Awesome Dawson

Awesome

Dawson

2016

DAWSON COUNTY’S ONLY NEWCOMER’S GUIDE Presented by

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Jan Whetstone, Owner/Director AWESOME DAWSON | Page 3

WELCOME

to our community

Whether a lifelong resident or new to the area, we are glad you are here.

Our heritage is rich.

The people here are what make this community colorful and interesting.

We believe that the pages of this annual magazine not only reflect that, but will also give you helpful information about the place we call home.

Dawsonville’s history is alive in the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, the moonshine distillery and the historic courthouse downtown.

The birthplace of stock car racing has become a mecca to outdoor enthusi-

asts—whether you want a day hike at Amicalola Falls or to tackle the Appalachian Trail.

At Dawson County News we are committed to bringing you all the news that is important to your life every day in North Georgia.

From new retail locations on 400, to a state-of-the-art performing arts center, alpaca farming in Dawson County and a new park in downtown, we hope you enjoy reading about what is and is to come in our community.

For those new to the area, important contact information, as well as a calendar of some of the biggest events going on in the next year can be found inside these pages.

We have also included important

information about the upcoming school year.

With school realignments underway, there is helpful information about the changes as well as contact information for each school and principal. You will also find the 2016-17 school calendar.

We encourage you all to get out and about, visit or try something you weren’t aware was in your backyard and be proud to call Dawson County home.

Our community offers something for everyone and we are proud to be able to showcase some of what makes this place “Awesome Dawson.”

Stephanie Woody General Manager Dawson County News

TABLE OF CONTENTS Performing arts ........................6 Schools undergo realignment .. 10 School calendar ...................... 12 Retail growth underway ......... 18 Courthouse gets renovation .... 22 Get involved .......................... 26 Park idea moving forward....... 30 Annual events........................ 36 Important numbers ................ 37 Alpacas at home in Dawson.... 38 Page 4 | AWESOME DAWSON

Amicalola Park gives visitors plenty of outside options.

24

ABOUT THE COVER Workers on stage at the new Dawson County Performing Arts Center install a fly system that will be used for future drama productions. The system uses a series of wires, pulleys and counterweights so that crews can quickly move (fly) scenery and lighting in and out of view during productions.

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 5

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

ACTION!

Performing arts center opens with school year

A

By Amy French

afrench@dawsonnews.com

nyone who has rounded the corner of the parking lot at the north end of Dawson County High School in the last several months knows the changes have been both swift and dramatic.

Where once stood the school’s tennis courts, the Dawson County Performing Arts Center stands atop the hill that overlooks Tigers Stadium.

“The new facility adds significant value to both the students and community at large,” said Dawson County School Superintendent Damon Gibbs. “The students will have significantly improved learning space that is much more functional than the previous space.”

“The performing arts center will also become the largest meeting space in Dawson County, seating almost 1,000 visitors.”

The center brought with it changes to parking lots, tennis courts and walkways, as well as renovations within the walls of the high school.

The 2016-17 school year will mean significantly expanded facilities for the drama, art, chorus and

band departments.

All four departments will be housed in the new arts center, while their previous spaces will allow for more classroom space in the high school.

The additional, flexible classroom space will also allow for on-site AP testing and bring the building’s classroom capacity to 1,450 from 1,150.

“The former performing arts space within the high school has been redesigned to add eight classrooms, a counseling suite, a new clinic and administrative areas. The renovation is on schedule to be complete before staff arrives on Aug. 1,” said Gibbs.

See Arts | Page 8

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 7

Photos Amy French Dawson County News

Construction on the stage and orchestra pit at the Performing Arts Center nears completion.

Arts Continued from Page 6 The performing arts center will be available for the staff on Aug. 1 as well, he said.

The project is part of a $36.5 million education special purpose local option sales tax (ESPLOST). Voters approved a new 5-year Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in March of 2015. That was Dawson County’s fifth ESPLOST. The system immediately bonded out $15 million for the center and other projects.

The performing arts center has a substantial foyer outside the auditorium that will be separated from the classroom portion of the building.

The building has a canopy covered walkway to connect to the original building and provide coverage in inclement weather.

“The drama area will have large dressing facilities that feed directly backstage from the classroom and a large set buildPage 8 | AWESOME DAWSON

ing and storage area adjacent to backstage,” Gibbs said.

