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Times-Courier Your Hometown Newspaper Devoted To The Progress Of Gilmer County February 11, 2010

VOL. 135 • NO. 6 • U.S.P.S. NO. 630-280

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Deputies make drug bust with traffic stop by Al Summers alsummers@timescourier.com

Another traffic stop by Gilmer County deputies has again resulted in the arrests of two individuals on drug related charges and the seizure of illegal drugs and money. Saturday, Jan. 30, Deputy Stephen Thompson conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Michael Jones. Jones was stopped for his vehicle not displaying a tag. During the stop, Thompson, assisted by Deputy Josh Chancey, conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, 12 individual baggies

of marijuana and $2,807 in currency were discovered. Jones was taken into custody for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. A passenger in the vehicle, Melissa Turner, was taken into custody as well. A subsequent search of Turner at the Gilmer County Detention Center turned up a “residue quantity” of methamphetamine and a pipe. Turner was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine. Both Jones, 24, and Turner, 25, listed Ellijay address-

es as their homes. Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told the Times-Courier, “Due to the heavy call volume my deputies contend with, they don’t have much time for proactive traffic stops, but they are making the most out of the opportunities they do have. This is a prime example. We intend to hit the drug dealers in this county and those coming through this county as hard as we can.” Gilmer deputies made a similar traffic stop earlier in January and ended up arresting a federal fugitive in connection with a stolen baby formula ring.

Deputy Josh Chancey, left, and Deputy Stephen Thompson, right, pose with money and marijuana confiscated during a recent traffic stop.

Contributed photo

Boardtown Road will be closed Monday, Feb. 15 Sunday, February 14

by Ryan R Rees rrees@timescourier.com

2010 “Parade of Sweethearts” Pages 10-14A

News Briefs: 2009 Scenic Photo Contest The Times-Courier presents our 2009 Scenic Photos of the Week on www.timescourier.com.

For more information see the announcement in the Community Calendar on page 2D.

Boardtown Road north of downtown Ellijay will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, at Kell’s Creek where a new bridge is being installed. Traffic will be diverted from Boardtown while the lanes are moved from the existing road to the new section under construction. Monday is a state and school holiday and county officials said the closure would have minimal impact on traffic that day. The new section will probably not be paved but instead covered with gravel until the weather improves to allow paving. Travelers are advised to use Whitepath Road to avoid the Kell’s Creek area. Local residents north and south of Kell’s Creek will be allowed to use the road. Meanwhile, Roy Road will probably be closed for at least a month as a bridge is replaced just north of Holt Bridge Road. The abutment supporting the bridge gave

Photo by Al Summers

way last week. Further inspection revealed further erosion of the hand-built abutment and deterioration of the existing bridge structure. Estimated cost of the replacement is more than $50,000. County Commission

Chairman Mark Chastain said the county is looking to see if the cost can be covered by insurance. No state funds are available because Roy Road is not a state-maintained road. However, Chastain said the Georgia Depart-

ment of Transportation has been helpful in assessing the damage and might assist with equipment during the replacement. Alternate routes in the area include Big Creek Road and Rackley Road.

Sequoyah Regional Library Board votes to raise fines

In this issue...

Special to the Times-Courier

National/State Roundup ......2A Editorial................................3A Religion/People................6–8A Sweethearts .................10–14A Lynn’s Zen...........................14A Chairman’s Report..............15A Gilmer Living ........................1B Mardi Gras, Ellijay ................3B Legals...............................6–9B Car Couple .........................10B

In the wake of local funding cuts and shortfalls, members of the Sequoyah Regional Library Board of Trustees voted at their January meeting to raise fines for overdue materials from 10 cents to 20 cents per day, per item. The increase will take effect Feb. 15, 2010, and will apply only to materials returned past

Sports...............................1–3C Focus on Education ..........4–5C Health & Fitness ............6–13C Obituaries.....................14–15C Dixie Divas..........................16C Around Town .........................1D Movies/Calendar..................2D TV Guide...............................4D Arrests..................................5D Classifieds......................6–10D

The new Kellʼs Creek bridge, left, is nearing completion. County workers hope to make the switch from the old bridge, right, to the new bridge, next Monday, Feb. 15.

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

due on or after that date. All three counties in the Sequoyah Regional Library System (Cherokee, Gilmer and Pickens) are facing budget shortfalls of one kind or another due to declines in local government revenues. Cherokee County Commissioners recently cut public library funding by 5 percent. Gilmer County Commissioners did not cut but were unable to approve the

full amount needed to cover all anticipated costs in the coming budget year. The Pickens County Commissioner also has indicated that a cut in library funding is likely unavoidable this year. With an already barebones budget, combined with increased operating costs, the only other alternative to increasing fines would have been to cut library hours.

However, this would make the libraries less available at a time when the public is using them more than ever. Last year, Sequoyah Regional libraries experienced a 10 percent increase in circulation, a 5 percent increase in attendance and an eight percent increase in computer use. “People use public libraries See Library page 4A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

Toyota adds new, old Prius models to worldwide recall problems

Toyota is adding its popular Prius hybrid to a worldwide recall of several vehicles sold in the U.S. and abroad. Braking problems with the hybrid models are the main reason for the additional recall. Toyota has already responded to early recalls due to slipping floor mats and accelerator pedals that may become stuck. The company also has suspended sales and shut down eight plants in the U.S. while it installs replacement parts for the pedals. The Prius recall affects all 2010 models and some earlier models. Unemployment dips The unemployment rate in the U.S. dropped to 9.7 percent in January, down from the 10 percent level of recent months. Still 8.4 million jobs vanished and economists say it will take three to four years for the job market to return to anything near normal. 3 dead in glider crash Three people were killed when a small plane clipped the towline of another plane pulling a glider last Saturday near Boulder, Colo. Both planes burst into flames and crashed to the ground. The glider flew through the burning debris but landed safely.

Times-Courier (USPS 630-280) The official organ of Gilmer County is published weekly by Times-Courier Publishing Company, Inc. 47 River Street, P. O. Box 1076 Ellijay, GA 30540 Telephone: 706-635-4313 Fax: 706-635-7006 www.timescourier.com CONTACT US: Letters to the Editor: editor@timescourier.com News and Announcements: april@timescourier.com Classifieds: tcclassifieds@timescourier.com Subscriptions: subscription@timescourier.com

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Toyota in the black Toyota, despite recall problems, reported a net profit of $1.7 billion during the October-December quarter. However, the financial report was based on sales before the recall of several top-selling models including the Toyota Camry and hybrid Prius. Obama disses Vegas President Obama sent a letter of apology to Nevada Sen. Harry Reid for remarks he made in a recent speech that indicated Las Vegas was an example of excessive spending. A year ago, he angered Nevadans when he said corporations shouldn’t use federal bailout funds for trips to Las Vegas, the Super Bowl or use corporate jets. Reid countered by saying he’d rather have people spend their money in Las Vegas, rather than overseas. Food label changes The Food and Drug Administration wants manufacturers to post new nutritional information, including calorie counts, on food packages to better reflect American eating habits and help battle obesity. Current information is often based on small servings, especially for chips, cookies, breakfast cereals and ice cream. For most children’s breakfast cereals the value is rated on threequarters of a cup, when children typically eat two or three cups. Stupid liquor thief Riverton, Wyo., police arrested a drunken man

National and state roundup after he stole a bottle of Schnapps from a grocery store and sought refuge in a nearby building … the police station. Storm buries coast The middle Atlantic states were covered in up to three feet of snow from Virginia to New Jersey last Friday and Saturday. Most of the region was buried under two feet, including Philadelphia, which received 27 inches overnight. Dulles International Airport received 32 inches. Big bank, big bucks The CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co. received a stock bonus worth nearly $16 million in 2009. The CEO didn’t receive any bonus in cash, but got several stock options. However, the banking institution said there were several restrictions and could be pulled back for any reason. Cow-tipping revenge? In a turnabout on cow-tipping, a man working at the University of Tennessee agriculture campus was injured when a cow knocked him down and stepped on his chest. He was not seriously hurt, just seriously embarrassed. Florida insurance crisis State Farm has sent out notices cancelling the policies of 125,000 customers beginning Aug. 1, the heart of the hurricane season. State Farm said the decision

was the direct result of not getting a 47.1 percent increase for rates from the state. State Farm has 714,000 customers in the state, many of them in coastal regions. Pillows cost $8 If you want a blanket and a pillow on an American Airlines flight, it’s going to cost you $8. The fee affects all coach passengers on domestic flights and some international flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central American. Suspect in dog house A Blountville, Tenn., sheriff placed a drunken driver in a canine cage in the back of his cruiser after the man kicked out the windows on the way to a hospital for a blood test. The unruly suspect was placed in the cage, the officer said for his own safety. Blast kills five Five workers were killed in Connecticut when a power plant under construction was destroyed by an explosion. Gas lines were being tested before the blast. Coupon payment A retired judge in California has been admonished by the state after ordering an attorney to be paid in $10 coupons following a class-action suit over women’s apparel. The company paid the plaintiffs in

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coupons and the judge ordered that the attorney receive his $125,000 fee in $10 coupons. Sweet justice Two men accused of stealing cupcakes, Twinkies and other snacks from a bread company in Kingsport, Tenn., were arrested after hiding under a delivery truck. Police found the thieves by following their foot tracks in the snow. Sharks kill surfer A kite surfer was killed by sharks off a beach near Stuart, Fla. The man was circled by a swarm of sharks about 500 feet offshore. He died at a nearby hospital from massive blood loss. Woman pierces cats A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with piercing the bodies of three stray cats and trying to sell them as “Gothic kittens” online. The kittens had piercings in the ear, neck and tail.

KSU student dies A Kennesaw State University nursing student died after passing out at a party from binge drinking. The man blacked out at the party and friends took him home where he was discovered dead the next morning. Samurai attack at Tech A Georgia Tech student was stabbed by another student with a samurai sword. The victim was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment of his wounds. Cobb grass greener All 16 high schools in Cobb County will have synthetic turf football fields this fall. The school system will spend $1 million at each school to upgrade physical education facilities and most of the money will go for artificial turf for the football fields. The cost is covered by a special 1-cent tax. The system said the move will ultimately save the schools money with reduced maintenance and water costs. Mortgage fraud change The Georgia Bureau of Investigation may have the power to investigate mortgage fraud under a proposal supported by Gov. Sonny Perdue. Legislation has been introduced that would create a special GBI unit to investigate mortgage fraud cases. Georgia ranks fourth in the nation for mortgage fraud.

File taxes early If you don’t file your state income tax return electronically, you may be waiting awhile for your refund. The tax department has slashed 18 percent of its staff and officials said it may be the end of summer before all refunds will be processed if they are sent in toward the April 15 deadline. Electronic returns are usually available in two to three weeks. Foreclosures jump again February foreclosure notices in metro Atlanta jumped 27 percent from January and 34 percent from a year ago. Officials said January figures were down because of moratoriums some lenders put in place during the holidays. There were 10,357 foreclosures posted in the 13-county metro area in January.

Saints win Super Bowl The New Orleans Saints rallied from a 10-point firstquarter deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17, to win the Super Bowl. It was the first appearance for the Saints in the Super Bowl. Thrashers star traded. Ilya Kovalchuk, the Atlanta Thrashers top player, was traded to the New Jersey Devils last week. The trade came after Kovalchuk rejected a 12-year, $101 million extension to his contract. NFL Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith lead the group to be enshrined in the National Football League Hall of Fame later this summer. They will be joined by John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Patrick makes debut Danica Patrick will compete in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race after finishing sixth in her stock car debut last weekend in the ARCA series race at Daytona. The Indy-car star will face some of NASCAR’s top drivers in the Nationwide race. Martin on the pole Fifty-one-year-old Mark Martin will start from the pole position in Sunday’s Daytona 500. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be on the outside pole. The complete starting lineup will be determined Thursday after two 150-mile qualifying races. Compiled by Ryan R Rees

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Editorials

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY, 11, 2010

Out on a Limb

Valentine’s Day isn’t fair — to men It isn’t being treated as a terrorist threat in America, but millions of men are being held in a major conspiracy, threatened, held captive and facing costly bailouts this week. Sunday is Valentine’s Day. And woe be to the man, married or not, who forgets his sweetheart without at least buying a card. In recent years, a simple card has been replaced by the request for candy, jewelry, flowers and/or a special meal. The U.S. Greeting Card Association says men spend twice as much on Valentine gifts as women. Somehow, that just doesn’t seem right. Why should the men be forced to do something sweet? Sure, many women respond with Valentine gifts, but not nearly to the extent that men are expected to provide. This conspiracy has been going on for decades. In the 1980s, jewelry stores saw an opportunity to cash in on the greed and jumped on the bandwagon with special sales around the Feb. 14 date. Florists quickly followed suit, offer-

ing a dozen roses at more than twice the price of roses July 4. Restaurants offer special meal deals as well. Heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates have been around long before that. And lest the men forget, TV advertisers are making

One billion Valentine cards are mailed worldwide

sure they are reminded. You can’t watch a program in the evening without seeing at least a dozen ads promoting cards, flowers, jewelry and meal deals. More than one billion Valentine’s Day cards are mailed worldwide, making it the second busiest postal holiday behind Christmas. Valentine’s Day originated way back in 496 AD by Pope Gelasius to honor a martyred Roman saint named Valentine. In those early

‘Valentine’s Jukebox III’

times, Feb. 14 was marked by a big festival. There were no cards at the time. It wasn’t until the mid19th century before cards began to make their mark in England. Some early Valentine’s were handwritten and sent anonymously. Later, mass-produced cards were introduced to save poetry-challenged lovers the agony of writer’s block. In 1847, a woman in Massachusetts began producing the first massproduced cards in the U.S. similar to the English versions and the tradition of mailing Valentine’s Day cards quickly grew here. No one seems to know how the heart became the symbol of St. Valentine. A simple card may suffice for some women, but most men will be looking at spending a lot of bucks this week on candy, flowers or jewelry. Whatever you decide to do men, make sure it’s something nice this Valentine’s Day. As the saying goes, “if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

