02.18.10 Fannin Sentinel by Sentinel News Media

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FANNIN

Volume 4, Issue 7

Annual Republican Valentine Dinner draws over 200 By LISA GAGNON and ELAINE OWEN B l u e Ridge--In spite of cold and ice and threat of snow, 11 Republican candidates for state and national office attended the Fannin County Republican Party Valentine Dinner February 13 in the high school cafeteria. More than 200 people listened as State Sen. Chip Pearson, Fannin Chairman Ron Bolin, Fannin Treasurer (and event chairman) Brian Stanford, as well as the candidates, paid their respects to House Speaker David Ralston. "This man is one of the most loved, most admired in the state of Georgia. This man is a servant; someone who lovingly serves others is a Godly man," Stanford said when introducing Ralston. Ralston, in turn, welcomed the candidates "to the birthplace of the Republican Party in the state of Georgia. "I...truly stand on the shoulders of those people who have labored for years and for decades. I've felt that sense of standing on the shoulders because I've stood on yours," he said,

thanking his constituents. "This is not my moment; it's yours. Your dreams became mine," he added. Ralston said that his election as Speaker of the House presaged change. Changes included rewriting the rules of the House to make them more inclusive and changing the rules of the committee process, he said. In addition, he remarked, the House is working more closely with the state Senate and the governor. He also stressed the challenges facing him and the rest of state government, including the difficulty of passing a balanced budget when the state has a shortfall of $1.5 to $2 billion. Other challenges Ralston cited include transportation, small business development, job creation, ethics reform, and 2011 redistricting. Stanford then gave Ralston an engraved gavel from the Fannin County Republican Party, and presented Ralston's wife, Jane, a dozen roses, apologizing for the interruption of their Valentine's Day weekend.

See DINNER, page 3A Rep. Deal encourages Troop 460 Boy Scouts Aaron and Brendan Jourdan and their parents

Soccer fans decry loss of 300 students homeless in Fannin middle school program By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Homeless Liaison helps students stay in school

By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--Three selfproclaimed soccer fans spoke to the Fannin County Board of Education about the loss of the soccer program at the middle school during its regular meeting February 11. According to middle school Principal Lori Chastain, the eighth-grade soccer program will be consolidated with the high school's junior varsity program, and sixth- and seventh-graders will be encouraged to participate in county Recreation Department leagues because of the inability to find a head soccer coach at the middle school. Chastain said that the head coach must be a certified teacher or receive special lay coach certification. Kim Pack and Barry Abbott, coaches for the program this year, told Chastain that they will not be able to coach next year, she said. Chastain said that she contacted other teachers, but many now have second jobs and were unable to Tim Massaro voiced concerns about the loss of the middle school soccer program at the coach. She said she asked principals February 11 Board of Education meeting. at the elementary schools to ask too high. Chastain acknowledged the their teachers. She stated she also Junior Deal, who has a son in speakers' concerns. "I don't want contacted Shan Culpepper, the eighth grade, said he agreed with anyone to have the impression this high school athletic director; and Massaro. "He was very discouraged is a decision we took lightly," she high school soccer coach Travis that middle school soccer was said. Hodges if they knew of anyone dropped. I feel like Fannin County Addressing Massaro's complaint who would qualify to coach. could be a leader in sports...I hope about prices, she said that the When it seemed as if no soccer it doesn't move to the next level, middle school had planned to coach would become available the high school level," he said. lower prices for adults to $3 and to work at the middle school, Deal added that Fannin and students to $1. Hodges and Culpepper, as well Union counties were the only ones Chastain said that parents as Recreation Director Bernie in the area without middle school were informed of the new plan Hodskins, worked with her to soccer. in early February, eighth-graders come up with an alternative, she Department of Recreation Soccer were told they could play with said. Coach Lonnie Moore said that the the high school team, and parents Tim Massaro, whose children loss of middle school soccer might were given recreation department attend the high school and middle hurt high schoolers' chances for information for those in sixth and school, said that soccer is among college scholarships. seventh grades. the most popular sports in Fannin "With soccer, you can get a Massaro spoke up again after County. "We're concerned that if scholarship two to one over Chastain stated the plan for you drop it now, they may not baseball, maybe three to one," he soccer next year. "Eighth-graders continue on to high school," he said. Moore added that his son are not ready to practice or play said. "eats, sleeps and drinks soccer" and with 12th-graders. There's a huge Massaro also said that he that Moore would be willing to help difference between eighth-graders considered last year's prices for maintain the middle school soccer and eleventh- or twelfth-graders," soccer games, at $5 per person, program in any way he could. he said.

BlueRidge--Threehundredschoolage children have been identified as being homeless in Fannin County this school year, according to Fannin County Schools Social Worker Bill Johnston. According to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homelessness and Its Effect on Children,â&#x20AC;? a 1999 Family Housing Fund report, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homeless children are more likely to score poorly on math, reading, spelling, and vocabulary tests and are more likely to be held back a year in school.â&#x20AC;? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was passed Fannin County schools Homeless Liaison and Social Worker Bill Johnston in order to help homeless students. also set aside Title I funds each year The district has a Title I parental Several years ago, the act was for the high school, which is our only involvement plan that also promotes implemented in the Fannin County non-Title I school, to use to meet the family literacy and parenting skills. school district. needs of homeless students at the Johnston has noted an increase â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The program) is a part of the high school. This year, that amount is in the number of students classified federal Title I funding for at-risk $3,300,â&#x20AC;? Panter noted. as homeless this year. The number students. Fannin County has Johnston explained that the act of 300 is not current, just the total participated in Title I for as long qualifies homeless students for the number that have qualified at different as I can remember. The homeless free or reduced price lunch program, times throughout this school year, he component has always been a part of assistance money for field trips and explained. it but began to be focused on after No school supplies and other aid. In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had over 300 before. Child Left Behind came into effect,â&#x20AC;? addition, he noted, homeless students Part of the reason that it isÂ a significant Associate Superintendent Cynthia receive expedited services designed increase is we have better monitoring Panter explained. to keep them in school. and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to monitor it more Among those the program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Previously, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start them closely,â&#x20AC;? he remarked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is an identifies as homeless are migrant in school until they had all their increase, though, because of the ones workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children, children awaiting records and shots. If theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re classified having hardship economically. We placement in foster care, families as homeless, if they wait until all that have numerous people who have lost doubled up because of necessity catches up to them, they lose an awful their jobs, families that have doubled or in homeless shelters, runaways, lot of school time,â&#x20AC;? Johnston said. up. We have families who have lost those living in buildings not meant Staff in all five district schools their homes.â&#x20AC;? for housing and those living in receive training in how to identify Johnston said that the program is abandoned buildings. and help homeless students, Panter consistent with the school districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s At the time the act was passed, stated. vision statement. Congress received reports that up to Once students are identified, they â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our school districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing half of homeless children were not are referred to Johnston. He said everything we can, not only to attending school. he uses free or reduced price lunch comply with the law, but to provide â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is mandatory that we provide for applications to determine if siblings assistance to the students. We realize any homeless students. We do this at and families need help. He makes that if students are in and out of the our elementary and middle schools referrals to social service agencies. He school year after year, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to through our regular Title I funding also finds transportation to and from get behind. Our goal as a county is to because they are Title I schools. We schools for students. see 100 percent graduation,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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GEORGIA SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

CO LU MNS & O P I N I O NS

By Jim Fitzgerald

LEANING Â LEFT

Sentinel Guest Columnist

Sarah Palin, bless her heart, is such a perfect spokesperson for the tea party crowd. I watched portions of her speech in Nashville before the tea party elite and could only shake my head. She has such a way of saying nothing so well it grabs your attention and leads you to believe she is on to something big. However, after the euphoria dies down, you sit there reflecting on her speech and think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;uh?â&#x20AC;? It slowly dawns on you that she speaks in broad strokes, stringing together a series of popular sound bites that convey little more than patriotic fervor. As someone trained in critical thinking, I winch when I hear Sarah talk about drill, baby, drill, and realize that she has failed to drill down into her â&#x20AC;&#x153;positions.â&#x20AC;? Do not think that critical thinking is about criticizing everything. Indeed, it is about taking an argument apart, looking at its components, and making up your mind whether the argument has validity, whether the argument has merit, or whether the argument is robust or weak. It is examining an argument to make sure you are not suckered by the snake oil salesperson. However, Sarah fails to provide any details. Therefore, you cannot assess the impact or the consequences should her broad statements be converted into policy. For a thinking person, this is heresy. She mines the shallows and collects the easy pickings, leaving behind complexity and detail. Sarah taps into anger. She taps into emotion. She taps into the

mood of her audience. However, she does not tap into reason. She is the best snake oil salesperson I have ever seen working a crowd. She is like a mirror, reflecting the mood, and misinformation, of her audience. You really have little idea about her true, behind-the-scenes beliefs. She is so good at reflecting your beliefs you believe they are her beliefs. She reflects, and feeds, the worst emotional excesses of tea party members. When she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want our Constitution back,â&#x20AC;? I wonder what part of the Constitution is lost. I am unaware that I have lost any of my rights granted in that document. At the tea party convention in Nashville, it was said that we do not need any document but the â&#x20AC;&#x153;four pages of the Constitution.â&#x20AC;? I guess they forgot the Bill of Rights, the abolition of slavery, giving women the right to vote, gun ownership, and a host of other issues not addressed in the Constitution. Sarah reflects the tea party crowd because they speak before they think. They forget that the states had to ratify any changes to the Constitution. There is little doubt I would like sitting down and having a beer with Sarah. I think we could have a great conversation. However, I do not think the conversation would have much substance. Interview after interview reveals that she does not know basic facts about the issues important to our country. Anybody who thinks looking at Russia from Alaska constitutes foreign policy experience has just included anyone who has ever travelled to a foreign land. What Sarah has going for her is

a folksy, down-home friendliness. It is with a smile that she criticizes everything without offering solutions. Indeed, her criticisms reflect her lack of understanding of the issues. You cannot help but like her as a vivacious person but the shallowness and negativity of her arguments does little to lift the political discourse. Or, include facts. To listen to Sarah is like listening to a string of marginally related ideas. Her talks go something like this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to be energy independent and give our hard working people a tax cut and make sure there is a gun in every home and put our country first and get our Constitution back and reclaim the freedoms we have lost, and â&#x20AC;Ś did I say give our people a tax cut?â&#x20AC;? I will make a deal with you. I will show you Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth certificate if you show me Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high school diploma. Sarah quit the governorship of Alaska after two years because she recognized that more money could be made running around the country talking sound bites. Compared to running a state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which requires detailed, complex thinking - addressing angry crowds who demand little more than platitudes is easy pickings. People who refuse to do their homework are destined to follow snake oil salespersons like Sarah. Intellectually, the easiest route to travel is to rail against positions for which one lacks understanding and detail. However, to be a true patriot, one needs to be informed about the issues facing this country and appreciate the complexity of society, and thus solutions.