There is also an elaborate fly system for the productions.

The system of cables, pulleys and weights will allow crew for productions to move or “fly” sets and lighting in and

out between scenes as needed.

The theater also features an orchestra pit that can be raised and lowered, sloped and stadium seating and a sound and light booth.

“The chorus and band rooms will have much needed practice rooms and ample

The Dawson County Performing Arts Center is set to open in August.

storage, while the art room will be a large, flexible space that can handle the wide variety of projects that can be occurring simultaneously,” he said.

Teachers in the performing

arts programs are excited about and looking forward to the move, according to Gibbs.

“The community and staff are very excited about the expanded opportunities that we will be able to offer our

students in the new facility,” Gibbs said.

A coordinator has been hired to oversee all of the events in the new facility.

Once guidelines for facility use have been established, the

board of education will vote to implement them, according to Gibbs.

The new facility will be available to the public during an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 8.

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 9

Dawson schools undergo realignments

By Amy French

afrench@dawsonnews.com

This year in Dawson County schools there will be a number of significant changes for students, teachers and parents alike.

The Dawson County school board voted last December to approve a measure to realign the schools for students in grades 6-12.

The unanimous vote put into motion a two phase realignment that begins with this school year.

“The decision to realign our grades 6-12 was to increase academic opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Damon Gibbs.

The first phase of the realignment includes multiple changes that will be implemented this school year.

What was once Riverview Middle School is now Dawson County Middle School and

‘Students will be exposed to more career options at an earlier age and they will be able to earn high school credit as eighth grade students which will allow them to take more advanced classes when they reach high school.’

Elaine Wilson

School board chairperson will be home to only sixth and seventh grade students.

The school formerly known as Dawson County Middle School has been renamed Dawson County Junior High School.

During the upcoming school year, it will have only eighth graders on campus. During phase two, the campus will be

Page 10 | AWESOME DAWSON

home to both eighth and ninth grades.

“Students will be exposed to more career options at an earlier age and they will be able to earn high school credit as eighth grade students which will allow them to take more advanced classes when they reach high school,” said Elaine Wilson, board chairperson.

Rising eighth grade students will be able to earn those credits in a number of subjects that include physical science, ninth grade literature, marketing, engineering, drama and health/physical education, according to Nicole LeCave, director of teaching and learnSee Schools | Page 11

Schools Continued from Page 10 ing.

Those options will expand even further during the second phase of the process.

For this year, Dawson County High School will continue as it has with 9-12 grade students. In phase two, however, the ninth graders will no longer be a part of that campus. Only grades 10-12 will be in the high school.

“Another benefit, in my personal opinion, is this realignment will allow for one more needed year of physical and emotional maturity for the eighth and ninth graders before being pooled with 16-18 year old students at the high school,” said Abby Liberatore.

Liberatore is not only a mom to an 11th grader and third grader but also served as PTO president and chairperson of the governance council at Kilough Elementary. She

‘We are getting families interested in Dawson County ... because of the quality of our schools...’

Charlie Auvermann

School board chairperson was also secretary for the school system governance council.

“It enables Dawson County to begin to align ourselves academically with other counties, as well as provide additional instruction, academic advancement and offering certain subjects earlier for all students 6-12,” she said.

With the ongoing retail growth along the 400 corridor, there is a natural expectation of population increase in the area that will bring a need for more space in the schools.

“There will be growth but it can be housed in existing s c h o o l s ,” s a i d C h a r l i e Auvermann, director of the

Dawson County Development Authority.

Auvermann said that even with current growth, there are still a few years before building more schools would be necessary.

“The biggest impact in the next few years will be the construction of the 300 apartments behind Publix. Those will cater to school-age families to a great degree,” Auvermann said. “We are getting families interested in Dawson County—moving here because of the quality of our schools versus Forsyth and the value of homes for sale in our county.”

The realignment, along with

the renovations that are a result of the new performing arts center, means the high school will be able to house more classrooms and quite a few more students.

“In the second year of the realignment, the 2017-18 school year, the full advantages of the realignment will be evident. Our overcrowded high school will have more room to grow with only grades 10-12 housed there, and our middle and junior high schools will be large enough for more classes and athletic teams to be offered,” Wilson said.

The renovations will bring the numbers from 1,150 to 1,450, but the reduction of grades within the building will expand actual grade sizes if necessary.

