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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 | THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

Interest in tea party surging By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

The small announcement in the newspapers last month could have gone unnoticed. In just a few words, a time and place was listed for a meeting of "voters who are sick and tired of politics as usual are invited to a public meeting..."

Stated purpose for the meeting was "to form a nonpartisan group that wants the best for their county, state and country."

That meeting filled the community room at Appalachian Community Bank and a larger place was sought to accommodate a crowd of people who agreed they would work together as a nonpartisan group to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility and adhere to the Constitution.

That first meeting determined that all activities would be respectful of all parties and would not suggest, promote or tolerate any disrespect towards any persons or property. The clear message was that the U.S. Constitution that pro-

vides for the proper and peaceful means for the expression of political opinion and the transition of political power would be the cornerstone of the organization.

April 1 saw more than 70 people at the Middle School cafeteria. They came early and they stayed late, gathered in small groups, animated in their belief that Washington was out of control with runaway spending, unwanted health care, excess taxes and not enough jobs.

They also talked about whether the commission form of government was serving the county, and if it might work better as a business structure with a CEO as manager.

Patriots Chairman Tom Ledford summed it up, "Politicians have had a few decades to get it right--neither have done it and now we are paying the price."

Many spoke of their frustrations about politicians who make promises they never keep. The consensus was "Don’t believe them, they’re worried about their political life and not about the See Tea Party, page 6A

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Contributed Photo

Jim McGregor

SANITATION SCORES

98.0

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ARE IN

violation against a local restaurant is a serious matter. Fannin County's Environmental Health Department has the latest scores. Take a look: Violations are categorized according to their potential for creating a health risk to the consumer. Violations are divided into two categories: Risk Factors/Public Health Interventions (RF/PHI) categories and Good Retail Practices (GRP) Categories. Risk factors are food preparation practices and employee behaviors most commonly reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as contributing factors in food borne illness outbreaks. Public Health Interventions are control measures to prevent illness or injury. Good Retail Practices are preventative measures to control the introduction of pathogens, chemicals, and physical objects into foods.

Any violations of RF/PHI categories must be corrected by a person in charge at the time of inspection or the health authority may agree to or specify a longer time frame, not to exceed 10 calendar days after the inspection for the permit holder to correct violations of a critical item.

Any violations of GRP categories must be corrected within 72 hours of the food service establishment’s receipt of inspection report or the health authority may approve a compliance schedule that extends beyond the time limits See Sanitation, page 2A

Early voting for special election begins April 12 Early voting for the special election May 11 will be April 12 through May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Board of Elections office on the third floor of the Fannin County Court House.

Citizens must be registered to vote by Friday, April 2, 2010 to participate in the election.

This election is to fill the seat of Representative Nathan Deal until the general election November 2.

On the ballot will be eight candidates: Democrat Mike Freeman of Gainesville, Independent Eugene Moon of Gainesville, and Republicans Chris Cates of Blairsville, Tom Graves of Ranger, Lee Hawkins of Gainesville, Bert Loftman of Jasper, Bill Stephens

Fannin

of Cumming and Steve Tarvin of Chickamauga.

This election is a non-partisan special election with no party primary.

Each candidate’s party affiliation, if any, will be listed on the ballot. If needed, a run-off election will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

Voters can request an absentee ballot from the election office through the close of business on Friday, May 7, 2010.

Absentee ballots must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day. On May 11, the polls will be open from 7 to 7 at all 12 precincts.

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

Adventure race sports fresh new challenges Three different starting locations in three different states, at least three different modes of transportation, and a new finish line are only a few of the 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race's innovations.

Director Ron Zadroga has already announced that the finish line for the 13th annual race will end at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville.

That's big news, because the race has always, in the past, ended at the city park in downtown Blue Ridge.

Competitors and support people-three racers and one support person per team--and audience members know very little about the course and challenges until the night before the race, he said. At that time, teams receive maps and instructions.The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 10.

The Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center and the chamber's tent at the park will also have a list of spectator locations along the race route Saturday morning.

"All of this is secret up to the night of the race," he said.

This year, however, Zadroga divulged a little more information before Friday night.

"This year, one of the team members is going to start by canoe in Georgia. Another team member is going to start by foot in Tennessee.

A third team member is going to start by bicycle in North Carolina," he said.

He added that the North Carolina location will be "where three states come together."

The finish line is the same as the first checkpoint, which will pose an intellectual challenge for participants.

"What combination of skills do we, as a team, have so we can all arrive at the park at a similar time?" he said competitors must ask themselves.

Competitors can't begin the sec-

Contributed Photo

Ron Zadroga, director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race

ond leg of the race until all three meet at the park.

"Depending on their skill level, some will get there faster; some will get there slower," he explained.

Mystery events, such as rappeling, rock climbing, and log cutting, can add excitement to the event, because racers don't know about them until the last minute. That will change this year, too, he remarked.

"This year, we're not having a mystery event as such," Zadroga noted, adding, "They have to cross the (Toccoa) River with their bicycles to get to the finish line."

Zadroga said he's done the entire race himself to ensure participants can finish by 6:30 p.m. He said that the initial canoe race takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, and the runner's course and bicycle route about 30 minutes to the first checkpoint.

He said he expects most racers to reach the finish line between 3 and 6 p.m.

They'll be met at the park with food vendors, music by the Natti Lovejoys, and sponsor booths, including the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Benton MacKaye Trail Association.

The event is produced by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce with the aid of more than 100 volunteers.

This year, volunteer help is even more valuable, because of the initial start in three states. "It's an absolute necessity to have these volunteers," Zadroga said.

Community theater to get new scenic workshop By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Delayed by the wet weather, concrete trucks from Cox Construction Enterprises, LLC, were finally able to pour concrete for the Blue Ridge Community Theater's new workshop March 31.

The pad will include a workshop, patio and delivery apron, according to Joe Webb, president of the theater's board of directors. Behind the pad, Cox's employees have already built a six-foot fence where the property drops off.

"We're building the workshop on it, where we build all the sets...The far end will be a patio off the green room so the actors can get outside...(The remaining space will have a) covered delivery apron where we'll have utility access and access to the back of the theater under a tin roof. This literally takes the whole back of the theater under a roof," Webb said.

Webb said he's especially excited about the workshop, because the theater now will be able to store some sets that may be totally or partially reused. In addition, some set construction for a new production can be done while the previous production is still running. Presently, set construction frequently occurs during a production, interviews or rehearsals, which is sometimes disruptive, he said.

The project was awarded by a low bid of $4,000 to Larry Cox, who then plans to donate $2,000 back to the theater's Cornerstone Project, according to Webb.

Architect Rick LaRosa also contributed his time and expertise.

Cox said that the donation is a tribute to his parents, who, in a roundabout way, helped start the community theater.

"My parents owned Sugar Creek Music Park for 25 years, and a fellow name of Glenn Burns was a neighbor to my parents. And he kind of got the idea of having a theater at the music park," Cox explained.

That idea eventually developed into the Blue Ridge Community Theater, he said. "In a roundabout way...Sugarcreek Music Park was sort of the birthplace of

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Monday

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Contributed Photo

Larry Cox, owner of Cox Construction Enterprises, LLC, and his crew spent Wednesday pouring concrete for the community theater's new addition.

the community theater," he said.

The money will be matched by John and Corrie Grado as part of the theater's Cornerstone Capital Campaign. The couple agreed to match donations to the campaign up to a total of $125,000.

"Build it and they will come. That's what's happened. There's a whole lot of appreciation for the theater," Webb said.

Tuesday

71/48

Wednesday

66/49

Page 2A

FANNIN SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

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C A L E NDA R

City will try for block grant next year By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Time ran out for the City of Blue Ridge to apply to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a community development block grant this year.

In order to qualify for up to $500,000 in funds to benefit low-and moderate-income persons, a survey with 100% participation of property owners must be completed and submitted by mid April. With only 20% done, there was no way paperwork could be submitted this year.

That’s the conclusion CTI engineer Philip Schofield came to when he held a public

hearing March 29 at City Hall. "That doesn’t mean we can’t still get some help for Blue Ridge," he said, explaining that the grant has a two-year time frame and Blue Ridge can apply next year.

"The preliminary engineering report has been done," continued Schofield, showing on the engineering map where the proposed water line would connect and continue to the Gilmer County line.