EDITOR'S Â INBOX

The GOP (?) TEA Party

To the Editor: The Democrats are jumping with joy that the tea-party crowd has splintered into its more than 200 entities and disrupted the Republican Party, to boot, they say. Â The Republicans are oblivious to the tea-party phenomenon and claim victories for themselves in Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Â And the tea-party movement keeps on truckinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; like some disjointed â&#x20AC;&#x153;herdâ&#x20AC;? of cats towards a platform of balanced budget, small government, and low taxes.Â But wait, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that the platform of the Good Old Party circa mid 20th century, and before?Â And wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that about the time we sent men to the moon and before we sent jobs overseas, in droves?Â

A time before the Bush dynasty, Newt, and whatever it is we have now? Â But what came out of Nashville is that the teaparty folks are putting away their flags and forming PACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to support conservative candidates from both parties. Rasmussen says independents (teaparty folks) make up a third of the population and gaining.Â Â So maybe the tea-party phenomenon is not something new.Â Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the mid-stream American heartland majority waking up from a long nap like Rip Van Winkle.Â If this is the case, perhaps you should join the movement, whatever it is, where ever it is?Â Â Â M. J. Blanchard Blairsville

The Green Column Are you thinking of building or remodeling? The best time to start working on lower energy costs is before the plans are made. The greatest savings for the least cost starts with how the building sits on the site. By putting the most glass where the warm winter sun shines, the least where the hot summer sun shines, and designing the roof to keep summer sun off the house, heating and cooling costs can often be cut in half. Add protection from cold winter winds, allow cool summer breezes, and you have a building that not only costs much less to heat and cool, but it is much more comfortable. Is there more that can be done? Yes. A little more money spent on good quality spray foam insulation, windows, and doors, and some homes hardly need heat or air conditioning at all. Air tight, well insulated buildings are much easier and less costly to keep comfortable. Following these principles first usually brings the greatest increases in efficiency for the least cost. It might also leave enough budget to afford some other green features. Everyone asks about solar and wind. In most areas of our moun-

By RICHARD C . MACCREA Andrews Valley Initiative

tains, the best of these options is a solar water heater with an electric tank water heater for backup. Attaching this system to radiant floor heating system can also be very efficient. The system is simple, very efficient, and might help you qualify for some tax credits. And everyone loves radiant floor heat! Geothermal heat pumps are also very efficient ways to heat and cool your home or building. They usually add several thousand to the cost of a typical home. By using the ground temperature, they can extract heat all winter long. They are a great option where it is not possible to design the glass for solar. By adding spray foam insulation, the geothermal system can be smaller, and cost a little less.

If you are buying new appliances, why not choose energy efficient models? Have you considered an induction stove, a smaller convection/ microwave oven instead of the standard oven? You might enjoy a basement root cellar too. You can also have a switch to shut off the outlets to your electronics. Many of these electronics use electricity even when they are not running. In some homes this can consume more than $20 per month. All of these are convenient ways to save energy. Another field being studied is energy efficient lighting. At this time fluorescent lighting is the best deal for most buildings. But this might soon be surpassed by LED lighting. Meanwhile the engineers have gone back to the laboratories and are developing some super efficient incandescent bulbs. Our next column will consider our Greening of Andrews Valley Program. Your question might be the perfect topic for a future column. Email me. Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building.

YOUR Â HEALTH Â MATTERS

I never think about being old until I think about how old my children and grandchildren are! My thought today: Old age is fifteen years older than I am.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Oliver Wendell Holmes. As I mentioned in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article, my husband and I just returned from Florida, visiting with his mother who was celebrating her 104th birthday. She constantly tells the family members that we will never live as long as she has! â&#x20AC;&#x153;The world has gone crazy!â&#x20AC;? This is her favorite expression, and her second one is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You children just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand how it feels to get old!?â&#x20AC;? She is right; we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how it feels to be 104! (Sometimes I think I may feel close?!) Getting older is one of those things that nobody welcomes but no one can avoid. There is no alternative to getting older. Therefore, we have to find a way to welcome our advancing years with a positive frame of mind. Here are some suggestions on how to keep old age from acting up! Keep Active â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Getting old does not mean we have to vegetate in front of the TV, with the highlight of the week a trip to Walmart or the grocery store. It is important to keep our mind and, where possible, our body active. If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exercise our mental faculties, it will not be a surprise if we lose our concentration and ability to engage in critical thought. We should try to be a lifelong learner; if we keep our mind permanently busy we will retain our mental faculties for longer. We shall also gain a feeling of continuing self improvement right into old age. Live in the Here and Now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live constantly thinking about: â&#x20AC;&#x153;if onlyâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?. There will be many things we might have done differently, but we have to feel the past is dust. Focus on what you can do now to improve your life. This does not mean we can-

By CLAUDIA PARKS RN Columnist

not cherish fond memories; but, at the same time we need to give most importance to the present moment. None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Henry David Thoreau. Age is in the Heart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We can be in our 20s and have the attitude of an old person. Similarly, we can be in our 70s and still have a childlike approach to life. Age is very much a mental perspective. To remain young at heart we need to retain an open mind and look for the good things in life. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow yourself to focus on the limitations of age. Instead, think about what you can do. Offer gratitude for small things that you perhaps didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to appreciate when young. They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Author Unknown. Newness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No matter how old you are, try to look for newness in life. Avoid repeating the same routine, try learning new skills or visiting different places and making new friends. If we are constantly expanding our horizons, life will offer new challenges whatever our physical age. If we compare ourselves to other people and what we could do when we were young, we will always feel a sense of inadequacy. We start from where we

are and seek to make progress in our own way. The personal joy is in making an honest effort; it gives a sense of satisfaction that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t depend on outer results. Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Henry Ford. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Complain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Forgive me, but I often find that certain old people become chronic complainers. It seems in life, especially when we are older, there is no end of things to criticize and complain about. In one way they are rightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there are many imperfections in life. But, if we only see the darker side of life, we focus excessively on negative things and this will be reflected in our unhappy state of mind. It is important to be detached from the problems of the world. Also, when our body slows down we have to work hard to focus on other things. This helps us avoid focusing too much on the limitations and pains of our body. There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Author Unknown. Always keep in mind a healthy diet and moderation in your consumption of sweets/desserts/ alcohol. As for nourishing your aging body, the best diet is still low fat with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Add proteins of chicken, fish and pork. Keep in mind to drink plenty of water and fruit juice. Claudia Parks, RN, is a former doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and emergency room nurse and retired as an educator from Fulton County Schools. She writes Your Health Matters as a public service; the information here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Claudia and her husband now make their home in the north Georgia Mountains, near Blairsville. Claudia can be reached at yhm@ windstream.net

HEROES provides books for babies Several weeks ago Prevent Child Abuse Habersham ran a simple ad in the paper requesting help with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Stepsâ&#x20AC;? program. North Georgia Technical College student Tasha Horne saw it and immediately took it to her HEROES (Having Equity Resources and Opportunities Equal Success) student organization. First Steps is a community-based parenting support and education program that is provided to families ofÂ newborns after the birth of their baby at the Habersham County Medical Center. Â First Steps volunteers offer emotional support, a gift packet of helpful information specifically selected for parents of newborns, and referrals to community resources.Â

Tashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea was to have the club collect childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books for the First Steps program gift packets. Club advisor Trudy Ayers contacted First Steps Coordinator Tari Ramos and the students were soon kicking off their drive. Placing collection stations throughout the campus, more than 60 new and â&#x20AC;&#x153;gently lovedâ&#x20AC;? books were taken by a very appreciative Ms. Ramos on Wednesday, February 10. She will include them in her gift bags to new mothers in the maternity ward at Habersham County Medical Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always wanted to include books in these packets for the new mothers, but I could only stretch the budget so far,â&#x20AC;? explained Ramos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reading is so important and we want new mothers to start reading from the get-go.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the best thing that we have done in this club so far,â&#x20AC;? said an excited Krystal Moss, President of the Clarkesville Campus HE-

ROES. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot of plans for the future!â&#x20AC;? The group plans to continue collecting books, taking advantage of the momentum that is building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have several books at home that I need to bring in,â&#x20AC;? said new club member Dana Sullens. The HEROES club is an organization for non-traditional students. Non-traditional students are persons who meet one of the following criteria: must be 27 years of age or older, a single parent, a single pregnant woman, a displaced homemaker, or enrolled in a program in which they are of a minority gender. The purpose of the HEROES club is to develop leadership, teamwork, and technology skills of the members. For more information on Prevent Child Abuse Habersham or First Steps, contact www.preventchildabusehabersham.org or e-mail firststeps@hemc.net.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Tari Ramos is surrounded by NGTC's HEROES students with children's books for First Steps.

