4.29.10 Fannin Sentinel by Sentinel News Media

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 15 | THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

Tom Graves gets an Oscar By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Not many congressional candidates are nominated for an Oscar. But Tom Graves from Ranger, Georgia was not only nominated--he actually won the Oscar. It happened Saturday evening, April 24 at the home of Phil and Sally Forest in Ellijay. The Forests hosted a reception for Graves and invited friends and neighbors to meet this man who wanted to be their next congressman. One of those friends was Colonel Oscar Poole from Ellijay. It’s unclear if Colonel Poole is really a "colonel" or if he received the title "Colonel" from the Governor of Kentucky. Many claim that "as Colonel Sanders was to fried chicken, Oscar is the Colonel of Bar-B-Q!" It is clear, however, that Colonel Poole’s Bar-B-Q has been served from Ellijay and points north all the way to Washington. For more than 10 years the Colonel’s Bar-B-Q has gone to both the House and Senate and he has dined with more presidents than most--in Ellijay and in Washington. The Oscar part was the Colonel’s idea. Always a conservative and a long-time supporter of Graves, Colonel Poole wanted to do something special to get his man in the U.S. House. So he carved an "Oscar" in his image. Needless to say, Graves was overwhelmed when presented with the 8" high wood replica of "Oscar." On the serious side, Graves did not disappoint friends and supporters who had gathered to ask questions and get to know this candidate who says improving the economy is his #1 Job. Graves stuck to his message of limited government, lower taxes and less spending as the way to get the country back on track and provided a bold, conservative voice that conservatives are eager to embrace.

"I was the author of the Jobs Bill which will reduce taxes and regulation on businesses here in the state of Georgia," Graves said. "When we take that to the federal level, it’s about getting government and taxation out of the way." Graves said he supports replacing the current tax system with the Fair Tax. "We need a simpler, fairer, voluntary system that empowers the taxpayer instead of the government." The former state representative said if elected to the U.S. Congress, he will work towards, "eliminating the capital gains tax, reducing the corporate income tax, repealing the unused portions of the stimulus bill and vote down the cap and trade." Graves has been endorsed by Club for Growth, Freedom Works, Red State, the Atlanta Tea Party and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC. Graves represented the 12th House District from 2003 until March 23, 2010. He announced last May that he would seek the 9th District Congressional seat that was vacated by Congressman Nathan Deal, who is running for Governor. After responding to guests questions about health care, the economy, transportation and the water problem, Graves laid out his plan for North Georgia. "I will make improving the economy my Number One job," he said. "In these tough economic times, Washington can’t be adding burdens on our families, small businesses and taxpayers. As your congressman, I will fight for you and insist on lower taxes, less job-killing regulations and to eliminate wasteful spending." The special election is May 11 and Graves reminded guests to "go to the polls and make me your representative. I will represent you well and you will not be disappointed in my votes for you."

Elaine Owen/ Sentinel photo

Tom and Julie Graves talk with hosts Sally and Phil Forest of Ellijay.

Planning commission urges owner notification

Placing pipelines for county water

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Contributed Photo

From left, Donnie Pettry, Tim Nichols and backhoe operator Ken Pettry of Tim Nichols Pipeline, Inc. are placing pipe for the county water system April 22. The company began work almost immediately after legislation to create the Fannin County Water Authority was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue.

Blue Ridge Lodging Association formed By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer The first time most people in Fannin County had heard of a local lodging association occurred when C.J. Stam, owner of Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals, spoke about it during a county commission meeting earlier this month. The Blue Ridge Lodging Association holds its first meeting April 29 at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. All lodging companies are invited to attend the meeting. "We're going to open up membership to all lodging companies that qualify," said Stam, the nascent association's president. "We will present a budget at the membership meeting, and we should have our actual membership cost on that day. It will be affordable." Presently, Tabetha Whitaker, of Mountaintop Cabin Rentals, is the treasurer, and Nathan Fitts, of the Blue Ridge Lodge by Comfort Inn & Suites, is the secretary. Stam said the board is temporary. "What we will do next is have a formal meeting, and then, the election process will start with our board,"

he said. Stam explained that, initially, representatives from eight lodging companies were invited, but because of scheduling conflicts, only three attended. "But we have got several cabin rental companies and the bedand-breakfast that have already expressed tremendous interest in doing it," he added. The new organization has already applied for nonprofit status. "The purpose is really to give the lodging association a platform to funnel our concerns, our ideas, to get together and work together on additional tourism efforts to bring new people to the area and share ideas on how we can improve our own operations," Stam explained. "It will have a peer monitoring system, so if there is a complaint, it can go through the local process rather than the larger, more obscure organizations, such as the Vacation Rental Management Association," he said. The Web site, which launches the same day as the first meeting, includes the group's mission statement, code of ethics, operation standards, goals, community participa-

tion, and member list. The genesis of the effort occurred when Stam noticed that when several people in the lodging industry got together during Chamber of Commerce meetings, they'd share ideas. He said the lodging association does not plan to replace the Chamber of Commerce for lodging businesses that join. "She (Chamber President Jan Hackett) represents all businesses. This gives us an opportunity to not put her where she has to carry all of our burdens." The new lodging association is using a chamber-sponsored Sales and Use Tax Seminar at the Community and Southern Bank's Community Room to promote the meeting. "We're piggybacking off of one of Jan's events--a lodging tax event. She'll also send out an email reminding people of the tax event. She's going to include an invitation to stay and learn more," he said. Stam said he hopes that the lodging association will be able to reciprocate the chamber's efforts. "We think we'll be able to do a lot to attract additional tourism and events," he said.

Too many books, too little space in Fannin Library By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Anne Seay, president of the Friends of the Fannin County Library (FOL) Board of Directors, asked Librarian Teresa Haymore to name an amount to donate so she could buy books and other material. "I'm...in the precarious predicament that any new book I purchase for the library, I have to get rid of one. Folks, we're out of space," Haymore responded.

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The 6,400-square-foot library is full of approximately 25,000 books. Haymore said her staff's tasks of weeding out old books and processing new ones is made more difficult by lack of space. She said that the shelves can go no higher, because the library would not be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said stored material can't be moved anywhere else, because there is nowhere else for it to be stored. In addition, the material must be in a climate-

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

controlled building to prevent deterioration. Haymore voiced her concern that the library may soon have to choose between classics and new books. "That's an awkward and terrible situation to be in," said Seay after hearing Haymore's explanation. Fannin's library is larger than the space being used in Gilmer County, as well as Union County's new facility.

Lisa Gagnon/ Sentinel photo

Friends of the Library President Anne Seay and Treasurer Yvonne Patterson See Library, page 4A discussed how the organization's certificate of deposit should be handled.