Mayor Donna Whitener agreed, saying that citizens probably need more information to know why their input is necessary to get the grant money. "We have time now to get the survey done and will move forward on this next year."

Contributed Photo

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WHAT’S GOING ON?

Submit calendar events to Fannin@GeorgiaSentinel.com

Contributed Photo

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Meet the cast of 'Run for Your Wife' The Blue Ridge Community Theater would like to announce the fabulous cast for the next Main Stage play, Run for Your Wife, by Ray Cooney.

Webster Dictionary's definition of a farce is "a light dramatic work in which highly improbable plot situations, exaggerated characters, and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect." The definition perfectly illustrates Ray Cooney's witty farce, Run For Your Wife, playing at the Blue Ridge Community

Sanitation: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

if a schedule of compliance is submitted by the permit holder and no health hazard exists or will result from allowing an extended schedule for compliance. Scoring and grading: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; U=69 or less. t #MVF 3JEHF .PVOUBJO #BS # 2 &BTU First St. Blue Ridge, 3/18/2010 score 96%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A�

11-A Out of Compliance: Observed ##2 #FFG CFJOH DPPMFE JO B DPOUBJOFS XJUI a tight fitting lid that doesn’t allow for proper air flow to cool food.

17-C Out of Compliance: Observed dust accumulations on walls of facility. Need to increase cleaning frequency. t #VDLIPSO -BOEJOH #Z 1BTT 3E .PSganton, 3/8/2010 score 93%, grade “A�, previous score 92%, grade “A�

6-2 Out of Compliance: Observed food being stored past 7 day disposal date mark. &NQMPZFFT TIBMM EJTDBSE GPPE QPUFOUJBMMZ hazardous food prepared in facility after 7 calendar days from the date it was prepared. – Repeat 17-B Out of Compliance: Observed PQFO HBSCBHF DBO MJET JO GBDJMJUZ &NQMPZFFT shall keep garbage cans closed except when in use. t $JEFS )PVTF .PCJMF 3E .D$BZTWJMMF 3/5/2010 score 100%, grade “A�, previous score 99%, grade “A� &WFSZUIJOH JT JO $PNQMJBODF t $PIVUUB (SJMM %VOCBSUPO 'BSN 3E Blue Ridge 3/10/2010 score 88%, grade “B�, previous score Preliminary (Opening Score) 6-1 A Out of Compliance: Observed slaw, sliced tomato, and potato salad being IFME HSFBUFS UIBO EFHSFFT &NQMPZFFT shall maintain all Potentially Hazardous

Foods at 41 degrees or less.

11-A Out of Compliance: Observed food being cooled in tight lidded containFST &NQMPZFFT TIBMM LFFQ GPPET CFJOH cooled in loose lidded containers until food item reaches proper temperatures. t %BMZ T (SJMMF 8FTU .BJO 4U #MVF Ridge, 3/23/2010 score 96%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A�

1-2 Out of Compliance: Observed no list of Certified Food Safety Manager in establishment t )BSWFTU PO .BJO &BTU .BJO 4U #MVF Ridge, 3/11/2010 score 95%, grade “A�, previous score Preliminary (Opening Score) 4-2 A Out of Compliance: Observed drink pitchers being stored without protecUJPO GSPN DPOUBNJOBUJPO &NQMPZFFT TIBMM keep beverage containers stored with loose covering to protect item from overhead contamination.

15-B Out of Compliance: Observed no test strips in facility. t - - #FBOFSZ #BLFSZ $BGĂ? 8FTU Main St. Blue Ridge, 3/11/2010 score 93%, grade “Aâ€?, previous score 99%, grade “Aâ€?

8-2 B Out of Compliance: Observed glass cleaner being stored above single serWJDF GPPE JUFNT &NQMPZFFT TIBMM TUPSF BMM chemicals so as they do not come into contact with food and or food equipment.

11-A Out of Compliance: Observed spinach dip being cooled in tight lidded DPOUBJOFS &NQMPZFFT TIBMM QSPQFSMZ DPPM all potentially hazardous food items in lose lidded, shallow containers so as to allow for proper heat transfer out of food item. Once the food item has been properly cooled within the proper 6 hour total cooling time, then it can be covered with a lid. t .POUF "MCBO "QQBMBDIJBO )XZ #MVF Ridge; 3/25/2010 score 100%, grade “A�, previous score 94%, grade “A� &WFSZUIJOH JT JO $PNQMJBODF MANDATORY REINSPECTION 3/5/2010

Theater the month of May. In keeping with our “Year of Comedy�, this story has terrific tempo, precision and wit. It gets madder and funnier as it goes along and this production is sure to keep the audience in stitches. Performance dates are May 7-30, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Call the box office today to reserve your tickets! 706-632-9223 t 1BCMP T 1MBDF 3FTUBVSBOU "QQBMBDIJBO Hwy, Blue Ridge, 3/5/2010 score 84%, grade “B�, previous score 56%, grade “U�

1-2 Out of Compliance: Observed no certificate identifying Certified Food Manager for establishment. Person in Charge not establishing managerial controls to eliminate of control Imminent Health Risks. Person in charge shall ensure that employees are maintaining foods at correct temperatures and employees are using no bare hand contact to prevent contamination of food. Repeat 2-2 D Out of Compliance: Observed JUFNT CFJOH TUPSFE JO IBOE TJOL &NQMPZFFT shall not use hand wash sinks for any other purpose other than the washing of hands.

17-B Out of Compliance: Observed PQFO HBSCBHF DBO JO LJUDIFO &NQMPZFFT shall maintain all garbage cans with lids unless otherwise in use.-Repeat 18 Out of Compliance: Observed hole in ceiling in kitchen not properly sealed to prevent insect and other vermin infestation. &NQMPZFFT TIBMM NBJOUBJO BMM PQFOJOHT JO establishment are properly sealed to prevent infestation.-Repeat t 1BQB T 1J[[B UP (P 1SPHSFTT $JSDMF #MVF Ridge, 3/12/2010 score 99%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A�

17-B Out of Compliance: Observed PQFO EVNQTUFS MJE &NQMPZFFT TIBMM NBJOtain closed dumpster lids at all times except when in use. t 1BSBJTP .FYJDBO 3FTUBVSBOU -BODF 4U Blue Ridge, 3/17/2010 score Preliminary Opening Inspection t 1J[[B )VU 7BMMFZ 7JMMBHF 4IPQQJOH Center Blue Ridge, 3/22/2010 score 99%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A�

17-D Out of Compliance: Observed unshielded light in dry storage/outdoor walkin cooler t 3PZBM 8BČF ,JOH "QQBMBDIJBO )XZ Blue Ridge, 3/26/2010 score 91%, grade “A�, previous score 95%, grade “A�

6-1 A Out of Compliance: Observed creamer and sour cream in mini-refrigeraUPS OPU CFJOH IFME BU EFHSFFT PS MFTT &Nployees shall ensure that all cold PHF’s are maintained at 41 degrees or less. t 4XFFUSFBUT &BTU .BJO 4U #MVF 3JEHF 3/12/2010 score 100%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A� &WFSZUIJOH JT JO $PNQMJBODF t ɊF 5SBJMFS %SJWF *O &BTU 'JSTU 4U #MVF Ridge, 3/30/2010 score 95%, grade “A�, previous score 99%, grade “A�

17-B Out of Compliance: Observed PQFO EVNQTUFS MJE &NQMPZFFT TIBMM NBJOtain dumpster lid closed at all times except when in use.-Repeat 17-D Out of Compliance: Observed unshielded lighting in kitchen and storage BSFBT &NQMPZFFT TIBMM NBJOUBJO BMM MJHIU mYtures in prep and storage areas with proper shielding.-Repeat.

18 Out of Compliance: Observed openJOH BSPVOE EPPS JO TUPSBHF BSFB &NQMPZFFT shall maintain that all outer openings are properly sealed in order to prevent entry of insects or rodents. t ɊF 7JMMBHF 3FTUBVSBOU &BTU 'JSTU 4U Blue Ridge, 3/31/2010 score 95%, grade “A�, previous score 100%, grade “A�

4-2 B Out of Compliance: Observed chlorine sanitizer in auto-dishwasher not a proper strength. Problem appeared to be related to tubing in sanitizer supply bucket being above level of sanitizer in said supply CVDLFU 1SPCMFN DPSSFDUFE &NQMPZFFT TIBMM ensure that auto-dishwasher is properly sanitizing dishes.