NE W S

Fannin County not

part of cheat scandal

Results of the audit by the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Student Achievement into cheating on the state 2009 Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs) put Fannin County in the clear. The tests are taken by public school students in first through eighth grades. The audit cleared all three public elementary schools and the middle school in Fannin County. The middle school and West Fannin Elementary School had no classrooms flagged with wrong-toright changes that fell above the state average. Blue Ridge Elemen-

tary had 3.2 percent and East Fannin Elementary had 3.6 percent. Schools that had 5.4 percent or less classrooms flagged are considered clear. At the Fannin County Board of Education meeting February 11, Superintendent Mark Henson broached the subject, confirming that Fannin schools had been cleared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All our schools are flagged as clear,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have emphasized honesty.â&#x20AC;? Henson added that Fannin County schools preferred to de-

pend on the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills and â&#x20AC;&#x153;take their lumpsâ&#x20AC;? if necessary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to commend the teachers of Fannin County for that (honesty),â&#x20AC;? he said. The state audit, which was released in June 2009, indicated that answer sheets for a math test were tampered with at four elementary schools the previous summer. Ten percent of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public and middle schools, a total of 191 schools, were investigated for possible cheating.

7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\ Â&#x2021; GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 3A

Governor Perdue Introduces Legislation

Constitutional Â Amendment Â to Â Create Â a Â Cabinet Â Form Â of Â Government By ELAINE OWEN Sentinel WriterÂ

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Friday that Senator Bill Heath, the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floor Leader in the Senate, is introducing legislation and a Constitutional Amendment to create a cabinet form of government. Under the proposal the heads of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agricultural, Insurance, Education, and Labor departments would be appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This proposal will result in better government for Georgians,â&#x20AC;? Governor Perdue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will ensure that agency heads are focused on good policy, and not bogged down with the politics of running for re-election.â&#x20AC;? Currently, only nine states elect Commissioners of Agriculture, 12

states elect Insurance Commissioners, 14 states elect State School Superintendents, and five states elect state labor commissioners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an opportunity to create a more efficient and cohesive government,â&#x20AC;? said Sen. Heath. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will have professionals running agencies who will be directly accountable to the Governor and legislature every single day they are serving.â&#x20AC;? The agencies that would be appointed by the Governor under this proposal have almost 6,000 employees and budgets of more than $7.5 billion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This measure will allow us to take the politics out of what are administrative and policy positions,â&#x20AC;? said Majority Leader Jerry Keen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes the best policies are not the best politics, and the people in those

jobs should be free to make the best policy decisions for the state of Georgia.â&#x20AC;? If the General Assembly approves, the Constitutional Amendment would be on the ballot this November for approval by voters. Those currently running for these offices would be able to serve a full term upon winning, and the positions would be appointed by the Governor elected in 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A vast majority of states have these offices as a part of the executive cabinet,â&#x20AC;? said Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clearly there would be cost savings and efficiency improvement if this were the case in Georgia. However, it is the citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to determine this for themselves and that is why I support this measure being placed on the ballot.â&#x20AC;?

School board fulfills camera wish list Law enforcement officers receive AED training By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--Several weeks ago, Fannin County elementary school principals presented a wish list of items to the school board. This month, the cameras on their wish list will become a reality, because the board voted unanimously to purchase cameras and installation from Atlanta Closed Circuit Television (ACCT) for all three elementary schools and the Technology Building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was one of the things the principals talked about at our work session,â&#x20AC;? Superintendent Mark Henson reminded board members at the February 9 work session. The purchase will increase cameras in each elementary school from 16 to 32. The Technology Building will get a five-camera system that includes security and interior alarm equipment. Cost of the upgrade for Blue Ridge Elementary is $11,825; for East Fannin, $10,250; for West Fannin, $9,825; and for the Technology Building, $6,000. The project will be totally funded by special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), Henson said. Assistant Superintendent Art Hubbard said that ACCT was the only company contacted for the project. They installed the present system and, as a result, their hardware is compatible, he explained. In addition, they were the lowest bidder for the previous project, and ACCTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposal prices are very similar to the prices from the previous project, he said. School district policy does not require bids under $50,000, and the total proposed cost is $37,900, Hubbard added. Hubbard pointed out that ACCTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final cost includes a total $2,250 deduction ($750 for each facility) for trading in each elementary schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s present 16-channel DVR, which the company didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to do. Henson said that the installation of the security, alarm and camera system at the Technology Building is important, because the building contains some very expensive hardware. The next step, he said, is to get back-up power systems for each school. During the regular meeting, high school Principal Erik Cioffi reported on changes in the organizational structure, processes and procedures at the high school, as well as facility updates. Sequencing for certain classes--for exam-

ple, biology, physical science, U.S. history and world history--has been changed, he reported. Cioffi added that the school has developed support for math, one of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges, as well as developing a summer literacy plan. The school has also instituted a pre-Advanced Placement track to ensure students understand the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rigor of AP,â&#x20AC;? he said. The school is also considering implementation of attendance monitoring to hold students accountable, Cioffi said. He explained that if students miss more than 10 days, they would lose the course credit if they passed the course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud of what the staff has done, and the student body at the high school,â&#x20AC;? he said. As the work session was taking place February 9, teachers were voting on one of three 2010-11 school year calendars presented to them, Henson said. Hubbard, Director of Transportation and Safety Bennie Long and Nutrition Director Candice Sisson comprised the committee that worked with assistant principals at each school to produce the calendars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We tried very hard to get input from those involved,â&#x20AC;? Long said. During the regular board meeting February 11, it was announced that the staff had chosen option one, the only option with a start date in August, for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar. Henson added that the new teacher orientation date of July 30 was inaccurate, and a new date would be announced soon. Karen Walton, director of

school improvement and instructional services, spoke about how the district is working to meet Georgia Performance Standards in math. Henson announced that the elementary schools and high school had been honored by the Georgia Department of Education for a high participation level in the school nutrition program during the 2007-2008 school year. In other business, the board voted to terminate the employment of Glenda Beach and Jayne Reece, nutrition workers at West Fannin Elementary voted to finance the lease/purchase of two new buses with United Community Bank, which submitted a winning bid with an interest rate of three percent and total payback of $196,488.55 voted to hire Tracy Carroll, Rebecca Lee and Tammy Standridge as substitute teachers approved the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget calendar approved fundraising efforts approved use of school facilities for several events approved several field trips After the board voted to approve use of the new stadium for the June 11-12 Relay for Life event, Henson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve envisioned all along--a community center that the community can use.â&#x20AC;? The Fannin County Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the board office. The public is welcome to attend.

Director of School Nutrition Candice Sisson spoke about the Georgia Department of Education honor for high participation in the school nutrition program for Blue Ridge Elementary breakfast, East Fannin Elementary breakfast and lunch, West Fannin Elementary breakfast and lunch and high school breakfast and lunch during the 20072008 school year. "This participation is among the highest in the nation," Sisson said.

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By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

The American Medical Association supports the widespread placement of AEDs, because ventricular fibrillation will cause brain death in four to six minutes, and the chances of successful defibrillation decline by about 10 percent for each minute of delay. The sooner an AED is used in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the more successful the outcome, physicians advise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big lifesaver with sudden cardiac arrests. The quicker the defibrillation, the better the chance for survival. (Sometimes) police officers can...get there quicker than we can,â&#x20AC;? Fannin County EMS Director Lonnie Oliver said. All of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambulance already have AEDs, he added. Of the 36 defibrillators purchased, 17 will be distributed to Fannin County Fire Department engines, 16 to the sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department, one to the McCaysville Police Department, one to the Blue Ridge Police Department, and one to

the EMA Department truck, according to Oliver. Fannin County EMS will also be spearheading a public education effort for early recognition of heart attack and stroke symptoms. Oliver said that the meetings will be scheduled soon. Cost for the AEDs and lifesaving training is covered by a $200,000 grant from the North Georgia Health District. Region 1 EMS Director David Loftin, who collaborated on the grant, said that the two-year grant allocates $100,000 this year for AEDs and training for Fannin and Gilmer counties. Next year, he added, another $100,000 will be allocated for AEDs and training in Murray County, as well as additional AEDs purchased and placed in each school in all three counties. The grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health is one of only five awarded nationally.

Blue Ridge--On February 11, a bunch of dummies were at the county detention center. Naked and lifeless, the helpless dummies were nothing more than practice for workshop participants. County and city law enforcement officers and staff practiced rescue procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automatic electric defibrillator (AED) at workshops held in the county detention center. Instructor Jim Cutcher, an EMS training specialist, supervised the workshops. The training consisted of all rescue procedures, including one-person and twoperson procedures, and adult and child/infant CPR; adult and child obstructed-airway procedures; and AED training, he said. Participants received American Heart Association certification for two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department is becoming aggressive. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making sure the deputies are getting training,â&#x20AC;? Cutcher said. He added that life-saving training for law enforcement personnel is increasing nationwide. In some areas, he noted, training was as low as 10 percent; now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as high as 80 percent. Cutcher said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for all emergency personnel and first responders to be trained in these life-saving skills, because, frequently, they may be first on the scene. In the past, he said, usually ambulances with trained paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) were first on the scene. Now, law enforcement and firemen may be sent to the scene first. According to the American Red Cross, up to 50,000 of the annual 300,000 deaths by sudden cardiac arrest could have been prevented if CPR had been performed and American Heart Association EMS training specialist Jim Cutcher instructs McCaysville an AED had been available for im- Police Chief W.L. Panter in how to use an automatic electric defibrillator as part of a workshop at the county detention center February 11. mediate use.