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The Fannin County Planning Commission recommended adding land owner notification to several sections of the county's Land Development Ordinance during its April 20 meeting. The section involved duties and powers of the Land Development Officer. As Chairman Lane Bishop has explained numerous times, the commission is only making recommendations, which will not be adopted unless the Fannin County Board of Commissioners approves them. The section considered is Chapter V, S5.103, which gives the county Land Development Officer the power "to enter, at reasonable times, upon any property, public or private..." Bishop first brought the paragraph to the members' attention. "Before they go to anybody's property, they have to have some sort of permission," Vice-Chairman John Foster said. He suggested the commission ask county Attorney Lynn Doss about the paragraph's legality. Commission members agreed to add to the paragraph "with appointment and permission by the owner" so the clause would read "to enter, at reasonable times, with appointment and permission by the owner, upon any property, public or private..." Members also added the same verbiage to Article V, Section 1, regarding inspections. The new section gives the Land Development Officer or authorized designee the authority to "(s)ubject to constitutional limitations, with appointment and permission by the owner, enter or inspect any building, land, structure or premises in the county..." It was also added to Section 1d under Article V. With the recommended changes, it reads: "The issuing authority, Fannin County, or its designated officers and representative, including...or such other designee of the county shall have the power to conduct such investigations as it may reasonably deem necessary to carry out its duties as prescribed in this article, and for this purpose to enter at a reasonable time, with appointment and permission by the owner, upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of investigation and inspecting the sites of land disturbing activities." Commission members also considered notification of adjoining land owners when a variance is requested. The section in question is in Chapter VI, Article I, that presently reads: "When a developer feels that special circumstances or conditions are peculiar to his property, he may request that he begin a variance from certin standards in the Land Development Ordinance." Commission members agreed that the term developer should be expanded to read "developer or owner" in that paragraph and a following paragraph regarding how to apply for a variance. "It (notice of variance) should be publicized so neighbors can know about it," Bishop said. He reminded members that the present commissioners will mention during meetings that they've See Land, page 2A

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April 29

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Two line-dancing groups, The Mountain Liners from Blairsville, and Get In Step from Blue Ridge, joined forces and performed at the Blue Ridge Spring Fling last week. They provided the audience with a variety of dances, including cha-cha, waltz, rumba, charleston, jazz, and even the challenging Irish step dancing "Lord of the Dance" to name some of the fifteen dances they performed. For a full hour, the line dancers entertained the audience, and had a rollicking good time themselves! The Blairsville line dancers meet twice weekly. The first hour is for beginners, followed by a second hour of intermediate instruction and practice. The teacher is Jeannette Hudak, aided by husband Jim, and they are dedicated to helping novices learn.

Life Care Center walks for Relay For Life

May 15

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Dancin' up a storm!

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Saturday, April 10, 2010 eleven persons walked the four plus miles from Life Care in Ducktown , TN to the Conoco in McCaysville, Ga. to raise money and awareness for the Relay for Life cause. The walk raised over $200 so far. Make your plans to attend Relay for Life in McCaysville/ Copperhill, Friday, May 14,

2010. Walkers from Left: In front - Gracie Ling, Back Row: Tina King, Shirley Williams, Mally Williams, Macey Williams, Cathy Whitener, Jennifer Loudermilk, Sulinda Deal, Juanita Keene, and Kayla Verner.

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checked with neighbors, and the neighbors had no objection. However, Bishop voiced his concern that this is not law, so a different board may not bother to determine whether neighbors have objections. Member Gina Adams then mentioned that neighbors aren't notified if structures such as cell towers are constructed. Foster added that the commission should put in a separate section about cell towers. Bishop then suggested the following verbiage: "The developer or landowner shall notify adjacent or adjoining land owners by certified letter." Foster said he was concerned that a neighbor who was "opposed to progress" might prevent approval of a variance. All commission members agreed to table any addition until the next meeting.

Member Chris Chastain noted that several sections under Article V, Legal Penalties, noted that the owner's appropriate representative or responsible party or controller be contacted and suggested that the term 24-hour contact be used instead. Commission members agreed to make consistent sections in Article V, Section 3, to add notice to the owner or 24-hour contact. Adams, a former teacher, rolled her eyes in exasperation after reading several non sentences and "legalese." One she mentioned read: "...the Land Development Officer shall cause a written notice to be directed to the owner..." Upon her advice, members agreed to change it to "...the Land Development Officer shall provide written notice to the owner..." The Fannin County Planning Commission meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the Fannin County Senior Center.

8IZ * KPJOFE UIF Fannin Tea Patriots

There's a saying โ if you want things in your life to change, then you must change things in your lifeโ . My dad told me years ago there was not a dimes difference in the two major political parties and that you could never win a political argument. Although it took some time for me to mature, I now know he was right. Both parties dislike for each other is all an act. They all get up in the morning, look themselves in the mirror and see a โ future president of the United Statesโ . Some people feel and love the Democrats party idea of protection, tolerance and acceptance of all races, religions and social classes but they supplement their original good intentions with a thirst for political power. So the Democratic party's tolerance and love for people has transmogrified into a grotesque power-play to win groups. To win certain races, religions and social classes or voting segments of our population, which has led to extraordinary damaging consequences. For example, Democrats push for extensive entitlements for those voting segments, in essence buying their votes. These entitlements are now sinking America into mind boggling debt. Those entitlements are bankrupting our children's futures. Some people feel and love the Republican's party idea of limited

government and fiscal responsibility. But they also have a thirst for political power. They also pander to groups or voting segments of our population. For example, Republicans, when in power, push for elaborate spending sprees that please voting segments, in essence buying their votes. Those spending sprees now contribute to America's insurmountable debt and are now bankrupting our children's futures. It all comes down to the fact that they are addicted to power, influence and control. Our Government is now the largest employer in the United States. Why would somebody spend millions of their own money to get elected to a job paying only thousands? It seems politicians are walking over dollars picking up dimes. Once elected they spend 40% or more of their time raising funds to get reelected and 20% or more of their time talking to lobbyists. Ideally, they go in thinking they can change the world, but soon the Washington establishment leads them astray with money, power, recognition and control. They start out caring about voters then switch to themselves. Current politicians don't even read the bills they vote on. Their aides pile them up with pork. The lobbyist have already bought them off with money, dinners, trips, etc.. Remember, all Politicians act in their own best interest. They know that should they ever get voted out, some

lobbyist's company will give them a high priced job. Plus, their retirements are absurd. They never tell the truth about anything. They have their written โ talking pointsโ put out by their party and they just read them after every bill or speech. The party is controlled by big โ globalโ entities. Foreigners can invest in elections and big money buys elections. Remember there are only 545 elected officials versus 300 million of us We have the power to change things. Each person in America now owes about $120,000 on the national Debt now, and 42% of the people vote for one party or the other, but we can change that. We need campaign reform and to outlaw all lobbyist. The Tea party and tax reform groups can slowly make a difference. People need to recognize we have the power and quit being led around like sheep. The first step is just don't vote for current politicians. We need new independent thinkers that will answer tough questions. And now when you don't agree with them on something fax, email, phone โ clog up their systems and maybe they'll get the message. In the mean-time, there are no magic pills. However, we can change some of this if we stick together. I'm striving to make a change and that's why I joined the Tea Party Patriots. Maybe you should consider joining too. Respectfully, John E. Foster

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Chamber hosts healthcare panel Mayor endorses By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer A panel of local medical professionals participated in a forum to discuss the effects of 2010 health-care legislation locally and nationally. The April 21 meeting featured Fannin Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Scott Smith, Dr. Jack Roof, Georgia Mountains Health Chief Executive Officer Steven Miracle and North Georgia Physical Therapy Associates' Mike Darnell, PT. Held in the Community & Southern Bank community room, it was sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. "It's hard to have this conversation and not talk about health reform. In relation to health reform, I want to keep my comments as objective as possible," Smith said. He reminded the audience that the construction bust in 2006-2007 not only affected local contractors and businesses, it affected medical services. Many residents were left without health insurance and with lower incomes. This caused them to delay or avoid appropriate health-care, which sometimes caused negative health outcomes. In short, patient behavior affected their health. It also affected the income of health-care providers. Fannin Regional Hospital foresaw this trend and paid off all outstanding bonds in 2009. "We had a very successful prior year, 2009, and we're on track for a successful 2010. From a health standpoint, Fannin Regional is very strong," he said. He remarked that a recent study showed Fannin to be third among 200 providers in quality of health-care. "We score in the top 10 percent in the nation for consistently meeting best practices," Smith said, adding that with the passage of legislation in March 2010, health care in the U.S. will change. He explained that, in the short term, the health-care industry will benefit from the addition of an estimated 32 million uninsured citizens. In addition, his estimates show that self-pay patients actually only pay about one cent per dollar of care, so reimbursement will increase. However, some aspects of healthcare legislation concern Smith. For example, discount programs similar to Medicare do not reimburse health services at their cost. This may drive physicians and medical students away from the field, cause hospitals and other providers to close, and, eventually, reduce access to health-care, he stated. The health-care legislation utilizes "pay-for-performance," which rewards health-care providers for meeting quality and efficiency performance measures and punishes them for medical errors or increased costs. In addition, legislation depends on future savings to fund current and ongoing mandates, Smith said. Dr. Jack Roof, a physician for 33 years and one of the owners of the RiverStone Medical Campus, detailed the progress of the medical facility. He said the facility has a number of pri-