17-B Out of Compliance: Observed inside of dumpster area with stacks of DBSECPBSE CPYFT &NQMPZFFT TIBMM LFFQ dumpster area clean and store refuse only in dumpster. t 8FOEZ T +PTI )BMM 3E #MVF 3JEHF 3/19/2010 score 100%, grade “A�, previous score 96%, grade “A� &WFSZUIJOH JT JO $PNQMJBODF

7KXUVGD\ $SULO ‡ FANNIN SENTINEL Page 3A

NE W S

Governor to appoint special Attorney General to sue federal government By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Gov. Sonny Perdue said he will appoint a special attorney general to sue the federal government over the new federal health care reform law.

Speaking at a news conference Thursday, the governor said he plans to assemble a team of lawyers to file the suit after Attorney General Thurbert Baker refused Perdue’s request to sue.

Baker is a Democrat who is seeking the democratic nomination to succeed Perdue, who is barred from

running again due to term limits.

"I think in this economy, in this America that we all grew up in and love, forcing people to purchase things they don’t want to purchase, I think, violates a constitutional right that they have," Perdue said.

Perdue was referring to a part of the new federal legislation that requires nearly everyone to be insured or face paying a fine, starting in 2014. He also said the law would cost the state millions of dollars every year by expanding Medicaid rolls, forcing the state health insurance plan to cover the adult children of state workers up to age 26 and requiring the state to set up a

health care purchasing exchange.

Perdue is not alone in his concerns about how Georgia will pay for mandates in the legislation.

Other states have expressed concerns (mainly) over how expansion of Medicaid would impact their budgets, and many expect to sue the federal government.

In a two-page response to Gov. Perdue, Baker wrote, "I cannot justify a decision to initiate expensive and time-consuming litigation that I believe has no legal merit.

In short, this litigation is likely to fail and will consume significant amounts of taxpayers’ hard-earned money in the process."

Following Baker’s refusal of the governor's request to sue, the state constitution gives the governor the right to appoint a special attorney general who will have the same power as the state attorney general in this specific matter, Perdue said.

Georgia probably will not join the lawsuit filed by attorneys general in at least 13 other states who are challenging what they see as an unconstitutional over-reach of federal power. Georgia will likely file a separate suit, Perdue said. "I think we run the risk of bearing some burden of shared costs if we join other states," he said.

According to Perdue, several

Am I my brother's keeper?

Cherry Log church says 'yes, we are' By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer It began January 12, 2010 when disaster struck with an earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As news filled the air waves that thousands were lost and the lives of children were in peril, a man in Ft. Lauderdale was burdened with their plight.

"Somebody needs to help them," thought John . Then a Haitian Florida condominium maintenance man shared his concerns with John and asked him to speak to his pastor, Henry Jules, about the church’s ministry to Haitian refugees.

Dickenson began following up on leads. He and his wife, Joan, met with Rev. Henry Jules, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, who explained their ministry in the Baptist compound in Jimani, Dominican Republic.

Dickenson made a call to his longtime friend in Fannin County, Bill Harrison and persuaded him to join his efforts to help the Haitian people.

In February, Dickenson and Harrison flew to the Dominican Republic and drove into Haiti to do a 10-day feasibility study of needed projects among the Haitian Southern Baptist Convention churches at the request of the Ft. Lauderdale pastor, Henry Jules, with the blessing of their home church, Cherry Log Christian Church in Cherry Log, Georgia.

They stayed at the Jimani compound just inside the Dominican RepublicHaiti border. "It’s 35 miles from Port au Prince to the Dominican Republic," said Dickenson, "and that’s a two-lane road with half the road missing." He added that at times they drove two miles an hour.

At the compound, they discovered how the Haitian children were coping. They attended school every day in a classroom with no roof overhead. At night they went there to sleep on the ground. "They were so eager to learn.

You could see it on their faces...and even though they had so little, they had pride," Harrison said.

The two men conferred with a host of international organizations, avoiding areas where the most international help was concentrated. They met with pastors of Baptist churches in Haiti towns out from Port-au-Prince.The churches had established and organized tent cities for their members and had yet to receive international aid.

"They had supplies there but the Dominican Republic government wouldn’t take them into Haiti, so we said we’d do it," Dickenson recalled.

They borrowed a truck and hauled the supplies across the border into tent camps and compounds. And they saw the devastation that Haiti is trying to cope with.

"The amazing thing was that we saw people who don’t give up...look at the pictures (showing pictures they had taken). The kids are smiling. They’re resilient. They’re going to fight back... but the emergency in Haiti isn’t over.

It’s getting worse, and we need to help them," said Dickenson.

What Dickenson and Harrison saw was a country swarming with well-intentioned organizations, each trying to help. They saw supplies that couldn’t be used--kind gestures, but they learned that what the Haiti people need are

Contributed Photo

Cherry Log Christian Church Outreach Committee: Bill Harrison, Velda Harrison, Peggy Cleveland, John Dickenson, Dave Cherry, Pastor David Griffin.

shelters and security. Haiti has neither.

Dickenson and Harrison left with a heavy heart. On the return trip they talked about what they would do next.

And they knew there would be other trips to Haiti.

The next step was to get their church involved and the Cherry Log Christian Church didn’t disappoint them.

The church’s outreach committee voted to support the trip. With the church’s blessing and goodwill, Dickenson and Harrison began calling on other churches and local businesses.

Harrison said, "The people over there are just like us. They search for happiness. If you could see them in makeshift tents in makeshift homes... they are resilient, they’ll fight back. But the earthquake took away their normal life...and they need us to help put it back together."

As a result of the feasibility study, The Outreach Committee put together a Four Part Task Force to minister to Haitians.

Task One is to upgrade the Jimani compound. The goal is to make this

Contributed Photo

Caroline Carder and Dickenson show architectural drawing of plans for compound

Promise of help and support followed. Joe Sisson donated a truck load of 12 x 36’ tarps that will be used for tents to house families until more permanent structures can be built. Caroline Carder did an architectural drawing of the compound, complete with a school on the bottom floor and living quarters upstairs, with a roof overhead.

Rev. Claude Mathis offered to talk to churches in the Baptist Association of Churches and ask for support.

A trip is being planned for ten days, leaving April 27. Before then, a container with water filtration systems, over-the-counter first aid, personal hygiene and other products will be shipped.The Ft. Lauderdale church has routinely sent containers to its Jimani compound and will ship containers of everything that is collected before the trip so it will be available for the Haiti Project.

sanctuary for refugees more usable and people friendly—more conveniences and more hygienic. Brackish water can be made usable with some type of filtration system. The electrical system needs to be up-graded beginning with the installation of four 200 amp fuse boxes. Plumbing needs to be made usable by separating the two systems. As funds become available, the unfinished classroom building needs to be completed.

Task Two is home inspection. The goal is to move approximately 50% of each tent city population back into their homes by providing a team of ten "home inspectors" to evaluate the homes of families living in tent villages.

Homes that are determined to be safe and habitable can then be reoccupied by the owner family.

Task Three is personal hygiene teams. The goal is to reduce contract-

ing health issues brought about by poor hygiene practices, exposure to contaminated environments and treat commonly expected issues that arise.

Ten individuals, along with accompanying Haitian interpreters, will teach personal hygiene to groups of classes in the tent cities. Those who are taught the basic principles of personal hygiene and receive supplies can themselves be teachers. Products essential for maintaining personal hygiene will be re-supplied from Jimani storage and U.S.A. (i.e. USAID, etc.).

Task Four is crisis counseling. Crisis counseling is accomplished by allowing those who have experienced a traumatic event to "tell their story," and in so doing, to process the tragedy they have experienced. In addition to having professional counselors as part of the ministry team, they can train or retrain local ministers and others in basic listening skills to help in bringing healing to traumatized individuals and families.

The needs are many: 10 home inspectors, 2 plumbers and helpers, 2 electricians and helpers, 2 carpenters, 10 nurses and helpers, at least 3 psychologists for crisis counseling and one or two leaders for each Task Team.

Dickenson said, "Going over there and seeing what happened to these people has been a life-changing experience. This little country has ten million people and is one of the poorest countries on earth. Eight out of every ten Haitians are living in poverty and less than a third of them have jobs.