Letters to the Editor

Airport doesn’t need more I read with some amazement in the Jan. 28 edition of the TimesCourier that the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners is contemplating wasting yet more money on our little used airport. The Times-Courier was kind enough to print a letter of mine in September 2003 criticizing the plans of the Gilmer County Airport Authority to spend $500,000 of taxpayer’s money lengthening the runway. The then chairman of the authority, Jack White, painted a rosy future for the airport with a lengthened runway. White imagined a private entrepreneur starting a fixedbase operation with fuel sales, tiedown fees and hangar rentals providing a stream of income to the county. In my letter of September 2003, I predicted that these were pipe dreams and that not a penny of revenue would be returned to the

county nor would the long suffering taxpayers of Gilmer County receive any other benefit from these expenditures. The runway was lengthened, lights were installed with a rotating beacon operating all night long (disturbing nearby residents), the apron was repaved and utilities were installed. Now, nearly seven years later, just as I predicted the airport sits unused. The last time I stopped by the airport there were no planes in sight and no sign of any activity other than children pedaling their Christmas bikes. Now incredibly the Board of Commissioners is contemplating wasting yet more taxpayer funds on this hopeless endeavor and has hired a consulting firm from New Hampshire to encourage them to do what they already want to do. This could not come at a worse time for the county taxpayers already burdened with the cost of our $30 million new courthouse

by Al Summers alsummers@timescourier.com

Sunday is Valentine’s Day in America. Cards, candy, and flowers will be exchanged. Dinners by candlelight will be consumed. The words, “I love you” will flow freely from lips. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, my guess is that it will actually begin Saturday, making Valentine’s Day 2010 a two-day celebration. From what I have been able to learn in a brief study of the subject, Valentine’s Day is for the most part, a North American and European celebration. I found no mention of what the natives in South Africa do, or how it is celebrated in Siberia, Saudi Arabia, or even Australia – a meal of platypus on a stick and a crocodile purse for the loved one, maybe? According to my research, the Brits are the only ones mentioned with regards to Valentine music, and that is where the United States of America clearly steps to the forefront. That’s right, lovebirds, it’s time to play “Let’s Stock The Jukebox, Part III” (following last year’s Part II) with love songs for Valentine’s Day. The first tune that comes to mind this year is, “Always.” This Irving Berlin tune was a hit for the Chairman of the Board, Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. I am personally fond of the version by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell.

Who do you admire most?

My parents. Favorite food?

Hamburgers.

Chief of Police - Ellijay Police Department. Family - wife Angie, children Steven, Megan, Hunter and Heather.

In no particular order except for the way they came in from readers, here is the beginning of a list - your list. I invite you to send your favorites to me at alsummers@timescourier.com. • “Count On Me” by Jefferson Starship. Lauren Rentz likes this slower song from these classic hard rockers because it is a “very romantic and sweet love song – the lyrics are what we all want to hear from a man! And I love the melody and the music – so pretty.” • “Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers is Robert Westmoreland’s submission to the list. “The lyrics, coupled with Bobby Hatfield’s incomparable voice is ‘one for the ages.’” • “Your Song” by Sir Elton John is a favorite of my wife, Anita. “It strikes me as being very real and honest,” she says. • “Running Bare” by Lonesome George Gobel is Brother David Westmoreland’s See Jukebox on page 4A

and a collection of firehouses more suitable to an urban county 10 times our size. As I wrote in 2003, general aviation is in decline across the country with fixed base operators shutting their doors and fewer people able to afford private planes due to skyrocketing costs and liability issues. What industries currently located in Gilmer County or that might realistically locate here in the future need such a facility? None. The Board of Commissioners should send the consultants back to New Hampshire and put an end to this complete waste of taxpayer’s money. I challenge the commissioners, prior to spending any more funds on this folly, to publish a summation of the total amount of money that has been spent on the airport in the last eight years. Wesley Q. Smoakes Ellijay, Ga.

Government and your Medicare Healthcare Reform is a “HOT” topic in the news. My business is Mountain Home Care Equipment and the changes made by government and its lack of action make it difficult for people to get the care they need and deserve. By far it is less expensive to care for your loved one at home then in a nursing home or in the assisted living environment. For example, a day of oxygen therapy costs less than $7 per day. A day in the hospital could cost more than $5,500. Not a day goes by that I or my staff have to tell someone that Medicare will not cover that item. We do all we can to help. But often it is not enough. The result of this lack of attention by our government would result in reducing patient access and choice to have one provider for your needs. We will see 90 percent of providers will be barred

from providing Home Medical Equipment items. Small business would experience job losses and business failures will be the result for thousands of small business providers. Therefore, we would see an increase of Medicare spending because IT WILL lead to more expensive, longer hospital stays, shifting cost from Medicare Part B to Part A. Home Medical Equipment businesses are the most cost-effective and the slowest-growing portion of Medicare spending according to the most recent National Health Expenditures data from CMS. It is time to take control of our care. We need to tell our congressmen that we want to protect our right to have home care and who we receive it from. Not some bureaucratic process that would dictate our care and providers. Contact your congressman and ask them to protect home care by supporting HR3790. John H Rhodes

Sound Off!

with Larry Callahan

I was born in Gilmer County and lived here until my wife and I married. We have lived in the Epworth community in Fannin County the past 12 years.

2 3 4 5

Al Summers, News Editor

Send letters to: E-mail: editor@timescourier.com. Mail: P.O. Box 1076, Ellijay, GA 30540. Fax: 706-635-7006. Letters must be under 300 words, signed, with a phone number. All letters will be edited. Due 5 p.m. Monday.

10 Questions: How long have you lived in Ellijay?

Favorite music?

Country and gospel. Hobbies?

Anything sports related, but mainly hunting or hiking.

6 7

What people don’t know about me.

I used to have hair.

If I won the lottery?

I would pay off my bills and then expand my hunting grounds.

What’s great about Ellijay?

Ellijay is a great place to live and work. As with anywhere, it is the people who make it good. What does Ellijay need most?

I would like to see more downtown business that could serve both visitors and the everyday needs of our citizens.

I would like to be remembered for ... Being a good law enforcement officer and a good chief. More importantly, as a good person who did his best to do what was right.

Welcome to SOUND OFF!, a weekly column in which Gilmer citizens can speak out on almost any topic. Readers are invited to voice their opinions with a limit of 35 words per entry. Entries may be e-mailed to april@timescourier.com and will be subject to editing. Entries degrading specific names of individuals or businesses, with vulgar language or including other libelous or slanderous material will not be considered for publication.

I was reading the paper this week and noticed that it said if the County Commission ran the airport diligently it could be profitable. Asking our county government to run something diligently is like hiring a drunk to work in a liquor store and asking them to not drink the merchandise! Recently read where Target wouldn’t let the Salvation Army ring their bells or the Toys for Tots collect there. They stated

they supported the arts, gay groups and the like. Found out they are French-owned. Too bad they forgot we saved their hides in WWII or they would be speaking German now. Let’s take our hard-earned money and spend it somewhere else. God bless America! Sure would be nice if the reflectors would be installed on Eller Rd. so it would be easier to see at night and especially in the rain.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

Take a risk this Valentine’s Day What is love? W i t h Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, love is definitely in Whitney Crouch the air, but how do you wcrouch@ define it? timescourier.com One of the most frequently quoted descriptions of love comes from 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. It says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Reading through this list of what constitutes love reinforces my understanding that love is a difficult thing. After all, the author would not say later in the chapter that love “always trusts … always perseveres” unless there were difficult times that tested these virtues. Love itself is not easy. Instead, it is a genuine struggle to selflessly put aside our own interests in favor of another person or to persevere when someone close to us is driving us crazy. Likewise, it’s not easy to maintain a spirit of forgiveness or humility, especially when we are confronted with another’s failures. It’s not easy to live out the above definition, but these are the characteristics that love demands. Perhaps the most difficult part of love is that it requires us to be completely open and honest with another person. Our hearts are laid bare, and we must

face the possibility of failure, rejection or heartbreak. It’s a tremendous risk to love someone. In his book “The Four Loves,” C.S. Lewis summed up this truth nicely. “To love at all is to be vulnerable,” he observed. “Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal.” Although love is a difficult and risky thing, it’s worth fighting for and believing in. The Valentine’s Day namesake certainly believed that. The story of St. Valentinus is shrouded in mystery and crisscrossed by centuries of legend. One thing is certain, however, his name will forever be linked with the concept of love. Three third-century martyrs carry the name Valeninus, but scholars believe that the one for which the Feb. 14 holiday is named was a priest who earned the disfavor of the Roman emperor Claudius II. During his brief rule between 268 and 270 A.D., Claudius II had a number of sweeping military victories. He managed to drive back an invasion of the Gothic army, took thousands of prisoners, routed a Germanic tribe known as the Alamanni and regained control of Spain and part of the Rhone River Valley. In order to accomplish these great military feats he needed focused soldiers who were committed to the cause. Believing that too many of his soldiers were

becoming increasingly homesick for their wives and families, Claudius issued a decree that forbid soldiers to marry. Believing the law to be against God, the priest Valentinus disobeyed the emperor’s ruling by secretly marrying Christian couples. He saw love as something worth risking his life to protect and preserve. In time, he was arrested and beheaded for this defiance. Many sources cite the date of his martyrdom as Feb. 14. As you prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to remember the man behind the holiday. Valentinus risked everything out of his love for God and desire to help others. He lived out many of the qualities in the 1 Corinthians 13 description and provided a powerful reminder that love is worth protecting and fighting to preserve. I know that love is not always easy, but do not give up on trying to cultivate the characteristics of love in your own life. Practice patience and kindness. Instead of keeping track of other people’s shortcomings and mistakes, make note of their achievements and encourage them to succeed. Go out of your way to put others first. Following this advice will most certainly make your heart vulnerable, but I assure you that the risk is worth it. Folk singer and storyteller David Wilcox summed up this idea when he said that love is “a lot of work … but it’s good work if you can get it.”

Type O Neg and B Neg blood levels drop to emergency levels Southern Blood Services Region As a result of the recent bad weather across the country, on the heels of the holiday season, the blood supply has drastically decreased in the Southern Blood Services Region. Type O negative and type B negative blood supplies have dropped to emergency levels and help is needed now! Since type O negative blood can be used for any patient when there is not time to determine the patient’s blood type, it is crucial that there is a sufficient supply. Every two seconds, someone in the United States

needs blood. The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to more than 120 hospitals and must have 1,200 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source. The Red Cross encourages people who are in good health to donate so that hospital patients have the blood or platelets they need to

make a full recovery. Blood is needed to help treat a variety of patients including accident victims and individuals undergoing surgery and cancer treatment. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. For more information or to locate a nearby blood drive, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Beat the winter doldrums by planting trees Georgia Forestry Commission The gray days of January may lure some people toward inactivity, but landscape enthusiasts know this is the perfect time to plan for the future by planting tree seedlings. The Georgia Forestry Commission offers a variety of hardwood and pine seedlings for sale to the public at prices unmatched by retail outlets. “Tree seedlings are dormant in winter,” said Russ Pohl, chief of reforestation for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). “In this condition they can tolerate the stress of storage, shipping, and planting, so it is the ideal time to get them ordered and in the ground.” Pohl added that the wet weather Georgia has been experiencing is making planting conditions better than in past seasons. By logging onto GaTrees.org and selecting the “Seedlings” drop-down menu, GFC Web site visitors can choose from packages of seedlings that will grow to enhance any yard or property type in the state. Dogwoods, crepe myrtles, redbuds, and Georgia’s state tree, the live oak, are among the species available. The beautiful, native longleaf pine is also offered. Civic organizations, neighborhood associations and other groups are encouraged to explore Web site materials and

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reap the extraordinary pricing benefits of dividing the seedlings among members. Residents are also reminded of the many environmental benefits offered by trees, including clean air, clean water and wildlife habitat. “It’s easy to order GFC seedlings,” said Pohl. “Use the order form on the Web site and

mail it with payment. You can also call the GFC for information and to arrange delivery of the seedlings.” Deliveries end the last week of February, but trees can be picked up at GFC’s Flint River nursery into mid-March. For information, visit GaTrees.org or call 1-800-GATREES.

Library more than ever during tough economic times. Cutting library hours and services is not something we ever want to do, especially at a time when so many more people are using libraries to search for jobs and to check out materials they cannot afford to purchase,” states Susan White, director of the library system. Until now, the library system has not increased fines since 1991. The most recent

from 1A increase before that was in 1965. The current checkout period is two weeks, with up to three renewals allowed if there are no holds on the item. Books may be renewed by phone or online. For more information about checkouts and renewals, contact the Gilmer County Library at 706-6354528 or visit the library online at www.sequoyahregional library.org.

Jukebox favorite love song. This is not to be confused with the hit “Running Bear” by the late Johnny Preston and later Sonny James. • “Waiting In The Weeds” by the Eagles tops the list for Linnea Hansen. It is her favorite because “it says so much about finding love, losing it, and starting over ... again and again.” • “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones is a favorite of staff writer Ryan Rees. The journalist says, “The ultimate love song that tells the story of a man who never stopped loving a woman even after she was gone from his life. He underlined in red every ‘I Love You’

from 3A and kept it until his dying day. • “Let It Be Me” by the Everly Brothers is Lila Campbell’s choice. She says, “I just remember it from the angst of teenage infatuation.” • “Romanza” by Andrea Bocelli is the choice of Peyton Lane. “I love his voice, it makes me cry, and John (her husband) even likes listening to him, which is amazing!” • “Love Me Tender” by Elvis. No love song list is complete without an Elvis love song. “Love Me Tender” came up in a number of discussions. I hope that you and your Valentine(s) have a happy, and unforgettable, Valentine’s Day 2010.