Lisa Gagnon, Sentinel Photo

Dr. Jack Roof, on left, and Fannin Regional Hospital Scott Smith, along with Mike Darnell and Steven Miracle, not shown, were members of a health-care panel sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

mary care providers (PCPs) and specialists. Specialties include cardiology, nephrology, urology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, gynecology, vascular surgery and more. He added that the exercise program at The Rehabilitation Center is becoming very popular. Soon to come are a dermatologist and orthopedist, as well as a hospice. Roof said that although RiverStone's relationship with Fannin Regional was somewhat adversarial in the beginning, the hospital is now very cooperative. Georgia Mountains Health provides primary medical and dental health services in Fannin, Gilmer and Murray counties. Miracle acknowledged that something had to be done about health care. Of Georgia Mountains Health's approximately 30,000 patients, 50 percent had insurance, and 45 percent did not, he noted. Over the last year, the nonprofit provided approximately $6 million in unpaid care. "I'm very excited and proud as a health-care provider (about the legislation). As a citizen and a taxpayer, I'm scared to death," Miracle said. He reminded the audience that health care has an economic development component. In addition to providing care so patients can work and take care of their families, Georgia Mountains Health contributed approximately $2.5 million for salaries and items purchased in Fannin County and impacts 70 employees, he said. Miracle cited several concerns about the legislation, including payfor-performance, potential savings due to technology, lack of primary care physicians, and the impact of 32 million uninsured people getting insurance. The problem with pay-for-performance, Miracle said is that "historically, in health care, we haven't been able to track outcomes." He said there is some uncertainty about whether pay-for-performance will lower health-care costs and increase quality. Similarly, it's unclear whether electronic medical records (EMR) will reduce costs and improve service, he said. He guessed that 70 or 80 percent

of health -care providers are already using EMR. Another issue is the lack of primary care physicians, which is most evident in rural areas. "Rural areas have a greater need for primary care doctors," he said. Miracle also stated that the law's mandate for insurance does not apply to all businesses and doesn't start until 2014. Businesses with 50 employees or less don't have to provide insurance, he said. And those with 51 to 100 employees will receive subsidies. He added that although the healthcare laws are flawed, it will help most Americans. "He who has help has hope. He who has hope has everything," he said. As a physical therapist, Darnell had a different viewpoint on some issues. "One of our problems is in recruitment and retention (of therapists). The demand is certainly more than supply," he said. The new health-care legislation, by adding 32 million people to the ranks of the insured, may result in less access to PT services, he noted. The solution may be for physical therapists to become direct access points for patients, since many have doctorates. This would mean that patients could access their services without referral from a primary care physician, he explained. Presently, for every dollar billed, only 65 percent is actually received. The remaining 35 percent is free. For physical therapists, as with physicians, results of legislation may be an even greater decrease in reimbursement. "We'll be providing more care. We'll be getting less," Darnell said. One audience member asked whether county health-care providers would focus on the growing population of retirees and senior citizens in Fannin County. Smith answered that entrepreneurs are answering the demand with assisted living and other facilities for older residents. Darnell noted that seniors today want to remain active. He foresees the number of joint replacements increasing, as well as a greater demand for wellness-related care, such as gyms.

Stephens says water a D.C. priority Special Election presents opportunity to make a difference before November elections Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens, Republican candidate in the 9th District Congressional race, released the following statement regarding the importance of his plan to fight for Georgia's use of Lake Sidney Lanier as soon as he gets to Washington: "The winner of the 9th District Special Election has to be ready to lead from the moment he is sworn into office. Our next Congressman will not have the benefit of a Republican majority that I hope materializes in November. Given the hostile political environment, I have identified two key ways I can deliver for the 9th District immediately. "First, as a founding member of the 1071 Coalition, I spent years advocating the need for Lake Lanier to be at full pool. Georgia's three year drought painfully reminded us all of the fragility of our water supply.

North Georgians in particular paid the price of watching our numerous lakes dry to nearly puddles. Now that we have been blessed with "adequate" rainfall in the last several months, it is urgent that we keep as much water as possible in Lake Lanier. I will make the implementation of a congressional solution my first legislative priority." "Second, I helped lead State Senate Republicans to their first majority in over 130 years, based on core conservative principles. I can do the same by bringing these issues to the forefront in Washington and help give the American people a clear choice between conservative Republicans or liberal Democrats. Even if we fall just short of the majority, we can improve the numbers to the point of having a real chance at repealing overreaching Obamacare, stopping wasteful spending, and cutting taxes to help create jobs." "I have a true conservative record and proven results in leadership. If elected to Congress, the people of the 9th District can trust that I will bring common sense solutions and adult supervision to Washington."

His facility, he said, meets that need by providing a month of free wellness after discharge. Miracle stated that the fastest growing category of Georgia Mountains Health patients are 55 and over. Nationally, ages 80 and over is the fastest growing category. "Seventy to 80 percent of healthcare expenses over a lifetime are spent on end-of-life care. There are not enough adequate places for people to go," he said. In addition, Medicare's approach is becoming more preventive, and he foresees medical schools graduating more geriatricians. Joe Webb asked whether the hospital has enough capacity and RiverStone has enough doctors to meet demand. Smith answered that Fannin Regional is a licensed 50-bed facility, and it is usually at 50 to 60 percent of capacity. However, the emergency department is at capacity. He noted that this is a nationwide trend. During the past two years, emergency department use has increased 10 percent. Roof listed many of the doctors at RiverStone and their specialties, including Dr. Ray Tidman and Dr. Shannon Morgan, PCPs; Nurse Practitioner Camille Ledford; Pediatrician Dr. Kelly Koay; Dentist Mark Dlugokinski, DDS; and others. He also mentioned the walk-in clinic, which has now become Immediate MedCare. Another audience member asked about health-care provider shortages. "There are shortages across just about every provider type," Smith answered. He said there are incentives to recruit rural physicians, but not enough providers are graduating. Smith said legislation includes formation of a group to study the issue, but one reason is that there are only so many residency spots for PCPs. He, like Darnell, said that he foresees more direct-care access by other types of health-care providers. Miracle said that one reason for the shortage is the cost of medical education, from $150,000 to $200,000 for many. Since specialists earn a lot more money than PCPs, many students choose a specialty. "In my opinion, the incentives need to be changed a little bit to put glory into being a primary care provider," he remarked. Roof said that many physicians are getting low-cost loans to practice as primary care providers in rural settings for a specific amount of time. However, the increased income they make as specialists in a city is so much larger that recent graduates frequently prefer to pay back the loans at much higher interest rates. "Like it or not, we're always looking for other revenue streams," he said. Roof added that in the future, if primary care providers find their income cut less than specialists, it may increase their number. In other matters, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Sales and Use Tax Seminar from 10 a.m. to noon April 29 at its offices. The next board meeting is at noon May 12.

