02.25.10 Fannin Sentinel

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FANNIN

Volume 4, Issue 8

Public Meeting offers US 64/Corridor K options Fannin

DFCS

By LISA GAGNON and ELAINE OWEN

Copperhill, TN--Those affected by the rock slides that are choking off U.S. Highway 64 attended a public meeting about Corridor K options February 17 at the Copper Basin High School.

Citizen Resource Team (CRT) members, as well as Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) employees and consultants, were present to answer questions about the rock slides and the proposed options for part of Corridor K. In Polk County, Tenn., Corridor K runs from west of the Ocoee River to Route 68.

"The purpose is to involve the community in the process," explained Jeff Weisner, a URS consultant to TDOT. Ten options and their advantages and disadvantages were presented at the meeting. The public was invited to offer opinions on each via a comment sheet. The comment sheet also included questions about Corridor K issues that need to be addressed, how specific issues would be best addressed and considerations for comparing the options.

The options ranged from maintaining the present road to turning Jennifer Flynn of TDOTÂ shows Shirley Williams the rockslides and proposed options under See ROCK SLIDES, page 3A consideration for US 64/Corridor K.

plans to hire three

By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--The Fannin County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has received permission to hire three new employees, said Kathy Henson, interim director at the office, during the monthly board of directors meeting February 18.

The new hires are replacing four employees who have left, and two of the positions are temporary, she added.

Fannin County DFCS is accepting applications for a fulltime social service case manager position. Two temporary positions will be filled from Atlanta headquarters using a temp agency, Henson confirmed. She said one of the positions is clerical and the other is an OFI (OfSee DFCS, page 3A

School Chorus sings for Ralston

By ELAINE OWEN Sentinel WriterÂ

The FCMS Chorus had the honor of being invited to the Capital to sing for Speaker David Ralston’s inauguration in January, but due to inclement weather, they were unable to attend.

The invitation was then extended for February 9th. The chorus was recognized to the House by the Speaker as they sat in the gallery, then they

performed on the steps of the North Wing. They sang three patriotic songs, two by composer Hank Fellows, who the chorus students have been writing to, and one written by Miss Mikayla Dittman, a student at FCHS. That song was written last year when Mikayla was in the Middle School chorus songwriting class.

Front L to R: Crystal Walden, Caitlin Ware, Speaker David Ralston,

Lois Smith (Director) Row 1: Sage Kafsky, Brittany Raper, Caitlyn Rhodes, Kimberly Gravely, Kayla Ferrell, Lorrena Young, Kayla Barriault, Anna Birchmore, Kaitlin Wimpy, Karen Davis, Iris Crowder, Taylor Ponton. Row 2: Mary Stillwell, Sarah Allen, Grace Walker, Kennedy Wardsworth, Emily Carey, Brenna Arp-LaFrance, Ashleigh Sluce, Madison Herr, Kiara Collins, See CHORUS, page 3A

911 address resolution showing results

By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

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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 board’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 structure’s driveway.

Oliver reported that already 50 to 60 rental property owners had called to verify their addresses. For seven or eight, the department had incorrect addresses, and three properties with active phones weren’t in the database, he said.

“We’ve had a lot of good progress with that. We’re encouraged that people are verifying this,� 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 during the recent snowstorm. “That’s the reputation we need to get up in these mountains,� he said.

Post 2 Commissioner Steve Morris praised emergency workers. “These guys continually do a phenomenal job. I’m amazed at what they get done short-handed and with what they have,� he said.

In other business, commission-

FANNIN COUNTY WEATHER THURSDAY

36Âş/23Âş

FRIDAY

43Âş/26Âş

SATURDAY

46Âş/27Âş

SUNDAY

48Âş/29Âş

MONDAY

49Âş/32Âş

TUESDAY

46Âş/30Âş

WEDNESDAY

48Âş/29Âş

ers 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 Whitehead 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 Authority approved the lease of two new patrol cars for the sheriff’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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GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

CO LU MNS & O P I N I O NS

By Jim Fitzgerald

LEANING Â LEFT

Sentinel Guest Columnist

As I sit in Guam, half the world away from the American South, I realize the power of the internet and satellite television. The political debates in the US are evident even here. After watching Fox News and reading several letters to the editor that were posted online, I am reminded that conservatives continue to present themselves as little more than hysterical children throwing a temper tantrum. Temper tantrums require little more than pique over not getting ones way. They bear little relationship to reason or fact, just anger, pure unadulterated anger.

For more than two years, I have been arguing that people who complain about the decline of America should provide specific examples and cease speaking in broad, general terms. As one example of the latter, a recent letter writer sounded the alarm about DC– but offered not one ounce of proof. It was an emotional argument totally lacking reason or common sense. The writer wrote, “Washington has been hijacked by a group of ungodly, self-seeking, anti-American’s bent on destroying our country and the Constitution upon which it was formed under God.� The letter went downhill from there. Obviously, Democrats were the target of this vacuous diatribe.