Most get by on less than $2 a day. I don’t know what we’ll find when we get back there...but I know they will be glad we came."

Will you be your brother’s keeper?

Persons with expertise in any of the task areas who wish to become part of the Haiti Project, please contact John Dickinson, 954-426-3335 (johnnjoand@msn.com) or Bill Harrison, 706-632-4653 (billvelda@tds.net) for information as soon as possible. The concern is to get as much done as possible before the extensive rainy season brings more hardship. The trip is scheduled for April 27.

lawyers have volunteered to take the state’s case without pay.

The issue has fast become a bone of contention at the Capitol, where Republicans have attacked Baker’s decision not to follow Perdue’s direction.

One state representative said if (Attorney General) Baker tries to block Perdue’s selection of a special attorney general, House Republicans may move forward with articles of impeachment against Baker for failing to uphold his oath of office.

A spokesman for Baker said he had no plans to oppose Perdue’s authority to choose an outside at-

torney.

Even as the impeachment process appears to be in motion, some lawmakers say it will not succeed because the threshold for impeachment is too high by requiring a vote of one-half of the State House and two-thirds of the State Senate.

The basis of the Articles of Impeachment are that Baker has violated Article V, Section 3, Paragraph IV of the state Constitution and OCGA §45-15-35, both of which direct the Attorney General to take on matters of the state in court at the direction of the Governor.

Democratic Party to qualify candidates The Fannin County Democratic Party will qualify any Democratic candidate for the county offices (Post 2 County Commissioner and two seats on the County School Board) from April 26 through April 30. On Monday, April 26 (a holiday) candidates will need to call 706632-4653 to make arrangements for qualifying. Tuesday through Thursday qualifying will be held from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on the third floor of the County Courthouse. The meeting room location will be posted in the hallway. Friday, April 30 will be from 9:00 AM to Noon.

No qualifying can be done outside of business hours. Candidates may contact the Fannin County Democratic Party in advance by calling 706-632-4653.

Each candidate needs to submit a Notice of Candidacy AND a Declaration of Candidacy. These documents may be found at http:// www.sos.ga.gov/elections/candidates.htm. Candidates may complete a Declaration of Candidacy and affidavit, sign, and have notarized prior to the beginning of the qualifying period. The form must have the candidate’s original signature and the surname must be the same as it appears on the candidate’s voter registration Candidate eligibility can be found at the above website: Detailed Qualifications and Disqualifications for Office. Candidates must be a resident of Fannin County for at least 1 year. See the website for other eligibility requirements.

Candidates must pay their qualifying fee with a Cashier’s Check made payable to the Fannin County Democratic Party at the time of qualifying. The fee is 3% of the annual officer salary: Post 2 Commissioner $252.00; County School Board $144.00.

Republican Party to qualify candidates The Fannin County Republican Party will qualify county candidates to run for office from April 26 through April 30. Qualifying will be held from 9:00 to 4:00 Monday thru Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday at the Election Office on the third floor of the Court House.

Since Monday is a holiday and the Court House will be closed, candidates should call Ron Bolin at 706-492-7724 to make arrangements if they must qualify that day. Qualifying fees must be paid at the time of qualifying.

To run for office in July, political party candidates must file a "Declaration of Candidacy" with the Elections office between April 26 at 9 a.m. and April 30 at 12 noon to have their name placed on the July General Primary Ballot.

For more information, call chairman Ron Bolin at 706-492-7724.

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FANNIN SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

Betty Ruth Holbrook Forrester

Mrs. Betty Ruth Holbrook Forrester, age 76, of Copperhill, TN, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Fannin Regional Hospital. Mrs. Forrester was born in Polk County, TN, to the late Roy & Maggie Croft Holbrook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene "Fluge" Forrester.

Survivors include: son & daughter-in-law, Don & Kathy Forrester, daughter & son-in-law, Pam & Larry Foster, grandson, Christopher Foster, granddaughter, Heather Dillon, grandson, Micah Foster, step granddaughter, Heather Austin, step granddaughter, Millicent Huffman, great grandson, Zachary Graves, great granddaughter, Millie Foster, great grandson, Brayden Foster, great granddaughter, Ally Foster, great grandson, Vince Foster, step great granddaughter, Chelsey Quintrell, step great grandson, Luke Austin, and nieces & nephews.

Funeral services: Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 12:00 noon with the Rev. Denny Hawkins officiating. Music was provided by Sherry Walden. Interment was in the Copper Ridge Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers: Christopher Foster, Micah Foster, Zachary Graves, Brian Dillon, Clarke Austin, and Larry Foster. Honorary pallbearers: Freddie & Jessica Leslie & sons, Ruby Forrester, Martha Baker, Ann Avery, Bea Maney, Patty Ruthedge, the Life Care Center Staff, and the Home Health Care of East TN Staff.

The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA was entrusted with the arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www. cochranfuneralhomes.com

Eric "Stanley" Ledford

Eric "Stanley" Ledford , age 45, of McCaysville, GA passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 in the Sweetwater Hospital in Sweetwater, TN. He was born in June 22, 1964 in Copperhill, TN. Stanley was employed with Blue Ridge Manufacturing as a welder.He was a member of Mount Moriah Church in Murphy, NC.Stanley enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Angela Arp Ledford of McCaysville, GA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Tyechia Nicole and Eddie Cross of Blue Ridge, GA and Erica Danielle and Cody McBride of Murphy, NC; mother, Emma Lou Ledford of McCaysville, GA; father, Jerry A. Ledford of Eton, GA; two brothers, Michael and wife Angie Ledford of Eton, GA and Junior Ledford of McCaysville, GA; sister, Sherry Eaves of Chatsworth, GA; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jackie and Susie Arp of Murphy, NC; four grandchildren, Eiron Cross, Patrick Cross, Jordan Cross and Hunter McBride; special nephew, Joshua Ledford of Eton, GA also survive.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins Chapel with Rev. Ronny Crisp and Rev. Kevin Chapman officiating. Music was

by Brian Mundy. Interment followed in the Mount Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joshua Ledford, Charlie Hogsed, Wes Martin, Jamie Patterson, James Hefner, and Danny Payne. Honorary pallbearers were Danny Gibson, Richard West and Josh "Bucky" McDaris. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.

Gladys Jeanette Kilpatrick Keenum

Robert Cecil Farmer

Robert Cecil Farmer,age 81, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in the Emory Eastisde Medical Center in Snellville, GA. Farmer was born on May 14, 1928 in Blue Ridge, GA to the late Ervin Farmer and Maude Foster Farmer. He was a member of Glen Hope Baptist Church. He enjoyed Nascar racing and watching Braves baseball and loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Willie Mae Long Farmer.

He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Carolyn Farmer of Stockbridge, GA and Larry and Dorothy Farmer of Lawrenceville, GA; brothers, Fred Farmer of Conley, GA and Reid Farmer of Dalton, GA; sister, Norma White of Blue Ridge; grandchildren, Alan Farmer, Melissa Taylor, Jason Farmer, and Adam Farmer; great grandchildren, Hannah Taylor, Blane Farmer, and Blake Farmer.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. David Mashburn officiating. Music will be by Pat Mashburn. Interment will follow in Stockhill Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Robert Painter, Steve Farmer, Harland Conley, James Long, Jack Long, Benny Painter and Michael Hawkins. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5:009:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Gladys Jeanette Kilpatrick Keenum, age 86, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at her residence in the presence of her children and brother.

Mrs. Keenum was born in Cherokee County, NC, the first born, to Fred Warren Kilpatrick, Sr. and Blanche Fox Kilpatrick . She was a member of First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lowell Keenum, parents, and sisters, Regina Ledford and Ruth Moss.

Survivors include: son, Michael John Keenum, of Blue Ridge, GA and daughter & son-in-law, .Marilyn & George DeLong of Chattanooga, TN; five brothers, Fred W. Jr., James "Pat", Dale, Gary, and Richard Kilpatrick all of Murphy, NC. Funeral services: Friday, March 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. from the Finch-Cochran Chapel with the Rev. Harry Gilbert officiating. Music will be provided by Mrs. Imogene Stuart and Mrs. Katie Gilbert. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews. Interment is in Crestlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in honor of Gladys to Mccaysville/Copperhill First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 867, McCaysville, GA 30555 or Amedisys Hospice, 140 Progress Circle, Suite 3, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA was in charge of arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

T R I BU TE S

Emery Luther Allen

Webb requests library SPLOST at recent commission meeting By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer "I have come here on a matter of honor," announced Friends of the Fannin County Library Parliamentarian Joe Webb during the public comment section of the March 23 Board of Commissioners meeting.