“Whereas classroom space was not the driving force behind the change, we will be in a better position to accommodate growth in the future,” Gibbs said.

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NOTE: All Holidays are subject to revisions due to inclement weather

Early Release Day First/Last Day of School 28-29 New Teacher Orientation Inclement Weather Day Pre/Post Planning Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday) Student/Staff Holiday

DAWSON COUNTY SCHOOLS S

July 2016 T W T

M

F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 August 2016 T W T F S 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31

S

1-4 Pre-Planning Open House 5 First Day of School

M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

S 1 8 15 22 29

M 2 9 16 23 30

September 2016 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

S

M

5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27

6 End of 1st Nine Weeks 7-10 Fall Break 11 Prof. Dev. 21 Early Release

S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

S

M

6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28

S

April 2017 T W T

M

M

S 16 End of Semester/Early Release

19-30 Holidays (No School)

M

4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

Begin Page 12 | Schools AWESOME DAWSON Elementary

12 Days End

F S 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25

F S 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31

S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17 Prof. Dev. 20 Inclement Weather (*No School) *Subject to change

14 End of 3rd Nine Weeks 17 Prof. Dev. 31 Inclement Weather (*No School) *Subject to change

F

3-7 Spring Break 10 Inclement Weather (*No School)

14 Days

F S 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

S

M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

17 Days

December 2016 T W T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

2 Prof. Dev. 3 Student's Return 16 MLK (No School)

18 Days

5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27

S

18 Days

11 Early Release /Prof. Dev. 21-25 Thanksgiving Holidays

F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28

21 Days

October 2016 M T W T F

November 2016 T W T 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30

February 2017 T W T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 March 2017 T W T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30

21 Days

S

January 2017 T W T 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31 20 Days

19 Days

5 Labor Day 16 Early Release /Prof. Dev.

Approved 2/8/16

2016-2017 Student Calendar

May 2017 T W T F S 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31

26 Last Day/ Early Release 29 Memorial Holiday 30-31 Post-Planning

20 Days

F 2 9 16 23 30 87

S 3 10 17 24 31

S

M

4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

June 2017 T W T F S 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30

Early Release

93

Total Days 180 Students 190 Staff

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 13

DAWSON SCHOOL LISTINGS

Principal Cindy Kinney

Black’s Mill Elementary School 1860 Dawson Forest Road East (706) 216-3300 Principal Cindy Kinney ckinney@dawson.k12.ga.us

Principal Tracey Compton

Kilough Elementary School 1063 Kilough Church Road (706) 216-8595 Principal Tracey Compton tcompton@dawson.k12.ga.us

Page 14 | AWESOME DAWSON

Principal Julia Mashburn

Riverview Elementary School 370 Dawson Forest Road West (706) 216-5812 Principal Julia Mashburn jmashburn@dawson.k12.ga.us

DAWSON SCHOOL LISTINGS

Principal Kim Bennett

Robinson Elementary School 1150 Perimeter Road (706) 265-6544 Principal Kim Bennett kbennett@dawson.k12.ga.us

Principal Randi Sagona

Dawson County Middle School 5126 Hwy. 9 South (706) 216-4849 Principal Dr. Randi Sagona rsagona@dawson.k12.ga.us

Principal Jeff Clapper

Dawson County Junior High School 109 Allen St. (706) 216-5801 Principal Jeff Clapper jclapper@dawson.k12.ga.us

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 15

DAWSON SCHOOL LISTINGS

Principal Richard Crumley

Dawson County High School

Damon Gibbs, Superintendent

1665 Perimeter Rd. (706) 265-6555 Principal Richard Crumley rcrumley@dawson.k12.ga.us

Rick Brown, Chief Academic Officer

Premium Eyewear at Outlet Prices Dr. Brian Burke, O.D. • Dr. James Hays, M.D. • Dr. Karla Thomason, O.D.

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SHOPPER’S PARADISE IN PRODUCTION

Development brings new retail to area

By Michele Hester

mhester@dawsonnews.com

Some call it urban sprawl, but to others the

two new retail developments going in at Ga. 400 and Dawson Forest Road are more like a shopper’s paradise.