Page 4A

GEORGIA SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

C A L E NDA R U n i o n : Â U p c o m i n g Â E v e n t s UG Hospital Auxiliary to host a Gold Buying Event on Tuesday, February 23rd from Noon to 7:00pm at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville. Go through your jewelry box and pull out all the old pieces you no longer wearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if it works) and bring it to the hospital. Southeast Gold Buyers will determine if its 10K, 14K

or 18K and you can trade it for current market prices and get PAID on the spot!!!! Southeast Gold Buyers will be making a GRQDWLRQ WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKH +RVSLWDO DQG 1XUVing Home Special Needs and to provide scholarship for local medical students. For more information on this event, please contact Pat Cook at 706 781-1908 or email xpcook@windstream.net

Grassroots group

Will be meeting on February 11th at 6:30 P.M. at the Civic Center. Advocacy discussions will be conducted. Jeff Langley candidate for 'LVWULFW $WWRUQH\ ZLOO GLVFXVV WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH -HUHP\

Jones candidates for 9th District will discuss the grassroots efforts and his campaign. Please bring non-perishable food for the 9th district food bank. Contact 706/745-7201.

Free native plant symposium

February 20, 9am-3pm at NC Arboretum, Asheville, presented by NC Native Plant Society. Ed Schwartzman, NCDENR, Natural HerLWDJH 3URJUDP SUHVHQWV RQ Ă RUD RI 1DQWDKDOD River; Scott Dean, WNC Naturally, on Great 6PRN\ 0RXQWDLQV 1DWLRQDO 3DUN ZLOGĂ RZHU hike and many other presentations. Brought to you by Gardens of The Blue Ridge & Carolina

U n i o n : Â R e c u r r i n g Â Â E v e n t s SUPPORT Road to Recovery

Are you a cancer patient? Do you need a ride to and from your treatment sessions? A lack of transportation should not be the reason why cancer patients do not receive the life-saving cancer treatment they need. The American Cancer Society offers their Road to Recovery program to help transport cancer patients to and from their treatment. The Society has a toll-free number that you may call, and an operator will put you in touch with local volunteers that give cancer patients without personal transportation rides to and from their cancer treatment sessions. Give them a call at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Man to Man

Prostate Cancer Support Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;3rd Monday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at The Cancer Treatment Center Auditorium, 750 Deep South Road, Blairsville.

Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support

Our group meets at 3 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the conference room of the Union County Public Library. For further information contact Paula Wilde at (706) 745- 6594 or Peter and Helen Schultze at (706) 745-9171.

Alcoholics mous

Anony-

Blairsville group meets every Monday and Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. at the Mountain Presbyterian Church on Hwy. 515. For more information call 706-994-4462.

T.O.P.S.

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) support group is moving to a new location at Zion United Methodist Church, 4812 Young Harris Hwy. Time weigh in 5:00; meeting starts at 5:30. Come join us to learn how to lose weight the sensible way. Membership fee of $24 includes monthly magazine subscription. Monthly awards and contests, weekly programs on nutrition and health. For more information call Sandy at 706-835-1607.

Morning Group

Coffee

Regency Hospice announces Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning Coffee Group at Mary Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant. For men who have a lost spouse, partner, or experienced other losses and would like to share with other men, please join us on Tuesday at 10 a.m. We meet the first and third Tuesday morning of each month. For more information call Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Counselor at Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Ga., at 800-577-8791.

Cancer Group

Support

At the United Community Bank in Hayesville, N.C. Patients, families and friends are all welcome to attend. United Community Bank is located at the corner of Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 69. Meeting time is 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The group will meet twice a month (on the 2nd and 4th Mondays). For more information, please call Janet Curns evenings at 828-3890295.

Mourning to Joy

GriefShare is a Biblically-based weekly support group for people grieving the death of someone close. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. A GriefShare group meets every Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting September 1, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Blairsville. Call 706 745-7777 for more information.

ACTIVITIES GWRRA meets

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00 during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403

Tri-State Women

Formerly known as Business Women of Blairsville, the Tri-State Business Women is an organization of entrepreneurial women in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee who own and operate their own businesses and are a positive force in the community. Their vision and mission is to support one another in continuing success through networking and marketing. If you are a woman in business in the area, there is a place for you to receive support, gain leads, and spread the word about your practice or business in the area. Meetings are held every Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at Grinds N Glazes in Blairsville. For more information, please contact Susanne Johnson, President, at 706-781-1678 or Cathy Wheeler at 706781-1050.

Ga. Mtn. Writers Club

We meet 10 a.m. to noon the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church on the Young Harris Highway. We have no membership dues or electHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DQG PHHW WR VKDUH RXU ZULWLQJV and provide helpful criticism, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to each other. Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a writer - just visit and enjoy listening to readings and discussion. You will be entertained â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and maybe acquire a new interest. Call for information: Larry Casey at 781-6636 or Ellie Dobson at 745-0678. Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council, monthly meeting is on the second Thursday of the month and meets 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville. All active members are invited to attend the meeting and social hour.

and Drums bagpipe band is offering free instruction to all who want to learn how to play the Great Highland Bagpipe or learn Regimental Drumming. The band meets each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Parish Hall of Saint Clareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church for instruction and practice. For further information, please call 706-835-9071 or 706-745-3526.

Young Harris Al Anon

The Young Harris Al Anon Family Group will meet at 12 Noon every Tuesday in Young Harris, Ga., at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church, Room 105. For more information, please call 706-781-3158.

Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-7813992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at Cadence Bank conference room in Blairsville at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call Marcus Tuschel at 706-835-9010.

Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association - local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. For more information, contact Jim Olson at 828-557-2446.

Guild meets on the 2nd Wed. of each month from 9:45 until 2:00 at the ShootLQJ &UHHN &RPPXQLW\ &HQWHU Ă&#x20AC;UH VWDtion) in NC. Refreshments are served and a business meeting is held before a weaving project is presented. For more information, contact Joan (Guild president) at 706-896-1534.

UC Republican Party

The Union County Republican Party holds its monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shop. Meetings begin at 9am and have an optional breakfast for $6. More information can be found at www.uniongop.org.

Tri-State Women

Business

Women business owners in the tri-state area are welcome to attend and join our weekly meeting every Tuesday at 8am. Meetings are held at the Blairsville Restaurant with breakfast available to those interested. Come and see how women are making an impact as leaders in our community. For more information visit www. tri-statebusinesswomen.com.

Republican Women of Union County

MOPS

"Blairsville Mothers of Preschoolers will meet February 18th at the First Baptist Church of Blairsville from 6-8pm. Join us as marriage counselors Phil and Mary Mason answer all your relationship questions and offer tips on keeping the SIZZLE in your marriage! MOPS is open to mothers of children birth-Kindergarten. To make a reservation IRU FKLOGFDUH SOHDVH FDOO WKH FKXUFK RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW 706-745-2469. Visit us at www.mops.org for more information!"

Union General Hospital Auxiliary

more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on December 7th in Blairsville at 310 Welborn Street, Blairsville, GA. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

DAR Meeting

The December meeting of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be held at the Big Springs meeting room at The Oaks in Hiawassee, GA, Saturday, December 12th, 2009, at 10:15 AM. OUTDAR members will tell about their memories of celebrating Christmas in other countries. Members will also KROG D &UDIWV DQG %DNH 6DOH WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W club chapter projects. If you are interested in learning more about DAR, an organization for women who have Revolutionary War patriots in their family history, contact Eloise Wolfersteig, Regent, 706-379-2533. Old Unicoi Trail Chapter serves Towns, Union, and Fannin Counties. The Old Unicoi Trail homepage is found online at http://oldunicoitrail.georgiastatedar.org.

Computer Club

The Mountain Computer User Group Will meets in November on TUESDAY at 7 PM in the Goolsby Center, Young Harris College. Please note this is a change from our normal meeting date. At this time we will be presenting a program on all the new technologies that you can expect to get for Christmas. Come join us as we travel into the land of new technology. You might just get a glimpse of what Santa has in store for you at Christmas this year. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget we are meeting on Tuesday, November 10th. at 7 PM and not on Monday as we normally do. We will start the evening with our usual Q&A session. Come and join us for a lively session that is bound to increase your computer knowledge. Our Q&A session begins at 6 PM. Bring a friend and join us for the evening, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.