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TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

Trial jurors to report Feb. 22 If you have received your jury summons and have not returned your acknowledgment (juror information form), return to the Superior Court Clerk in the envelope provided. If your name appears on this juror list and you have not received your summons, contact the office of Clerk of Superior Court immediately, 706-635-4462. A great number of the jury summons have been returned to the clerk’s office undeliverable due to an incorrect mailing address. A phone call to the clerk’s office rather than sheriff’s deputy hand-delivering the summons will be a great help to the clerk and the sheriff’s office. Diane Williams Acree, Eva Aguirre-Aguirre, Carlos Alonzo-Jacinto, Miguel Alonzo-Gomez, Herbert Kenneth Andes, Paul Apo-

daca, Delores Eleanor Archer, Velvie June Bagwell, Brenda K. Ball, Tracy Lorraine Barnes; Joseph Patrick Bayer, Randy James Bell, Nancy M. Bills, Eric David Braille, Robert Wayne Bristol, Thomas J. Brooks, Edwin Hoyt Bruce, Jimmy Jules Buckner, Angela Cathy Chambers, Tony Duncan Chastain; Zeferino Chavez-Salazar, Bennett T. Chinn, Roy Howard Cochran, Barry Kenneth Copeland, Bonnie Mullinax Crider, Lisa Ann Daniels, John Taylor Davis, Virginia G. Dobson, Scarlett Lynn Donaldson, Major Dupree; James Horace Ellington, Tina Louise Elrod, Clara Mote Eubanks, Regina A. Farmer, Eboni Joi Felts, James C. Fesler, Wyliann Gebelein Fisher, Tatiana Emelina Foltz, Michael

Robert Forbes, Tomas Francisco-Nicoles; Carolyn W. Fricks, Gary Carter Gentry, Renee Kathryn Girod, Robert L. Goodwin, Dawna Catherine Green, John T. Green, Terri April Green, Roger Dale Grindstaff, John Patrick Hade, Patrick Jackson Hall; Kenneth Wayne Ham, Holly Heather Hansard, Jennifer S. Harper, Sandra Lingg Hart, James Martin Haygood, Ronnie Burrell Hefner, John E. Henderson, Stephen Moulton Hodges, Jeffery Iver Holm, Candice Annette Jones; Leigh Jones, Marjorie Pauline Kendrick, Michael Eric Key, Sybil Rutland King, Jennifer Lucinda Kirby, Kimberly Ann Koerner, Ronald Lee Lafayette, Malissa Marie Leblanc, Billy Joe Lee, Isidro Bruno Leon; Stefani Rene Linna,

Cathy Jo Little, James Auguste Long, Luis Lopez, Myrtle M. Lovell, Jeremy William Lowman, Steven Allen Madden, David Martin Jr., Casondra M. Massey, Shirley A. McCann; Jacob Andrew McClure, Kathleen A. McCollum, Anthony Robert Miller, Holly Wilson Mitchell, Peggy Lee Mohon, Charlene Marie Morgan, Kristle Dawn Morgan, Kristy Lee Nelson, Kristine Carol Norris, Jesus Jose Palacios; Ernest Keith Parks, David E. Paskiet, Diane Emberson Payne, Charles Milton Peterson, Andrew Joseph Petrillo, Tracy Posey, Brandy Nichole Price, Tammy N. Ramsey, Barbara Joann Rattee, Jason Stacy Reed;

Stephanie Ann Rittenberry, Neill Brown Sargent, B. Michelle Schneider, John David Seely, Matthew Daniel Silver, Wanda Cloer Silvers, Phillip Anthony Simmons, Elizabeth Marie Smith, Jeffery Lynn Smith, Kristina Ellen Smith; Linda B. Smith, Wilburn Smith, Tony Lamar Southern, Lois Margaret Stevens, Shannon Elaine Tankersley, Crystal Lynn Teems, Leslie

Jean Thomas, William David Thurman, Ronald Mark Trujillo, Clevie D. Walker; Gwen Ellen Weaver, James Eddie Weaver, Kenneth Scott Webb, Donald Freeman Whiting, Karen L. Williams, Jacqueline Sue Wimmer, Jovencia Aparece Wood, Roland Parker Woodworth, Herbert Claude Wright, Randall Stewart Yoder and Suzanne Young.

NOW OPEN! We Have What Your Valentine Wants in the Newest Styles of: JEWELRY, PURSES, HAIRBOWS & ACCESSORIES GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE!

Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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57 B First Ave. – East Ellijay Corner of Hwy 515, near DirectTV Michelle Kuriger, Owner

www.accessoryalleyandmore.com

With the Mortgage Lending Experience and Personal Attention You Deserve. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why it is important to have an experienced mortgage lender on your side who understands your specific mortgage needs. United Community Bank has the most experienced mortgage lenders in the business. We’re large enough to offer all of the mortgage services you expect, but small enough to provide the individual attention you deserve. When you begin the search for your perfect home, stop in and see what our lenders can do for you.

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Valentine’s Day!

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This Valentine’s Day, induct her into The 1% Club. Fewer than 1% of women in the world own a diamond of one carat or larger. Come see us. Membership guaranteed.

Highlands Shopping Center • Across from Goody’s 29 Highland Dr., Suite 105 • East Ellijay, GA 30540

706-515-1551

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday • 10 am.– 5 p.m. Saturday www.northgeorgiadiamond.com

Member FDIC | ucbi.com

Thoughts... for everyday living

THURSDAY, FEBRUARAY 11, 2010

Why Church? by Harden Hopper Cartecay United Methodist Church

Not long ago I read some information produced by MissionInsite, which indicated that 43.5 percent of the people in our community consider themselves conservative evangelical Christians. More generally, 46.5 percent consider themselves a spiritual person. Yet, only 17.5 percent consider it important to attend religious services. I began to ponder the question, why do people need the Church? I intentionally capitalized “Church,” because I do not mean a particular church, but the concept of “Church” as a gathering of Christians who worship, serve and grow together. This question is important because there are many who claim to believe in Jesus, but simply do not see the need for organized religion, perhaps offering that they can worship “in my own way” without being connected to a church. My initial thoughts are to remember that Jesus founded the Church. He organized his followers, promised to build a church upon the faith and witness of Peter and the other apostles, and sent the Holy Spirit to empower the fledgling organization. Jesus initiated the Church as part of God’s plans for the world, which makes it not optional, but integral in the life of each individual believer. The apostle Paul writes that the Church is the “body of Christ.” It is the incarnation of Jesus in the world today, and is charged with doing what Jesus did, speaking on behalf of Jesus

RIVER HILL BAPTIST CHURCH REV. MICHAEL SMITH, Pastor

Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. each Sunday, except 5th Sunday Conference Saturday before 4th Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Everyone Welcome! • Big Creek Road, Ellijay

and being his hands and voice. The Church is the vehicle of God’s saving and transforming work in the world. Jesus and Paul both made it clear that Christ is uniquely present where believers gather together. Jesus said, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” It was when the believers were gathered together and praying with one another that the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Gathering together is something specifically instructed in the Bible, just as the writer of Hebrews encourages, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” In fact, the entire New Testament presupposes that Christians will live out their faith in community. The New Testament was written, almost entirely, to churches, which begs the question, where would Christianity be today if not for the fact that believers gathered together for the last 2,000 years? Imagine what it would be like for a single Christian to try and follow Christ and change the world, worshipping, doing evangelism, and developing his or her own mission work, as opposed to an entire group of people combining resources and sharing their common gifts for ministry with one another, not to mention the encouragement from fellow

Cartecay United Methodist Church Hwy 52E at Roy Rd.

Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m.

Pastor:

The Rev. Harden Hopper

706-276-7400

www.cartecayumc.com

Located on Hwy 52, West Pastor: Rev. Steve Jones

Sunday School . Worship Service . Sunday Evening .

10 AM 11 AM 6 PM

* 11 am Worship Service Broadcast over WLJA FM-101.1

Conference each Saturday evening before second Sunday, 6 p.m.

Sunlight Baptist Church REV. CURTIS EASLEY, PASTOR Sunday School..........10 a.m. Worship Service.......11 a.m. Everyone Welcome to Attend ! Sunlight Road, Ellijay

MT. VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Chris Chastain, PASTOR Located on Yukon Road •Sunday School-10:00 a.m. •Morning Worship-11:00 a.m. (except 5th Sunday)

Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church

Sundays at GAHA in Ellijay 217 Dalton Street Fellowship - 10 a.m. Service - 10:30 a.m. Dress: Casual

A Welcoming Congregation With Open Hearts And Minds www.mluuc.net

Come as you are ... leave better. Rev. Davis Lacey, Pastor

Sunday: Sunday School (All age groups)..............................9:45 a.m. Worship Service .....................................11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.........................................6:30 p.m. TEAMKID “High energy discipleship training.” For grades 1-6 .......... Every Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

A Southern Baptist Fellowship

118 Riverwood Rd., Ellijay 706-635-1090 52 East to Roy Rd., 11⁄2 miles to church sign. www.cartecay.com

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

believers that turns the good intentions of individuals into actions. As part of our transformation in becoming a Christian believer, the Holy Spirit gives each Christian certain abilities or gifts. These gifts are not for our own spiritual improvement, but to help strengthen others. Part of being a Christian is using the gifts God gives each of us to build up others in the church, and points to the fact that no one will ever realize their full potential as a Christian apart from the church. Through worship, fellowship, discipleship and service we grow and become the people God longs for us to be, individually and collectively. And, each of these means of growing in Christ is best accomplished within the context of the Church. Just as people need Christ, they also need the Church. It is not optional, but essential in God’s plan for our lives. Being part of a healthy congregation is a source of great joy and the means for spiritual growth and ministry in the life of a believer. My prayer is that if you are not presently part of a local congregation, you will visit a church and find your place in a community of believers and God’s plan.

Clear Creek Baptist Church

Services are held on the 1st & 4th Sundays each month at 11 a.m.Sunday School at 10 a.m. each Sunday except 5th.Conference is Saturday night before 1st Sunday at 7:30. Rev.Billy Dotson,Pastor 187 Bible Baptist Church, Ellijay

OAK HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4500 Hwy. 52 East

Rev. Peggy Puckett, Pastor Phone: 706-635-8778 • E-mail: popuckett@ellijay.com www.ellijayoakhillumc.org

Sunday Worship Service: .....9:30 AM Fellowship: .........................10:30 AM Sunday School: ...................11:00 AM

Marking the beginning of Lent

Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will offer two opportunities to mark the beginning of the Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 9 a.m. You are invited to gather in the sanctuary for a period of silence, the reading of Psalms, the Litany of Repentance and a brief period of meditation. The sanctuary will remain open for the day so that people may come and go as they will and spend time in prayer and reflection. You are invited to return to the church at 6:30 p.m. for an Ash Wednesday service that includes the imposition of ashes. As an expression of Lenten fasting, a “Food Tree” will be built throughout Lent, beginning with the morning service on Ash Wednesday. Each time people come to the church during Lent for worship, rehearsals, or meetings, they are asked to bring an item of nonperishable food to place under the Food Tree. On the Monday after Easter, the collected food will be distributed to the food pantries of Fannin and Gilmer counties. Cherry Log Christian Church is located at 1149 Cherry Log Street off Hwy. 515N. The minister is Dr. David Griffin. For additional information or directions, contact the church office at 706-632-1048 or visit the Web site at www.clccdoc.org.

Pleasant Gap Baptist Church

Pleasant Gap Baptist Church will have worship service Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. Conference will immediately following service. Service will also be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. Sunday school will begin at

St. Luke’s Church Visitors welcome. Come as you are.

7 Ewing Street • Blue Ridge •(across from f airgrounds)

Sunday Services 8:15 a.m. / 10 a.m. Christian Education 9 a.m. Tues. 10 a.m. Bible Study • Wed. 6 p.m. Bible Study

A traditional Anglican Church declaring the whole counsel of God’s Word.

Episcopal The Rev. Victor H. Morgan, Rector

635-2473 (Gilmer) 632-8245 (Fannin) www.stlukesblueridge.org

Northcutt Baptist Church Sunday School....................................................................10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service..................................................11:00 a.m. Rev. John Greenwald, Pastor

For Information: (706) 633-5036 Come Join a Fun and Loving People Praising an Awesome God!

Faith Presbyterian Church, USA

527 Forge Mill Road, Blue Ridge (at Seventh-day Adventist Church)

SUNDAY WORSHIP.........................................................10:30 AM FELLOWSHIP TIME ........................................................10:15 AM BIBLE STUDY ...................................................................9:15 AM WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY .....................CALL FOR INFORMATION Pastor: Rev. Carol S. Wade • 706-374-5912 • Come Home to Faith! www.faithpresbyterianchurchusa.org

Jesus is Coming! East Ellijay Baptist Church “To Be & To Train Spiritual Champions” New Early Sunday Service 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. • Morning Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. • “The Invisible War” Adult Bible Study, Children’s Ministry & Teen Elevate “Sharing the Adventure of Life in Christ”

9:45. The Rev. Brondy Davis is pastor. Everyone is invited to attend.

Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church

The Rev. Dr. Edward Frost, Senior Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta and guest columnist for the TimesCourier’s Thoughts ... for everyday living, will be guest speaker at Ellijay’s Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church Sunday, Feb.14. The church meets at the Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association (GAHA), located off the square at 217 Dalton Street. Fellowship starts at 10 a.m. followed by the church service each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. MLUUC is a welcoming community.

Cartecay United Methodist Church

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church will have conference Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Worship service will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. The Rev. Edwin Land is pastor.

Old Faith Baptist Church

Old Faith Baptist Church will begin spring revival Sunday, Feb. 28 and will run through Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m. each night. The Rev. Joey Phillips and the Rev. Dwight Scott will assist the pastor, the Rev. Anthony Sanford.

New Hope Baptist Church

New Hope Baptist Church, located on Chatsworth Hwy., will have a singing Sunday, Feb. 14, with Angel Spirits. Everyone is welcome. The Rev. Steve Jones is pastor.

