SENIOR i C
n e it z SUPERLATIVES
f o
5 1 0 2 s s
a l
C
A special publication of June 2015
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Senior
n e z i t i C
JUNE 2015
Superlatives of Dawson County
Best Dressed.........................................................................................Page 2
Most Successful.......................................................................................Page 10
Mr. & Ms. Dawson County......................................................................Page 4
Most Influential.........................................................................................Page 10
Most Artistic................................................................................................Page 6
Most Athletic.............................................................................................Page 11
Best Sense of Humor.................................................................................Page 6
Most Likely to Brighten Your Day...........................................................Page 12
Most Dependable.......................................................................................Page 7
Best All-Around........................................................................................Page 13
Most Spirited...............................................................................................Page 7
Most Photogenic......................................................................................Page 14
Mr.& Ms.Congeniality................................................................................Page 9
Most Talented...........................................................................................Page 15
Most Southern Charm................................................................................Page 9
Best Dressed There are some people that know how to dress to the nines, but then there are those chosen few that take fashion to the next level. Roger Slaton and Carol Tyger are Dawson County’s Best Dressed seniors. It could be Tyger’s crazy hats and exotic shoes or Slaton’s seersucker suits and elaborate ties, but either way, their sense of style is
David Renner Dawson Community News
sure to catch attention when seen around town. A longtime member of the Dawson County School Board, Slaton owns a local State Farm Insurance Agency, while Tyger is retired and spends her spare time volunteering with various organizations throughout the community.
Carol Tyger and Roger Slaton
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘My motto in business was that my success depended on me - and I dress for success. And fashion can be fun.’ Carol Tyger WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Herbert Robinson once told me: You may not be the best, but you can do your best and look your best doing it.’ Roger Slaton
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JUNE 2015
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Mr. & Ms. Dawson County
David Renner Dawson Community News
Gordon Pirkle and Helen Taylor No one represents the aura of Dawson County better than Gordon Pirkle and Helen Taylor. Dawsonville’s official racing historian, Pirkle might know more about NASCAR than every-
one else in the county combined. In addition to owning the world famous Pool Room, where the walls are covered in news clippings chronicling NASCAR Champion
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Try to live and do what’s right and treat people like you want to be treated.’ Gordon Pirkle
and native son Bill Elliott’s rise to fame, Pirkle is also the curator of the museum at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Like Pirkle, Taylor is a bit of a history buff when it comes to the goings on in Dawson County. For decades, Taylor’s columns about the life and times in Dawsonville have appeared in the local newspaper.
A former educator, she retired to Dawson County in 1982, following a career with Atlanta schools. Not content to settle down after retiring, Taylor went to work making changes in the county. “A lot of people just moved up here and sat down and relaxed,” she said. “But a lot of newcomers got involved and Dawson County has really profited by
it,” she said. Taylor was instrumental in restoring the historic courthouse, organizing a historical and genealogical society and publishing the Dawson County
Heritage Book series. She also helped bring the “Adopt a Highway Initiative” to the county, restore the old jail and transform the old Rock School into the Bowen Center for the Arts.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘It’s worth getting involved in. Dawson County is worth people’s time and energy.’ Helen Taylor
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JUNE 2015
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Most Artistic
Photos for the Dawson Community News
Allen Ferg and JoAnn Johnston
Dawson County has voiced its opinion, and it believes that JoAnn Johnston and Allen Ferg are its two most artistic people. Johnston has been painting since she was a child. Now retired, she shares her artistic treasures with family and close friends. “I just love to paint. If it wasn’t for painting and my friends here at the [Margie Weaver Senior] center, retirement wouldn’t be as good for me,” she said.
Ferg said he was born into a family of “professionally trained artists,” but it wasn’t until he retired from his law practice that he was able to focus on his sculpting. His media includes cast in bronze, terra cotta, clay, plaster and resin Some of his pieces can be found in government buildings, such as his bust of Richard J. Hughes, former New Jersey Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in
the New Jersey State Bar Headquarters and his sculpture bust of William Dawson, the namesake of Dawson County, in the Dawson County Government Center. Johnson’s work, much of which depicts animals, has been featured in several local art exhibits. Her paintings can also be found on the walls of various friends’ homes. “If they love it that much, of course, I have to give it to them,” she said.
