel free to disregard this Treaty if they believe US missile defenses in Europe are a threat to its deterrent. Just for the record, when have the Russians ever actually kept their word in a Treaty? Those who know their history, realize that the Russians have rarely ever kept their word.

Also under this Treaty the US is promising not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states that are in compliance with the Treaty even if they attack the United States with biological or chemical weapons or launch a paralyzing cyber attack. When this became public knowledge this past week, President Obama said he could “change his mind� after we are attacked.

If we had a “fair and balanced press� with an ounce of common sense and guts, they would be demanding that Obama be impeached because he is breaking his sworn duty to “protect and defend� the United States. This would be laughable if it wasn't so serious.

Some are beginning to wonder if it is true that Obama is trying to destroy the United States. We have seen him insult and undermine our strongest allies e.g., Britain, France, Germany, Israel, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Columbia, and more. But to our enemies like Iran he sends yearly greetings and poses for photo ops with brutal Marxists like Chavez of Venezuela and Putin.

Those that have not learned the lessons of the past are bound to have been repeated. It is time to stop the Pollyannaish “Hope� and make the “Change.�

By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist Even though one writer has suggested – indeed stated as fact – that the equivalent of the combined populations of Wyoming, North Dakota, and Vermont descended on DC to protest health care, a number even conservative bloggers disagree with, I think we can all agree that a significant number of people were in the Capitol. Their gathering was democracy in action, up to a point. Even though this nation has a long history of protests against unpopular policies, I remember antiVietnam war protesters in the late 1960’s, and how ugly that scene became as I watched it on the nightly news. I was in the military at the time and wholeheartedly agreed with the then-current conservative slogan, America: Love It or Leave It. However, those protests, unlike many others, cast an ugly, dark mood over the country.

In spite of conservative pundits trying to put a good face on the DC protests, their actions reminded me of the anti-Vietnam war protesters. One writer had the gall to suggest that our black Congressmen were lying about being called the “n� word. In fact, he is putting forth the argument trying to be made by conservative pundits that such unacceptable behavior was fabricated. Such reasoning is excessively cynical, bordering on paranoia. I do not think that protests that split this country into two hardened factions is healthy or productive. They were not healthy in the 1960’s and I do not think they are healthy today.

Legitimate protest should not include personal slurs and when such slurs occur, the leaders of the movement should denounce them publicly. We can say that there have been threats made on the lives of Congress-people from both sides, conservative and progressive.

Such behavior is inexcusable regardless of who is guilty. Such behavior should not be defended unless we consider hate speech to be a family value. In my opinion, the protests have gone over the top, just as they did in the 1960’s. Even in a democracy, there are limits to protests, just as there are limits to free speech. The disagreement has gotten too ugly and that, in turn, begins to threaten the foundation of democracy.

One writer chastised me to “get [my] facts straight� but then misquoted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. By changing one word, the writer totally mischaracterized the meaning and intent of what she said before the 2010 Legislative Conference for National Association of Counties. She did not exhort Congress to pass the health care reform bill so that “we� can find out what is in it, indicating the Democrats had no idea what they were voting on. Here is her actual quote: “But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.� When quoted correctly, there is an entirely different meaning.

However, I do agree with the writer that when writing an article for a wide audience, it behooves the writer to check and double check their facts. With that in mind, I invite anyone to point out inaccuracies in my articles. I make no claim to inerrancy. However, I do complete a background check on everything I write about and work to make sure I do not repeat inaccurate material.

With that in mind, a writer piqued my interest last week who said Elizabeth Stamatina "Tina" Fey was the origin of the “I can see Alaska from my house� remark. So, I Googled the internet and found that was true, but misleading. Sarah Palin has been ridiculed because her answers to questions about her foreign policy experience have been nonsensical, not because they were false. For example, what she really said, that Tina Fey made fun of, was: “They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.� This statement was from an ABC News interview, September 11, 2008, suggesting that the ability to see Russia from Alaska constituted foreign policy experience. In a follow-up interview with Katie Couric on CBS, she said: “As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border.� This was an attempt, once again, to explain why Alaska's proximity to Russia gave her foreign policy experience for the US Vice-Presidency (interview on September 24, 2008). If the ability to see Russia counts as foreign policy experience, then anyone who travels outside the United States has a ton of such experience.

Next week, I hope to focus my column of the effects of the new health care reform on the citizens of Georgia, especially the Ninth District. For example, 203,000 seniors in Georgia will have their brand-name drug costs in the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole� reduced by 50% while 1.1 million seniors will start receiving free preventative services. I am the first to admit that there are problems with the bill just passed but, frankly, we had to start somewhere. Future changes in the system will be more gradual and, hopefully, do a much better job reigning in costs.

EDITOR'S INBOX On behalf of the Snack in a Backpack Program and the children of Fannin County I would like to thank all of you who attended our meeting and donated backpacks to the program. Your generosity and involvement is truly appreciated.

The goal of the backpack program is to make a difference in the lives of hungry children. With the help of donations and volunteers from our community we will continue to help make Fannin County hunger free.

If you would like to make a donation make your check payable to Family Connection, memo: backpack program.