He then read from a prepared statement, with a few additions.

The statement reads: "We seem to be returning to Spring 2004. Then, the chairman, by himself, without the other two commissioners, killed the library. Steve Morris was there.

"Since then, the library has been kept from the agenda of the Fannin County Commission.

"In 2010, it seems we have two people killing our chance for an adequate library. The chairman, not the Commission, and 'The News Observer's' 'editorial opinion.'

"This is not a public forum. This is a closed circuit.

This should be decided by public education and debate.

Emery Luther Allen, age 71, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away Sunday, March 28, 2010 in the Wellstar Community Hospice in Austell, Georgia. Mr. Allen was born March 15, 1939 in Fannin County, Georgia.

He worked in construction for Rainwater Construction and attended Macedonia Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father Emery Harrison Allen.

He is survived by his mother, Irene Allen of Marietta, GA; brother, James Arvil Allen of Marietta; sister, Milbern J. Elliott of Canton, GA; uncle, Steve Allen of Mineral Bluff; aunt, Dorothy Hedden of Ducktown, TN; nephew, Steve Allen Eliott and his wife Bonnie of Kennesaw, GA; niece, Donna Golder and her husband Randy of Canton; and great nephew, Aaron Golder of Canton.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Steve O’Neal officiating. Music was by the the Kenny O’Neal Family. Pallbearers were Steve Elliott, Randy Golder, Wesley Payne, Jeff Payne, James Payne and Charles Payne. Interment followed in Patterson Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Northeast Georgia Medical CenHome of Blue Ridge was in charge ter (NGMC) is one of the top 100 of arrangements. hospitals in the nation according to a study released today by Thomson Reuters, an independent news and Ruth E. Stemmann died in peace, business organization.

NGMC also received the 100 at age 87, on March 24, 2010 after a Top HospitalsÂŽ: Everest Award, long illness. She moved to Copperwhich was awarded to 23 of the hill with her son and daughter-in-law, Top 100 hospitals demonstratCharles & Evelyn Stemmann. A Meing top performance and accelermorial Service is planned at Duckated improvement according to the town United Methodist Church, study. but a date has not been set. Charles The 100 Top Hospitals: National and Evelyn want to thank all of their Benchmarks study evaluated nearly friends and neighbors, church family 3,000 acute care, non-federal hosand Pastor Whittenbarger for their pitals, including NGMC, in 10 loving support at this time of grief areas: mortality, medical complicaand adjustment. tions, patient safety, average length Finch-Cochran Funeral Home was of stay, expenses, profitability, paentrusted with the arrangements. tient satisfaction, adherence to clinical standards of care, and postdischarge mortality and readmission rates for acute heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.

David "Sam" Anderson, Sr. age The study then compared NG63, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010 in the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Wade Ervin Cross, age 86, of Minin Jasper, GA. He was born on April 11, 1946 in Copperhill, TN to the eral Bluff, GA passed away Tuesday, late John Kenneth Anderson. Sam March 16, 2010 at his home. Mr. Cross was a painter and a member of the was born in Polk County, TN on DeMineral Bluff Baptist Church. He cember 12, 1923. He is a member of was preceded in death by a brother, Pleasant Hill (Hardscrabble) Baptist Winston Anderson and sister, Shir- Church. He was a United States Army veteran serving in World War II. ley Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Long Anderson of Morgan- Henson Cross of Mineral Bluff; son ton, GA; son and daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law,Tex and Margaret David Samuel Anderson, Jr. and Cross of Mineral Bluff; grandchildren, Bridget of Morganton, GA; daugh- Christopher Cross, Christi Cross, and ter and son-in-law, Charlotte Gra- Crystal Erwin; great grandchildren, ham and Cliff of McCaysville, GA; Nichole Cross and Austin Erwin.

Funeral services were conducted mother, Ruth Owenby Anderson of Blue Ridge, GA; brothers, Ron- Friday, March 19, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. nie Anderson of Blue Ridge, GA from Pleasant Hill (Hardscrabble and James Earl "Bud" Anderson of Road) Baptist Church with Rev. FL; grandchildren, Jacob Anderson, Randy Hooper and Rev. Roy Clore Candace Graham, Ben Graham and officiating. Music was be by the Pleasant Hill Church Choir. Pallbearers Matthew Graham also survive.

Funeral services were conducted were Leon Davenport, Bob Galloway, on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 3:00 Lee Erwin, Pete Elrod, Zeke Henson, p.m. from the Akins Chapel with and Mark Cross. Interment followed Chris Chastain officiating. Music in the Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery was by Kirk Barker, Rusty Gragg, with military honors by the North Bryan Hooper, Jay Schuler, and Georgia Honor Guard. Condolences Raven Welch. Masonic rites and may be sent to the family at www.akinterment followed in Mount Pleas- insfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral ant Church Cemetery (Top of the Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of Mountain) in Gilmer County. Pall- arrangements. bearers were Bryan Hooper, Aaron Allen, Larry Tankersley, Ben Graham, Matthew Graham, and Jacob Anderson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.

"SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) can be voted on in a special election in Spring 2011.

That way, the new Post 2 Commissioner can make it a campaign issue--a safe way to know without risking SPLOST funding.

"SPLOST is for capital projects. Outsiders, through sales tax, pay 20-40 percent of SPLOST revenue. The rest is a tax on us citizens of Fannin County.

"The reason for a state standard library is that the state will match local funds at least 50-50. Thus, again with a state match, outsiders pay for something in Fannin County.

"It takes an act of state legislature to convert an existing building to a library.

"Perhaps our chairman should apply for this legislation if this is to be a real option. Please check to see if state matching funds will apply, because we would not like local dollars only paying for our public library.

"All these years, citizens of Fannin County taxes have helped build public libraries in other counties.

Now is the time for our citizens to have our turn.

"Delay SPLOST until 2011."

Medical Center among top 100 hospitals in the nation NGMC among 23 hospitals recognized

Ruth E. Stemmann

David "Sam" Anderson, Sr.

Wade Ervin Cross

MC’s performance against similarly-sized, non-teaching hospitals across the country. “This study is a testament to the caliber of our medical and clinical staff as well as our initiative as an organization to provide exceptional health care for the people of Northeast Georgia,� says Jim Gardner, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) President and CEO. “Each member of our organization – physicians, employees, board members, volunteers and administrators – played a key role in helping us achieve this distinguished recognition as a national leader in health care.�

NGMC is one of only 23 of the 100 Top Hospitals to receive the Everest Award. The award recognizes the boards, executives and medical staff leaders who have developed and executed strategies that drove the highest rate of improvement, resulting in the highest performance in the country over the most recent five-year period.

Hospitals that win this award are setting national benchmarks for both long-term improvement and top one-year performance.

According to the study, the Everest Award winners are “a select group of exceptional hospitals that have achieved the highest rate of long-term improvement, resulting

in the highest performance in the country.� “This is a proud moment for our medical staff and all the caregivers at Northeast Georgia Medical Center,� says Philip Marler, MD, Chief of the NGMC’s Medical Staff. “It is particularly gratifying to be recognized not only for 2009 but also for superb care during the past five years.�

The study also found that if all Medicare inpatients throughout the country received the same level of care as those treated in these 100 Top Hospitals award winners, including NGMC, then: t BEEJUJPOBM QBUJFOUT would survive each year. t "CPVU QBUJFOU DPNQMJcations would be avoided annually. t &YQFOTFT XPVME EFDSFBTF billion a year. t ÉŠF BWFSBHF QBUJFOU TUBZ XPVME decrease by nearly half a day.

If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact would be even greater.

Visit www.100tophospitals. com to read the entire 100 Top Hospitals: National Benchmarks study.

To learn more about services offered at NGMC and through NGHS, visit www.nghs.com or call 770-219-3840.

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.