Bill Stephens

Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener and Morganton Mayor Barbara Stephens might not have the same number of people , the same square miles, nor the same challenges in running their respective cities, but they have one thing in common. That is their choice for their districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next congressional representative. Meeting at Blue Ridge City Hall last Wednesday, Whitener said, "I like the idea of having a Fannin County native representing us in Washington. Bill Stephens grew up here and will fight for what we believe in." Mayor Stephens added, "He has the experience and the knowledge to represent North Georgia. He did a good job in the state senate and he will represent us the same way in Washington. I am proud of what he stands for and that he has always stood up for Fannin County." Bill Stephens is one of eight candidates running for the Ninth District congressional seat. A special election has been set for May 11 to elect a representative to fill the seat until the November general election. Early voting continues this week at the Election Office on the third floor of the court house.

Mayor shows support

Mayor Donna Whitener shows support for the Fannin County High School Band Boosters by buying meals to go at Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundraiser in City Park.

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Chester Cantrell

William Lewis

Chester Lee Cantrell, age 84, of Blue Ridge, Georgia passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in the Murray Medical Center in Chatsworth, GA. Mr. Cantrell was born in Fannin County, GA on February 6, 1926 to the late Charlie Cantrell and Ila Earley Cantrell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Lee Allen Cantrell. He is survived by two sons, Michael Lee Cantrell and Arnold John Cantrell, both of Blue Ridge; two daughters, Pamela Diane Cantrell of Jasper, GA and Kathy Belinda Cruse of Blue Ridge; sister, Gertie Clington of Dayton, TN; 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Friday, April 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Roger Burgess officiating. Interment followed in Damascus Church Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

William Joseph "Bill" Lewis, age 70, of McCaysville, Georgia, passed away Monday, April 19, 2010, at his home. Mr. Lewis was retired from the American Can Company in Forrest Park, GA where he worked as a millwright for over 30 years. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and working in his shop. He was a native of Ducktown, Tennessee, born to the late William Edward and Maggie Lee Addington Lewis.Mr. Lewis served his country in the United States Army. He was also preceded in death by a son, Paul Lewis; and two sisters, Anita Davis and Judy Lewis. He is survived by his wife or 44 years, Barbara Jane (Galloway) Lewis of the home; one daughter and sonin-law, Sherry and Hank Gilley of West Point, VA; one grandson, Adam William Gilley; one sister, Sue Russell of Ducktown, TN; one brother, Jerry Lewis of Turtletown, TN; and

By: Sen. Chip Pearson

session grappling with how to reduce spending with the least impact on Georgia citizens. But with an almost $1 billion gap in revenue, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had no choice but to cut to the bone. Essentially, the decline in revenue levels has put us five and half years back in time, when we had a significantly smaller population and less demand on government services. When you consider that 80 percent of the budget that could be reduced is comprised of K-12 education, higher education, corrections and healthcare, our choices were not easy. Most state agencies have been reduced 20 percent or more, and the Senate cut $2.6 billion in spending. The good news is that less spending means a leaner and more efficient state government.

State balances checkbook Columnist Just like families across our state and country, the Georgia legislature has had to drastically limit spending in order to balance its checkbook. This year, lawmakers have been faced with one of the worst economic climates in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, of which peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobs and livelihood have been the primary casualty. This has caused an unprecedented challenge to constructing a state budget that balances the needs of the state with fiscally responsible spending. The Senate has successfully passed its version of a balanced budget, near the end of what has been one of the longest legislative sessions in state history. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent the majority of this

T R I BU TE S

many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Al Patterson officiating. Music was by Vicki Bice and Melinda Briant. Interment followed in Zion Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Doug Ausburn, Jerry Lewis, Hank Gilley, Adam Gilley, Jim Galloway, and Dakota Harris. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.

Ethel Mamie Whitmore

Ethel Mamie Whitmore of Calhoun, Georgia passed away Thursday, April 15, 2010 at her home. Mrs. Whitmore was born in Fry, GA on November 28, 1922 to the late Ben Cantrell and Mamie Ballew Cantrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Calvin Whitmore; and one son, Roger Lynn Whitmore. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Ray (Peanut) and Barbara Whitmore of Cleveland, TN, Jimmy Whitmore of Calhoun, GA, and Richard and Tammy Whitmore of Calhoun, GA; daughters and sonsin-law, Geraldine (Sissy) and Gene Mitchell of Calhoun, GA and Brenda and Jerry Lord of Morganton, GA; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. James Whitmore officiating. Music was by Rodney Hilley. Pallbearers were Billy Cantrell, Matt Lord, Jerry Lord, Gene Mitchell, Billy Whitmore, and James Whitmore. Interment followed in Mobile Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome. com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Doctor of Manureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; praises compost By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Doctor of Manure,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bert Lent, offered suggestions on composting and mulching April 22 as part of Feed Fannin's free seminars. Lent claimed to have received the moniker from a friend, because he treats the subject of compost seriously. "There's a cult for composting...It is an art. It's also a science," he said. Lent asked audience members how they made compost. Most answered that they put leaves and clippings in a pile and turned it occasionally. A few said they added kitchen scraps, such as banana and apple peels. One said she added worms to her pile. He said that all those methods would make compost, but they were not optimal ways of doing so. "The problem is more the convenience...and making it relatively quickly so gardeners can use it," he said. Lent said that adding compost maker is one way of speeding up the compost process. Anything with a high nitrogen content, such as blood meal and bone meal, will work as a compost maker. He advised that a mask should be worn when working with dust. He said that there are two types of composting, one active and aerobic and one passive and anaerobic. Most of the audience members are using passive composting. Debris will usually degrade into compost with little effort, but it may take an entire season, he added. Active composting involves more effort, but it produces compost in a shorter period of time, as quickly as two to three weeks. Lent said it's important to have a ratio of one part carbon to three parts nitrogen in the compost pile or bin. Carbon includes most brown matter--dead leaves, sticks, wood chips, and fireplace ash. Nitrogen is usually green, such as grass clippings and green leaves. Proper composting occurs when a pile generates heat. He said 120 to 130 degrees is excellent, although he's experienced up to 170 degrees. Lack of moisture or nitrogen are reasons a pile may not generate sufficient heat. If so, Lent advised taking the pile apart and adding the missing ingredients. The minimum size for a compost pile or bin should be three cubic feet, according to Lent. He recommended adding worms as another way to decrease composting

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Union County Librarian Susie Brendle said renovations will add 7,000 square feet to the present building's 6,300 square feet. "When it is completed, it will be the largest library in the Mountain Regional Library System," commented MRLS Director Donna Howell. Gilmer County Librarian Brandi Resendez said the Ellijay library is presently using 20,000 square feet, and there is an additional 8,000 square feet available in the basement. In other business, Treasurer Yvonne Patterson reported that the FOL certificate of deposit (CD) for about $12,000 would mature April 25. She also said the FOL has approximately $5,000 in the group's checking account. She asked the group whether they wanted to let the CD mature or roll it over. The board voted unanimously to let it mature. Parliamentarian Joe Webb con-

Lisa Gagnon/ Sentinel Photo

Bert Lent gave tips on mulching and composting as part of Feed Fannin's seminar series at Family Connection.