Best Sense of Humor
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Always smile, even when you’re blue.’ Katherine “Kay” Somerville
Jimmy Hamby and Katherine “Kay” Somerville may be the most fun people in Dawson County. Guaranteed to make you laugh, Hamby and Somerville can often be found cutting jokes, telling fibs and generally cracking up those around them. “You’ve got to keep smiling,” said Sommerville, who at 94 keeps her friends at the Dawson County Senior Center in stiches day in and day out. She even jokes with staff
at the center, telling them they are going to be fired if they don’t serve caviar and wine for lunch. Hamby also almost always has a smile on his face and is quick with a joke, an old story about how life used to be in Dawson County or a fun memory, where he doesn’t mind taking a stab at himself. “That’s what’s it’s all about. You’ve got to have fun,” said the county’s District 3 Commissioner.
Katherine “Kay “Somerville and Jimmy Hamby
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Find humor in every job you do, because, if it messes up, you’ll still have something to smile about.’ Jimmy Hamby
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Most Dependable
David Renner Dawson Community News
Wayne Watkins and Judy Cox WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘I may be called dependable, but I depend on my brother veterans and my church.’ Wayne Watkins
They are there when you need them. They have a hard time saying no. They are always the first to volunteer their assistance in most any situation. Wayne Watkins and Judy Cox are Dawson County’s Most Dependable seniors. A founding member of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Watkins remains active in the organization that supports his fellow brothers that served. Cox, wife of the late Joe Lane Cox, who served as mayor of Dawsonville for many years, continues to be a spokesperson for promoting the town that means so much to her family’s lineage.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘I say all the time: praise the Lord. That’s where all of my blessing come from.’
Judy Cox
Most Spirited
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Barbara Hubbard and Edwin “Ed” Looper Whether it’s cheering on a favorite driver or celebrating civic achievements, Edwin “Ed” Looper and Barbara Hubbard are the Most Spirited seniors in Dawson County. A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Looper owned a WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Behave and stay out of trouble and you’ll go far.’ Barbara Hubbard
teer at the Georgia small grocery store for more than 30 Racing Hall of Fame years in downtown and consummate Dawsonville, where promoter of he never met a Dawsonville’s unique stranger. At 82, he is weeks racing heritage. “I love racing. I’ve away from receiving his 60 year masonic always loved racing. It’s just a big pin, an honor he part of my life,” she said he’ll cherish. “That means a lot said. to me,” he said. While Hubbard WORDS OF WISDOM: grew up in nearby ‘Do unto others as north Forsyth, Dawsonville has you would have been her home for them do unto you.’ more than a decade. A longtime racing Edwin “Ed” Looper fan, she is a volun-
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JUNE 2015
Most Southern Charm Mr. & Ms. Congeniality
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Pepper Pettit and Geneva Bearden
David Renner Dawson Community News
The votes have been tallied and Cecil Bennett and Vaudell Sosebee are the Dawson County seniors with the Most Southern Charm. Bennett is currently a greeter at Walmart, where he’s often seen giving a hug to a friend or shaking
hands with a longtime neighbor. Sosebee’s daily activities are quite similar, as she’s one of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame’s most dedicated volunteers. Museum officials said that multiple reviews come back
Cecil Bennett and Vaudell Sosebee WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘I try to live the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Cecil Bennett
from visitors expressing their delight in having Sosebee give them tours of the museum, where a collection of memorabilia is on display from her late husband Gober Sosebee’s esteemed racing career.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Gober loved racing and I never fussed at him for it, because he enjoyed it. If you love something, do it.’ Vaudell Sosebee
Pepper Pettit and Geneva Bearden have been voted Mr. and Ms. Congeniality of Dawson County. Always seen with smiles on their faces, Pettit and Bearden can light up any room. “You know, when you smile at someWORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Don’t be anxious about anything. My dad used to always tell me that.’ Pepper Pettit
Always eager to one, just about 100 percent of the time, lend a hand, if he they are going to has one fault, it might smile back,” said possibly be that he Bearden. “So I’m does not know how always smiling.” to say no, according With a passion to to friends. help others, Bearden “I’m passionate. I’m served many years on a people pleaser,” he the Dawson County Department of Family said. “I like to make and Children Services people happy.” board of directors. She also had a WORDS OF WISDOM: career with the USDA helping farmers in the ‘Smile and the community. world will smile Charismatic and back.’ charming are just a few words commonly used to describe Geneva Bearden Pettit’s personality.