Cartecay United Methodist Church cordially invites everyone to attend a dedication service and open house for the new fellowship hall and education building that has recently been completed at 7629 Highway 52. The service will be held Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, during the worship service at 11 a.m. The open house will be held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. that afternoon. Refreshments and guided tours will be available. CUMC members look forward to showing off our new facilities.

Rock Creek Baptist Church

Tails Creek Baptist Church

Tails Creek Baptist Church will have worship service Sunday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited. The Rev. Sammy Adams is pastor.

CrossRoads Baptist Church Hwy. 282 West

Rev. Eddie Kerr, Pastor

Worship Services 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays 11:00 am Every 4th Sunday Night 6:00 pm 3rd Sat. Night Conference 7:00 pm Sunday School 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays at 10:00 am Everyone is Welcome!

Rock Creek Baptist Church will have regular second Sunday night service at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited. The Rev. Brian Contardi is pastor.

Little Baptist Church

➮ Sunday School...............................10 a.m. ➮ Worship Service............................11 a.m. each Sunday, except the fifth Sunday ➮ Conference Sat. before 3rd Sunday, at 7 p.m. Corbin Hill Rd. Everyone Welcome! Pastor: Rev. Jamie Kerr

OAK HILL

INDEPENDENT CHURCH

52 East, E. Ellijay, Ga.

Pastor: Edward Ledford Services each Sunday Wed. night Bible Study

10 a.m. 7 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. Radio Broadcast 101.1 FM

Come as you are!

1374 Old Tails Creek Rd. 706-635-2401 Thurs. & Fri. 11 - 5:30 Sat. 11 - 2

BRIDAL REGISTRY Seven stoneware patterns to choose from, including casserole, bean pots, glassware and canister sets. • Welcome Home • Veranda Stoneware • Venetian Home • Tuscan Home • Berry Stoneware • Sonoma Villa • Northwoods Pine Pictures, candles, sconces ... and much more.

Happy Birthday James McClure 1974 - 2009 We miss you now more than ever before, But, we trust that God will open a door. And show us how to go on without you, To give us some hope and comfort too. For you were our life and we loved you so dear, And it breaks our hearts to not have you near. But, life goes on and we will too, We just wish it wouldn’t go on without you.

Steve Fields, Pastor • Eric Colson, Student Minister 672 Yukon Road • East Ellijay • (706) 635-4390

We love and miss you James, more than words can ever say!

R U Ready?

Vanessa and Frankie

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

Davis birth

Sevcech celebrates third birthday

Copeland birth Nevaeh Bree Copeland

William “Zane” Davis William “Zane” Davis was born Sept. 22, 2009, at Kennestone Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Parents are Brad and Candi Davis. Grandparents are Michael and Sharon Bramlett, of Ellijay, Joe Davis and Tanna Davis, of Cleveland, Tenn. Great-grandparents are Emmitt and Rosalee Burgess, Nell Bramlett and the late Hub Bramlett, of Ellijay, Dorothy Davis and the late W.I. Davis, and the late Wilba and Robert “Blacky” Cofer, all of Cleveland, Tenn.

Nevaeh Bree Copeland was born Jan. 6, 2010, at Fannin Regional Hospital. She weighed 5 pounds, 10.9 ounces and was 18 inches long. Parents are Barry Copeland and Angela Copeland. Grandparents are Virgina Bryant, of Blue Ridge and Pattrica Patterson, of Ellijay.

Reid to celebrate eighth birthday

Braley birth

Heather Amelia Gazaway and Christopher Lamar Braley announce the birth of their daughter, Marlie May Braley. She was born Feb. 4, 2010, at Union General Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 1/4 inches long.

Cadence Sevcech celebrated her third birthday Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at Papa’s Pizza with family and friends. Parents are Jason and Andrea Sevcech.

Spangler birth

Autumn Faith Spangler

Jakob Reid

Marlie May Braley

Cadence Sevcech

Jakob Reid will turn 8 Feb. 12, 2010. He is the son of Glenn and Paige Reid, of Cherry Log. He has one sister Lexie Reid. Grandparents are Phyllis Low, of Ellijay, Tommy and Patsy Davidson, of Calhoun, Tammy and Chris Bassett, of Cherry Log and Dwayne and Tammy Reid, of Dalton. Great-grandparents are Leola Griggs, of Ellijay and the late Glenn Griggs, Charles Whitener, of Cherry Log and the late Faye Whitener and the late Glenn and Venita Reid.

Autumn Faith Spangler was born Dec. 29, 2009. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Siblings are Keirsten and Aidan. Parents are Rhonda and Lowell “Rico” Spangler. Maternal grandparents are Teresa and Clines Newsome Jr. Paternal grandparents are Scott and Darnell Coots and Doug and Dana Sturgill.

Caviness celebrates third birthday

75 McCutchen Street, Ellijay Phone: 635-2555 Web address: www.fumcellijay.org Rev. Gil McGinnis, Pastor

10:00 a.m.

Sunday School For children, youth and adults

11:00 a.m.

Traditional Service

Wednesday Night Program “Circuit 515” Catered fellowship dinner begins at 5:15 p.m. (reservations required)

Activities for children and youth, adult Bible Study and choir rehearsal. Join in the fun. Everyone is welcome!

Come and worship with us! All are welcome! PROFESSIONAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS FOR CHURCHES, BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS • 26 years of experience in design and installation

of all professional audio systems • Authorized dealer for top major brands of mixing consoles, wireless microphone systems, speakers, recording equipment, software.

Dawson Caviness Dawson Caviness celebrated his third birthday with a party at Fannin Lanes. He is the little brother of Hope and Jordan. Parents are Ron and Alicia Caviness. Grandparents are Randy and Mary Newberry.

Tails Creek Baptist Church 2ND, 4TH & 5TH SUNDAY • Tails Creek Church Road, Ellijay Sunday School at 10 AM & Worship Service at 11 AM. Conference Sat. Night before 4th Sunday 7 PM Dinner 2nd Sunday EVERYONE Is WELCOME To ATTEND! Rev. Sammy Adams, Pastor

“Dirt Cheep Music is always there when we need them. They helped with the Education Center’s sound system upgrade two years ago and I could not be more pleased. Dirt Cheep will work within your budget to provide the highest quality equipment available on the market. The professionalism and on-going service they provide to their clients is outstanding. I highly recommend Dirt Cheep Music.” Lori Bramlett Chattahoochee Technical College. Appalachian Campus

Our Bridal Registry b

Kelly Marks & Brian Laurens Shower: January 30 Wedding: February 27 o Free Wrap and/or Delivery to Showers & Teas

• References from Jasper to Copperhill • Professional & courteous service • Design & Installation • Troubleshooting • New Systems

CHRISTIAN PLEASANT HILL CHRISTIAN CHURCH 36 Camp Dobbs Rd., Jasper 770-735-3057 MOUNTAIN HOMES CHRISTIAN CHURCH 540 S. Church St., Ellijay 706-253-9877 CHRISTʼS CHURCH UNITED BROOKSONG 276 Monticello Rd., Ellijay

706-636-5857

CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE GLESIA FAMILIAR ENCUENTRO CON DIOS Dalton St., Ellijay 706-635-7285 CHURCH OF CHRIST BOARDTOWN CHURCH OF CHRIST Boardtown Rd., Ellijay 706-635-5425 ELLIJAY CHURCH OF CHRIST 351 N. Main St., Ellijay 706-635-2950 PISGAH CHURCH OF CHRIST 9871 Big Creek Rd., Ellijay 706-635-3434 CHURCH OF GOD CORINTH CHURCH OF GOD 731 Old Whitestone Rd., East Talking Rock Mt. Zion Worship Center 186 Fred Craddick Dr, Cherry Log

706-635-4936

& CHAPEL

357DaltonSt.Ellijay............(706) 635-4554 Fax..........................................(706) 635-4559 ObituaryInformation.....(706) 635-8888

Chastain & Associates, P.C. L AND SURVEYING & PLANNING

Proudly Serving The North Georgia Region Since 1995

INTER-DENOMINATIONAL FRESH FIRE WORSHIP CENTER 55 Riverwood Road, Ellijay 706-698-FIRE HIS HOUSE 2267 Roundtop Rd., Ellijay 706-276-4775

JEHOVAHʼS WITNESSES KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAHʼS WITNESSES 4260 Yukon Rd., Ellijay 706-635-3301 LATTER-DAY SAINTS CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS Dogwood Dr., Ellijay 706-276-1224 LUTHERAN HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 3295 Old Hwy. 5 South, Ellijay

THE UNIVERSITY OF SPIRITUALAWAKENING www.awakeandlive.org 706-635-7720 PRESBYTERIAN

FAITH PRESBYTERIAN 527 Forge Mill Road, Blue Ridge 706-374-5912 (At the Seventh Day Adventist Church)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Now meeting at Josephine Edwards Christian School 706-635-4479 UNITED METHODIST CARTECAY UNITED METHODIST 7629 Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-276-7400 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ELLIJAY McCutchen St., Ellijay 706-635-2555 GATES CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST Gates Chapel Rd., Ellijay 706-276-2069 NINE MILE UNITED METHODIST 9525 Chatsworth Hwy., Ellijay 706-635-6463 OAK HILL UNITED METHODIST 4500 Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-635-8778 e-mail: popuckett@ellijay.com UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST MOUNTAIN LIGHT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST 207 Dalton St., Ellijay

MOSLEY T RACTOR & SUPPLY 2315 Whitestone Road Whitestone, GA

706-276-4331 Compliments of

David Spivey — Owner

Spivey’s Body Shop

MAJOR FRAME REPAIRS INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME 155 Sailors Dr. • 706-635-2811

CROSS ROAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

9155 Hwy 52 East (next to BJ Reece Apple House)

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m.

AWANA

Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. We meet in the gymnasium at Oakland Elementary School.

Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies Welcoming others to 'The Cross Road' in the Grace and Truth of Jesus.

GOOD SAMARITAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Rev. Randall T. Mattox, Pastor Mass Times: Mon. & Wed. 9 a.m. Tues. & Fri. 6 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

Confessions: Saturday 4 p.m. or by appt.

706-276-7000 www.interiorsofellijay.com

EBENEZER Baptist Church

Church Service first, third & fifth Sundays 11:00 a.m. ✪ Sunday School - each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. ✪ Choir PracticeWed. before first & third Sun. beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by prayer meeting at 8:00 p.m. ✪ Conference-third Sat. night each month at 7:45

Rev. Emmett Burgess, Pastor Hwy. 52 East 10 miles

First United Methodist Church 75 McCutchen Street Gil McGinnis, Pastor

10:00 am

Sunday School Worship Service

8:45 & 11 am

Wed. Youth Choir

5:00 pm

Wed. Night Dinner

5:15 pm

Wed. Worship

6:15 pm

Wed. Adult Choir

6:30 pm

Wed. Small Groups

6:30-7:30 pm

Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Sabado Vigilia 7 p.m. Domingo 1 p.m.

Monday–Saturday 10–5 Sunday 1–5

706-636-4935

UNITY CHURCH UNITY CHURCH OF THE MOUNTAINS 627 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville 706-781-3393

1-888-338-3223

706-276-2271

706-636-HOPE

NON-DENOMINATIONAL ABUNDANT GRACE MINISTRY 479 N. Main St., Ellijay 706-635-4943 COCHRAN UNITED METHODIST Corbin Hill Road, Ellijay HARVEST MISSIONARY Ellijay JESUS FULL GOSPEL CHURCH Big Creek Road, Ellijay 706-635-5156 LIVING WATERS FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER 3875 Tails Creek Rd., Ellijay 706-635-HOPE NEW BEGINNINGS FAMILY CHURCH Hwy. 515 South, Ellijay 706-636-2200 PROMISE LAND MINISTRIES/ Church of the Narrow Way 573 Weeks Rd., Ellijay 706-635-3107 THE ROCK CHRISTIAN CENTER 3500 Talking Rock Rd., Talking Rock 706-6363091

706-635-6100

Ellijay Telephone Company

CHAD KELLY, PASTOR

INDEPENDENT EMMANUEL FULL GOSPEL 515 South, Ellijay 706-635-6713 MISSIONARIES FOR CHRIST Mission Hill Road, Ellijay 706-635-2594 OAK HILL INDEPENDENT Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-635-2959 THE CHURCH OF TZADDI 435 Northcutt, Ellijay 706-276-1730 or 706-276-3508 THE REFUGE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Ellijay 706-635-5234 UNITED CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-636-4673

254 S. Main St., Ellijay

www.chastainassociates.com

P.O. Box 1348 East Ellijay, GA 30539 706-636-2926

EPISCOPAL (Anglican) ST. LUKEʼS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 7 Ewing St., Blue Ridge 706-632-8245

Hometown Florist

288 N. Main Street • Ellijay • 706-276-7528

EPISCOPAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 202 Grifffith Rd., Jasper 770-893-4525

Misa en Espanol

Don’t wait to make your system better, Call today!