time. He recommended red wrigglers and African worms. Most worms, he remarked, are not native to North America, and worms can even damage forests by decomposing undecayed leaves. Lent cautioned against adding pet dropping, human waste, and meat products because of pathogens. He said that other materials, such as corn cobs and stalks, must be ground before adding to the compost pile because they do not decompose readily. Plant debris from roadsides may be contamined by pesticides. Bleached newspaper may contain dioxin. Meat and grease may attract animals. A compost bin has some advantages over a pile, including keeping animals or children from scattering it. Lent suggested using hardware cloth and slats to make a bin, then covering it with black plastic or tin once it has sufficient moisture. Lent reminded listeners that, despite dedication to composting, it is not the

goal. Compost is just a means to grow a successful garden. "Composting isn't the end game," he said. With just a few minutes left, Lent turned to mulching. He proposed using the system detailed in the book "No-Work Garden." The book advises mulching the entire bed, then planting seeds. As the plants grow, the mulch decays, and the soil is enriched. "Straw and hay will not take anything from the plant. They will only give to them," he said. The final seminar in the series, "Eating Well Inexpensively," takes place 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.

tinued the campaign to have funding for a free-standing library on the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) ballot. He told the board, as he had told the commissioners and the library Board of Directors previously, that the cost is only two books and $10 per person per year to fund a free-standing library. "If we miss this time, it's six years in the future," he said, as he distributed a paper that listed the six most common objections to a new library, along with rebuttals. Earnest Arp, the FOL's liaison to the library trustees, informed the FOL about the library Board of Trustees' resolution to hold a forum explaining the library's role and importance, how a new library could be funded by the SPLOST, and as part of the library system's strategic planning. He added that the trustees planned to send a formal, written request to the Board of Commissioners to be included on the agenda for the May 12 commission meeting. Arp urged library supporters to attend and speak out at the May 12 meeting. Webb added that, no matter what

the outcome of the SPLOST campaign, it is important for the FOL to act according to its mission. "I think it's literally a matter of the Friends of the Library mission," he said. He suggested the FOL's money be used to fund materials and a separate entrance to the library. Webb reiterated that the state had cut the library's materials budget 76 percent. "I still don't think SPLOST is dead yet," maintained Haymore. Membership Secretary Heidi Rule asked about times for the book sale, which will be held May 28 through 30 in the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church lot. It was determined that the sale would be open for FOL members from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, and public hours would be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12:15 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Friends of the Fannin County Public Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group. They meet on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church. A membership form is available at http://www.mountainregionallibrary.org/folfc.html.

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A balanced budget By: Sen. Jim Butterworth Columnist The General Assembly achieved victory for Georgians this week against seemingly impossible budget numbers. Our diligent work, in conjunction with the House of Representatives, resulted in a balanced Fiscal Year 2011 budget that does not raise taxes on the citizens of Georgia. We balanced the budget in a way that will help families and future economic growth in our state. This is the toughest economic environment since the Great Depression. Our budget gaps have grown to unprecedented proportions. However, we prevailed and reduced the size of government while maintaining basic services. By fulfilling our constitutional duty and passing a balanced budget, we demonstrated good fiscal management that we wish to see in the federal government. The Senate budget cut $2.6 billion in state spending. We did this while fulfilling our vow to not raise taxes, for anyone. Most state agencies were reduced by more than 20 percent. This budget, which takes effect July 1, 2010, reflects an 18 percent decline from the original FY 2009 budget equaling a $3.7 billion shortfall. These numbers are often hard to grapple with when faced with a duty to pass a balance budget. We did save essential programs that impact the lives of Georgians in significant ways. We maintained the integrity of the 4-H program, allowing young Georgians to continue learning and growing in an agriculture-focused environment. The Senate also restored funding to the Georgia Council of the Arts, a state agency that provides access to the arts through the award of highly competitive grants that fund arts programming. If we had not restored this funding, Georgia would be the only state without a statewide arts agency and we would be depriving Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens of dance, music, the performing arts and more. Apart from the budget, we passed a major ethics reform package to ensure Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elected officials are held to the highest ethical standards. This was a much-needed bill that will bring significant change to the political system in Georgia. It was crafted with a provision that broadens the scope and authority of the Ethics commission. It includes stricter reporting requirements and increases penalties for those lobbyists and elected officials who break the law. The bill passed the House and the Senate and now awaits the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature. Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property owners triumphed this week with the overwhelming support and passage of the Property Tax Assessment and Appeals Reform Bill. It is aimed at ensuring all Georgia properties are properly assessed at Fair Market Value and that property owners have guaranteed rights to appeal.

CO M MUN I T Y

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Georgia ForestWatch sponsors plant sale By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Ferns, hellebores, dogwood, black cohosh, jack-in-the-pulpit, pipsissewa, soapwort gentian, mountain laurel...these may be some of Georgia's native plant species available at Georgia ForestWatch's 2010 Wild & Woolly Native Plant Sale & Book Festival May 1. The annual celebration features native plants from Scott Creek Nursery, Jennie Branch Nursery, Jack Johnston Natives, and Mill Gap Farm; and book-signings and literary speeches by nature-related authors, said Wayne Jenkins, executive director of Georgia ForestWatch. Celtic fiddler Marie Dunkle will perform, and local food and Tiger Mountain Winery wine will be available. Dr. Barbara Duncan, education director of the Museum of the Cherokee; poets Mildred Greer and Laurence Holden; Peter Loewer, author of "The Wild Gardener;" and wilderness and children's advo-

cate Melissa Walker will participate in the event. Authors Hoke Shirley, Charles Souther, and Fran Moeller Gatins will sign their books. The event will also feature a raffle, which will include a handwoven basket from Jan Stansell, outdoor gear from Patagonia, and a signed, limited-edition photography by Peter McIntosh. The event is a benefit for Georgia ForestWatch, which advocates the protection and restoration of north and central Georgia's mountains and piedmont landscapes. Georgia ForestWatch is a watchdog group for the ChattahoocheeOconee National Forests. It was established as a result of conservation groups challenging the U.S. Forest Service's comprehensive management plan for those forests. Jenkins said the fundraiser has an inconsistent history. "It's just something that kind of happened. It was initially taargeted toward members. It started very small, and it's grown over the years," he said.

It was initially held at Tiger Mountain Winery and has moved to private property. During Georgia's drought years of 2007 to 2008, the plant sale was not held. "We didn't feel like we could, in good conscience, sell plants at the height of the drought. Being able to water during the summer is pretty important to the survivability of plants," Jenkins said. The fundraiser is now held at the Sheehan Barn in the Persimmon Community of Rabun County along Persimmon Creek. "They're using their property to bring people together for causes they believe in," Jenkins remarked. He said he expects 150 to 200 people at the event. Proceeds "fluctuate between $8,000 and $14,000," he added. The festival is held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Entrance costs $20 for adults. For more information and directions, call the ForestWatch office at (706) 635-8733 or e-mail Outreach Director Jill Gottesman at info@gafw.org.

Contributed Photo

A number of authors and poets will read from and sign their works at Georgia ForestWatch's Wild & Woolly Native Plant Sale & Book Festival May 1.