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Most Successful James Swafford and Linda Townley have been voted the Most Successful seniors in Dawson County. Swafford has served as the county’s District 1 Commissioner since 2009, while Townley is currently serving her third term as Dawson County Tax Commissioner. A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Swafford is a deacon of Bethel
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
For the Dawson Community News
James Swafford and Linda Townley
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Be honest, work smart, use common sense - and Matthew 6:33.’
James Swafford
Baptist Church and a member of Etowah Lodge No. 222 F &AM. He is also a Vietnam veteran and retired federal government worker. “I love Dawson County. My family has been here for many generations,” Swafford said. “I love and have respect for all the citizens of this great county.” Townley, who has also served on the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority board for more than 25 years, is a former mayor of Dawsonville and also served 10 years on the Dawson County Board of Education.
“Life has really been good to me. I’m not rich, but I have had opportunities. I’ve had a lot of challenges, but I feel like that I have made a difference and helped people along the way,” she said. “I just feel like I need to give back as much as I can because I want to show that women can do anything they set their minds to.”
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Remember, your name is all you have. So protect it by doing what is right and moral.’
Linda Townley
Most Influential
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘You can get more done when you don’t care who gets the credit.’ Mike Berg
Mike Berg and Elaine Wilson are Dawson County’s most influential leaders. As chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners, Berg is consistently recognized at the local, regional and state level for his commitment to serving Dawson County. First elected in 2005, he is currently serving his third term. “I knew that I was going to stay here for however long I was on this earth and so I felt like it was important to me to give back. I had that
expertise so I wanted to share it,” he said. Before moving to Dawson, he also served as a commissioner in Gwinnett County. Wilson has also devoted many years to serving her community, having been on the Dawson County School Board since 2004. She taught high school for 19 years, prior to taking a position in the school system’s administrative division and later seeking a seat on the board.
Mike Berg and Elaine Wilson
For the Dawson Community News
WORDS OF WISDOM: ‘Follow the golden rule and treat others as you would want to be treated yourself because, as my father always, said: What goes around, comes around.’
Elaine Wilson
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Most Athletic
Michel Hester Dawson Community News
Nicky Gilleland and Barbara Wallace Nicky Gilleland and Barbara Wallace are Dawson County’s Most Athletic seniors. It’s been more than 50 years since
Wallace scored a three-point shot in a regulated game, but give her a basketball, and she’ll show you how it’s done.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Stay in church. Stay close to your savior.’ Nicky Gilleland
Today, she tries to stay as active as she was decades ago. Whether it is water aerobics or walking, she finds time to stay fit. “I still exercise every week,” she said, splitting her time between activities at the Dawson County Senior Center. A former basketball coach, teacher and
school superintendent who retired in 2009, Gilleland remains active by helping out with the grandkids, which he says are the light of his life. He began his teaching career in 1974. He later spent 18 years as principal at Robinson Elementary School before serving as associate superin-
tendent and superintendent for Dawson County. “I love this community and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere
else or do anything else. I hope I can continue to be a part of what happens in this community,” he said.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘You’re just as good as anybody up there, but you’re not any better than anybody.’ Barbara Wallace
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Most Likely to Brighten Your Day When things aren’t going your way, look no further than Bill Sexton and Mary Sosebee to brighten your day. A veteran of both Korea and Vietnam, Sexton is often referred to as “Sweet William” or, lately, “Sugahfree Willam”, as he is sometimes know because of his kind, compassionate personality and love for friend, family and neighbor. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “You have to be kind and take care of each other.” Sexton walks the walk, spending his free time construct-
ing memorial markers for Dawson County men and women currently serving in the military. Sosebee is known to her family and friends as someone they can always count on to make them smile. With a can-do attitude and a passion for life, she encourages those close to her to follow their hearts. “Always stand for what you think is right and you will succeed. I’ve always done that, and I’ve been blessed my entire life,” Sosebee said.