Dirt Cheep Music Pro Audio 2415 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 433-0196

706-636-2772

LOGAN FUNERAL HOME

Customers say:

“Dirt Cheep Music installed the sound system in our newly built chapel and throughout our visitation rooms in 2004. Our needs were complicated for different music in different rooms from numerous sources, but Dirt Cheep Music designed a system that met all our needs and that sounded wonderful. We get complements on the sound in our chapel all the time. I always highly recommend Dirt Cheep Music to anyone needing professional audio service and equipment.” Scott Logan, Logan’s Funeral Home and Chapel, Ellijay, GA

CATHOLIC GOOD SAMARITAN 55 Church St., Ellijay

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST CHERRY LOG CHRISTIAN CHURCH clccdoc.org, Cherry Log 706-632-1048

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES Early Service

BAPTIST APPALACHIAN BAPTIST Hwy. 515 S, Morganton 706-374-5096 BEREAN BAPTIST Hwy. 382, Ellijay 706-636-3628 BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH 57 Bible Baptist Rd., Ellijay 706-635-7545 CALVARY WAY BAPTIST Hwy. 52 West, Ellijay 706-635-5357 CARTECAY BAPTIST Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-635-1090 CORNERSTONE BAPTIST Cherry Log 706-276-4668 DOVERS CHAPEL Dovers Chapel Road, Ellijay 706-276-2539 EAST ELLIJAY BAPTIST 672 Yukon Rd., East Ellijay 706-635-4390 EBENEZER BAPTIST Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay 706-635-3377 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 26 Dalton St., Ellijay 706-635-5611 FLAT BRANCH BAPTIST RT. 4, Ellijay 706-695-4866 GRACE BAPTIST Legion Rd., Ellijay 706-635-2441 LIBERTY BAPTIST 49 Talona Rd., Ellijay MOUNTAINTOWN BAPTIST Hwy. 52 West, Ellijay 706-276-4870 NEW HOPE BAPTIST Hwy. 52 W., Ellijay 706-276-2593 or 706-276-2513 NORTHCUTT BAPTIST Ellijay 706-635-3095 OLD FAITH BAPTIST Tails Creek Rd., Ellijay 706-253-5682 PLEASANT GAP BAPTIST Hwy. 282, Ellijay 706-698-6500 PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST Hwy. 282 West, Ellijay 706-635-7504 PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST Pleasant Hill Road, Ellijay 706-635-3003 RIDGEWAY BAPTIST 407 Ridgeway Church Rd. 706-635-2897 TAILS CREEK BAPTIST Tails Creek Church Rd., Ellijay TALKING ROCK FIRST BAPTIST Hwy. 136, Talking Rock 706-276-7619 TURNIPTOWN BAPTIST Turniptown Road, Ellijay 706-635-3611 WHITESTONE BAPTIST Whitestone Road, Whitestone 706-276-4593 ZION HILL BAPTIST Ellijay 706-635-7795

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Big Creek Rd., Ellijay 706-276-3103

First United Methodist Church

8:45 a.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

55 Church Street Ellijay, GA 30540 706-636-2772 gsam@etcmail.com www.goodsamaritancc.org Our spiritual home in the mountains

Resolve To Love Agree To Differ Unite To Serve Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:30 Worship 10:55

Pastor: Dr. J. David Griffin Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Fred B. Craddock Hwy. 1149 Cherry Log Street • Betwen milepost 19 and 20 off Hwy 515.

Cherry Log, GA 30522

(706) 632-1048

http://www.clccdoc.org E-mail: clcc@tds.net

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

Mountain District celebrates 100 years of Scouting February 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. In celebration, Scouts and Scouting volunteers in the Mountain District (Gilmer, Fannin, Union and Towns counties) of the Northeast Georgia Council will host a truly celebratory event. The event is open to the public, free of charge and we warmly invite you to attend as we “Celebrate 100 Years of Scouting.” The date is Feb. 14, 2010.

The celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Union County in Blairsville. The church address is 839 Highway 515. It is located just west of the Kentucky Fried Chicken intersection. Thecelebration will be held in the Methodist Activity Center (MAC) which is the threestory facility at the west end of the church property. The celebration event will include two outstanding national Boy Scout volun-

In Loving Memory of Fuller “Jack” Holt November 23, 1928 - February 13, 2006

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why.

teers as guest speakers, Brad Haddock and Alvin Townley. Brad Haddock, Wichita Kansas, serves as the program chairman of the 2010 National Jamboree, is a Distinguished Eagle Scout, recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award (highest national BSA volunteer award) and has served as a council president and commissioner, and district chairman. He recently completed his tenure as Chairman of the National Order of the Arrow Commit-

Watch for a

Big

Announcement! Sadly missed, The Holt Family

In Loving Memory of Edd Hensley 1942 - 2008 Thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

o nL

ving Memory

o f

Forever missed, Bernadine, Jen, Karen & Family

Larry Gene Gibbs

February 7, 1949 – February 12, 2009

Karen Penny & Greg, Matt Jonas, Ashtyn & Bryson Thank you Village Park friends

and neighbors for the beautiful floral offering for Weyman. Your thoughfulness will always be remembered. Gladys Spivey Karen, Matthew & Jarreth Crider Terren, Meghan & Emery Fair Crider Philip, Angie, Tommy & Caylee Spivey

at IL FORNO

tee after serving in this position for more than nine years. Brad is an outstanding and dynamic speaker. Alvin Townley, Atlanta, Georgia, is an Eagle Scout and author. He will speak about his two latest books. “Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America’s Eagle Scouts,” is a story of his cross-country journey, where Townley met Eagle Scouts from all walks of life. “Spirit of Adventure,” is a book about how Eagle Scouts shape America. The book received positive reviews from numerous figures, including former President Jimmy Carter and novelist Tom Wolfe. Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Townley’s first book “inspirational,” and former President Carter said, “These Eagle Scouts will inspire readers to become leaders in serving others.”

On January 17, 2010, Jerry & Earlene Millsaps celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary. To celebrate this special event we are having an Anniversary Party. Please join us Sunday, February 14, 2010, 3 - 6 p.m. in the Community Room at United Community Bank. No formal invitations will be sent. Hope to see you there.

Nina Burgess celebrates 80th birthday

Contributed photo

Nina Burgess celebrated her 80th birthday Dec. 22. She is pictured above during Christmas with her great-grandchildren C.C. Burgess, Hank Burgess, Hailey Burnham and Harper Burnham.

Patterson celebrates first birthday Connor Lloyd Patterson celebrated his first birthday Jan. 2, 2009, at his home with a ‘Mickey Mouse’ party with family and friends. Parents are Steve and Shana Patterson. He has one big brother, Joshua. Grandparents are Gerald Patterson and Patsy Patterson, both of Ellijay, Rachel Cruse, of Mineral Bluff and Ted Gibson, of Tennessee.

Connor Lloyd Patterson

Card of Thanks Thank you so much for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for our precious Camden during his openheart surgery. The good Lord heard these prayers and not only did He give us a miracle, but His infinite love and compassion gave us peace and strength to carry us through. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We give God all the glory and ask that He bless all of you! The Davis Family

In M em oryof

Lisa Ba tten 15 yea rsa g o w hile the restof u sw en ton , You m a d e you rw a y to Hea ven . W e cried a n d m ou rn ed , ou rhu rta n d a n g er overyou rloss Brou g htlife a rou n d u sto a screechin g ha lt. W e took you forg ra n ted N everthou g httha tin a sp litsecon d ,you w ou ld b e g on e. N everim a g in ed tha tw e w ou ld con tin u e this jou rn ey of life

W ithou tyou a n d the lig ht tha tyou shon e. Dea restLisa ,m other, d a u g htera n d b eloved frien d , You rlossstill w eig hson ou rm in d s You rlove still lin g ersin ou rhea rts An d you rsp iritstill lifts ou rsou ls. Itw ill n everstop , N everfa d e,n everen d . Un til tha td a y in Hea ven W hen w e see you a g a in .

W ith Love— K evin Dills,M a rilyn Ha rper a nd you rGILM ER EM S fa m ily

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, Or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a floral spray, If so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, That anyone could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, Just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so much, whatever the part. With gratitude in our hearts, The Family of Weyman Fuller Spivey Gladys Spivey Karen, Matthew & Jarreth Crider Terren, Meghan & Emery Fair Crider Philip, Angie, Tommy & Caylee Spivey

You may have sent a lovely flower, If so we saw it there. Or spoke a kind word, to show that you care. We sincerely thank each of you for your support during this time of sorrow. Our thanks to Flat Creek Baptist Church for the food and fellowship that was given. Most of all, thanks to Bernhardt Funeral Home and the staff for the kindness you have shown. The Family of

Herman S. Daves In Memory of Bertha E. Woody 1909 - Feb. 10. 2005

Dear Mama, We all miss you so badly. You would not believe he changes in this old world since you’ve been gone. I am no longer crying for you, I am crying for me, missing you. I know you are happy at rest with the Lord and angels. I’ll never forget when you fell in the woods and were not found until the next day. I asked, “Mama, were you afraid?”. You said, “A little bit, but there was a band of angels around me until I was found”. With love, Your daughter, Francine W. Stanley

Valentine’s Day calls for a romantic candlelit dinner at

An Italian Restaurant and Bar

A Red Rose Awaits Each Lady! Special 4-Course Meal: Crawfish Bisque, Salad, Entree, Dessert Choose From

• Tournedos - Twin Tenderloin Medallions & Sauce • Shrimp & Scallop Fettuccini • Chicken Supreme Finish with “Cioccolata Con Panna,” a famous Italian warm, rich chocolate mousse topped with a chambord (raspberry) heavy cream

$29 Per Person Of course, wine or your favorite cocktail is available.

Serving both Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14 • 4–9 p.m. Regular Menu Also Available — Please Call For Reservations.

In the Wal-Mart Plaza, across from Lowe’s, Ellijay

706-515-1555 • www.ilfornoellijay.com

OPEN & DELIVERING ON VALENTINE’S DAY! Special Valentine Holiday Hours Sunday, February 14 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Flower Shop Linda Wingate

193 River Street • Ellijay (706) 635-2400 • (877) 768-5977 Monday – Saturday • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

NGCA awarded grant from Georgia Art Council For the second year in a row North Georgia Christian Academy has been awarded an Arts Curriculum Enhancement Grant (ACE) by the Georgia Council for the Arts. This year’s grant provides for an artist residency focusing on music while last years utilized two teaching artists, one in theater and the other a puppet maker. ACE grants concentrate on using the arts

to teach academic skills. Teaching artists work in classrooms with children, as well as collaborate with the teaching staff to add to their teaching skills base. This year the teaching artist is Elise Witt who is a musician with an international array of songs. SingerGuitarist Elise Witt was born in Switzerland, raised in North Carolina, and since 1977 has made her home in

Atlanta. She speaks fluent Italian, French, German, Spanish and English and sings in at least a dozen languages. Elise has been a cultural ambassador to South Africa, China, Italy, Nicaragua and Switzerland. For the Kennedy Center’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, Witt represented the

State of Georgia. Witt began her three-week residency Friday, Jan. 15, with a performance. During the assembly students were taught songs in three languages and did sign language for several more songs. Students in grades one through five had a great time singing and learning.

After the performance she met with the teachers to begin planning her activities in the classroom. Each grade level teacher chose topics that they felt could be taught more effectively using music and song. These will include math (multiplication, division and geometry), a unit on Africa, setting poetry to music and more. Students will not only learn songs but will write their own songs in

groups. The student-composed songs will help them learn difficult concepts. The residency will end with a student-led performance. “This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency, the National Endowment for the Arts.”

WE BUY GOLD • No Fees • Convenient Location • Immediate Payment • Confidential 29 Highland Drive, Suite 105 East Ellijay, GA 30540 Hours: M-F 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(706) 515-1551

www.northgeorgiadiamond.com

MENTION THIS AD FOR 5% BONUS OR RECEIVE A 20% BONUS FOR YOUR OLD GOLD WHEN BUYING NEW MERCHANDISE.

Elise Witt performs for students at North Georgia Christian Academy. Contributed photo

(Stop by our furniture department and register today!)

now at your

Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

“Your One Stop Hardware & Home Decorating Center”

305 South Main St. • Ellijay • 706-635-2236

We have chocolate-covered potato chips, snowballs, almond bark, 40 other kinds of gourmet chocolates and fudge sold by the pound. OPEN EVERY DAY 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Panorama Farm Market Ellijay (706) 276-3813

10A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

2010 Parade of Sweethearts Jaciana Grace Hyde

Savannah Summers

Abby Summers

Lennon Criswell

Carly Cheyenne Ramey

Chikoa Cianna Ramey

Birthdate: 10-07-05 Ellijay Parents: Jason & Sheree Hyde Grandparents: Bill & Brenda Parks, Sue Hyde, Ronald & Linda Hyde

Birthdate: 4-28-94 Ellijay Parents: Al & Anita Summers Grandparents: Larry & Alice Davis, Kelley & Maxine Summers

Birthdate: 12-17-96 Ellijay Parents: Al & Anita Summers Grandparents: Larry & Alice Davis, Kelley & Maxine Summers

Birthdate: 7-12-06 Ellijay Parents: Stephen & Cassie Criswell Grandparents: Steve West, George & Sheri Bunch, Tony & Heather Criswell

Birthdate: 2-2-04 Ellijay Parents: Aby Ramey & Ricky Ramey Grandparents: Michael & Connie Fortson, Dale & Angie Hunter, Debra Ramey, Ricky Ramey Sr.

Birthdate: 2-2-06 Ellijay Parents: Aby Ramey & Ricky Ramey Grandparents: Michael & Connie Fortson, Dale & Angie Hunter, Debra Ramey, Ricky Ramey Sr.