Steve Tarvin : 'I'm a business leader, not a politician' By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

Steve Tarvin was born and raised in Chickamauga, Georgia. He still lives there but his story does not stop there. Tarvin spoke to the Fannin County Republican Party April 19th and he was eager to tell his story. In his genuine mountain style, he told the audience why he wants to represent them in Washington. Because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lived in North Georgia all his life, Tarvin said he knows and believes in the people of Georgia and their hard working, traditional values and their commitment to quality of life. Tarvin began working at Crystal Springs Print Works, a textile mill in Chickamauga, on January 13th, 1970. He cleaned floors and did other manual labor as he worked his way up through the company. He is now president and CEO of the 750,000 square foot mill that specializes in bleaching, dying, printing, and finishing of textiles. He is particularly proud of their work on Defender Mâ&#x201E;˘ protective apparel for the military. Tarvin said Crystal Springs has employed hundreds of people from north Georgia for over 25 years. He said, "I know health care. My company has paid over $21 million dollars to provide coverage for employees. I believe that forcing anyone to purchase something they do not decide to purchase on their own is unconstitutional." Tarvin added that he knows what it will take to solve the national healthcare problem, and

Elaine Owen/ Sentinel Photo

Steve Tarvin talks to (L to R): Brian Stanford, Junior Farmer, Louise Little, Patti Bennett and Ronnie Godwin.

he knows that Obamacare is not the answer. As a small business owner, Tarvin believes the Fair Tax is the solution to many of our tax-related problems and will bring the country back to a strong manufacturing nation. He said that Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excessive spending has led to tax hikes that Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s families and businesses cannot afford. "It is time for Washington to place the welfare of taxpayers ahead of the welfare of government," he said. Tarvin spoke with passion about the economy. "Over 15 million Americans are out of work. The unemployment rate stands at 10.4 percent, and rising. Georgia families need help today--we

all need help," he said; adding that it is vital that every Georgian who wants a job is able to get a job. "The values of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens are some of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most priceless assets. It is these values that will enable this great state to reach our God given potential," he stated. Tarvin sees Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens struggling. He said manufacturing jobs represent the cornerstone of the economy in the Ninth district and it is critical that we develop incentives to spur economic development in our region. "I will focus on strategies that explore new opportunities for families and businesses in this district," he asserted.

According to Tarvin, there are a large number of immigrants who have tried, and have been trying for years, to become legal occupants of this country. He said, "This country was made great by immigration. However, those seeking citizenship should adhere to the laws in place. There are areas in this district that have relied on immigrant workers for their industries." He believes a legal immigrant to the United States should be able to live here and work as long as they are willing to be responsible members of society, pay taxes, have car insurance, and abide by our rules. He also believes that those that are here illegally should be deported. He continued, "We should change the 14th Amendment to state that those born in the United States and not those visiting and working here, are naturalized citizens." Tarvin said he will never vote to give amnesty to those that are here illegally. Answering questions from the audience, Tarvin said he is committed to traditional values that protect the sanctity of life, the protection of traditional marriage, and the right to keep and bear arms. He believes life begins at conception and that life is protected by the Fifth Amendment. Marriage is sanctified by God between a man and a woman. The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment that states it "shall not be infringed." Tarvin said his values come from over 40 years of life as a husband, father, business laborer and business owner. He married the former Jennifer Lance in the winter of 1970, and 40 years later, they are the proud parents

of two children and four grandchildren. He is currently president of the local Habitat for Humanity and the High School booster club. During the summer of 2009, he raised money for and oversaw the construction of two new ball fields in his community. Tarvin is a past member of the Board of Directors of Shorter College, and a past Board member of the American Cattle Association. He spent one term on Chickamauga City School Board then was asked to serve on the Chickamauga City Council, where he currently serves. Tarvin is a member of Oakwood Baptist Church. Tarvin said, "My life is defined by family, hard work, providing jobs for the people of north Georgia and protection for the troops in combat. I will protect your values and my values. I will bring the right perspective to Washington with decades of common sense business experience and family values that make North Georgia a wonderful place to live." Tarvin reminded the audience that the special election to fill the unexpired term on Rep. Nathan Deal is May 11. "You can make a difference. Let your voices be heard." The Fannin County Republican Party meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of every month at the Senior Center in Blue Ridge. For more information, call Ron Bolin at 706-492-7724. Tarvin will next be in Blue Ridge May 15th for the "Meet and Greet" picnic for candidates at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Everyone is invited to events beginning at 11 a.m.

On the Road Again Party celebrates U.S. 64 reopening By: Elaine Owen and Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writers Polk County, Tenn.--Last Friday, traffic on U.S. 64 was flowing steadily as those affected by the five-month road closure celebrated. At the On the Road Again Party at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, Polk County Chamber of Commerce President Jan Beck was selling T-shirts that read, "I survived the Ocoee Rock Slide." "It just seemed like it (the reopening) brought new life to the county," she said. The event, sponsored by the chamber of commerce, included free food, free music, and a free blood pressure check. Although the highway opened two days early, on Wednesday, April 13, at 11:15 a.m., that didn't inhibit the celebration by those in attendance. The highway has undergone more than $2 million in repairs since the November 10, 2009,

rockslide near the Tennessee Valley Authority Ocoee 2 Dam. In addition to removing approximately 13,000 cubic yards of debris from the first rock slide and stabilizing the mountainside with more than 400 bolts, crews removed 7,000 cubic yards of debris from the January 19 slide at mile marker 10.9, added road signs and removed 10,000 cubic yards of debris at the notorious 15-mile-per-hour curve at mile marker 14.5. Several people spoke about how the detour had added an hour to their commute to Chattanooga. A woman from Blue Ridge said her sister worked in Cleveland and had to rent an apartment because the commute was too costly in time and money for gas. "We are so glad she is back home now," she said. Traffic in the area went from approximately 4,528 annual average daily traffic estimated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation at Station 35 near Greasy Creek in 2008 to close to 0.

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O PI N I ON How should a Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get our Low cost water heating representative facts straight represent? SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE

GREEN

RIGHT

By: Richard C. MacCrea

By: James F. Davis

Columnist

If you have children at home, you probably spend $50 each month to heat your water. How can this be reduced? Lets look at four ways: Solar water heating can cost $6000 or more installed. There are local companies that sell and install solar water heating. A tax credit might help pay for part of the cost. You would be giving work to a local person. If the system is well designed and maintained, it might reduce your water heating costs by as much as $45 per month. If you are financing the construction or remodeling of your home, it might be worthwhile to borrow another $6000, since this might increase your payment by only $35, less if you qualify for a tax credit. Would you increase your mortgage payment by $35 if it reduces your electric bill by $45? Remember, that $45 savings will increase every time TVA raises their rates. In twenty years that might be $75 you are saving every month. Electric heat pump water heaters are a new option. One for your home might cost $1600 plus installation, but it might save you $38 per month on your electric bill when compared to a standard water heater. It will also cool and dehumidify the area around it. And your mortgage payment will only go up about $10. They are about the same size of a standard water heater. Super insulated tank water heaters are another option to consider. The Tennessee Valley Authority has a program to help you get one of these in your home. Retail price is about $900 plus installation, but you might qualify for a rebate. They last much longer than a standard water heater, and cost about $5 more on your mortgage payment. But they might save you almost $10 per month on your electric bill. One model has four inches of foam insulation, keeping the water hot for a very long time. It also features a water tank that cannot corrode and is about the same size as a standard water heater. Combine one of these with a solar water heating system, and you can store that sun heated water for much longer periods of time. Tankless water heaters save money by heating only the water used. They also take up less space than a standard water heater. Depending on the size, they might cost $500- $1000 plus installation and save $10 per month in water heating costs. But if your home is tightly insulated (as it should be) you might not want a gas burning water heater inside your home. There are also electric tankless water heaters, but they require a large electrical connection (as much as 220 volt, 100 amp ) which might mean a larger, more expensive electrical service for your home. Tankless water heaters make sense in homes that are occupied part time and where space is very tight. Standard 50 gallon electric water heaters might cost $285 plus installation. They might cost you $50 per month to run, and $1 of your monthly mortgage payment. I gathered this information from manufacturers' web sites. You can learn more at energystar.gov. Look at products, then plumbing. 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. rmaccrea1@gmail.com