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7KXUVGD\ $SULO ‡ FANNIN SENTINEL Page 5A

Theater retains focus amidst chaos Nutrition specialist

receives certification

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

It was business as usual last Tuesday at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Director Beth Ingram was working with Charlie Poss and Tim Stanley on a scene from "Run for Your Wife" in a poorly lit room still in disarray from construction.

Director Kelly Hornsby was making notes on her script as the cast from the Sunny D Children's Theater ran through the opening of "James and the Giant Peach."

The performance will run March 26-April 3.

"We have a magnificent set, amazing costumes, and a wonderful cast," noted Tina Maslankowski, the theater's production manager.

Just a little over a week before, the sets from the main stage's opening production, "Leading Ladies," were torn down, and sets for the children's theater production were in the process of being constructed.

Board of Directors President Joe Webb clambered around the "Leading Ladies" set with artist (and art teacher) Kim Fleming while actors were auditioning for "Run for Your Wife" March 15.

Auditions resulted in casting for six parts, with two roles remaining uncast, according to Inman.

"The director looks at acting ability, chemistry with characters, ability to take direction and experience level," Inman noted.

Directors are accustomed to working while other events are occurring at the theater building.

"The construction sometimes happens during auditions, which can be a distraction. We try to work with each other to avoid being nonproductive," she remarked.

After March 28, the last day of "James and the Giant Peach," its set

Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) employee Bonnie Dixon, RD, LD recently achieved board certification as a specialist in oncology nutrition.

She is one of only seven registered dietitians in Georgia with this certification. Dixon may now add the credential Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) to her name.

Dixon serves the GCS Blairsville office (308 Deep South Farm Road, Suite 200; 706-835-2235) and the Blue Ridge office (101 Riverstone Vista, Suite 102; 706-258-4140). “The certification exam was very challenging, because what you’re tested on goes far beyond book knowledge,� said Dixon. “It’s heavily based on things that must be learned through specialized experience.�

The Commission on Dietetic Registration bestows the CSO credential. It can only be earned by a registered dietitian who has passed a nationally administered examination, which can only be attempted once the applicant has accumulated a minimum of 2,000 hours of documented practice in the specialty area. “We’re proud to have Bonnie as part of our team,� said Dr. Bruce Feinberg, president and CEO of GCS. “It’s the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our team members that allows us to consistently deliver the best possible care to patients.�

Specialists in oncology nutrition work directly with individuals at risk for or diagnosed with cancer in hospitals, clinics, and cancer centers.

They can also fill roles in management, education, and research linked to oncology nutrition. CSO certification helps the public, the media,

Above: Shane Smith, as James, talks to some of the characters, from left, Grasshopper (Morgan Weigle), Ladybird (Sarah Holbrook), and Earthworm (Michael Ponton) in the Sunny D Children's Theater production of "James and the Giant Peach."

Below: Director Beth Inman directs Tim Stanley and Bradley Bemboom (seated) in a scene from "Run for Your Wife," which stages May 7-30.

would be taken down in preparation for the May 7-30 performance of "Run for Your Wife."

Then, the sequence will begin again. Actors, crew and directors have learned to take the chaos into stride.

"These overlaps happen throughout the production and are just part of life at the theater. It can be a built-in exercise in focus," Inman noted.

Energy efficient air on a budget By: Richard C. MacCrea Columnist The best time to improve your heating and air conditioning system is when you are building or remodeling. Before construction begins, why not investigate how you can save some money every month?

Because most of the money we spend on your utility bills is for heating and cooling there is a real potential for money to be saved.

The first (and most often overlooked) step is to design for the sun, letting winter sun in and keeping summer sun out. This can cut your heating and cooling costs way down, and it doesn't have to cost a penny extra. It will also keep you much more comfortable. Some local homes are reducing their heating and cooling by more than 50% by doing this. How? Move as many windows as possible to face south, and protect all the glass with roof overhangs that keep the sun out during the summer months.

Insulation is the second most important step. It is such a small part of construction costs, but so critical to keeping your home comfortable. Spend a little extra and get spray foam. It seals up all the cracks and holes left by all the construction trades, keeping out cold drafts and helping prevent mold.

Running the ductwork inside the insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% or more.The ductwork insulation is only about R-3. Does it make sense to put this in your hot attic, or your cold crawlspace? While you're at it make sure the ductwork is airtight. Standard tape is not good enough. And with age it gets worse. There are new duct systems that are greatly improved. If your house has the old fashioned duct board, it can be improved with mastic, a material that goes on your ductwork like paint. How important is this? In one home I inspected, the leaky ductwork in the crawlspace filled up with gallons of water from condensation.

Straight duct runs can also improve the efficiency.

Joe Webb treats a toenail fungus

Ready for Easter!

Every bend in the ductwork slows down the air and makes the blower work harder. Design for straight ductwork.

Placing the outdoor unit correctly can also make a big difference. Make sure there is plenty of space around for air circulation. Putting it on the south side of the house where the winter sun will warm it up will help your unit work more efficiently.

Correctly sizing the unit is important. It is a bad idea to oversize your system. It will not function well.

It will not run long enough to take the humidity out of the air, and the damp ductwork will eventually smell like dirty socks. Yuck! A smaller unit will function better and use less electricity. Your contractor should use a computer program to input all the details about your home and calculate the right size unit.

TVA has a great program to help your home take advantage of these principles. Study about this at www.tva.com Then call your electric company and tell them you want this program for your home.

Healthy Feet keeps people walking

The third Tuesday of every month sees a stream of vehicles stopping at the Senior Center in Blue Ridge. They’re there for the monthly "Healthy Feet" day sponsored by the Kessler Community Clinic in McCaysville.

According to Center Director Norma Ferguson, "Sometimes we have to turn people away. I hate to do it but we only have two people who can do toe nails and they just can’t handle more than 20-30 people in the time we have."

Susan Greene, a local nurse practitioner who is well known for her charitable work and founder of the Kessler Community Clinic, agreed that sometimes they have more patients than they can see. "We try to get people to call before they come in but most of the time they just show up. We have a heavy load right now."

Joe Webb said he has been helping for more than four years and the load is more than two people can handle. "I’d like to see a couple more people who already have experience or are willing to learn to help us." He added that the work is tedious but never boring. "I find it fulfilling when I can help someone...someone who comes in here barely able to walk because of nail fungus or other toe nail problems and we can help them walk out of here by themselves."

The Free Foot Clinic is held every month.

Contributed Photo Contributed Photo Susan Greene files nails after cutting Call 706-632-5438 for more information.

and other healthcare professionals identify a Registered Dietitian who has specialized knowledge and experience in oncology.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration is the credentialing arm of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Its mission is to protect the nutritional health and welfare health of the public through dietetics certification. The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and is empowering members to be the nation’s food and nutrition leaders and optimizing the nation’s health through food and nutrition.

Dixon serves the GCS Northside, Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, Eastside, Gwinnett, Blue Ridge, and Blairsville offices.

Georgia Cancer Specialists is the largest private medical oncology/ hematology practice in the Southeast and a leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. The practice offers community-based medical oncology and hematology services and is the first private oncology practice to also provide a full range of support services for patients in Georgia, including nutritional counseling, pain management, wellness counseling, and home health coordination. The GCS research department, whose focus is bringing targeted cancer therapy to communities, is the first in Georgia to offer Phase I clinical trials, the most novel cancer therapies available. GCS has 30 offices, 42 physicians, and more than 480 support staff members located in Metro Atlanta, North and Central Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina.

Above: Sarah Roberson examined the eggs in the basket of Natalie Fanelli after the March 27 Easter egg hunt.

All children were given balloons, and two prize eggs were awarded for each age category

Right: Brady Ramey, 3, and brother Mason, 1, display the eggs they found at the March 27 Easter egg hunt at Fannin County Park.

Brady and Mason participated in the ages 6 and under group. Other categories were for ages 7-10 and ages 11 and older. Two prize eggs were awarded for each category.

Page 6A

FANNIN SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

CO M MUN I T Y

So how will we save?

By: Paula Canup Columnist My sister recently asked, “Will someone please explain to me how we are supposed to save money when Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are going broke, and we are going to cover 32 million more people?

Why don’t I understand this?� She is certainly not alone in finding it difficult to understand how health care reform can reduce the deficit. In fact, a recent Rasmussen poll reveals that a whopping 81% of Americans believe the reform will cost more than the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) projections. Since every other large entitlement program has mushroomed in size and cost, it’s no wonder Americans are skeptical.