E

towah Water & Sewer Authority improves the quality of life for our customers, community, and environment through proper management of our water resources.

www.etowahwater.org

1162 Hwy 53 East Dawsonville, Ga 30534

Phone: 706-216-8474 Fax: 706-216-6170

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“I love the new development in Dawson County,” said Harris Georgia, who moved to Dawson County in 2009. “I’d love to see Target come to Dawson County.”

The new Kroger-anchored Dawson Marketplace will bring Ross Dress for Less and Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Petco and Famous Footwear to the 100-acre site just south of the North Georgia Premium Outlets at the southwest intersection of Ga. 400 and Dawson Forest Road.

Kroger announced plans last year to relocate the grocer from its current location on Hwy. 53 to open one of Georgia’s largest grocery stores at approximately 123,000 square feet, with a nine pump Kroger Fuel Center.

Target has been rumored for years, but there has been no official announcement yet.

Dawson Marketplace is estimated to be operational by the first quarter of 2017.

Across the highway, a 45,600 Publix supermarket will anchor Dawson Crossroads, a mixed-use

development with retail, including Aspen Dental, Brooklyn Joe’s Pizzeria, Lee Nails, Great Clips and a Chili’s, on the front and multi-family housing to be built in a later phase.

“With the retail growth, I’m positive that we will also see an increase in residential developments and in turn, I hope my property value continues to increase,” Georgia said.

The two shopping centers are expected to bring more than 750 new jobs to Dawson County.

“It’s going to be like that Oprah Winfrey Christmas giveaway when all of the stores open up. It’s going to be like ‘you get a job and you get a job and you get a job and you get a job, everybody gets a job,’” said resident Cathie Waddell.

Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, said the business community welcomes the growing retail element, which will drive additional revenue into Dawson.

“More than 41 percent of our county’s annual revenue comes from sales tax that is

Photos courtesy of Michael Thompson UAV

generated by our local businesses, while 33 percent comes from property tax,” she said. “The retail growth along the 400 corridor positions our

community to continue to provide excellent services while working to minimize the burden placed on our property owners.

“The additional growth of our local retail sector will further cement Dawson County as the retail hub for our region.”

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 19

We would like to invite you The Park is proud to offer the following...

The Lodge

The Maple Restaurant

Amicalola Falls State Park

A 57 Room Hotel with Spectacular Mountain Views

Located in The Lodge Lobby

Home to the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi

Executive and junior suites with balconies Deluxe king and double queen rooms with patios Rooms to accommodate 2 to 6 Guests 14 Cabins: 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms located around the park 24 Camp sites with water and electricity

Daily Breakfast Buffet $10.95 With a variety of your favorite breakfast items including a fresh egg and omelet station and Belgian waffles

Lunch Buffets Mon - Thurs $12.95 Friday Catfish Lunch Buffet $14.95 Saturday Pulled Pork Buffet $14.95 Sunday Brunch Buffet $19.95 Dinner Buffets Sun - Thurs $16.95 Friday Surf & Turf Buffet $18.95 Crab legs available for additional charge

Sat Prime Rib & Italian Buffet $18.95

13.1 miles of trails and road to hike in the park 604 stair hike up (or down) the waterfall 5 Picnic or group shelters Amphitheater for outdoor group gatherings or events 8 Station fitness trail Mountain bike access to the Chattahoochee National Forest Regular holiday events & celebrations Naturalist-led programs and special events available

to join us in the mountains.

Meetings, Weddings & Corporate Events for 5 to 150 people.

Full catering available.

15 Miles from downtown Dawsonville, 19 Miles west of Dahlonega and 23 miles east of Ellijay on on Hwy. 52 in Dawsonville, GA. For Lodge and Restaurant Information Call 706-265-8888 or 800-573-9656 $5.00 per vehicle Park Pass required.

Historic courthouse gets much-needed makeover

By Michele Hester

mhester@dawsonnews.com

Dawson County’s Historic Courthouse on the town square in downtown Dawsonville is getting a much-needed makeover.

Calls continued to pour in to county offices seeking answers as to why the state’s oldest working courthouse was being painted white this summer.

The simple answer, according to county officials, is that the shocking white paint was a primer for the red color covering the brick façade.

“The Historic Courthouse is being preserved and

restored,” said County Manager Randy Dowling.

“It is a meticulous process that involves multiple steps, including a primer, which appears white. The end result will be a red color.”

Built in 1860, the building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, is considered to be the state’s oldest working courthouse.