Union County Republican Party

will be holding its monthly meeting on Saturday, January 16th at 9:00 am at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shop at 2386 Young Harris Highway, Blairsville. A buffet breakfast for $6 will be available and is optional. Everyone is invited to attend and meet FDQGLGDWHV IRU VWDWHZLGH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV 6SHDNers this month are: Max Wood, running for Attorney General - By way of Presidential appoint-

is hosting a gold buying fundraiser on Tuesday, February 23rd from Noon to 7:00pm at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville. Go through your jewelry box and pull out all the old pieces you no longer wearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if it works) and bring it to the hospital. Southeast Gold Buyers will determine if its 10K, 14K or 18K and you can trade it for current market prices and get PAID on the spot!!!! Southeast Gold Buyers will be making a 20% GRQDWLRQ WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKH +RVSLWDO DQG 1XUVLQJ Home Special Needs and to provide scholarship for local medical students. For more information on this event, please contact Pat Cook at 706 781-1908 or email xpcook@windstream.net.

ment, Max Wood served as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia beginning in 2001. He served as the Chief Prosecutor and law enforcePHQW RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU IRU WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV LQ WKH 70 county Middle District of Georgia. This district includes the cities of Athens, Macon, Columbus, Albany and Valdosta. 0DULD 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG VHHNLQJ WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RI Insurance Commissioner - She is a conservative running to serve Georgia as Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Pro Fair Tax, Pro Gun, and Pro Life. Doug MacGinnitie, candidate for Secretary of State Candidate - Doug believes the key to creating jobs during the current recession is a focus on small business.â&#x20AC;&#x153;More than 75 percent of jobs that are created in this kind of recession are created at the small business level,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you care about jobs in the state, then you should care about small business.â&#x20AC;?. Melvin Everson, running for Labor Commissioner - Republican Melvin Everson has developed a reputation for strong, conservative leadership as a State Representative from Gwinnett County. Prior to being elected to the State Legislature, he was elected City Councilman in Snellville twice. Everson has made a difference for those he has served at both the local and state level. He served 23 years in the military before retiring in 1999. Additional information may be obtained at www.uniongop.org or by calling 706-781-1013.

Patriots County

Union

Church Saved by Grace Full Gospel Church will be having a All Weekend Service on Saturday, February 20thSunday February 21st. Saturday, February 20th Services will be at 10 a.m. until ?, Saturday evening 7 p.m. to ? Sunday Morning Service begins at 10 a.m. all day food and refreshments will be served on Sunday. The church is located on Burnt Schoolhouse Ridge Road. Everyone is invited to attend. Reverend Shannon Burrell. For more information contact Mary Jane Kitchens 828-389-4180

The Patriots of Union County meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 P.M. at the Civic Center (next to Steve's Steak House). 185 Wellborn St. This is a non-partisan group and everyone is invited. The meetings will feature discussions on Constitutional rights, state's rights, right to bear arms, Fair Tax, border security, energy dependence and more. A canned and non-perishable food drive will be held in conjunction with the meeting for the 9th District Food Bank For more information call: 706-7457201

Auto Club

The next meeting of the Good Neighbors Auto Club will be on Thursday, January 21st, starting at 7:30 PM. Meeting to be held at Brothers Restaurant in Murphy, NC . All meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Thursday of each month.

Mountain Community Seniors meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, ,QIRUPDWLYH VSHDNHUV SLFQLFV DQG Ă&#x20AC;HOG trips. On Thursday Feb. 11th We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis. Light refreshments served. Do come join us.

Fannin: Â Â Upcoming Â Events MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of WKH 0LOLWDU\ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV $VVRFLDWLRQ RI $PHULca (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, former military, Public Health Service, NOAA RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV ZDUUDQW RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DQG VXUYLYLQJ spouses are invited to attend. For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: Jim Ferrell at 828-335-9203, and in Georgia: John Quinlan at 706-896-2430, or visit www.moaa.org/chapter/blueridgemountains.

Community Prayer Meeting

This Thursday, February 11,2010 a community prayer meeting will be held at WKH )DQQLQ &RXQW\ (07 RIĂ&#x20AC;FH V Ă DJSROH downtown, Blue Ridge at noon. Everyone is invited to attend as we continue to pray for our nation'sand community's leaders and true repentance for our country. Please come and support our efforts as we join with RWKHUV WR NHHS WKH SUD\HU Ă DPH DOLYH $Q\ questions please contact : Lydia Long 706374-4750

WorthConsidering Athoughtfortoday

The RWUC meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Meetings are held in the Brackett Room at the United Community Bank. For more information visit www.RepublicanWomenOfUnion.org.

Mothers of Preschoolers

0236 ,QWHUQDWLRQDO D QRQ SURĂ&#x20AC;W mothering organization, creates communities and resources to help make "better moms who make a better world." A MOPS group is a place where moms can come-just as they are-to build friendships, receive mothering support, practical help and spiritual hope. Join us - because better moms, make a better world! Visit us at www.MOPS.org Mothers of Preschoolers meets on the Third Thursday of each month in the new fellowship hall at First Baptist Church of Blairsville from 6-8pm. Call the church RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW IRU PRUH LQIRUPDtion or email us at mopsofblairsville@ gmail.com.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Â learned Â from Â experience Â that Â the Â greater Â part Â of Â happiness Â or Â misery depends Â on Â our Â dispositions and Â not Â on Â our Â circumstances.â&#x20AC;? Â Â Â -Martha Â Washington

Smokie Mountain Mountain High Hik- Melodies Smokie Mountain Melodies is a ladies ers Schedule barbershop-style chorus whose members Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Club Bereavement Sup- Kiwanis The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is dedito serving and supporting young port Group - Meet- cated people in the immediate area around Blairsville through numerous projects. ing Changes The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welcome to a community bereavement support group. A place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. First Thursday of every month at United Community Bank, Small Community Room, Blairsville from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will only meet once per month. Facilitator: Suzanne Repp, LCSW. The group is presented by Regency Hospice and is free of charge. Please call 1-800577-8791 or 706-896-1251 for more information.

Just 4 Hours

Shooting Creek BasWeavers Guild Business ket The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers

Narcotics Anonymous Weekly MeetBagpipe Instruction ings List The Appalachian Saint Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pipes Mondays - 7 p.m. 12-Step meeting at Union County Annex Building located at 71 Hospital Street. This is an open meeting. Union County Anti-Drug Coalition Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Towns County Avita Community Partners. Meet at 1100 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris, Ga. Tuesdays - 7 p.m. Discussion meeting at Union County Annex Building & New Hope Counseling at 71 Hospital St. Wednesdays - 6 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Avita Community Partners. 41 Hospital St., Suite 100, Blairsville. Fridays - 8 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Annex & New Hope Counseling, 71 Hospital St. All the meetings are open & anyone can attend. For more information regarding any of these meetings, please call 706-897-9775, 706-896-6263 or 706745-4066.

from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Senior Center in Blairsville. No matter if you just started playing the dulcimer or if you are experienced, come join us for a good time playing your favorite songs and learning new songs. For more information, please contact LaDale at 706-835-1688 or raydale@windstream.net. Hope to see you at our next meeting!

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Mill restaurant in Blairsville at 12:00 Noon each Monday. Come join in the fun with us. For more information, contact President Charlie Krick at (706)7816793.

DAV

The Disabled American Veterans meet monthly on the second Monday of each month at noon in the Old Nursing Home, Room 116, in Blairsville. Please join them.

Club 180 for Teens

Join us on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship, fun and snacks at Choestoe Baptist Church, 4455 Choestoe Church Rd., located south of Blairsville off Hwy. 129 and Hwy. 180. For more information and directions, please call the church at 706745-6370.

Mountain Sounds Your Journey from Dulcimer Club

We meet every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

FRPH IURP Ă&#x20AC;YH FRXQWLHV LQ 1RUWK *HRUJLD and Western North Carolina. As a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is committed to a goal of advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. Smokie Mountain Melodies meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 at the First United Methodist of Union County in Blairsville, Georgia located at 859 Highway 515. Any women who have a love of singing are welcome to join. For more information call the Director, Phyllis Baker at 706-379-3836.

Forming Gourmet Dinner Club

6KDUH VXSHUE GLQQHUV ZLWK RWKHU Ă&#x20AC;QH dining connoisseurs, must have some gourmet cooking skills and room to host candle light, sit down dinners in your home. Full time and part time residents welcome. Hiawassee and Young Harris. Limited membership. Call Diane 706835-5007

Amateur Radio

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Some Â look Â to Â things Â to Â satisfy, To Â bring Â euphoria Â and Â contentment. But Â pursuit Â of Â more Â can Â lead Â to Â misery And Â the Â never-satiated Â desire Â for Â greater Â possessions. Some Â hope Â to Â have Â a Â life Â without Â trials And Â so Â seek Â to Â avoid Â pitfalls Â that Â would Â bring Â sorrow. Along Â the Â journey Â the Â traveler Â must Â take Â heed Â to Â self. Peace Â and Â joy Â are Â inward Â traits; Â the Â way Â we Â think Â is Â who Â we Â are. Â Â Â Â Â Â -Ethelene Â Dyer Â Jones Â

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CO M MUN I T Y Tributes Joseph Murray Brown Jr.