Bill Sexton and Mary Sosebee WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Out of your paycheck, pay yourself first. Put back a little bit every month.’ Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Bill Sexton
WORDS OF WISDOM:
‘Put Jesus first in your life.’
Mary Sosebee
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Best All-Around
David Renner Dawson Community News
Some people have a certain trait that makes them stand out. Then there are
WORDS OF WISDOM:
Diane Lemley and Mike Sosebee
those whose qualities are multiplied, like Mike Sosebee and Diane Lemley, who
‘We have two ears and one mouth, which means we should listen more than we talk.’ Diane Lemley
are Dawson County’s Best All Around seniors. Sosebee is currently the longest standing member of the Dawsonville City Council with more than 30 years of service. A proponent of the city’s revitalization
plan, Sosebee represents the council on Dawsonville’s Downtown Development Authority. Lemley has been one of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce’s most active members. “It’s kept me busy in a way that I enjoy. I’m busy, but it’s a
choice,” she said. In addition to her work with the chamber, Lemley is a mem-
WORDS OF WISDOM:
ber of First Redeemer Church and is active in a weekly, women’s Bible study group.
‘Get a good education and learn everything that you can.’ Mike Sosebee
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Most Photogenic Jennifer Lyness and James Grogan See PHOTOGENIC | 15
Photos By David Renner Dawson Community News
We Love Our Seniors Congratulations to each of our Superlatives! We appreciate everything you do for Dawson County.
DAWSONVILLE 706-216-1906
GAINESVILLE 770-536-6734
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Gerald “Bug” Swafford and Sharon Wenson are Dawson County’s Most Talented seniors. Growing up in a family of musicians, Wenson developed a love for gospel music at an early age. “It was the music I learned as a child, and I have always appreciated and loved it,” she said. Today, she shares that passion with fans of all ages while performing each Friday morning at McDonalds in Dawsonville. “A lot of the time, we have people that get up and do some clogging or some dancing. It’s spontaneous. Every week is a little different,” she said. A skilled woodworker, Swafford also developed his craft from a family connection. “I learned from my daddy and from right here in this building,” he said referring to the Bowen Arts Center, which was once a wing of Dawson County High School. Swafford has now
FROM 14
Photogenic Some people shy away from cameras, but when you’re as photogenic as James Grogan and Jennifer Lyness, it’s
Most Talented
built wooden podiums that he donated to each school in the county, as well as one at the art’s center and most recently one at the Dawson County Board of Education.
easy to get a great picture. Grogan and Lyness were voted Dawson County’s Most Photogenic seniors. “Well, how about that,” Grogan said when he heard the news.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Sharon Wenson and Gerald “Bug” Swafford Grogan has served as the mayor of Dawsonville since July 2012. Lyness is ordinarily behind the camera, snapping shots for advertisements in the Dawson Community News, where she has served as
advertising director for more than 20 years. She’s a diehard Georgia Bulldog football fan and she also follows NASCAR. “I love NASCAR, especially Kevin Harvick,”she said.
For the Dawson Community News
In her free time, she enjoys spending
time with her grandkids.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
WORDS OF WISDOM:
Jennifer Lyness
James Grogan
‘Always be kind to others, no matter what you do.’
‘Psalms 27:14 teaches me to be patient but courageous in all I do.’
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