While court is no longer conducted at the structure, the building houses several government offices, including the Dawson County Historical Society and the county’s public defender’s office.

“Today, 156 years after it

first opened, the courthouse exterior is due some much needed attention,” Dowling said. “The Dawson County Board of Commissioners is committed to preserving the rich history of the historic courthouse, and in doing so,

has contracted with companies that specialize in historic building preservation.”

Metro Water Proofing, Inc. used a silicone elastomeric coating to seal the exterior, followed by paint, according to Dowling.

For five decades, residents, farmers and businesses in Dawson County have been heating their homes, cooking their dinners, protecting their livestock, and keeping their businesses running on fuel delivered by Mills Fuel Service.

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Page 22 | AWESOME DAWSON

File photo

White primer caused quite a stir this summer as a construction crew prepared Dawson County’s Historic Courthouse for a fresh new coat of red paint to cover the brick façade.

File photo

A renovation crew prepares an area of the Historic Courthouse before applying a white primer and finishing with a brick red paint.

“This unique process will help preserve the life of the building,” he said.

Additionally, the courthouse windows, which were

fully deteriorated and unrepairable, were also replaced.

Work on the Historic Courthouse, which is expected to cost $150,000

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 23

Appalachian Adventure Find plenty of activities at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge Our Mission: FEED THE HUNGRY OF DAWSON COUNTY RIC-Rack is a Dawson County food bank and thrift store dedicated to meeting the needs of those in need in our county. We have a thrift store open to the public with a large selection of clothing, shoes and home furnishings at discounted prices. Our food bank offers a variety of food items on a monthly basis to those who qualify under our guidelines. Please come by and shop and if you are interested in the food bank program, ask a staff member if you qualify.

We Accept Donations At The Store And Will Pick Up Furniture Items At Your Home.

Food Bank Hours: M-W-F noon-3pm Thrift Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm 829 Hwy. 9N, Dawsonville, GA 30534 Thrift Store: 706-265-1371 • Food Bank: 706-265-1045

ric-rack.org

Page 24 | AWESOME DAWSON

By Amy French

W

afrench@dawsonnews.com

hen Shaliondel Benton and Rudie Coppin drove up from metro Atlanta for their first trip to Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge they didn’t realize how quickly they’d be drawn in by all the park had to offer.

“We drove up straight here to check in,” Coppin said.

“We just kept going and going, the next thing, the next thing until we ate dinner and then it was, ‘I’m done!’ At about 8:30 we were knocked out.”

The two made their way through the trails and the falls and on the second day signed up for the 3D archery class.

Park Ranger Devin Mason loaded up gear and the visitors in an ATV to head up to the archery range where quick instruction had them shooting in no time.

“This is relaxing,” Benton said after firing an arrow into the jackelope on the hillside in the trees.

Relaxing outdoor adventures abound for visitors to Amicalola.

Regardless of age, there is an activity that

will entertain any park guest including climbing walls, guided hikes and GPS scavenger hunts.

The 3D archery class and zip lines are just a couple of the latest additions.

The archery class can accommodate a variety of age and experience levels and compound bows and arrows are provided by the lodge for the class.

Mason emphasized that anyone can be taught to shoot a bow.

“I had to teach a blind person how to shoot when we got certified,” he said.

Benton and Coppin were given direction on firing of bows and told to treat it the way they would if they were firing at a gun range.

“A l w a y s p o i n t d ow n range.”

Mason showed them how to stand and pull back the bow. When it comes to aiming, however, he said it’s up to the participants.

“I can’t tell you how to aim. You guys are going to

Photos by Amy French Dawson County News

Opposite page, Amicalola guest Rudie Coppin takes aim during the instructional portion of the 3D archery adventure. Above, Park Ranger Devin Mason goes over the proper techniques for holding and firing a bow on the archery course with Rudie Coppin and Shalionel Benton.

have to figure that out.

Everybody’s different,” Mason said.

Shortly after explaining that in 90 percent of the

groups he works with the women are better shooters, Benton hit the target dead on.

After initial shots on the target in the clearing, students

move into the woodland course that features targets in the shapes of animals like See Falls | Page 26

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 25

Falls Continued from Page 25 raccoons, bears and even velociraptors.

Stations throughout the course also provide obstacles to intensify the effect.

Students must navigate trees and inclines before taking out the prey.