Mr.Joseph Murray Brown Jr. age 71 of Deerberry Drive Blue Ridge passed away on Thursday Feb.11, 2010 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr.Brown was born on Dec.30,1938 in Richmond,VA.,the son of the late Joseph Murray Brown and the late Coy Eloise Ward Brown.He was a veteran of the US Navy.Joseph was a loving father and grandfather.He was preceded in death by a son,John Brown in 2006 and by a sister,Judy Pointer.Mr.Brown was of the Catholic faith. Surviving Mr.Brown are one son and daughter in law,Patrick and Stephanie Brown of San Antonio,TX.,one daughter and son in law,Anna and

Steven Balser of Stauton,VA.,five grandchildren,Evan Williams,Logan Hogan,Jaron Brown,Katherine Brown and Emily Brown,many other relatives and friends also survive. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mr.Brown. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Loretta Elizabeth Butts Thomas

ise Butts of Blairsville,Ivan Butts of Blairsville,four grandchildren,Franklin Geer,Mindy Totherow,Tyler Totherow and Mindy Mosser,three great grandchildren,Kennedy,Jackson and Carter,many other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services were held on Saturday Feb.13,2010 at 11:00am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Tommy Jones officiating. Special music was presented by the Philadelphia Church Choir.T he following gentleman served as pallbearers,Vernon Patterson,Vester, Jonathon, Buck,Jacob and Joshua Dills. Intermen followed in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery.T he family met with friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-9pm. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www. mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mrs.Loretta Elizabeth Butts Thomas age 75 of Home Run Rd. Blairsville passed away on Feb.10,2010 in the Willow Wood Nursing Home following an extended illness.Mrs.T homas was born on May 16,1934 in Union County,the daughter of the late Homer Butts and the late Minnie Ledford Butts.She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County.Loretta was a loving mother,sister,grandmother and great grandmother.She was preceded in death by a grand daughter,Bridget Totherow. Mrs.T homas was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church Surviving Mrs.T homas are one daughter and son in law,Raelene and David Geer of Tuscaloosa, AL.,three sons and two daughter in laws,Tony and Robbin Totherow of Gainesville,GA.,Flint Totherow of Buford,GA.,Nathan and Mary Totherow of and Mario Oliverio,Brook Wilson and Michael NY.,one sister,Lorene Grace Shepherd of Dalton,two Harry Leroy Dennis Mr.Harry Leroy Dennis age 88 of 120 Fine Drive Verrico,three great grandchildren, Domenic,Victoria brothers and one sister in law,Arnold and LouMurphy passed away on Thursday Feb.11,2010 at and Rocco Oliverio,many other relatives and friends also survive. Stonehenge Drive Blairsville following an extendServices w ere held on Saturday Feb.13,2010 ed illness.Mr.Dennis was born on Dec.8,1921 After moving to Montvale, NJ during her senior year at 5:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel Eileen Theresa Walsh in Niagara Falls,NY.,the son of the late Wilof high school, Eileen returned to Worcester, Mass. to Eileen Theresa Walsh, 60, a ten year resident of with Minister Terry Stuart officiated. Interliam Rimert and the late Alice Dennis graduate from Marian High School.Â She earned her Blairsville, Georgia and previously of Vero Beach, ment followed in the Bushnell National Rimert.He was a veteran of the US Navy Bachelor's Degree from St. Joseph's College in W. Florida, died on February 9, 2010 at home after a Cemetery in Bushnell,FL.,where he will of WWII.He was preceded in death by his Hartford, Conn.and then, following her dream, long battle with cancer and lupus.Â rest next to his wife Dorothy.The family wife,Dorothy Louise Conoway Dennis became a successful folk artist, jeweler and She was born on September 13, 1949 met with friends at the funeral home on in 2006.He retired in 1986 from NY.State equine portrait painter. in Worcester, MA to the late Claire LilSaturday from 4-5pm. Power where he worked there and Niagara Services and interment are private.Â In lian (Whelan) Walsh and Vincent Martin Mountain View Funeral Home of BlairsMohawk for over forty years.Mr.Dennis was lieu of flowers, memorial contributions Walsh, Sr.Â Survivors include her long-time ville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign of the Protestant faith. may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Cathofriend, Sandra Campbell of Blairsville; her Surviving Mr.Dennis are two daughters and one son the family guest book and send condolences on line lic Church, 3717 Highway 515, Blairsville, brother, Vincent M. Walsh, Jr. of Boylston, in law,Barbara and Roland Verrico of Murphy,Linda at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com GA, 30512-3288. MA; two sisters, Joanne C. Carlson of ManDennis of Pittsburg , PA.,three grandchildren,Kelli Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairschester, Conn. and Sheila M. Shrewsberry of ville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign Edgewater, MD. and nine nieces and nephews.Â this of Mt.Carmel,IL.,John Anderson and Terry Eileen was predeceased by her brother, Martin J. the family guest book and send condolences on line Jeramiahâ&#x20AC;?Jeremyâ&#x20AC;?David Haist at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com Mr.Jeramiahâ&#x20AC;?Jeremyâ&#x20AC;?David Haist age 32 of Hem- Powell,special friends,Katrina Smith-Mays and Austin Walsh of New York City, NY. Mays,many other relatives and friends also survive. bree Crossing Roswell,GA.passed away on Tuesday A memorial service will be held on Saturday Feb.9,2010 following a brief illness.Mr.Haist was Feb.13,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View born on May 4,1976 in Indiana,the son of RobChapel with the Rev.James T.Paul officiating. ert L. Haist and Catherine Wells Haist.He Special music will be presented by Kristi was a loving son,brother,grandson and was Conley.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the The Fifth Annual Habitat for Huposed of four bowlers with at least a friend to many.He was preceded in death family requests that memorials may be manity Bowling Tournament will by his grandparents,Elizabeth Bohl Haist two women per team. Handicap made to ActionAid International,1420 K take place Saturday February 27th and Lloyd and Edwina Haist.Mr.Haist was will be based on 90% of 210 at the St.N.W.Suite 900 Washington,DC. 20005 at the Galaxy Bowling Center in of the Christian faith. time of the tournament. Cash and or to Castaway Critters in memory of Jer- Blairsville. Surviving Jeremy are his door prizes will be provided as well emy.The family will meet with friends at the parents,Robert and Catherine Haist The tournament is open to the ing perpetuates the problem. as fun and fellowship. funeral home on Saturday from 12-2:00pm. of Blairsville,one brother,Joshua Haist of public and is designed to bring the Deadline for team registration Sharing your blessings with Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in community together for fun and those in need makes us all winners! is Feb. 20th. Cost is $25 per perRoswell,grandparents,Paul and Dorothy Hussey of Lawrenceville,IL.,aunts and uncles,Sally and charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family fellowship. Proceeds from the tour- Local businesses are rallying to sup- son, $100 per team. Registration Mel Lockwood of Columbia,SC.,Carol and Da- guest book and send condolences at www.mountain- nament will be used to further the port the bowling tournament. All forms are available at Galaxy Bowlvid Gaddey of Tuscola,IL.,Cindy and David An- viewfuneralhome.com Habitat Mission to provide afford- we need is your team to compete in ing Center and through the Habitat able housing in the Towns Union this fund raiser. office at PO Box 270, Young Harris, County community. If your business or organization GA 30582 or by calling the Habitat Reducing poverty in this eco- has not been contacted and would office at 706-379-2484 or by emailnomically depressed time is chal- like to be a sponsor, contact the ing habitatoffice@brmemc.net. tons of biological life. Earthworms aer- to the busy microorganisms and worms lenging. We all have had to cut and Habitat office for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sponsor packHabitat for Humanity of Towns By JENNIFER CORDIER working in the pile. ate the soil and fertilize it with their castget back to the basics however, for etâ&#x20AC;? and Habitat will promote your Union Counties is a nondenominaPlant Rescue Team Learning from nature is both edu- some of our friends and neighbors business during the tournament. ings. Millions and millions of microtional Christian housing ministry As I sit by my woodstove on this cold organisms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bacteria, fungi, algae and cational and rewarding. Following her this has been a way of life for many This is a non-sanctioned tour- building affordable housing for the February day, I find my thoughts driftprotozoa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; work in the topÂ six to twelve lead will point us towards a sustainable years. Doing without or having to nament and no previous handicap needy in our community. ing towards that bright spring day when inches of the soil decomposing, digest- future! pay most of their income for hous- is required. Teams should be comI will pick the first sugar snap peas growThe Preservation Committee sponing plant and animal matter and feeding in my garden. Soon Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sowing ing nutrients to plants. Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect sors projects to promote environmenflats of seeds, watching in amazement as recycling system is in constant motion tal stewardship and the preservation the tiny seedlings beg to be transplanted turning plant and animal matter into of native plants. For more informainto larger pots which will fill my greenrich humus and top soil. But nature tion about projects and volunteer ophouse with promises of summer flowworks slowly, taking up to 500 years to portunities, contact Jennifer Cordier ers and fresh garden vegetables. (706-745-9317) or Clare Johnston build one inch of topsoil. I have gardened for more than twenI have always believed that close ob- (706-745-2655; www.gmrec.uga.edu; ty-five years and yet, each spring, I am servation of the natural world can be Georgia Mountain Research and Eduawestruck by the magic and productive one of our greatest teachers. Nature cation Center). power of a tiny seed. This same magic is patient, slow and precise. In nature takes place every year on our forest nothing is wasted. If we want healthy floors. Where there is now a dusting of and productive soil that will sustain us snow across leaf litter, there will soon for many years, we must nourish that appear hepatica, bloodroot, trillium, soil. solomonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seal, trout lilies and ladies Composting is a perfect lesson from slippers. Whether scattered by the wind nature. By creating a home composting and wild life or carefully planted by the area, we can recycle our food and yard human hand, seeds fill our world with wastes and produce our own â&#x20AC;&#x153;black beauty and life sustaining nourishment. goldâ&#x20AC;? which feeds our soil, our plants As impressive as the seed may be, it and ourselves. Compost enclosures can could not survive without Mother Nabe as simple as a hardware cloth cylintureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s black gold ---- rich fertile soil. Durder large enough to circle the compost ing the quiet months of winter as well as heap, to a commercially produced respring, summer and fall, the living soil is Shaena B volving drum unit. Turning the pile will levins, M Northeast replete with activity. One acre of fertile Georgia P D hysicians hasten decomposition, lending a hand Group Neu topsoil contains approximately eleven rology

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Now Accepting Patients in Blairsville! Neurologist Shaena Blevins, MD, of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Neurology, is now accepting patients in two locations: BLAIRSVILLE 77 Weaver Road, Suite B Blairsville, GA 30512 Friday: 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. GAINESVILLE 1315 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Suite 300 Gainesville, GA 30501 Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Call 770-219-6520 to schedule appointments.