It’s easy to see how reform is going to cost us – the government will subsidize the premiums of many of those buying insurance and will add more people to the Medicaid rolls. It’s not so easy to understand the saving part.

Frankly, I don’t think the Democrats have done a very good job of explaining it in terms that ordinary folks like me can understand. I’ve been doing my own research online and found a recent Newsweek article that attempted to explain it in five easy steps.

First, the formation of health insurance exchanges should create more competition among insurance companies. Now any good capitalist knows that competition results in better qual-

ity and lower prices. I get that. But I really didn’t know how the exchanges would work, so I’ve been looking that up as well. My understanding is that the exchanges will be created by individual states, and states can decide to join together to create regional exchanges if they choose. The exchanges will simply be marketplaces managed and regulated by the government.

They will consist of private insurance companies that desire to be a part of the exchange. It stands to reason that companies would want to participate because that is where most customers would go to buy insurance. Each exchange will have a web site where various policies and prices can be compared Theoretically, the companies will seek to offer better coverage at lower prices to get your business. Companies within the exchange will have to meet certain standards of coverage.

Obama admits that not everyone will have lower-cost premiums as a result of the exchanges. Some people now have low-cost plans that have high deductibles and not-so-great coverage, because that is all they can afford or want to pay for. They will be required to buy better insurance under the new legislation and can expect to pay more as a result. If they earn less than 400% of the poverty level, that higher cost will be offset by government subsidies to help pay for their premiums. People who make more than that will pay more for their insurance; the CBO projects premiums will increase 10 – 13%.

See Save, page 8A

John Foster, Tom Ledfore, Land Bishop, Gina Adams

Tea Party: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

American people, the only way to make a difference is to vote them out and pursue term limits for every one, beginning with two terms for the president, on down."

From the last meeting, items discussed included tax reassessment and enforcement of county ordinances.

Joe Webb had researched whether the Patriots could support a lower assessment tax and found that assessments are frozen until mid January 2011 and no basic change can occur before January 1, 2012.

Discussion about trash pickup and using county road department employees for weekend work on highways consumed a large part of the meeting.

Several people said probationers should have been used; most said the cost to the county was much more than the stated amount and probably was closer to $16,000 (than the $6,000 amount quoted).

Some residents said Fannin County should have a trash law and people should be fined for littering or putting trash on roadsides.

Examples of how other communities handled the problem included imposing $1,000 fines or putting a monthly fee on utility bills.

Jim McGregor suggested a fee for garbage pickup be put on the tax bill, then everyone would take it seriously.

Post One Commissioner Garnett Webb was commended for suggesting the "Adopt a Highway" program which most people thought would help with the litter problem, suggesting that Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Future Farmers would

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likely take part in a cleanup project.

Another suggestion was to make sure proper policies were in order for the county and that those policies were enforced.

Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener said she was reading up on city ordinances and would see they were enforced. In the meantime, Whitener said, "Just call City Hall. If you have a problem with anything in the city, let us know and it will be taken care of."

Blue Ridge Council member Rhonda Thomas added that a public forum was being planned where citizens could ask questions, get answers and make politicians more accountable. (Date for forum had not been set.)

Lane Bishop urged residents to "Stand up and speak out in a respectful way. Christ got involved and that gave us the right to protest."

Tom Ledford agreed, saying, "Take God with you in all decisions. The government has taken God out of everything that our country was founded on...we need to put him back."

Other suggestions were to keep in touch with our local politicians, Representative David Ralston and Senator Chip Pearson and to "know their phone numbers."

Ed Andrews, a WWII veteran said, "Before we vote, we should look for a candidate who says, ‘I don’t want to be your politician, I want to be your representative."

A "Tea Party March" is planned for Thursday, April 15th at the Court House steps from 6 to 7 p.m.

The Fannin County Tea Party Patriots meet the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at Fannin County Middle School.

Who are Republicans the hateful are the ones? hateful ones By: James F. Davis Columnist

The mainstream liberal media has been trying to marginalize and isolate ‘Tea Party’ groups as hateful violent people.

By mainstream liberal media, I am referring to ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, Newsweek, Time, U.S. News & World Report, the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and more than 90% of the newspapers, magazines, TV stations and political Internet sites in the United States.

According to a firm that took aerial photos of the September 12, 2009 Tea Party protest, approximately 1,700,000 demonstrated against our government implementing Socialist programs against the will of the majority of Americans. The White House and most of its fawning media reported that there were only 30,000 protestors.

The Washington DC park cleanup crews pointed out that despite the Tea Party being the largest protest group to ever grace the Mall, virtually every single piece of paper and debris had been picked up and bagged by the protesters before leaving. They had never seen such an orderly, well behaved group.

My experience has been the opposite of what is being portrayed in the dominant Liberal media. I have experienced many liberals responding with very nasty and hateful personal insults, i.e., changing the subject, when you ask them questions that they cannot answer or when you give evidence that their deepest held beliefs are untrue.

Recently I was in San Francisco in a museum with a friend at an Alaskan art exhibit. My Liberal friend Doug started a goodnatured kidding about Sarah Palin and laughingly said, “You know how dumb she is.

She said her qualifications in national security were that she could see Russian from her backyard.� I chided back, “Doug, You know that was a vicious Tina Fay parody skit of Palin on Saturday Night Live.�

As he responded, “Yeah I know,� a woman standing near us shouted within credible venom, “No it wasn't, I saw Palin say it!�

We were both taken back by the hatred in her voice.

I explained to her that there was Rasmussen Poll taken after the election last fall of people who voted for Obama that showed that 99% of them thought that Palin had actually said this. She responded with hatred, “You're lying.� We realized to pursue the conversation was pointless.

I spent a good portion of my working years analyzing the economic effects of government programs on a number of foreign countries. The evidence is overwhelming that the more the government interferes in a country’s economy, the poorer the people are.

More recently, I was discussing the Great Depression with some Liberals. One said, “President Hoover caused it because he did nothing to stimulate the economy as President Obama has.� I replied, “Yes I agree with you that Hoover made things worse.

But are you aware that he increased government stimulus spending by 42% in his first two years in office, similar to what President Obama has done in his first year? And Hoover had the same results as Obama and the Liberal Democrats. Unemployment did not go down.�

She didn't believe me, so I suggested that she could easily go online and find out if what I had just said was true or not. Her reply to me with unbridled hatred was to change the subject,�

Don't talk down to me.�

I replied that I did not think I was talking down to her, but if she was intellectually honest, she would check to see if what I had just said was true or not. Her reply was to continue to hurl personal insults at me.

I'm still looking for a liberal willing to sit down and look at the facts as are many in the Tea Party movement. Demonizing them is only an attempt to keep their concerns from being voiced and analyzed.

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By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist Rumors and misinformation make the rounds regularly but what intrigues me the most are the people that repeat them, apparently without question. It is almost like listening to Fox news without ever turning on the television. For the millions of people who hear these rumors and have not been exposed to other sources of information, I suppose they believe whatever slant has been put on the “news.� Sometimes they become anxious and share the news through letters to the editor and mass emails.

The other day, a friend of mine forwarded just such an email. Everything in the email sounded plausible – and what we would expect from politicians – so he did not question a single talking point. However, whenever anything sounds too good to be true, you can bet it there is a smell lurking underneath the surface. Therefore, I went to snopes.com, the website where you can verify the veracity of mass emails and, sure enough, 99% of the email assertions were false.

The email started out innocently enough. It addressed a proposed 28th amendment to the Constitution that would mandate all laws passed by Congress must apply to Congress as well as the general population. Sounds good, right? We all suspect, and have heard, that the laws of the land do not apply to Congress. We are led to believe that Congressmen are free to do what they want with whomever they want without legal recourse.

In reality, the email was using a proposed 28th amendment – which has not been proposed by anyone but a backroom political geek who wanted to use something official sounding to spread antipathy toward the government – to spread malicious rumors. The first false rumor asserted that members of Congress are eligible to draw full retirement pay after serving one term in office. See, this is the first thing in the email that sounds too good to be true – but believable. We would suspect the crooks in DC to apply just such a ruling to themselves. To anyone who bothers to check this out, they find it to be erroneous.

The second rumor, asserted as fact, said that Congress does not contribute to Social Security. Whoever cooked up this “fact� has to be at least as old as I am and remembers the time when this assertion was true. However, since 1984 Congress has been contributing to Social Security just like the rest of us.