For explorers who are looking for a greater rush, the zip lines may be the answer.

Participants will have to learn what it means to fully trust instructors as well as their gear, before soaring through the canopy.

Groups of 10 or more can get amazing views from the treetops in the North Georgia mountains. The park offers team building exercises via the zip line and team building course.

When adventurers head out, the park staff recommends bringing lip balm, sun-

‘We just kept going and going, the next thing, the next thing, until we ate dinner and then it was, “I’m done!” At about 8:30 we were knocked out.’

Rudie Coppin Park guest

screen, hat, sunglasses, closed toe shoes, weather appropriate clothing, water, personal prescriptions and a camera.

The new zip lines are still currently under construction but will be available by Labor Day. To schedule an outing, visitors can contact the activities manager at (706)2651969. Descriptions of various activities are available online at amicalolafallslodge.com.

A historic and spirited community, Dawsonville is a place where families and businesses flourish.

The City strives to capture the spirit of healthy living. With sidewalks that connect areas of the city, events such as “Moonshine Festival” and the “Music Fest”, dining delights, entertainment and shopping venues, make Dawsonville an active, thriving community.

Dawsonville is also the home of NASCAR Champion, Bill Elliott and his son, current NASCAR Cup driver Chase Elliott. Stop by the Georgia Racing hall of Fame Museum to see a large display of racing memorabilia.

Get Involved in Dawson County Community Emergency Response Team (770) 833-4533 Richard Sims Dawson County 4-H Club (706) 265-2442 Chesley Davis Dawson County Adult Education Center (706) 265-1690 Kathy Davis Dawson County Arts Council (706) 216-2787 Ginny Greenwood Dawson County Chamber of Commerce (706) 265-6278 Melissa Mayton Dawson County Family Connection (706) 265-1981 Nancy Stites

415 Hwy. 53 East • 706-265-3256

cityhall@dawsonville-ga.gov • www.dawsonville-ga.gov Page 26 | AWESOME DAWSON

See Involved | Page 28

We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care.

Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

Involved

Dawson County RIC Rack (706) 265-1371 Angie McKenzie

Continued from Page 26

Dawson Historical & Genealogical Society Dawson County Rotary Club (706) 265-3985 (678) 360-0048 Jackie Anderson Michele Hester Dawson County Humane Society (706) 265-9160 Jason Hutcherson

Dawson County Senior Center (706) 344-3700 Dawn Pruett

Dawson County Kiwanis Club (706) 265-4480 Dan Pichon

Dawsonville Lions Club (404) 323-9683 Marty Horne

Dawson County Library (706) 344-3690 Stacey Leonhardt

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (706) 216-7223 Faye Abercrombie Hall-Dawson CASA (770) 531-1964 Connie Stephens KARE for Kids (706) 216-5273 David McKee

Karmen Pharris

Dawsonville Realtor karmenpharris3@gmail.com Cell: 770-561-3593 Office: 770-536-3790 Fax: 706-265-2424

Buying & Selling Residential, Land & Commercial Properties

www.karmenpharris.com Page 28 | AWESOME DAWSON

Keep Dawson County Beautiful (706) 344-3501 Robbie Irvin Ninth District Opportunity (770) 532-3191 No One Alone (NOA) (706) 344-3853 Dr. Mark Helvie Reading Education Association of Dawson County Inc. (706) 579-1771 Sandy Lipkowitz

File photo

Dawson County offers numerous ways to get involved in the community, including the Chamber of Commerce.

Safe Kids Dawson (706) 344-3666 Lanier Swafford

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United Way for Dawson County (770) 781-4110 Lindsay Bohannon Veterans Affairs of Dawson County (678) 414-3008 Don Brown Vietnam Veterans of America, Dawson County Chapter No. 970 (706) 429-5002 Wayne Watkins Wee Books (706) 216-0173 Sue Poynter

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 29

Moving forward

For the Dawson County News

A preliminary draft of what the 16-acre park could look like that was drawn up a few years ago by the Georgia Mountain Region Commission, showing greenspace, pavilions, playgrounds and a walking trail. Design firm Kimley Horne and the city plan an open house in August to give residents a better idea of what is planned.

Page 30 | AWESOME DAWSON

Officials making progress on Main Street Park project

P

By Michele Hester

mhester@dawsonnews.com

lans for a grand park in d o w n t o w n Dawsonville, behind city hall, are moving along.