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Page 6A

GEORGIA SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

CO M MUN I T Y

Fannin County Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group goes to the Gold Dome Social Security Ruling could help local residents Fannin County residents were among hundreds of Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocates from across the state at the Georgia Capital Monday for Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awareness Day. Local advocates joined with other Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocates to ask members of the Georgia Legislature to support legislation to help those individuals living with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other dementias and their caregivers. Dressed in purple shirts and armed with knowledge of the bills they were advocating, the local group included Gina Adams, Elaine Owen, Glenda Page, Wanda K Bell, Glenda Simonds and Sharon Van Huss. Commission Chairman Bill Simonds, in Atlanta for other meetings with legislators, briefly joined the group to meet with their congressmen. Walking into the Capitol was a sobering experience as a bell

tolled once every 71 seconds. This was a reminder to recognize the frequency with which someone is diagnosed with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol is the signature event in Georgia for attendees to tell their elected officials how Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has directly affected them and their families and to ask for help for Alzheimers families. After lunch, Gov. Sonny Perdue joined advocates in the South Wing for a brief ceremony and pictures. Of special interest to the advocates was House Bill 999, the Physican Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment that would allow an individual to select any end-of-life care that he/she chooses, and make them doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders, so the orders would be followed whereever the individual receives care. Too often, papers are misplaced and caregivers are under tremendous pressure to find copies of a Living Will or other

directive to make sure their loved ones wishes are followed. H.B. 999 would make it possible for those orders to follow the patient from home, to hospital, to long-term care, to hospice, etc. "We support this legislation because individuals with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deserve to have their wishes honored--and this bill will do that," Gina Adams told House Speaker David Ralston. Ralston was the first legislator the group met with and was most receptive to their cause as Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has touched his family. "I know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re saying and I understand," said Ralston. "I watched my mother go through just what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about." Ralston promised to watch the legislation as it went through the legislative process and keep the group informed. Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger) also met with the Georgia Mountain

Alzheimer's group posed for picture with Governor Sonny Purdue at Capitol

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Randal MacCrea

group. While Graves does not represent Fannin County in the Legislature, he knows the Fannin County group and was receptive to their pleas for support of pending legislation. "I know enough about Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to know that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen to those with the disease," said Graves, "it affects families, friends, and the larger community--so I hear you." As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and that number is expected to increase to 16 million by 2050. In Georgia alone, more than 200,000 residents age 65 and older have been diagnosed with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or other dementias. As many as 350,000 caregivers are dealing with the emotional and financial burden this disease brings. Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is said to have the power to undermine efforts to control health care costs because of its real potential to bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid and the retirement security of generations to come. Nationally, 65% of residents are Medicaiad beneficiaties, 69% have some degree of cognitive impairment and 47% have an Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or other dementia diagnosis. In other long-term care programs in 2000, of the individuals with Alzhiemerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or other dementias, 20% received in-home care, 11% rely on the Medicaid Waiver program and comprise 50% of the senior propulation in Adult Day Care. "Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in Atlanta to tell the people who represent us in the legislature that it is important to address the funding and care for Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patients before it becomes too much of a burden for individual families and Georgia taxpayers to bear," said Elaine Owen, co-chair of the Georgia Mountain Walk. Other public policy priorities legislators were encouraged to support included restoring the proposed $225,000 cut of Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s respite services, and House Bill 1040 that would allow individuals and/or caregivers to care for persons with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or other dementias, with training and written direction by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant. This will improve access to care and potentially decrease costs for care. The Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

By ELAINE OWEN Sentinel Writer

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just added early-onset/ younger onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Alzheimer's Association, a longtime advocate for those with early-onset Alzheimer's, has played an integral role in this movement to reduce the length of disability decision process. This is a victory for individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and is a direct result of the hard work

911 address resolution showing results By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--EMA/EMS Director Lonnie Oliver appeared at the February 9 Board of Commissioners meeting to inform commissioners of the results of the 911 address resolution. The resolution, passed during the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s January 26 meeting, requires owners of rental lodging or lodging used by third parties to post the 911 address within the building and the street number at the structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driveway. Oliver reported that already 50 to 60 rental property owners had called to verif y their addresses. For seven or eight, the department had incorrect addresses, and three properties with active phones werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the database, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a lot of good progress with that. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re encouraged that people are verifying this,â&#x20AC;? Oliver said. He urged residents, as well as owners of rental properties, to ensure that a physical address is posted at their driveways so emergency crews can easily find and identify buildings. Chairman Bill Simonds commended Oliver and emergency workers for their rescue of an injured woman

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during the recent snowstorm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reputation we need to get up in these mountains,â&#x20AC;? he said. Post 2 Commissioner Steve Morris praised emergency workers. â&#x20AC;&#x153; These guys continually do a phenomenal job. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m amazed at what they get done short-handed and with what they have,â&#x20AC;? he said. In other business, commissioners approved a variance request from John Sillay for a garage on his property at Shady Falls Road voted to enter into another four-year lodging tax contract with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce authorized the Chairman to sign and file all documents needed for financial assistance for the county water system appointed Jerry W hitehead to a five-year term and David Lewis to a two-year term on the county Board of Tax Assessors appointed Myra Mason to the Fannin County Development Author it y approved the lease of two new patrol cars for the sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department The Fannin County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the court house.

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done by Alzheimer's advocates. Since 2003, the Alzheimer's Association has been working on behalf of individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease to improve the Social Security disability process. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer's or other dementias have faced long waits and other challenges when applying for Social Security benefits. Individuals are often initially denied but usually win benefits on appeal, a process which can take several years. Georgia Mountain Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk committee is the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocate in Fannin County. For more information, please contact Elaine Owen at 706-632-0021 or Gina Adams at 706-374-4286.

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Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3:00. All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday. 100 - Autos Bobcat T300 Track Loader, Cab-Heat-Air, 81 Hp, 1870 Hours, Good Condition! Rock bottom price $4500, contact: dmant5@ msn.com / 678-609-1528

200 - Employment Real Estate Attorney fulltime office position: Experience with real estate transactions and /or mortgage lending background required. Send resume to : P.O. Box 2807, Blairsville, Ga 30514 Caremaster Medical Service is now hiring CNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for in-home care positions in the Hiawassee and Clarkesville area. We offer flexible staffing, competitive pay, and benefits. To begin your application process, go to our website at www.caremastermedical.com. You may also call our Job Hotline at 1-866-703-1566. EOE/ Drug -free workplace. CNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed for Cherokee and Clay County. Please call Helen @ (828) 835-8147

300 - For Sale Seasoned firewood for sale: $55 a load, delivered. 706-7817590

500 - Services

Housing Crisis hitting home? Payments straining your wallet? Call 877-835-8904 to lower your Mortgage payments. Walker Storage Corner of Old Highway 64 West and West Cherry Road. Convenient to Warne, NC. and Western Clay County. Variety of sizes. Concrete block Construction 828-389-4926 Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Will baby sit your child or children: Any age. Reasonable rates.References available. Call 706-299-1614 Massage Therapy - in the comfort of your home. Licensed and insured. 18 years experience, call Gerri; 1 hour $40; Half hour $25; 706-896-6108.

700 - Miscellaneous Paying cash for gold! Rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.In most cases, paying at least DOUBLE what any pawn shop will pay. Gold tested, weighed and you are paid on the spot! 706-896-1380-

800 - Wanted We buy junk, wrecked, rusted old cars and trucks. Call George 706-455-1129 Wanted : Old Pinball Machines, Electro-mechanical, Call 828-389-6459

900 - Lost & Found

Meow Meals on Wheels. Joy/ Glen. $15 per visit- your home; 706-896-9521. Tile installer your tile or mine, 26 years experience have references and liability insurance. Ask for Don at 828-389-9394 D&L Painting & drywall INC. 1BJOUJOH 4UBJOJOH *OUFSJPS t &YUFSJPS t 3FTJEFOUJBM t $PNNFSDJBM %3:8"-- )BOH t 'JOJTI t 5FYUVSF all types of finishes & textures 100% Quality Driven. Free Estimates cell: 828-508-5270 office(1): 828-321-2111 office(2): 828-479-4052

Black and white Australian Shepherd lost on Gum Log near county line. Bob tail dog, no collar, male. Please call 706-8978150 or 706-781-3974.