The third assertion is a real juicy one because it deals with sex. Sex is such a sensitive, and taboo, subject that we believe just about anything said about it. After all, about the only exposure we get comes from XXX rated videos (surely the positions they get into are not comfortable or pleasurable!) and our personal experiences. Therefore, when the rumor comes along that Congress is exempt from prosecution for sexual harassment, we believe it. However, it is false and you might have suspected.

Then we come to the assertion that appears to be the real reason for generating the mass email in the first place. Okay, I am sure you guessed it pertains to the current health care bill. The rumor says that Congress exempted itself from recently passed health care reforms.

Moreover, since the bill was passed without a single Republican vote, it becomes obvious that the entire email, though sounding bipartisan, is aimed at the Democrats. Given this focus, I will amend my above statement about backroom political geeks by adding the term Republican – as in Republican backroom political geek. I am sure there are Democratic backroom political geeks but I, for whatever reason, rarely see their mass emails. Nevertheless, back to the rumor. In fact, it is mandated in the bill that members of Congress and their staff only have access to health insurance plans created by the bill or through the health care exchanges to be established under the reform legislation.

In letters to the editor, I have seen several common themes emerge recently that indicate common talking points being spread around. The first, and the only one I will address in this column, is that the Obama administration has added more national debt in one year than all previous administrations – combined! That sounds a lot like a Karl Rove line and Karl Rove has never been known to speak with a non-forked tongue. Whoever believes this line – and I suspect there are plenty – has had their head in the sand for the last decade.

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Cruise-In benefits the Relay By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

CO M MUN I T Y

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holds 16th Easter Egg hunt By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer "Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing this for 16 years and I think people expect it as part of the Easter weekend," said Rev. Victor Morgan, Rector at St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge. "They would probably show up even if we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t announce it--itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just something weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always done," he added.

They did show up; kids of all ages carrying baskets, plastic pails, backpacks and plastic bags.

They brought with them parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Young adults were also there; home from college and wanting to connect with their church family. They numbered well over 100, and St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was ready for them.

"We did over 2,000 eggs," said Jane Koster, who helped get ready for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Koster explained that St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conducts the hunt a little differently, where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no grand prize but every child is a winner.

Each is given a "prize egg" with a number inside that entitles them to a prize. Prizes ranging from books, to jewelry, games, toys and stuffed animals were piled high on tables set up in the church basement.

"Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for the children," said Rev. Morgan, "we want them to have fun but we also teach them that the God who created the birds, the daffodils and the lovely day we have today sent His only begotten Son...

Contributed Photo and why we celebrate Easter."

Victor Morgan with helpers Arianna Thrasher, Megan Thrasher, Emily Dye, Virginia Sawyer, Larry Dye, Yvette Dye, Katie Dye

Century 21 in the Mountains sponsored a car, motorcycle and truck show to benefit the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay For Life. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all they did.

They provided plaques for Best is Show, lined up vendors, a live band, door prizes, raffles, and an Easter egg hunt--with proceeds all going to Relay For Life.

It all happened Saturday at Blue Ridge City Park.

The day began with a parade led by Mayor Donna Whitener. Action then moved to the park where more than 50 colorful vehicles lined both sides of the street. DJ James Hooper kept the crowd up to date on events and provided encouragement for the vendors.

The Breaking Point Band tuned up in the background while children of all ages tried to get a jump on the Easter bunny by peering in and under trees and flowers, even digging in the dirt, looking for eggs to fill their baskets.

Evan Walsh was the winner of one of the two grand prizes for the Easter Egg Hunt, winning a $25 savings bond.

The other winner, a beautiful young lady in white blouse and red shorts, escaped before her picture could be taken but she was seen holding tightly to that savings bond!

Chris Bradburn with special help from Vickie Rhodes of the Century 21 team, said judging for the cars, trucks and motorcycles was extremely difficult. "There are so many unique vehicles here...and so much to consider when we have to choose winners," he said. With more than 50 registered vehicles, the judges faced a particular challenge to come up with Best of Show winners.

Best of Show cars: Larry Thurman - 1934 Ford John Connor - 1955 Chevy Phil Warren - 1934 Ford Donny Parker - 1954 Chevy Mike Pope - 1964 Dodge Polara Best of Show Trucks: Charles Selfslaghs - 1954 Chevy Ricky and Susie Patterson - 1953 Chevy Jeff Harkens - 1967 Ford F100 4wd Best of Show Motorcycles: Eileen Griffin - 2009 Trike Scott Bradburn - 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan JC Puryear - 2001 Harley Road King Century 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;57 Chev white convertible owned by James Woods.

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice was an orange â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;71 Dodge Demon owned by Karl Lambert and his father.

As Rhodes was packing up the Tshirt booth, she worried that she might have forgotten to thank someone for their help. "Just make sure you thank everyone," she said. "We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done this without them." Asked what she expected the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceeds to be, she said, "I hope we have at least $2,000 to give Relay. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we hoped to do. Everything that was done here today Contributed Photos goes to them."

Century 21 Team Front Row L-R: Vickie Rhodes, Chris Bradburn, Mayor Donna Whitener, Deborah Smith, Rhonda Thomas; Back Row (not in order and not all pictured): Dawn McGuire, Christy Reece, Carrie Holloway, Holly Thomason, Brandie Fortenberry. Tracy Griffith sings with Breaking Point. People's Choice Dodge Demon. Evan Walsh wins $25 savings bond.

Life Care Center names special 2009 winner Save: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

There is considerable question as to whether the exchanges will actually work as they are intended. Massachusetts already has an exchange like the ones that will be created nationwide beginning in 2014. The state also has some of the highest insurance costs in the country.

A second means of saving money will be the Independent Medicare

Advisory Board (IMAC). One reason Medicare continues to cost so much is that Congress does not have the political will to cut benefits. The advisory board will do it for them. It will be made of 15 members appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. IMAC will write proposals for limiting Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costs. These measures will go into effect automatically unless Congress votes to reject them, and if they do, they must find another way to cut costs by the same amount.

The idea is to make it easier for tough decisions to be made. Obviously, older

Life Care Center of Copper Basin held its 2009 What Ever It Takes Banquet at Goodfellas, March 15, 2010 to award the yearly winner.

Rhena Helton, LPN, was the winner for the speciel care she gave a resident who was expiring and afraid to be alone.

Rhena sat with the resident and sand softly to comfort her. As the yearly winner Rhena receives a plaque and a check for $500.

Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Gary Hunt, Medical Direcor: Rhena Helton, Diane Mathis, Director of Nursing: Darren Hullgan, Executive Director. adults may find this worrisome. Young people, on the other hand, may be tired of paying so much for the elderly and welcome the change.

A third method of controlling costs is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;bundling.â&#x20AC;? Right now, doctors get paid for each service they provide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every office visit, procedure or test. The more they do for a patient, the more money they stand to earn.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see how greed might enter the picture here. With bundling, doctors would get paid one price to treat a condition for a certain period of time.

If you have diabetes, you pay a set price

for treating it for a year. It would no longer be in the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest to prescribe more procedures. Fewer procedures means fewer insurance claims, thereby lowering costs for everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theoretically. Of course, it would now be in the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest NOT to order procedures. It would cost him to do so, and he would not be reimbursed additional money. It remains to be seen if this will result in poorer care.

Fourth, the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cadillacâ&#x20AC;? plans offered by some employers will be taxed a hefty 40%. The idea is to discourage employers from offering

such plans. That would mean fewer people seeking medical services that are no longer covered. That would decrease demand, and lower demand leads to lower prices.

Finally, the government will now have a huge stake in keeping costs down, since it will be subsidizing so much of health care. If they fail to do so, they will have to face angry voters who are upset about rising deficits and/or higher premiums. Of course, the fact that they have already been on the hook for Medicaid and Medicare has not resulted in keeping costs under

control.

These measures should produce savings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how much.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the CBO counted very little savings from them. They counted more definitive revenue from raising taxes on high income earners, taxing investment income, and cutting Medicare. Conservatives say those politically unpopular measures may never go into effect. The CBO projects the cost of reform to be $940 billion dollars over the next ten years. Whether or not we can really offset those costs and actually cut the deficit remains to be seen.