City Manager David Headley said topographical and wetland jurisdictional determination field surveys were recently completed and will be incorporated into a development plan within the next few weeks.

“Once this is completed, hydrology research and review will begin to determine drainage requirements both existing and proposed. These items are necessary in order to initiate the site plan,” he said.

The Dawsonville City Council voted

earlier this year to award the park design to Kimley Horne, which boasts a collaborative of specialists within the nationwide company that could develop the entire park in house.

“We are on schedule for late August early September to have plans done,” Headley said. “Then we can begin the permitting and bidding process.”

Preliminary design element discussions have ranged from an amphitheater, skate park and children’s water feature, to picnic areas, a dog park and open fields.

The city was recently chosen among more than a dozen municipalities poised to receive thousands of dollars through the state’s Recreational Trail Grants program.

Mayor James Grogan said the city’s $100,000 share would be used toward the

construction of walking trails going in at Main Street Park.

Funding for the grant is provided by the Federal Recreational Grants Program and administered at the state level by the Department of Natural Resources.

While the plans for Main Street Park are still in their infancy, Grogan said having recreational trails for the community to enjoy has always been a top priority.

“There are several different options we’re looking at for the trails,” he said.

An open house is planned in August to give the public a better idea of what is planned at the park, followed by the Master Plan Validation phase, which will finalize a list of desired program elements, according to Headley.

“I hope to begin construction no later than early spring,” he said.

AWESOME DAWSON | Page 31

DAWSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Mike Berg

Sharon Fausett Mike Berg is serving his third term as chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners. His term of office began Jan. 1, 2005 and will end Dec. 31, 2016.

He did not seek reelection for a fourth term. Billy Thurmond was recently elected to the position and will assume the duties beginning Jan. 1 for a four year term.

Sharon Fausett is serving her first term as the District 1 Commissioner. Her term of office began Jan. 1, 2015 and will end Dec. 31, 2018.

James Swafford James Swafford is serving his second term as the District 2 Commissioner. His term of office began Jan. 1, 2009 and will end Dec. 31, 2016.

He did not seek reelection for a third term. The election to fill the office will take place in November between Chris Gaines, who won the Republican primary, and Robert Wiley, an independent candidate.

Page 32 | AWESOME DAWSON

DAWSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Jimmy Hamby

Julie Hughes Nix

Julie Hughes Nix is serving her fourth term as the District 4 Commissioner. Her term of office began Jan. 1, 2005 and will end Dec. 31, 2016.

She was recently elected to a fifth four-year term, which begins Jan. 1, 2017.

Jimmy Hamby is serving his second term as the District 3 Commissioner. His term of office began Jan. 1, 2011 and will end Dec. 31, 2018.

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 33

DAWSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL James Grogan

Caleb Phillips

James Grogan is serving his second term as Mayor of Dawsonville. His term of office began April 2, 2012 and will end December 31, 2019.

Humane Society

Caleb Phillips is serving his first full term on the Dawsonville City Council. His term of office began March 2, 2015 and will end Dec. 31, 2019.

Jason Power

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Page 34 | AWESOME DAWSON

Jason Power is serving his second term on the Dawsonville City Council. His term of office began Jan. 1, 2012 and will end Dec. 31, 2019.

DAWSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL Angie Smith

Mike Sosebee

Angie Smith is serving her first full term on the Dawsonville City Council. Her term of office began Nov. 5, 2012 and will end Dec. 31, 2017.

Mike Sosebee is the Dawsonville City Council’s longest serving member. He was first elected in November 2003 and has served from Jan. 1, 2004 to December 2011 and Nov. 5, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013. His current term began Jan. 1, 2014 and ends Dec. 31, 2107.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monthly recurring events Chamber luncheon: Second Thursday of each month, 30 Main St., Dawsonville, 11:30 a.m.

Cruz-In Downtown Dawsonville: Third Friday of the month, 5 p.m.

Chamber Business After Hours: Fourth Tuesday of each month, location varies, 5 to 7 p.m.

Chamber, Community Events and Festivals 2016 August 5th: First day of Dawson County Schools.

8th: Open house of the Dawson County Performing Arts Center, 4 to 6 p.m.

September 10th: Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch opens.

24th: Pups in the Park at Rock Creek Park.