990 - Real Estate Investment Property near YH College? 3 BR Brick House , remodeled on 1.24 acres in city limits. City water & sewer. Located below Elementary School. $195,000.00 Steve 201-315-9818

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1000 - Rentals 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath partially furnished home, Lakeview, Hwy 175 $850.00 per month. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $450.00 per month. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath furnished $35.00 per month. References and Security deposit required. 828-507-1617 BEAUTIFUL CREEK FRONT CABIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Bedroom, 1 bath cabin on rushing creek just minutes from marina and downtown Hiawassee. Very private, end of lane location. Updated kitchen, hardwoods throughout and large wood burning fireplace in great room. Being offered fully furnished, or will consider offering unfurnished or partially furnished if desired. Must have references and good credit. Small pet ok with pet deposit. Prefer year lease, but will consider 6 month lease with good references. Call Scott at 404-5422152. $675.00/mo. plus 1 month security. FOR RENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 BR/2.5 BA, Mountain Home w/ long range views. LR, eat-in Kit., Appliances & W/D, Wood burning fireplace., carport, deck, & shed. $700.00 month. 706-897-1734 NEW NAME, NEW DEALS! NOW Renting 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 2 Bed-

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room, 1 1/2 Bath from $475 to $595, includes all appliances, free water and trash disposal. NO steps and Pet friendly. Ridgeline Apartments, 3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC. 828-389-1545 Small lake house on Lake Chatuge with dock. 2BR/1BA, partialy furnished, $600 plus deposit. Annual lease, no smoking, no pets. Valerie 404-849-9010. Available January 9th. 1 BR, 1 1/2 BA Large Duplex Apt. + Bonus Room in Blairsville. Flp., jacuzzi, custom kitchen. $550/ mo. + deposit. 706-745-2297 or 770-7122107

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CO M MUN I T Y Blue Ridge voted among Blue Ridge Mountain top mountain destinations Horseman's Association By LISA GAGNON

North Georgia Tech will be teaching an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Blue Ridge--Blue Ridge was Health Administration) class at voted one of Georgia's top the chamber in March. Cost for mountain destinations in the chamber members is $125; cost October 2009 issue of Georgia for nonmembers if $149. Dates Magazine, according to Jan were not available at press time, Hackett, president of the Fannin so interested parties should County Chamber of Commerce. contact the chamber. At the chamber board of Rita Suiter will present directors meeting February three more hospitality training 10, Hackett showed workshops. The the award and told first two will take members that Blue place February 22 Ridge received the at A ppalachian second highest number Community Bank. One of votes after Helen in is scheduled from 8:30 the reader survey. a.m. until 12 p.m. and Hackett mentioned the other from 1:30 to 5 the award winners from p.m. The third is a free the January chamber Tourism Development banquet. They are Workshop for lodging Bill Prather and Bill businesses on February Walden, Lifetime 23 from 8:30 am-12 Membership; Ken p.m. in the chamber's Williams, Ambassador conference room. of the Year; Dianne Reser vations are Mallernee, Chamber required for each class. Member of the Year; The next board and Fannin Regional meeting, a memberHospital, Chamber board lunch, will Business of the Year. take place March Hackett announced 10 at Appalachian that Blue Ridge Mayor Community Bank. Donna W hitener Call (706) 632-5680 will be joining the for more information Leadership Fannin Chamber:Â Lynda Thompson, chair of the chamber's Tourism or to make reservations Class of 2010. Other Committee and chamber President Jan Hackett display the Georgia for any of the above members are Mary Magazine award for top mountain destination. events.

Sentinel WriterÂ

Jane Cox, Lauren Darnell, Adam Davenport, Paul Gribble, Marilyn Harbin, Susan Hayes, the Rev. Keith Jones, Kim Knutzen, Mary Kulig, David Lillard, Laurie McClearen, Mike Miller, Robbie Muschamp, Keith Newton, Melinda Passmore, Page Reynolds, Becky Ratcliff, Jackie Seabolt, Candice Sisson, Steve Smith, Carol Smith, C.J. Stam, and Amanda Wishon.

PictureÂ of the winners of theÂ 2009 BRMHA Photo left to right: Standing, Ronnie Smith, Open Halter Stacey Smith, Halter 2 and Under Peggy Blanche, Open western Pleasure

Kristin Miller, Combined Running Events Front row left to right: Adriana Smith, Western Pleasure 12 and UnderÂ Josh Blanche, Western Pleasure 12 and under Jessie Sevenson, Combined Running Events

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After acknowledging the gift, Ralston nodded toward his wife and stated, "There's one house where I'm not the speaker." District 51 Sen. Chip Pearson gave the crowd bad news and good news. The bad news, he said, is "we got no money." The good news is that this year is the 100th

anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. He informed the audience that a program will have Scouts performing service projects in each of the state's 519 parks and historical areas. He said he looks forward to state Rep. Tom Graves' House Bill 1023, which offers income tax credits as

a small business incentive. "The things inhibiting job growth are taxation, regulation and litigation," he said. Stanford then introduced the candidates for governor, beginning with Rep. Nathan Deal. "I have no way to judge the future except through the past," said

Fannin native and Congressional candidate Bill Stephens chats with candidate Lee Hawkins and local attorney Harmon Smith

Gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal talks to former Fannin County Schools Supt. Cecil Davis and Fannin County Commissioner Bill Simonds

Deal, adding that he stands on his conservative record. "If you elect me your governor, you will have a governor who will work with David Ralston. You will have a governor who will work with Casey Cagle. You will have a governor who will work with members of the General Assembly. I will seve with honor and make you proud," he said. Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel cited her accomplishments as president and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and Secretary of State. She said she is not a career politician, but a business person first. According to Handel, issues important to Georgians include jobs, agribusiness, tourism, small business and entrepreneurial development. She believes that income tax should be lowered and a broader sales tax implemented. "The next governor has got to be a real leader with rock-solid principles. This is our opportunity to seize this moment, this time to change these challenges into opportunities," she said. Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine reflected on the problems facing Georgia, saying that his 12-point Contract with Georgia addresses the 12 most important issues in the state and includes zero-base budgeting, state income tax abolition, a statewide transportation system, new water reservoirs, education vouchers, a new educational model, right-to-life, immigration, business attraction, and the Fair Tax. He added that perhaps the biggest problem with any legislative body is short-term thinking and actions. "I really am getting tired of things not getting done (such as water, transportation, taxes, education)... There's one reason these things are not being addressed and it's credit," he said. Oxendine explained that politicians tend to indulge in shortterm efforts because, instead of working for the people, they are more interested in getting credit for their actions. Stanford then introduced Dr. Chris Cates, the first of six Congressional candidates vying for Nathan Deal's seat. Cates, a renowned cardiologist, healthcare expert and Blairsville physician, said he's a businessman as well as a doctor. He cited the refusal of the Democratic majority to listen to doctors and, in particular, Rep. Steny Hower (D-MD) threat to "get on board or we'll crush you. "We want to fix health care, but

with the patient as a focus," Cates remarked. "Ninth District people have trusted me with their hearts for the last 25 years; now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m asking you to trust me with your vote." State Rep. Tom Graves, the next candidate, said that his 440 volunteers work for him because they want "energy, ideas, solutions." He added that it's important to empower people, not government and promised to cut taxes, reduce barriers to hiring, and provide incentives to businesses. Graves sponsored the Jobs Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2009 (JOBS) and House Bill 1023, which offers income tax credits to early-stage investors in companies with 20 or less employees. "I'm a true believer in the free market system and capitalism," he said. State Sen. Lee Hawkins, a Gainesville dentist, sponsored Senate Bill 344, which would provide sovereign immunity for physician assistants in free clinics, which serve close to 200,000 people in Georgia. Hawkins added that he plans to introduce economic development and jobs legislation soon. He said he can empathize with the challenges faced by North Georgia residents today. Calling himself a "common sense" person, he added that the Constitution and the Bible should provide the nation's foundation. "The 10 Commandments are the cornerstone of a stable society," he said. Georgia Rep. Bobby Reese detailed his history as an Army veteran, businessman, real estate broker and legislator of 10 years. Reese said he supports term and time limits, so the amount of time a legislator spends in session is limited. In addition, he wants to base the salaries of Congress on anything above the normal unemployment rate to solve the unemployment problem.. He said he wants to "get the government out of our business. Leave us alone and leave our money in our pockets so we can invest it, so we can build our business." Former state Sen. Bill Stephens brought his mother, Morganton Mayor Barbara Stephens, as his date to the event. Stephens is considered "Fanninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own" and has lived in Fannin and Union counties for six generations. He said that during his eight years in the Georgia Senate, he sponsored 31 pieces of legislation and initiated the "Stuck Pig Award," which is given to the "worst single expenditure of money I could find." He said he believes all bills should be read before votes and all bills

should be posted on the Internet for 72 hours before a vote. "I ask you for your prayers. I ask you for your support. I ask you for your vote," he stated. Steve Tarvin said that term limits are detrimental, because if term limits had been in place in Congress, the health insurance bill would already have passed. He added that term limits are imposed during each election. He told the audience how he had started working at Crystal Springs Print Works at minimum wage and owned the company 12 years later. A lifelong conservative and contributor to the Republican Party, he reminisced about how, in 2002, he refused to donate until Republican legislators "quit spending money." Tarvin concluded with, "I know what it is to create and keep a job. There's no one who will outthink me or outwork me. If you support me, I promise you will never be sorry." Stanford next introduced state Sen. Seth Harp, an attorney and candidate for insurance commissioner. "In 1966, I was a young Marine in Vietnam and it was there that I decided I had to do more to serve my country. I came back without a lot of my hearing, but otherwise okay. I began then to get involved in conservative causes and I served in almost every position in the Republican Party at a local and state level, Harp recounted. In 2000, he was elected state senator and began "translating words into action." Harp promised that, if elected, he would keep in mind that he is working for the people of Georgia. "I promise not to reinvent the office, not to reinvent the wheel, but to put honesty and dignity in there and to fight for the people of Georgia," he said. "And I will remember that I am working for you." The final speaker and candidate for insurance commissioner was Gerry Purcell, who said that his fight with cancer influenced him to choose a career in health care. A former pharmacy benefits manager, Purcell is now a health care consultant. An Army veteran, he has started two churches and managed a $2 million budget at the age of 27, he said. Purcell said that in order to fix the healthcare system, it's necessary to make changes in competition and group insurance, examine the 70-year-old laws in Title 33, prevent insurance fraud and implement tort reform. "I know how to fix our health care without destroying the best guys in the world," he finished.