Carolina Teague

Bailey Teague

Birthdate: 2-15-00 Ellijay Parents: Jerry & April Teague Grandparents: The late Wanda Davis, the late Willard Weaver, Jerry & Denise Teague, Jesse & Tammie Cornelius

Birthdate: 1-28-02 Ellijay Parents: Jerry & April Teague Grandparents: The late Wanda Davis, the late Willard Weaver, Jerry & Denise Teague, Jesse & Tammie Cornelius

Mackenzie Adkins

Declan Adkins

Birthdate: 4-14-00 Georgetown, SC Parents: Tré Adkins, Shayna Adkins Grandparents: Alice Adkins, Tamara Walker

Birthdate: 6-17-04 Georgetown, SC Parents: Tré Adkins, Shayna Adkins Grandparents: Alice Adkins, Tamara Walker

Kennedy Maberry

Justin Wesley Pace

Faith Anne Pace

Wesley Lee Pace

Birthdate: 11-4-06 Atlanta Parents: Cindi & Deb Maberry Grandparents: Ryan & Marilyn Rees

Birthdate: 12-6-00 Rocky Gap, VA Parents: Christin & John Pace Grandparents: LeeAnn & Mark Adams

Birthdate: 2-4-04 Rocky Gap, VA Parents: Christin & John Pace Grandparents: LeeAnn & Mark Adams

Birthdate: 7-7-06 Rocky Gap, VA Parents: Christin & John Pace Grandparents: LeeAnn & Mark Adams

Emily Johnson

Ryan Johnson

Brittney, Nicholas & Leandra LaSpada

Jack, Ethan & Carli Blakey

Birthdate: 9-21-96 Norwood, MA Parents: Ken & Michele Johnson Grandparents: Ken & Debra Johnson, Bernie & Betsy Triolo, Elaine Chamberlain

Birthdate: 5-15-99 Norwood, MA Parents: Ken & Michele Johnson Grandparents: Ken & Debra Johnson, Bernie & Betsy Triolo, Elaine Chamberlain

Birthdate: 3-9-97, 9-6-93, 12-22-91 Billerica, MA Parents: Joe & Laurie LaSpada Grandparents: Ken & Debra Johnson, Vincent LaSpada & the late Mary LaSpada

Birthdate: 4-10-04, 7-12-06, 9-30-08 East Hampton, CT Parents: Bill & Wendi Blakey Grandparents: Ira & Carol McCullom, Ken & Debra Johnson, Alec & Roberta Blakey

Cadence Sevcech

Serena Elizabeth & Brianna Hope Moles

Birthdate: 1-9-07 Ellijay Parents: Jason & Andrea Sevcech Grandparents: Tim & Vickie Ingram, Joe Sevcech; Kelly & Darlene Tucker

Birthdate: 5-16-02, 7-10-06 Ellijay Parents: Jason & Lori Moles Grandparents: James & Diane Priest, Steve Moles, Ron & Linda Evans

Zachary, Elisabeth & Isaiah Hopper, Lila Wells Birthdates: 5-14-95, 11-4-97, 11-11-02, 8-14-06 Parents: Greg & Amy Wells, Roger Hopper Grandparents: Jerry & Angie Teague, Robin Holloway, Vera & Charlie Culp, Roger & Janice Hopper, Ray & Shirley Wells

Fisher Thomas & Sarah Ellen Raley

Ellijay Birthdate: 8-25-09

Macon Parents: Rebecca & Rob Raley Grandparents: Lex & Jane Fisher

Birthdate: 11-15-05 Ellijay Parents: Amy & Bobby Garren Grandparents: Kim Beal, Billy Crump, Clyde & Vera Beal, James & the late Ruby Crump; Brian & Donna Newman

Ashton R. Sellers

Thomas Philip & Caylee Rebecca Spivey

Bristal Lynn Harbour

Emma Grace Weaver

Birthdate: 7-25-03 Ellijay Parents: Shannon Ash & Joe Sellers Grandparents: John & Lois Danley, Dorothy Sellers

Birthdate: 4-11-00 Cherry Log Parents: Kenneth & Noleeta Chastain

Birthdate: 12-13-93, 7-17-99 Ellijay Parents: Philip & Angie Spivey Grandparents: Nora Dale & the late George Dale; Gladys & the late Weyman Spivey

Birthdate: 9-20-04 Ellijay Parents: Robbie & Lynn Harbour Grandparents: Jerry & Earlene Millsaps, Gene & the late Pat Ware

Birthdate: 4-24-09 Blue Ridge Parents: Ben & Jennifer Weaver Grandparents: Wade & Nancy Barnes; Richard & Jane Weaver

Brayden Karoline Ballew

Jaylyn Mary Garland

Brycen Jeffrey Garland

Birthdate: 1-31-09 Chatsworth Parents: Brian & Kate Ballew Grandparents: Glenda & the late Ralph Garland, Bonnie & the late Jay Stover; John Ballew, Dean Elskey, Lena Womack, Eva Kersey

Birthdate: 9-5-01 Ellijay Parents: Jeff & Angela Garland Grandparents: Hilda & the late Herman Abercrombie, Glenda & the late Ralph Garland, Bonnie & the late Jay Stover

Birthdate: 9-4-99 Ellijay Parents: Jeff & Angela Garland Grandparents: Hilda & the late Herman Abercrombie, Glenda & the late Ralph Garland, Bonnie & the late Jay Stover

Ava Cochran Amanda Nicole Chastain

Mary Elizabeth & Hannah Walker Parker Austin Ellington Birthdate: 2-5-06 Ellijay Parents: Kenneth & Tina Ellington Grandparents: Clay & Gale Stanley, Barbara & Steve Morse, Eddie & Betty Ellington

Birthdate: 7-20-01, 4-27-03 Ellijay Parents: Larry & Robyn Walker Grandparents: The late Rev. H. Clayton & Evelyn Silas, Randall Walker, Mary Alice McClure, Martha Walker

Jaylee Jewell McDaniel Birthdate: 6-2-09 Ellijay Parents: Les & Tina McDaniel Grandparents: Leon & Nina McClure, Glenn & Beverly McDaniel

TIMES-COURIER â&#x20AC;˘ ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

11A

2010 Parade of Sweethearts Julibelle Elese Queen

Sepp Wayne Bramlett

Bryson Shane & Katie Leanna Fink

Anna Beatrice Westmoreland

Parents: Brent & Robin Sanford Grandparents: James & Martha Holloway, Cruthis Sanford & Mary Nelle Agan

Birthdate: 3-12-07 Ellijay Parents: Jeremy & Kim Queen Grandparents: Sally Chastain, Sandra Queen, Doug & Ruth Queen

Birthdate: 10-28-09 Ellijay Parents: Tony & Crystal Bramlett Grandparents: Karin Newell, Frank Newell, Josef Sepp Stoiber, Billy & Penny Bramlett

Birthdate: 12-17-05, 12-18-08 Ellijay Parents: Michael & Stephanie Fink Grandparents: Johnny & Rhonda Withrow, Ricky Banks, Neil & Dee Holloway, Ricky & Eileen Fink

Birthdate: 10-13-96 Ellijay Parents: Robert & Deborah Westmoreland Grandparents: John D. Cole & the late Edith W. Cole, The late Bill & Rosalind Westmoreland

Jaylyn & Madelyn Davis

Roland Gwen Abercrombie

Rachel Lei & Gracie Marie Sanford Birthdate: 7-8-99, 5-29-03

Ellijay

Bryson Aiden Daniel Parents: Jay & Misty Davis Grandparents: Rev. Roy & Louise Griggs, Jerry & Patricia Davis

Birthdate: Tracy & Jill Abercrombie Ellijay Parents: Gene & Patricia Roland Grandparents: Ronnie & Sue Abercrombie

Haley Madison Elliott & William Chandler Elliott-Dean

Sutton Grace Ivey

Birthdate: 8-6-02, 7-16-08 Ellijay Parents: Carol Elliott, Brian Dean & Barry McCollum Grandparents: Clifford & Betty Elliott, Pat McCollum, Macky McCollum, Marci Moorehead

Birthdate: 7-29-09 Ellijay Parents: Alison Ivey Grandparents: Steve & Judy Ivey

Birthdate: 11-10-03, 3-17-08

Ellijay

Ansley Caroline Sumner Birthdate: 1-28-06 Ellijay Parents: Keith & Krystal Sumner Grandparents: Tom & Shirley Low, Jim & Juanita Sumner

Clara Ellon & Ava Camille Smith Birthdate: 4-12-04, 12-6-08

Ellijay

Parents: Jason & Kelly Smith Grandparents: Tom & Shirley Low, Judy & the late Frank Smith

Lucy Monteal & Lily Mae Thurman

Tabitha Faith Hunter

Molly Grace Smith

Birthdate: 11-25-02, 10-24-05 Ellijay Parents: Jeff & Heather Thurman Grandparents: Jack & Karen Slep, Pat West, Gene & Patsy Thurman

Birthdate: 4-15-08 Ellijay Parents: Jeffrey & Jessica Hunter Grandparents: Terry & Teri Nealey, Jeff & Brenda Hunter

Birthdate: 2-28-09 Temple Parents: Nathan & Chiara Smith Grandparents: Lynn & Janice Hale, Ellen Reece, Mario Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo

Callie Grace Richards

Natalie Hope West

Madison Faith West

Birthdate: 11-25-09 Ellijay Parents: Casey & Amy Richards Grandparents: Bill & Vickie Nordmark, Danny & Jan Richards

Birthdate: 7-22-02 Ellijay Parents: Chad & Missy West Grandparents: Bennie & Margaret Sanford, Pat West, Jack & Karen Slep

Birthdate: 12-18-00 Ellijay Parents: Chad & Missy West Grandparents: Bennie & Margaret Sanford, Pat West, Jack & Karen Slep

Birthdate: 5-18-05 Ellijay Parents: Ben & Beth Daniel Grandparents: Eddie & Jackie Pritchett, Fern Pritchett, Terry & Elaine Daniel

Mallorie & Matthew Mitchell

Alyssa & Brandon

Birthdate: 5-22-01, 1-31-07 Canton Parents: Chris & Lorie Mitchell Grandparents: Bobby & Julia Abercrombie

Birthdate: 8-26-07, 6-14-08 Ellijay Parents: Jessica Gray Grandparents: Cary & Samantha Scoggins

Ella Rose Arnold

Ivie Priscilla Teague

Mattie M. Massengill

Birthdate: 1-7-09 Ellijay Parents: Toby & Kelly Arnold Grandparents: Melvin & Kim Land, Glenn & Shelia Arnold

Birthdate: 1-13-06 Ellijay Parents: Shannon & Kellie Teague Grandparents: Lane & Wanda Weaver, Robert & Margaret Teague, Phil & Opal Carney

Birthdate: 3-14-06 Ellijay Parents: Aaron & Melissa Massengill Grandparents: Sammy & Judy Wright, Erbie & Pam Massengill

Noah Daniel & Isabelle Danielle Gill

Howard Colin & Emma Faith Reece

Kensley Julia Pickelsimer

Birthdate: 9-22-06, 12-31-08 Ellijay Parents: Shannon Gill & Jonathan Gill Grandparents: Bobby & Jane McArthur, Machelle Gill

Birthdate: 2-22-02, 7-28-04 Ellijay Parents: Adam & Candra Reece Grandparents: Winston & Betty Frady, Alvin & Joann Reece

Birthdate: 9-29-08 Morganton Parents: Kevin & Courtney Pickelsimer Grandparents: Tom & Alma Rogers Callihan, Kenith & Neaomi Pickelsimer

Brock C. Titus

Ryan Dale & Peyton Jackson Ocobock

Birthdate: 7-21-04 East Ellijay Parents: Shawn & Kristi Titus Grandparents: Marvin & Irene Wofford, the late Harry Brock, Sharon Titus & Everett Titus

Birthdate: 5-17-08, 9-25-09 East Ellijay Parents: Tom & Missy Keener Ocobock Grandparents: Fred & Carole Keener, the late Ernest & Margaret Ocobock

Jackson Isaac Smith Birthdate: 5-24-06 Ellijay Parents: Kristin Smith Grandparents: Lynn & Janice Hale, Ellen Reece

Kerri Lee Dorsey Andie & Bailey Wells Birthdate: 9-24-99, 3-7-03 Parents: Ben & Wendy Wells Grandparents: Dave & Pam Hooten, Mike & Joy Michelis

Talking Rock

Birthdate: 4-29-09 Ellijay Parents: Bo & Kelly Dorsey Grandparents: Ben & Vicki Kiker, Jim & Janet Dorsey

12A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER â&#x20AC;˘ ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

2010 Parade of Sweethearts Emma Macy Gibbs

Gracie Ann Pritchett

Luke Joseph Mabry

Kendyl Leigh Seiverling

Zed James Blackwell

Amber Lynne Ashley Davis

Birthdate: 11-7-06 Ellijay Parents: Ronald & Pam Gibbs Grandparents: David & Kathleen Patterson, Norman & Myrtle Gibbs

Birthdate: 12-17-07 Ellijay Parents: Tony & Kimberly Pritchett Grandparents: Wallace & Lori Pierce, Eddie & Jackie Pritchett

Birthdate: 4-16-04 Canton Parents: Joe & Lisa Mabry Grandparents: Fred & Jackie Hayes, Steve & Melba Mabry, Audell Reece

Birthdate: 10-26-09 Ellijay Parents: Shonda & Chad Seiverling Grandparents: Hugh & Sharon Davenport, Loujean Hill & Jack Seiverling

Birthdate: 6-12-09 Ellijay Parents: Clint & Kristin Blackwell Grandparents: Patsy Sanford, Mark & Gaye Lynn Blackwell

Birthdate: 8-26-09 Ellijay Parents: Jessy Ashley & Joshua D. Davis Grandparents: Denise Brandenburg & the late Kenneth Ashley, Janette Davis & Douglas Davis

Matthew Mobley

Brooke & Tyler Arthur

Donovan Xavier & Dannah Rena Stone

Chloe Sierra Key

Zander Parks

Braden Teairlton Davenport

Birthdate: 2-29-08 Cumming, GA Parents: Rachel Mobley Grandparents: Lynda & Allen Mobley, Carl & Jeri Staton

Birthdate: 8-30-06, 9-2-08 Alpharetta, GA Parents: Ben & Kim Arthur Grandparents: Marsha & Don Saum, Carl & Jeri Staton

Birthdate: 9-13-02, 10-22-04 Ellijay Parents: Derek & Daphne Stone Grandparents: Edward & Janith Dotson, Rena Stone Glenn

Birthdate: 4-18-03 Ellijay Parents: Michael & Yan Fen Key Grandparents: Hu Chang Long & Xu Ai Zhen, Bill & Pat Key

Birthdate: 1-10-07 Ellijay Parents: Jeremy & Gina Parks Grandparents: Harold & Jody Ledford, Jerry & Debbie Parks

Birthdate: 9-18-08 Ellijay Parents: Teairlton & Amber Davenport Grandparents: Danny & Teresa Sparks, Robert & Linda Davenport