RIGHT

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Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced the close of candidate qualifying for the Special Election to fill the unexpired term in Congressional District 9 on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at noon. The candidates below qualified and paid the qualifying fee of $ 5,220 for the Special Election to be held Tuesday May 11, 2010.

If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a run-off election will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

The election is a non-partisan Special Election with no party primary. Howver, each candidate's party affiliation , if any, will be listed on the ballot.

The election for Congressional District 9 will occur in the flowing counties: Catoosa , Dade , Dawson, Fannin , Gilmer , Hall, Lumpkin , Murray, Pickens , Union , Walker, White, Whitfield, and portions of Forysth and Gordon. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

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CO M MUN I T Y Checkpoint Zero wins adventure race By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

It took Atlanta-area race team Checkpoint Zero seven hours, nine minutes and 45 seconds to win the 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race. Paul Humphreys, Peter Jolles and Jennifer Rinderle canoed, biked and ran their way to the finish line, while Rinderle's fa-

ther, Bill Iredale, acted as the support person.

Seventy nine teams registered for the race that took them through three states, three towns, two national forests and a lake.

Jolles and Rinderle are veterans, but this was Humphreys' first Adventure Race. However, Humphreys is no novice to adventure races in general. The team took first

in the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing series last year.

Jolles said the race took the team longer than they expected. "It was a tougher race. It took longer. There was a lot of navigation," he said.

Rinderle, when asked about her scratched-up legs, said the fastest route sometimes included briars.

"Peter's really good with navigation. He takes us the fastest way.

Fannin County Health Department will observe

National Infant Immunization Week on April 28, 29 and 30, 2010 Immunizations provided 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed for lunch from Noon to 1 p.m.

Sometimes, that route involves briars," she said.

The team members said the most difficult part of the entire race was the last few miles. All three said they were concerned that another team might get ahead of them using a different route. "We pretty much red-lined it the whole way in," Humphreys said.

The second-place team was Rare Form, last year's first-place team.

The third place was earned by Taint So Bad. The first-place masters team was Checkpoint Zero Masters.

Next year's Blue Ridge Mountain Contributed Photo Adventure Race is scheduled for The April 10 Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race's first-place overall team was Checkpoint Zero, from left, Peter Jolles, Jennifer Rinderle and Paul Humphreys.

April 9, 2011.

Not shown is team support person Bill Iredale.

National Infant Immunization Week By: Freda Williamson, RN

Fannin Co. Health Dept. Manager

Most state vaccines for children under age 19 are $14.75 per shot.

The Fannin County Health Department will observe National Infant Immunization Week on April 28, 29, 30, 2010. Immunizations will be given during those days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are closed for lunch from 12 to 1:00 p.m.

This would be an ideal time to catch up on infant shots, shots for kindergarteners, and shots for children entering 6th grade. Kindergarteners for 2010-2011 year will need DTAP, IPV, MMR, and a second

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chickenpox shot if they have not had the disease. This would also be a good time for high school seniors to get their shots for college before time to turn in their applications All students will need a 3231 Immunization form for school whether they have had the shots or the disease. Religious exemptions should be signed and notarized, and medical exemptions should be filled out by your private provider and will expire in one year.

Most state vaccines for children under 19 years old are $14.75 per shot. We also accept Medicaid for Amerigroup and Wellcare.

We will have goody bags, balloons, and snacks for the children that get shots. The Story Express, a local bookmobile from the Craddock Center will be here on April 28. The bookmobile offers children and their parents the opportunity to get free books to keep and enjoy. This helps to increase a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination and motivates them to want to read.

Come and enjoy the fun, get ready for school next year, and avoid the July rush to get in for shots before school starts back..

For more information, call (706) 632-3023.

"This is the second year weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done this and last year, we were able to give over $3,000," said Tom Patterson, one of the organizers of the Barbecue sponsored by United Methodist Church.

Walt Austin added, "Of course with the economy the way it is, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to expect this year."

What they do expect is to use the money raised to help the needy in Fannin County. All the money raised will go to local groups and to help families in emergencies except for the contribution to the Methodist Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home. Usually, monies go to the Food Bank, the Homeless, Empty Stocking, and the Boy Scouts.

The Methodist men started on Thursday, slow roasting 570 pounds of Boston Butt for the BBQ sandwiches. Friday, they started the Brunswick Stew, using Pattersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s "family recipe."

Twenty five people from the church helped get ready for the fundraiser on Saturday.

AmeriCorps did their part, with servers Alexis Strange, Daniel Strange, Sara Plush, Kyna Moore and Danielle Graham working all day Saturday.

Linda Patterson, Pat Miller and Yvonne Patterson headed up the dessert table with dozens of desserts to go along with the meals. That money will be used for scholarships for high school seniors, battered women and for families as emergencies come up.

The Methodist Church has three major fundraisers a year to help the community. The Spaghetti Dinner is the largest, which usually raises approximately $7,000 each year. According to Patterson, in five years, they have been able to give more than $30,000 to AmeriCorps and the Food Bank.

Barbecue, bake sale help needy in Fannin

Contributed Photos

Above: Servers from AmeriCorps with Methodist men. Below: Yvonne Patterson, Pat Miller and Linda Patterson are ready to serve their scrumptious desserts