October 22nd and 23rd: 49th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival in downtown Dawsonville.

31st: Trunk or Treat at Rock Creek Park, 4 to 7 p.m.

November 11th: Veterans Day Parade, downtown Dawsonville, 5 p.m.

Page 36 | AWESOME DAWSON

File photo

Annual events like the Christmas parade, above, and the Mountain Moonshine Festival, below, draw thousands of residents and visitors.

December 3rd: Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Dawsonville, 5 p.m. Tree lighting is held at dusk.

Annual Reoccurring Events Chamber Gala, TBA KARE for Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday before Easter at Veterans Memorial Park.

Rotary Day at Rotary Island at Rock Creek Park, each June Sparks in the Motorsports Park, July 4, yearly ’Shine Pedalers Metric, last Saturday in July

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Dawson County Government Center www.dawsoncounty.org (706) 344-3501 Dawson County Chamber of Commerce www.dawson.org (706) 265-6279 City of Dawsonville www.dawsonville-ga.gov (706) 265-3256

Auto tag office www.dawsoncountytax. com (706) 344-3520 Driver’s license www.dds.ga.gov Water and Sewer City of Dawsonville Water and Sewer (706) 265-3256

Dawson County School System www.dawsoncountyschools.org (706) 265-3246

Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (706) 216-8474

Dawson County Sheriff’s Office www.dawsoncountysheriff.org In case of emergency, dial 911 Tip line: (706) 265-4744 Office line: (706) 344-3535

Health Department (706) 265-2930 Natural Gas Atlanta Gas Light Company www.aglc.com

Post Office (706) 265-2677 Voter registrar (706) 344-3640

Electricity Georgia Power (888) 660-5890

North Georgia Network (706) 754-5323

Sawnee EMC (800) 635-9131 Amicalola EMC (800) 992-6471 Propane Gas Amicalola Propane (706) 344-1427 Ferrellgas (706) 864-6151 Mark Heard Fuel Co. (770) 887-5235 Mills Fuel Service (706) 864-5037

Trash pickup City of Dawsonville (706) 265-3256 Evans Garbage (706) 216-4232 G&G Sanitation (770) 887-6063 AAA Sanitation (770) 864-4860

Folger Gas (706) 265-1495

Dawson County Transfer and Recycling Center (706) 344-3645

Phone/TV/internet Windstream (866) 961-9463

Wallace 400 Waste Disposal (706) 216-1485

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AWESOME DAWSON | Page 37

‘SHEAR’ JOY Local couple loves raising alpacas Southern Sunrise Alpacas is a breeding farm on Dawson Forest Road.

By Michele Hester

mhester@dawsonnews.com

S

outhern Sunrise Farm isn’t on the county’s agri-tourism guide, but that doesn’t stop the curious from stopping to take a look at and snap pictures of the dozens of alpacas grazing in the pastures.

“We get a lot of visitors,” said Mary Rogers, who along with her husband Bill have been raising the exotic animals since 2009.

Similar to llamas but much smaller, alpacas are indigenous to Peru, but thrive in the North Georgia climates.

“Right now in summer is really the hardest time for them here,” said Bill Rogers. “We put out extra water, fans in the sheds, automatic waterers to keep them cool.

“They’re very adaptive.”

Alpacas are also relatively easy to care for, which played a role when the Rogers were considering retirement options years back.

“We’d been looking for something to do that when Mary and I retired to still be doing something active that provides some retirement income for us,” he said.

Page 38 | AWESOME DAWSON

Photos by Michele Hester Dawson County News

“We looked around at different things and this is the one that made the most sense for us and what we wanted to do and what kind of lifestyle we wanted to have when we retired.”

There are currently 28 alpacas at the Dawson Forest Road farm and at least one more on the way.

“We are a breeding farm,” said Mary Rogers, who added that several alpacas raised at the farm have gone on to win competitions for their superior and championship genetics.

Additionally, each year the alpacas are

sheared and the fleece processed into yarns.

“It’s compared to cashmere, so it’s not an inexpensive fiber, but it’s got some beautiful things that are made, as well as your scarves and hats and gloves,” Mary Rogers said.

While the farm does not advertise tours, Southern Sunrise Alpacas will be open to the public Sept. 24-25 for National Alpaca Farm Day. “We’ll have a sign out front telling everyone that the farm will be open that weekend,” she said.

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