In a previous â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;LEFTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; column by Jim Fitzgerald, he indicated that he completes â&#x20AC;&#x153;a background check on everything I (he) write about . . .â&#x20AC;? And he invited â&#x20AC;&#x153;anyone to point out inaccuracies in my (his) articles.â&#x20AC;? Virtually everything he writes is Liberal Democratic Party talking points with no evidence of accuracy. For example: He wrote about a black congressmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim that he was called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nâ&#x20AC;? word by a protester after he voted for the Health Care bill. Although there were at least 100 witnesses, multiple video and audio footage of when the Congressman claimed that this happened, there was absolutely no evidence of it being true, but quite the contrary. Mr. Fitzgerald's research apparently did not require any proof of the alleged slur, only that these talking points were repeated over and over by the dominant Liberal media. Concerning the health care bill, Mr. Fitzgerald claimed that my having accidentally used the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeâ&#x20AC;? instead of â&#x20AC;&#x153;findâ&#x20AC;? in quoting Nancy Pelosi, i.e., â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to pass the bill so that you can FIND out (see) what is in itâ&#x20AC;? gives an entirely different meaningâ&#x20AC;? to Pelosiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idiotic comment. Mr. Fitzgerald gives no evidence of how the meaning is changed. Can anybody? Mr. Fitzgerald wrote that conservatives have â&#x20AC;&#x153;thrown temper tantrums and engage in actions that border on anarchyâ&#x20AC;? without giving any evidence to support his claim. The only evidence of violence and anarchical behavior I have seen has been pro Democrat and Obama supporters like Acorn and union thugs using Saul Alinsky terrorist intimidation tactics on Tea Party people, for example, beating up a black Tea Party peaceful protestor, beating up and breaking the bones of an female aide to Governor Jindal and her boyfriend because they wore Sarah Palin buttons, etc. Close to 20% of Americans identify themselves the Tea Party. And despite tens of millions of them having demonstrated, we have yet to see them physically attack anyone like anti-Tea Partiers have done to Tea Partiers. Mr. Fitzgerald states that Sarah Palinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;answers to questions about her foreign policy experience have been nonsensicalâ&#x20AC;? but gives no factual evidence to support his claim. Mr. Fitzgerald ignored Palinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s explanation that, as Commander in Chief of the National Guard in Alaska (the USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern defense), she had regular National Security briefings, something that Obama and Biden did not have access to when running for president. If she actually said something nonsensical, where is the evidence? There are thousands of hours of recording of what she has said. Surely he can come up with something other than her prefacing her remarks above about her concrete knowledge with the comment he quoted her about Russia being adjacent to Alaska. Lastly he blames the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act in 1999 for causing the financial crisis without giving any evidence. The factual evidential truth is that the legal threats by the Clinton administration to the banks and his reducing the capital and lending requirements of FANNIE MAE and other government guaranteed and/or controlled institutions are the major cause of the financial mess we are in. I have previous written in detail on this and there are a slew of books that document it in even more excruciating detail. In summary, just about everything I have read in Mr. Fitzpatrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s columns are rehashes of Liberal Democratic talking points with virtually no evidence to support his declarative statements (opinions). Word limitations of this restrain me from listing other examples in just the last his last four columns.

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By: Paula Canup Columnist I use to throw this question out to my students for debate: Should a representative in Congress vote the way the majority of his constituents want him to vote, or vote according to what he believes is best for the country, even if it flies in the face of his constituentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wishes? Many would argue that we live in a democracy where the majority rules, so a representative should represent the majority. For example, the tea partiers are angry right now because Congress just passed healthcare legislation that the majority of Americans opposed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;ramming it down our throats.â&#x20AC;? Others would argue that a representative is put into office to make decisions for us and should decide what he truly believes is in the best interest of the people. If people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like his decisions, they can vote him out of office. The fact is, we do not live in a democracy. Our founding fathers were very distrustful of democracy, fearing â&#x20AC;&#x153;mob rule.â&#x20AC;? They created a republic, one that was a great deal less democratic than the one we have today. Back then, only white, male, property owners even had the right to vote. Senators were selected by state legislatures, not a direct vote of the people. The idea was that you would have leaders who were more knowledgeable and better-informed than the general populace and therefore more qualified to make important decisions. The creators of the Constitution also knew that government could be corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the people, so they limited its power, giving power to the people themselves. It was a very delicate balancing act, giving some powers to the government leaders and others to the people in an attempt to avoid the evils of too much power in the hands of either. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.â&#x20AC;? Over time, our form of government has evolved, becoming much more democratic. This is not necessarily a good thing. When the people learn that they can vote themselves benefits and largess from the treasury, they can quickly bankrupt a nation. We may be headed down that path now. So what should a representative in Congress do in the face of our present-day challenges? Here is what I hope I would do if I were up there in Washington: I would do what I truly believe is best for the United States of America and our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. I would go up there determined not to think about winning the next election; in fact, I would be just fine with being a one-term congressman. Then I would spend a great deal of time talking to people who are well-respected for their knowledge of foreign policy, health care, and the economy. I would work tirelessly to find real answers to real problems and avoid the arm-twisting party leaders from both sides of the aisle. I would refuse to play their power games. I would tell my constituents the truth, whether they liked it or not. I would listen to their concerns, and if I felt they had a legitimate complaint or a good idea, I would work hard on their behalf to help them. If I thought they were wrong, I would tell them so. I would tell them what I believe are our greatest challenges and what needs to be done about them. I would still be a teacher, only I would have an entire district instead of a classroom. In short, I would strive to be a statesman, not a politician. That is what we need â&#x20AC;&#x201C; people who will â&#x20AC;&#x153;do the right thingâ&#x20AC;? without concern for their personal success. We need intelligent men and women of character who are willing to work hard, learn, and make tough decisions in the face of extreme criticism. In just a few days, we will all have the opportunity to elect such people to office. It is more than an opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is a duty we have as citizens of our country, our state, and our county. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to make your voice heard. I urge you to vote for the candidate of your choice on Tuesday, May 4th.

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Diva Jamboree Tournament Taste of Blue Ridge sold out By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

Saturday was the beginning of the "Diva Jamboree", the annual Blue Ridge Women's Bowling Association Tournament. The tournament has been going on for years but was called the City Tournament until three years ago to pick a new name. Then it became Diva Jamboree. Unlike most tournaments, this one is for ladies only; those who bowl in leagues at Fannin Lanes. One of the bowlers, Tish Arnold said, "Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of a local mini version of the state tournaments. It brings ladies from the the different leagues at Fannin Lanes together for fun and camaraderie and to let them compete for prizes. Fourteen teams of four competed in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament. Next Saturday, will be the singles and doubles events. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a bowler or just enjoy watching, the continuation of "Diva Jamboree" promises a fun day at Fannin Lanes! Winners of the two-part tournament will be announced after next Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events. Fannin Lanes is located at 4115 E First Street in Blue Ridge offers league Elaine Owen, Sentinel Photos and open bowiling. Please call 706Clockwise from top left: Mary Hensley bowls for a strike. Nancy Harrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect form gets the spare! Rhonda "Trooper" Dil632-2064 for more information.

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

For the first time in its three-year history, the Taste of Blue Ridge sold out of tickets. At 6 p.m. Saturday, April 24, those in line were told that no more tickets were available for the Humane Society of Blue Ridge event. Because of occasional downpours and a tornado warning for the area, all 32 refreshment providers and musicians were moved inside the RiverStone Medical Campus facility. "We had to move the band, The Boomers, inside, as well as the live auction and 10 restaurants due to the inclement weather," Robbie Muschamp, the event's co-chair, said. Muschamp said Taste of Blue Ridge is the chief fundraising event for the Humane Society.The Humane Society is raising funds in order to establish a permanent facility to house cats and dogs. She said early estimates show the event raised approximately

$30,000 for the Humane Society. Anne Williamson is the event's other co-chair and the Humane Society's president. Vendors participating in the 2010 Taste of Blue Ridge included 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 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.

beck. Kathy Brown picks it up! Joan Waters waits for the pins to fall.