MaKayla Elizabeth Martin

Noah Bailey & Lannah Denise Waldrip

Patrick & Mark Tomlinson

K.C. Woodring

Birthdate: 1-26-06, 4-6-03 Alpharetta, GA Parents: John & Karen Tomlinson Grandparents: Robert & Ann Leftwich, James & Brenda Tomlinson

Birthdate: 3-9-07 Cherry Log, GA Parents: Greg & Sherri Woodring Grandparents: Arthur & Charlotte Weaver, Dessie Woodring & the late Johnny Woodring

Kelsi Briann & Brendon Chase Roland Birthdate: 9-1-02, 6-28-05 Jasper Parents: Brett & Bridget Roland Grandparents: Rick & Annette Griffies

Colton, Carissa & Abriana McCollum Birthdates: 2-26-07, 4-2-09, 8-22-01 Parents: Danny & Teena McCollum Grandparents: Leroy & Joann Hamby, Marie Cavanor, Homer & Helen McCollum

Layne Sapp, Richard Leighton Griffies, Dakota Allgood Birthdates: 10-4-97, 8-20-09, 12-9-94 Parents: Brent and Alysia Griffies Grandparents: Danny & Jackie Sapp, Rick & Annette Griffies

Ellijay

Birthdate: 07-24-08 Ellijay Parents: Michael & Jennifer Martin Grandparents: George & Connie Cobo, Elizabeth Kirby, Gary & Kim Martin, William & Sheree Baxter

Lily Claire Evans

Hazen Oren Marine

Birthdate: 9-7-07 Lawrenceville Parents: Michael & Amanda Evans Grandparents: Dr. Ginger Marine, Mike & Becky Marine, Danny & Linda Evans

Birthdate: 4-29-09 Asheville, NC Parents: David & Britta Marine Grandparents: Paul & Kathy Spencer, Steve & Terri Davis, Dr. Ginger Marine, Mike & Becky Marine

Millie Leigh Holt

Haley Grace Dawson

Lannah Grace Stover

Kennedy Claiborne Mason

Birthdate: 12-5-08 Ellijay Parents: Manuel & Alicia Holt Grandparents: Rev. Harold & Joan Nelson, Claude & Brenda Holt

Birthdate: 12-16-05 Canton Parents: Bo & Margaret Dawson Grandparents: Steve & Ginger Salle, Jewel Dawson, Dorothy Kirkland

Birthdate: 11-9-06 Ellijay Parents: Curtis & Jennifer Stover Grandparents: Trudy Gober & Randall Vaughters, Martha & David Stover

Birthdate: 1-26-08 Blue Ridge Parents: Chad & Amy Green Mason Grandparents: C.J. & Sherry Green, Jr. & Mildred Farmer, Cleaston Green & the late Mary Green

Abigale Lashea Putnam

Isabella Sabrena Putnam

Birthdate: 8-10-07 Ellijay Parents: Phillip & Meshelle Putnam Grandparents: Rena Nelson, Sanford & Barbara Rittenberry, Lamont Putnam, Crayton & Teresa Walker

Birthdate: 1-5-10 Ellijay Parents: Phillip & Meshelle Putnam Grandparents: Rena Nelson, Sanford & Barbara Rittenberry, Lamont Putnam, Crayton & Teresa Walker

Birthdate: 8-18-06, 8-25-08 Ellijay Parents: Denisha Waldrip Grandparents: Sheila Waldrip, Wayne Carden

Annabelle Nestor Birthdate: 12-14-99 Ellijay Parents: Teddy & Jennifer Nestor

Hudson & Carter Gearhart Birthdates: 3-12-07, 5-13-09

Ellijay

Parents: Todd & Jessica Gearhart Grandparents: Eddie & Regina Woodard, Tom & Anna Murphy

Clara Malvalene Hensley Birthdate: 9-29-09 Ellijay Parents: Justin & Torri Hensley Grandparents: Shane & Pam Griggs, Macky Garrett, Stuart & Connie McClure, Jerry & Tammy Hensley

Aliza Chastain Birthdate: 12-28-06 Ellijay Parents: Branson & Jill Chastain Grandparents: Steve & Melba Mabry, Lanny & Elaine Chastain

Madison Autumn & Peyton Eli Cruse Birthdate: 7-25-06, 7-17-08 Parents: William & Amanda Cruse Grandparents: Ronnie & Karen Cantrell,Monroe & Betty Cruse

Ellijay

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

13A

2010 Parade of Sweethearts Kaden Michael Fowler

Natalie L. Bottongino

Jake Hice

Birthdate: 5-13-09 Ellijay Parents: Adam & Kassie Fowler Grandparents: Hugh Weaver, Levone & Billy Mealer, Mike & Freida Fowler

Birthdate: 12-27-06 Ellijay Parents: Tara & Brian Bottongino Grandparents: Randy & Julie Evans, Tammy Blackman, Tim & Elizabeth Bottongino

Birthdate: 6-23-06 Cherry Log Parents: Mark & Kim Hice Grandparents: Tommy & Dorothy Dockery, Ewiel & Mae Belle Hice

Memphis Braden Ayers

Samuel Jones

Birthdate: 7-30-08 Calera, AL Parents: Jason & Jennie Ayers Grandparents: Neal & Debbie Smith, Billy & Kathy Ayers

Birthdate: 6-17-08 Ellijay Parents: Dennis & Brandy Jones Grandparents: Estle & Janice Clayton, Travis Corbin, Jamie Dupree, George & Debbie Jones

Baylie Grace Watkins Birthdate: 5-20-09 Ellijay Parents: Amy & Darrin Johnson, Greg Watkins Grandparents: Jean Mulkey, Glenda Sue Johnson, Bobbie Kagley

Amanda Elizabeth, Jessica Lauren, Anna Grace & Jacob Roger Futch Birthdate: 4-30-00, 11-6-03, 1-19-06, 11-28-08 Parents: Andy & Jennifer Futch Grandparents: B.J. Reece & Elizabeth Fendley, Roger & Ann Futch

Daniel & MaryGrace Nicholson Birthdate: 2-26-04, 2-5-07

Nelson “Riley” Duggan Ellijay

Birthdate: 8-7-08 Ellijay Parents: Jake & Lana Duggan Grandparents: Lane & Wanda Weaver, the late Ronnie “Pedro” & Teresa Duggan

Spencer, Carley, Parker, Tucker & Blake Hall Ellijay

Parents: David & Tammy Nicholson Grandparents: Dan & Tamer Southern, Ruth Nicholson & the late Jr. Nicholson

Birthdate: 10-7-00, 3-21-01, 4-22-02, 8-30-02, 10-11-07 Parents: Tim & Pam Hall, Jay & Lydia Hall Grandparents: Burton & the late Shirley Hinton, George & Ernestine Hall

Ellijay

Jaxon Dexter Frady

James Jones

Mallory Kayla Layne

Jaycin Merrell

Birthdate: 12-29-09 Beaver, KY Parents: Rhonda & Lowell “Rico” Spangler Grandparents: Teresa & Clines Jr. Newsome

Birthdate: 7-13-05 Ellijay Parents: Jerome & Jana Frady Grandparents: John & Jackie Bramlett, Grady & Peggy Frady

Birthdate: 11-11-04 Ellijay Parents: Scott & Jewell Jones Grandparents: James & Patsy Gordon, Bluma Lee Jones & the late Warren W. Jones

Birthdate: 12-18-04 Ellijay Parents: Lindsey Fitch Grandparents: Michael & Deale Fitch, Patty Morales, Dallas Howig, Frances Weaver

Birthdate: 7-30-03 Ellijay Parents: Matthew & Tiffany Coleman Grandparents: Fred & Melanie Beasley, Johnny & Lisa Merrell, Audrey Sears

Autumn Faith Spangler

Addie Jones & Dash Thompson

Alexis & Jakob Reid

Birthdate: 8-20-08, 5-22-08 Ellijay, Jacksonville Parents: Brandon & Wendy Jones, Derek & Jenny Jones Thompson Grandparents: Mike & Ellen Mahaffey, Cindy Mahaffey, Butch & Susan Jones, Rick & Angela Thompson

Corbin Bryce Singleton

Leah Hope Jones

Natalie Watkins

Gavin & Cyrus Low

Birthdate: 6-12-01 Ellijay Parents: Ed & Sandy Singleton Grandparents: Dot Anderson & the late Hoyt Anderson, Jerry E. Singleton & the late Evelyn G. Singleton

Birthdate: 8-11-09 Ellijay Parents: Kevin & Amanda Jones Grandparents: Hoyle & Vicki Lowman, Benny & Gay Cross, the late Herman Jones

Birthdate: 3-18-99 Ellijay Parents: Scott & Angie Watkins Grandparents: Sue Reece & the late Winford Dotson, Donald & Sarah Watkins

Birthdate: 11-29-04 Ellijay Parents: Greg Low & Candice Low Calhoun Grandparents: Kevin & Cndy Kinsey, Daniel Low & Phyllis Low

Calah Chadwick

Tatum Chadwick

Birthdate: 1-27-97 Talking Rock Parents: Tim & Amanda Chadwick Grandparents: Harold & Ellen Cowart, Katie Chadwick & the late J.C. Chadwick

Birthdate: 8-5-99 Talking Rock Parents: Tim & Amanda Chadwick Grandparents: Harold & Ellen Cowart, Katie Chadwick & the late J.C. Chadwick

Carly & Rose Chadwick Birthdate: 4-27-04

Talking Rock Parents: Tim & Amanda Chadwick Grandparents: Harold & Ellen Cowart, Katie Chadwick & the late J.C. Chadwick

Birthdate: 12-12-00, 2-12-02 Ellijay Parents: Glenn & Paige Reid Grandparents: Phyllis Low, Tommy & Patsy Davidson, Dwayan & Tammy Reid, Tammy & Chris Bassite

Carson Allen & Kinsleigh Elizabeth Purvis

Mia Burgess

Birthdate: 3-16-04 Talking Rock Parents: Steve & Kara Purvis Grandparents: Rick & Linda Owens, Elmer & Lynn Purvis

Birthdate: 9-12-07 Ellijay Parents: Ariadna & Dustin Burgess Grandparents: Alberto & Martha Rangel, Randall & Tammy Burgess

Kenley Faith Thompson

Adleigh Faith Wingate

Sophie Isabelle Burnette

Maclellan Jase Burnette

Kady Pierce Dennis

Mary Lee, Emma Grace, Elly Rose & Andrew Jacob “AJ” Callihan

Birthdate: 9-16-08 Ellijay Parents: Heath & Kristen Thompson Grandparents: James & Sue Moore, Ronnie & Vickie Thompson

Birthdate: 10-17-08 Ellijay Parents: Justin & Joy Wingate Grandparents: Gary & Marsha Burnette, Paula Plumley, Ray & Cindy Wingate

Birthdate: 7-8-04 Ellijay Parents: Jason & Karry Burnette Grandparents: Junior & Carol Teague, Cary & Marsha Burnette

Birthdate: 3-27-09 Ellijay Parents: Jason & Karry Burnette Grandparents: Junior & Carol Teague, Cary & Marsha Burnette

Birthdate: 7-16-08 Ellijay Parents: Deryl & Lisa Dennis Grandparents: David & Jessie Pierce, Dallas Ann & the late Horace Dennis

Birthdate: 9-19-00, 9-19-02, 4-1-04, 3-3-09 Ellijay Parents: Chris & Gina Callihan Grandparents: David & Elaine Westmoreland, Don & Pam Callihan

14A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

2010 Parade of Sweethearts Ritt Hyatt & Brock Ray Tankersley

Lillian Marie Jones

Lexie Marie Anderson

Birthdate: 2-15-05, 3-7-07 Ellijay Parents: Wesley & Bree Tankersley Grandparents: Brent & Cathy Butts, Hyatt & Cathy Tankersley

Birthdate: 10-5-08 Ellijay Parents: David & Robin Jones Grandparents: Donnie & Debra Bailey, Carl & Theresa Rogers

Birthdate: 11-14-06 Ellijay Parents: Jeff & Sharon Anderson Grandparents: Ed & Glenda Dalrymple, Hal Anderson, Joyce Anderson

Madison Grace Patterson Grace & Emma Kate Bramlett Birthdate: 3-13-07, 10-2-08

Ellijay

Parents: Justin & Laura Bramlett Grandparents: Van & Karen Powell, Jerry & Amy Bramlett

John Mack Aaron

Makaylee Jade Lowman

Britt Avery Taylor

James Dalton “JD” Taylor

Birthdate: 8-4-98 Ellijay Parents: Bill & Gina Aaron Grandparents: Sybil Morrow & the late Troy Morrow, Mack & Joyce Aaron

Birthdate: 2-4-09 Ellijay Parents: Eric & Keri Lowman Grandparents: Mary Hall, Ricky Lowman, Gail Chadwick & Mike Waugh

Birthdate: 5-1-04 Ellijay Parents: Kristy Hensley Taylor & Craig Taylor Grandparents: Eddy & Kathy Hensley, Joel & Beverly Taylor

Birthdate: 9-8-06 Ellijay Parents: Kristy Hensley Taylor & Craig Taylor Grandparents: Eddy & Kathy Hensley, Joel & Beverly Taylor

Madeline Corum

Isabella Corum

Birthdate: 3-18-05 Flowery Branch Grandparents: Gene & Linda Webb, Dave & Rose Duffy, Gary & Laura Corum

Birthdate: 4-18-09 Flowery Branch Grandparents: Gene & Linda Webb, Dave & Rose Duffy, Gary & Laura Corum

Dawson Vanover

Benjamin James Morrow

Birthdate: 11-7-05 Ellijay Parents: Larry Vanover & Beth Vanover Grandparents: The late Tom & Lola Hunter, Joe & Dell Vanover, Patsy Oliver

Birthdate: 2-27-09 Ellijay Parents: John & Jessica Morrow Grandparents: Junior & Melba Smith, Doug & Cindy Morrow