It is so easy to rant and rave.

However, it is another thing entirely to support such meaningless drivel with concrete examples that a reasonable person would agree buttresses the complaint. But then, it is very difficult to study an issue and understand its complexity.

One has to wonder who hijacked

Washington. Obama was elected by a wide, uncontested margin. His or her constituents duly elected every Representative and Senator. A majority of the Senate duly confirmed every Supreme Court Justice. In other words, Washington reflects the electorate. Washington reflects the form of government our ancestors thought would be best for the country. Is the letter writer suggesting our ancestors made a terrible mistake? I suppose the writer wants to “take back America,� a phrase often heard from conservatives, but from whom?

The writer asserts that the Constitution was founded on Christian principles. As I have said before, if you look at what some of our founding fathers said, it becomes clear that they were more interested in freedom of, and from, religion. For example, John Adams is quoted as saying: "This would be the best of all possible worlds if there were no religion in it." Then we have Benjamin Franklin who is quoted as saying: "Lighthouses are more useful than churches."

Thomas Jefferson, a Deist, is quoted as saying, "Christianity is the most perverted system that ever shone on man." These men were not opposed to Christianity but they understood the evils of merging church and state. Modern conservatives, especially Southern conservatives, seem to believe just the opposite. They seem to forget that the Constitution grants minorities the same rights as the majority. Conservatives have all the earmarks of wanting to force their views on everyone, an arrogant stance that defies the basic principles of our Democracy. So, who is trying to hijack the Constitution and pervert it with their prescrip-

tion for life?

As for destroying our country, the conservative temper tantrums and obstructionism appear to be doing more to cripple this country than anything progressives have done, either now or in the past. Their hypocrisy is appalling; too bold to be believed. For example, Sarah Palin rails against government health care, equating it to death panels and big government’s intrusion into our lives. All the while, her grandson, Tripp, is on government health insurance. If she felt so strongly against government-sponsored health insurance, she could surely afford to enroll him in private insurance. Alternatively, consider the conservative congressional representatives who vote against the recovery act and then took credit for funding local projects in their districts. Finally, as I have pointed out before, watch the tea party rail against career politicians while re-electing them.

I would suggest that conservatives rejoin our Democracy by realizing that at least half of the country has ideas that are different then conservative views. They should realize that what has prevented a second civil war has been the wisdom of Washington in giving different views a place at the table and melding disparate ideas so that everyone gets something.

To demand it all is to destroy the compromises that have made this country the greatest nation on earth. Moreover, they will fail to gain credibility until they are able to better articulate and support their concerns. Until they do, there cannot be an intelligent national discussion that leads to constructive solutions.

EDITOR'S Â INBOX

Fool me once . . .

To the Editor: The most recent conservative(?) landslide change in congress was driven by something called, “Contract with America� (CWA). This great battle cry radically changed the makeup of congress, sort of. CWA blew in on a platform of eliminating up to five federal departments, including the departments of Education and Energy. Many federal agencies were to bite the dust according to the rhetoric of CWA.  So the key player in CWA left office in shame. The Revolution of ’94 deteriorated into treason against its supporters. The class of ’94 succumbed to the vapors of the D.C. swamp and grew government, increased debt, and brought the country to the very

brink of socialism.  Now comes CWA II and will we fall for it? Shame on us if we do. Those who are hawking CWA II have re-branded themselves as the party of the grassroots; thereby offending the actual grassroots movement to the core. So if your candidate holds himself out to be “grassroots� and offers you a new “contract�; reject him, and shame on you if you don’t. If your candidate opts for a return to Constitutional government, and you believe him, vote him in! Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.   M. J. Blanchard Blairsville

ALLISON Â COLUMN

By REPRESENTATIVE STEPHEN ALLISON State Representative from Georgia 's 8th District

This past Thursday, February 18th, marked the twentieth legislative day and the halfway point of the 2010 Georgia General Assembly session. We have accomplished a great deal up to this point, but there are many tough issues left to confront, including passing a responsible state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2010.

To ensure we look at every option and cut spending in the most responsible way, House and Senate leaders agreed to take the next two weeks to focus primarily on the budget. Beginning Monday, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will take the unprecedented step to meet jointly midsession and dig into the budget line by line. Due to the continued decline of our state’s revenues, it is important we work together with our counterparts in the Senate, along with the Governor, to create a balanced budget that will foster an economic climate in our state and create more jobs for Georgians.

Nearly everyone has made sacrifices during these difficult economic times, including our teachers, yet

some school systems have given pay raises to administrators and superintendents even while requiring furloughs and pay reductions from other educational staff. I believe this is not only unfair but is also truly unjust.