Cooking for a Cure benefits Relay For Life By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Cancer has touched everyone in the world. Approximately 1.47 million cases were diagnosed in 2009, and 25 percent of those stricken will die, according to the American Cancer Society. On average, cancer kills 1,500 people every day. Some people give up; others fight. A very few vow to help prevent cancer and save others with the disease. Morgan and Mary Arp are among those few. "My wife is a cancer survivor. I've got a sister that is a cancer survivor, and I know a lot of people that have been affected by it," Morgan said. On April 24, the Arps, Autumn Thurman and Julie Dyer conducted Cooking for a Cure, sponsored by Community & Southern Bank (CSB) and Town & Country Furniture. Earlier, Morgan remarked that he wanted the event to be different from most fundraisers. "We're going to try to give something back, so you don't feel like you're just donating money," he said. He promised recipes, many samples and some entertainment. "The cooking show is going to focus on Mediterranean food," said Morgan, who is employed by CSB. Thurman and Dyer, also employed by the bank, demonstrated how to make sushi. Thurman, aided by Dyer, demonstrated how to make a traditional California roll and an inside-out California roll with sushi rice, crab meat, avocado and cucumber. Dyer said she was more of a sushi eater than a maker and left the instruction to Thurman. Thurman emphasized that the rice must be Japanese short-grain rice, because it is stickier; and rice preparation may take from 90 to 105 minutes. Thurman and Dyer then used a sharp knife to cut the sushi roll. Morgan offered a few comments about sushi. "Sushi started in China. It was used to preserve fish," he said. He added that the rice was usually thrown out. When the tradition was adopted in Japan, they considered rice one of the ingredients, and that is the way most people think of sushi. He introduced his and Mary's daughter, Christie, and asked her to help. "I keep my parents in line," Christie said to widespread laughter. Mary began assembling ingredients for her famed meat pies. "I am happy to be here as a cancer survivor. I am also Lebanese, and that is the cooking we're going to do," Mary said. She explained that her grandparents had emigrated to Nashville in 1898

Lisa Gagnon, Sentinel Photos

Top: Morgan Arp and wife, Mary, demonstrated Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking as part of Community & Southern Bank's Relay For Life Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Below: Mary and Christie.

and then to Copperhill. "They heard American streets were paved with gold. They came in through Ellis Island and settled in Nashville," she said. In 1972, they moved to Copperhill. Mary explained that she doesn't know for sure, but she believes the mountains, which resembled those of his Lebanese homeland, were what attracted her grandfather to Copperhill. In spite of living in the U.S., Lebanese traditions dominated her family. I grew up with all Lebanese cooking," she said. "And I grew up with beans and potatoes," Morgan added. Until she married Morgan, her family had only married other Lebanese, sometimes in arranged marriages. "I broke the mold (by marrying Morgan), but I wasn't the only one. I taught him everything he knows about Lebanese food, and now, he's telling me how to do it," she said. She explained that Mediterranean cooking comes from countries such as Italy, Greece, and Lebanon. It features many spices and is very healthy. Mary spoke about how adding fresh or dried mint to a salad enhances the flavor, then demonstrated how to make

salad dressing with garlic, salt, olive oil, and lemon. "I didn't know there was another kind of salad dressing," she said. Other characteristics of Lebanese cooking are using lentils as a substitute for meat, using yogurt as leavening, pita bread, hummus, tabouleh, and meat pies. Mary said her mother and sister were great at making yogurt, but she was not as adept. "My mother never ran out of starter (for yogurt) in 40 years," she said. Her family attends St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church in Copperhill, and many of their activities are church related. "A lot of Lebanese culture centers around the church. Ladies would have a Lebanese dinner because most of the people in our church were Lebanese. They do that even to this day," she said. For church fundraisers, the women would get together and prepare stuffed grape leaves, bread, meat pies, tabouleh, and sweets for sale. "About 11 years ago, in the '90s, we'd sell everything at Arts in the Park. That's how we paved our parking lot (at the church)," Mary said.

Mary then demonstrated how to make meat pies. She starts out by mixing a quarter cup of vegetable oil with a three-quarter cup of lukewarm water. She adds the mixture to 2 1/2 cups of White Lily flour. She then covers the dough and leaves it to raise for an hour. "I have learned from experience how my dough is. I can tell if it's right just by touching it," she said. "I'm the meat pie maker; Caroline (my sister) is the baklava maker. Caroline would say, 'Your dough is so good.' " Christie then piped up to remind Mary that Morgan had prepared this batch of meat pies while Mary had been in the hospital.The crowd laughed along with Morgan and Christie. "Well, he's been watching me make them for 30 years," Mary retorted. "What that means is anyone can make them," Morgan said. Mary continued her instruction, noting that the filling could be lamb or beef or a mixture of the two. She advised that the meat needs to have a little fat. Her recipe calls for mixing two pounds of coarsely ground meat, plus 6 tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of salt, a tablespoon of black pepper, a finely diced large onion and half a cup of tomato juice. Variations on the recipe include substituting a half cup of yogurt for the tomato juice or substituting spinach for the meat. She confessed that she actually had to look up a recipe specifically for the cooking show, because she is so accustomed to making meat pies that she forgot measurements. Mary said she then rolls out balls of dough the size of a flat biscuit. "It needs a rolling pin, but that's not the tradition. "She told me the other night, 'You can't do it. It'll come out tough,' " Morgan interjected. Mary adds the filling and closes it into a triangle. She then places the pies on a greased baking sheet on the bottom rack of the over set at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, plus another 15 minutes on the top rack of the oven. Morgan then gave the audience his recipe for lentils, which involves browning chopped onions, then adding cooked lentils and rice or potatoes. "It gives lentils a totally different flavor. It's a good substitute for meat. You can take it and fry it for breakfast," he said. Mary suggested serving cucumber yogurt with lentils or as a dip for meat pies. As the cooks had prepared their food, they had placed them in serving dishes and placed them on a table for sampling. Morgan encouraged the audience to sample the bountiful buffet of edible treats.

Lisa Gagnon, Sentinel Photos

Top: Artist Nancy Williamson displayed her original artwork on a Humane Society of Blue Ridge T-shirt on sale at the Taste of Blue Ridge. Below: Volunteer Nancy Thomason showed Kelly Hornsby some of the items in the silent auction at Taste of Blue Ridge.

Riding club show

Copper Basin Riding Club (CBRC) will hold its second show of the 2010 season in Ducktown.TN This will be a Blue Ridge Mountins Association show ,the event will be on Saturday May 1st sign up at 1:00 and show starts at 2:00pm. There will events for riders of all ages from the very young to the most experienced. There will be Barrel racing, arena races, youth poles, Western pleasure , Speed racking and many more new events.. The excitement of the running events has the crowd of spectators on their feet. The concession stand will be open with their fabulous BBQ sandwiches and homemade hamburgers and delicious baked goods by the clubs members. Club T- shirts will be for sale at the registration stand .Visiting the arena come and enjoy some great food and .Good fun for the whole family. The CBRC is in Ducktown,Tn. on Cherokee Trail. Monthly Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM at the club grounds. Questions please contact President Misty Callahan @706-4557104 or check our website www.copperbasinridingclub.org