Birthdate: 9-1-09 Ellijay Parents: Emily Gabrielle Patterson Grandparents: Michael & LeighAnne Thomas, James & Melissa Grizzard

A. Shiloh & Aria Moon Bialach

Elizabeth Corum

Birthdate: 11-25-98, 6-24-08 Ellijay/Phoenix, AZ Grandparents: Carolyn S. Davis & Pa Paw Terry Parker

Birthdate: 12-12-99 Flowery Branch Grandparents: Gene & Linda Webb, Dave & Rose Duffy, Gary & Laura Corum

Jasmine Leann Buice

Jade Lashay Buice

Micah Newton

Faith & Joseph Ralston

Birthdate: 2-27-00 Ellijay Parents: Eric Buice & Michelle Freeman Grandparents: Scott & Ruth Buice, Cindy Williams

Birthdate: 5-18-08 Talking Rock Parents: Matthew & Krista Newton Grandparents: Dough & Beth Simonds, Tracy & Lisa Newton

Birthdate: 12-1-99, 3-27-01 Ellijay Parents: Alan Ralston & Rhonda Harper Grandparents: Ruth & the late Roy Harper, Fred & Pris0cilla Ralston

Nicholas Grant Castellano Jackson Patrick & Preston David McVey Birthdate: 7-22-06, 12-15-08

Ellijay

Parents: Patrick & Susan McVey Grandparents: Bill & Myra McVey, David & Marilyn Harper

Birthdate: 9-8-04 Ellijay Parents: Christy & Kenny Turner Grandparents: Cristine & Danny Hicks, Pat McClure & Dale Turner

included feasts, parties, dancing and marathons run in the nude! After the Roman Empire had been Christianized, the church fathers had the youth of the community draw names of saints out of the box instead of young ladies’ names. The young men had to spend the next year trying to copy that saint’s life as much as possible (which was probably not as much fun as running around in circles naked!), so the young men resorted to sending letters to the young ladies of their choice. Once again Valentine’s Day is upon us, and now that you understand the tradition, some of you guys are going to go all out to impress the ladies. Then, there are the guys out there trying to figure out how

to get by with the minimal response to the holiday (for example, your lady is expecting fine jewelry, and you pick up the $5 stuffed teddy bear at Ingles on your way home). The Girls and I do not recommend this approach to the holiday. Trust us, your lady is expecting SOMETHING! If you DO decide to go against our sage advice, you might just find yourself running around in circles naked … locked out of the house… in the front yard trying to gather up all your belongings that mysteriously got scattered everywhere! As for myself and The Girls, since we are all single and have pretty much decided we like it that way, we plan on sending a few cards out to some soldiers in Iraq, the lonely old lady that lives next door, or to someone forgotten in the nursing home. Then, we’re going to have a nice dinner together and stay up late at night with a pistol taking turns doing watch for that stupid little cupid fellow. At least we’ll know what to expect.

Lynn’s Zen Valentine’s Day — knowing what to expect! Valentine’s Day, Special! Dozen 40 cm Roses Arranged $49.99

Candy Cup, Bear or Balloon & our Movie Rental with Popcorn & Candy Bath & Body Baskets Make Great Gifts

Hometown Florist

254 S. Main Street • Ellijay, GA (Across from Hensley Tire & Ace Hardware) This Week Only!

Extended Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday & Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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by C. Lynn Perry When it comes to Valentine’s Day (and, yes, even to love), The Girls and I have learned that the best way to get through it is to expect nothing. And is contemptuous as it sounds, for me Valentine’s Day has always been one of those holidays I’ve felt I just needed to “get through.” This is only partly due to the fact that the last time Cupid shot his arrow at me the little fellow must have been smoking crack or something. I mean, here we go spending all this money on flowers, cards and jewelry on a holiday that has its beginnings in the 4th century B.C. in Rome. The Romans held an annual lottery and young men would pick a young girl’s name from

a box. During the year, the couple would be assigned to each other. I mean, it was like raffling off all the girls in the community! What if you TOTALLY got a loser? What if the guy that selected your name was the ugliest guy in the coliseum? What if he turned out to be the only guy that was sent away to Greek boarding school and flunked out of Aristotle’s class because he was too busy picking his nose to pay attention? You’d be stuck with him for an entire year, and you can only imagine how much your girlfriends would make fun of you! But, enough about me. The point is a girl would never know what to expect on Valentine’s Day! But, at least this early Valentine’s Day celebration

Kylie Turner

Birthdate: 5-5-08 Ellijay Parents: Trina Parks & Paul Castellano Grandparents: Tim & Tina Parks, Roy & Beth Richardson, Sybil Morrow & the late Troy Morrow

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

15A

Minister Butch Jones reaches milestone: 30 years at Ellijay Church of Christ Ellijay Church of Christ Butch Jones, minister of the Ellijay Church of Christ, was honored Sunday with a 30th anniversary luncheon attended by more than 300 members and friends in the fellowship hall of the church at 351 North Main Street. Jones and his wife Susan were presented with an engraved silver platter along with a monetary gift in recognition of their service to the church. Elders Bob Burton, Curtis Kingsley and Marvin Pritchett expressed appreciation for the minister’s work with the church and his numerous contributions to the community. Fellow ministers Mike Gurganus of the Ringgold Church of Christ and former minister Bill Johnston of the McCaysville Church of Christ who had worked alongside Jones for many years also spoke at the luncheon. Family, friends and classmates from high school and college came from as far away as Birmingham, Ala., and Clinton, S.C. “It has been a wonderful experience,” Jones told the crowd at the luncheon. “I

Contributed photo

Butch and Susan Jones are recognized for their service to the Ellijay Church of Christ. deeply appreciate being here with the Ellijay Church of Christ and I especially appreciate all the help given to Susan and me in raising our children, Jenny and Brandon.” He said later, “My roots are deep in north

Georgia with three sets of grandparents being from Gilmer County. It’s wonderful to be back where my roots run so deep.” At the morning service, Jones’ sermon text was the same as that of his first ser-

Commission Chairman’s report by Mark Chastain Obviously the Roy Road bridge failure took center stage last week. Most of us never realized that it was a bridge, but below the asphalt there is a poured concrete deck supported on each end by hand laid stone abutments. The downstream end of the western abutment failed Tuesday morning causing a portion of the road to slump toward the creek. Between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, another section fell into the creek and a stress fracture grew further into the abutment. It was also evident that the concrete deck was flexing as small chunks of it came loose, some exposed the steel reinforcing bar within the deck. It doesn’t look very bad from the road, but a closer look reveals a structure that I feel is beyond trying to safely repair. Additionally, there is a very real possibility that efforts to repair the abutment and deck could prove unsuccessful before such efforts were finished, further wasting time and money. Intensive efforts began last Tuesday to analyze the situation and decide the most appropriate solution. So far we have determined that replacing the structure with pre-cast sections of box culvert will be the quickest and most cost-effective solution. While Georgia DOT is not able to replace the structure for us, they have been very helpful. DOT estimates

Mark Chastain slightly over $50,000 in materials to replace the bridge. We are hopeful of securing the use of a crane from DOT to place the new structure and possibly to remove the existing concrete deck. So far the quickest delivery time that we’ve been quoted is three weeks for the materials. ISO (Insurance Services Office), the agency that provides property insurance ratings to insurance companies, has finally given us a date as to when they will be here to conduct a county wide rate re-evaluation. The County initiated this request in January 2009. The process involves several steps, questionnaires, and reports, all with review times between the steps. The inspector who has been assigned to Gilmer County plans to be here in early April. The physical survey of the county is intensive and will take a couple of weeks to complete. The frustrating part of the story is that they say to allow six months for them to process the data, make a final rate class determination and make the new ratings avail-

able to insurance companies. A couple of folks have inquired about what being Chairman involves. I was reminded of the many long faces at the Newly Elected Commissioner Training session that is conducted for a week at the University of Georgia each November after commissioner elections. This training is a requirement of Georgia law (OCGA 36-20-4). The folks with the long faces were newly elected commissioners that had just been told that most of the things that they had promised the voters were beyond their control or prohibited by law. It would be nice if there was a requirement to learn more about the job before qualifying for the election. I am glad to answer any questions from the public or prospective candidates. For the week of Jan. 31 through Feb. 6, Gilmer County Fire-Rescue responded to one structure fire, 46 emergency medical (ambulance) calls, and two motor vehicle accidents. As always, feel free to contact me by e-mail mchastain@gilmercounty-ga.gov or by calling the Board of Commissioner’s office at 706-635-4361. Comments can be left on 706-515-2320.

mon three decades ago: Nehemiah 4:6. “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” Jones began his ministry in Ellijay Feb 3, 1980, after serving as minister of churches of Christ in Columbus, Blue Ridge and Adairsville following graduation from Alabama Christian College (Faulkner University). In addition to his service for the church, he has devoted much of his time to community, civic and charitable work. Most recently, he was asked by Michael Thurman, Commissioner of Labor for the State of Georgia to be a part of the Job Summit held at Georgia Tech Jan. 18, 2010. He also was recently appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to serve on the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission. Since 2000 he has been chairman of the Workforce Investment Board for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission and is also state chairman of the Georgia Workforce Leadership Association since 2006. He is a past chairman of the Workforce Investment Act Youth Council and former member of the Northwest Georgia Private Industry Council. He also served as past chairman of the Citizens Review Panel, working with DFACS in reviewing foster care cases; chairman of the board of directors, Gilmer County Headstart; and member of the Children and Youth Council of Gilmer County. He also has served on the State of Georgia Policy Council for Children and Families, the Georgia Welfare Reform Advisory Policy Council for DHR and the State Family Connection board of directors. Jones has volunteered with the American Cancer Society and served on the Scouting Commission for the Mountain District of Northeast Georgia, Boy Scouts of America, and the board of directors of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, as well as tourism chairman and a member of the Apple Festival Committee. He was hon-

Atlanta institution in

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Baked Salmon Topped with encrusted lobster. Choice of baked potato or linguini maranara. or Char-broiled Lamb Chops (rib cut) Served with sautéed yellow squash and zucchini with oven-roasted potatoes.

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the bank and Appalachian Bancshares, Inc. based in Ellijay. Since 2004 he has been a director of Appalachian Bancshares and serves on the community board of Appalachian Community Bank, Blairsville.

Have a sweetheart of a weekend at

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ored as Citizen of the Year for Gilmer County in 1990. He has served as a chaplain for the North Georgia Medical Center, volunteer chaplain of the Georgia Mountains Hospice and former president of the Chaplains Association. He also has given 20 years volunteer service to the North Georgia Bible Camp in Blue Ridge. He has served as a member of the Heart Association in Gilmer County. He was an organizer of the Gilmer County Bank in 1994, serving for the next 10 years as chairman of the board of directors of both

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16A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

TIMES-COURIER • ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

Search for Georgia’s 2010 STAR students and teachers underway PAGE The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program has launched its annual search for Georgia’s highest SATscoring high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic success. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, which co-sponsors STAR with the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, has received more than 500 nominations from public and independent high schools across the state. STAR Students and STAR

Teachers will be announced in local communities throughout the state during February and March. Georgia’s 2010 State PAGE STAR Student and Teacher will be announced at the annual banquet held in late April in Atlanta. In 1956, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce launched a program to recognize the student (s) in each high school in the state who had the highest score on the SAT. Two years later, in 1958, the Chamber altered the recognition program to include the teacher who had the greatest influence on the student’s academic

4-H meeting minutes by Bryson Watkins Tanner Cantley called the meeting to order. Jason Parker led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sidney Berry led the 4-H pledge. Lilly Foolwood read the thoughts of the day. The 4-H project is writing cards to the Gilmer nursing home. Megan Smith and Lilly Foolwood will be in charge.

career. The name given to this expanded recognition effort was Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, or STAR. During the past 52 years, more than 21,500 STAR Students and STAR Teachers have been recognized for their academic and professional accomplishments. To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest SAT score (from any one administration of the three-part SAT taken through the November test date of the student’s senior year) and be ranked in the top 10 percent or top 10 members of their class. These students then select an inspiring teacher to share in this recognition. High school students compete for school system titles, and school system STAR Students move up to compete for region honors in 12 STAR regions in the state. Winners at the region level come to Atlanta to vie for the state PAGE STAR award.

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Where have you taken the Times-Courier?

Contributed photo

Lucille Aaron spent a weekend in Gatlinburg, Tenn., in December. Her children and grandchildren took her to see the Christmas lights and was a Christmas gift to her. The weather was very cold. Lucille is pictured sitting in front of the Christmas tree reading over the Times-Courier. Have someone take a picture of you reading the Times-Courier while you’re on vacation and send it to april@timescourier.com.

Your Valentine Gets A Flower! Happy Family II Chinese Restaurant

Clock Tower Crossing 772 Maddox Drive, Suite 108 East Ellijay, GA 30539

706-276-8000

(706) 635-6300

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Appetizer: Egg Roll & Honey Chicken Wing Choice of Soup: Won Ton • Hot & Sour • Egg Drop Main Course: Sesame Seed Chicken Beef Steak Hong Kong Style (can substitute from main menu) * Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum deposit to open Certificate of Deposit is $500.00. Rate bump is available one time and is effective for the remainder of the 24 month term. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal of Certificate of Deposit. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

ONLY $19.95 for 2 people!

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Serving Valentine’s Day Dinner Sunday, February 14 • 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

REPAIR SHOP Get ready for Gardening

10% OFF Spring Maintenance! We Repair GENERATORS - CHAIN SAWS LEAF BLOWERS & MORE

ONION SETS & SEED POTATOES ARE HERE!

CHAINSAW

Reduced to

HEAT RECLAIMER Bronco Troy-Bilt Tiller

Keep Warm with Pelonis Electric Heaters

MS 210C

$269.99 While supplies last.

Hardware & Furniture The Helpful Place

“Your One Stop Hardware & Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Home Decorating Center” Pictures may not represent actual product.

305 S. Main St. Ellijay

706-635-2236

Reclaims lost flue heat.

Pioneers in Home Comfort