To make sure this does not occur again, the House passed House Bill 977 this week. HB 977 simply states that if a local board of education furloughs teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, support staff, or other non-administrative positions during a school year, then that local board of education shall not use any state funds to provide a salary increase for the local school superintendent or administrators during that school year. If a school board tries to raise the pay of the superintendent or an administrator through the use of private or other non-state funds, then they must make the public aware by holding hearings to explain their reasoning.

While teachers and other state employees are being asked to make sacrifices financially, we should also acknowledge those fine men and women who are willing to make an even greater sacrifice by serving in

the United States military. I believe that we should do everything we can to make their life easier while they are overseas serving our nation. This is why I was proud to help the House pass House Bill 665. This legislation will make voting simpler and more reliable for overseas military personnel by creating a pilot program that allows for the electronic transmission of absentee ballots.

The House also passed House Bill 122 this week. This bill makes local governments more accountable by requiring counties and municipalities with an annual budget exceeding $1 million to post certain budget information to a searchable website.

This website will allow Georgians to see the budgets of their local governments for the first time. We all deserve to know how our tax dollars are spent-especially in times like these.

Over the next two weeks as I delve into the budget line by line, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions or comments.

This is a very important time in state government and your voice needs to be heard. You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0177.

The Green Column In order for the green movement to create jobs, a long bridge must be crossed, that of education. Local green builders deal with a lack of training among their workers.

Organizations like the Southern Appalachian Sustainable Building Council and local builders associations have approached local high schools and community colleges about creating green building programs.

The schools are interested in helping people fit into the local job market. But the colleges have a valid concern. Setting up a program like this, organizing a curriculum, and hiring teachers is all very expensive. What if they build it and no one comes? They need to see an interest in taking these courses.

Are you a laid off construction worker? Are you tired of watching TV reruns? Can you invest some of this time learning about green building? Is there financial aid for your job training? Research on line, ask the employment office, the local colleges.

Meanwhile do your own self education. The Internet has a mountain of information. If you are not on line, do your research for free at the library. Start on these web sites: buildingscience.com,

By RICHARD C . MACCREA Andrews Valley Initiative rmaccrea@verizon.net

southface.org, healthybuilthomes. org. epa.gov/greenbuilding/, and usgbc.org. Research phrases like green construction, energy efficient buildings, etc.

There are many promising fields in green construction: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) systems consume more energy in our buildings than anything else. Learning how to design and install more efficient systems could help people reduce their cost of living while keeping them more comfortable.

Insulation installers are key to making buildings efficient. There is a huge need to bring older buildings up to standard. This is our largest potential for reducing energy consumption. Many times the energy savings can pay for the improvements.

Energy raters are trained experts at finding ways to reduce energy loss. They might pressure test the building and its HVAC system for leaks. Thermal imaging photography can identify where the hidden leaks are. Computer software can be used to create an energy model of the structure to help them calculate the best ways to save energy for that specific building.

There is also a need for radon remediation. Home inspections often uncover unhealthy levels of radon in our local homes, and this can stand in the way of a sale.

Study areas outside your field.

Understanding how all the systems of a building work together is very important for everyone working on green projects. It can also put you ahead of the line for re-employment, and you will be more proud of your work.

There are many other possibilities. Maybe you are ingenious enough to discover a new way to help people reduce energy costs.

The next column will be about Radon, a radioactive gas in our buildings. 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’m often captivated with reading the history of early medicine and about the amazing men that figured things out and had courage to work toward progress often with no encouragement--they were often ridiculed by their colleagues. After many years of hard and unrecognized work, there often were no honors or recognition for their great contributions to science, and of saving lives which today we should all be ever grateful. Only after many years or even after their death were these men honored and placed in some of our history books.

Hippocrates, a Greek physician (5th & 4th centuries B.C.) who is referred to as the Father of Medicine, because he was the first healer to attempt to record medical experiences for future reference. By so doing he established the foundation for the scientific basis of medical practice. If you have the chance read the Hippocratic Oath, it is as pertinent today as in 4th century B.C.! Graduating medical students for centuries have stood to swear to its provisions (either unaltered or with modifications). In summary, this famous testament contains both affirmations and prohibitions.

It begins with pledges to the gods and to teachers as well as future students. The prohibitions are against harm to the patient, deadly drugs, abortion, surgery (only by trained surgeons), sexual congress with the patient or his household, and revelation of secrets discovered while ministering to the sick. The duties are to act with purity and holiness.

(Its length is about five paragraphs).

Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) is best known for his work on the improvement of the microscope and for his contribution toward the establishment of microbiology. Using his handcrafted microscopes he was first to observe and describe single celled organisms. Van Leeuwenhoek was not educated at the university—he was a tradesman—he never wrote books, just many letters. He spent his free time grinding increasingly tiny lenses to use in microscopes

By CLAUDIA PARKS RN Columnist

and to record and describe many different organisms. Leeuwenhoek enjoyed a rare distinction among revolutionary discoverers, in that he was widely recognized and honored for his genius in his own time—one being the future Queen Ann of England.

Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), a French chemist and bacteriologist who founded the science of microbiology. His greatest accomplishments were in the field of bacteriology and immunology.

He developed the technique of immunization and produced vaccines—rabies, cholera, anthrax.

He saved the silk worms in France and worldwide and we see his name daily—pasteurized—on your milk cartons and other liquids. The process of heating a fluid at a moderate temperature for a definite period of time in order to destroy undesirable bacteria without changing to any extent its chemical composition.

Pasteur paid tribute to Edward Jenner (1749-1823), a British physician who invented the vaccination for smallpox.

Baron Joseph Lister (1827-1912) a British surgeon who developed the technique of antiseptic surgery. Without this, modern surgery would not be possible. He gives credit to Ignaz Semmelweis (18181865) of Vienna who recognized that women were dying at an exorbitant rate after childbirth (puerperal/childbed fever). You would have thought that simply washing

your hands would have been accepted by other physicians—but it wasn’t—he was ostracized by them.

It was not until after his death when Lister picked up the ball and started preaching the same sermon of “washing your hands� before surgery—not until around 1880 did the surgeons decide to start washing their hands! This was also “pushed� by the nurses of that day—they saw the need!

It is the Doctrine of Semmelweis which lies at the foundation of all our practical work of today‌ Sir William J. Sinclair, 1909. Without Semmelweis my achievements would be nothing. To this great son of Hungary, Surgery owes most.

Lord Joseph Lister, 1906.

This article ended up a history lesson, but many of us can still relate to a fantastic historical discovery in our lifetime—Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert Sabin who developed the vaccine for poliomyelitis. We remember the mass inoculation trial in 1954 and then three or four years later the Sabin “oral vaccine� was given. We have seen much progress over the years for which we should be grateful.

Let me remind you of those nasty little (unseen) germs out there— this is why we constantly push “wash your hands�! Also, keep the surfaces in your kitchen clean and remember to properly store your food in the refrigerator. Thank goodness we have the many vaccines to keep us from having epidemics of these fatal diseases. This reminds me—I’m due a tetanus booster!

Claudia Parks, RN, is a former doctor’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 make their home in the beautiful north Georgia Mountains, near Blairsville. Claudia can be reached at yhm@windstream. net

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A Balanced Budget is crucial Both voted against bill, yet lobbied for stimulus funds behind closed doors to our Economic Growth

Highlight Hypocrisy of Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson on Economic Recovery Act Marking the one-year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Democratic Party of Georgia calls attention to the hypocrisy of Senator Saxby Chambliss and Senator Johnny Isakson, who voted against the Act but privately lobbied for stimulus funds.

In separate press releases last February, Senator Isakson claimed that the Recovery Act was an example of “throwing money at the symptoms� of the recession, while Senator Chambliss said it was proof that “Washington is more concerned with pet projects than with the welfare of taxpayers.�

However, both senators later

tried to steer $50 million in stimulus money for a bio-energy project in Tifton, a project that both senators voted against with the Recovery Act. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates federal money for numerous projects that benefit Georgia, including: r 'JOBODJBM BJE GPS OFFE CBTFE students at major universities, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University and others. r 1VSDIBTF PG WFIJDMFT PS JOcreased technology for police in the counties of Coffee, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Walton, Whitfield, and the cities of Acworth, Dub-

lin, Forest Park, Helen, Macon, Moultrie, Powder Springs and Tifton among others. r 5FBDIFS SFUFOUJPO BOE IJSing in the counties of Clarke and Hancock, among others. r 6QLFFQ PO USBOTQPSUBUJPO infrastructure, including bridge construction and replacement throughout the state.  “Senators Chambliss and Isakson have called the Recovery Act wasteful, yet agree that these funds benefit our state by asking for them behind closed doors,� said Jane Kidd, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. “They continue to play Washington games with our state’s future.�

middle of the year. TDOT then will decide whether to begin the process of putting together an environmental impact statement.

If the decision is made to go ahead, TDOT has set dates of July 2012 for a draft environmental impact statement, June 2013 for a final statement and November 2013 for a record of decision. Public comment and involvement will be requested throughout the process.

Those who were unable to attend the February meetings may still submit their comments by going to http://www.tdot.state. tn.us/CorridorK/involvement. htm to join the mailing list, make a comment online or print a comment sheet that may be mailed to TDOT. Although comparisons of the various options are not yet available on the site, Weisner said they should be added soon. All comments must be submitted by March 10.

U.S. 64/Corridor K is a route on the Appalachian Development Highway System envisioned in the 1960s by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The aim was to spur economic development between Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tenn., on the west and Asheville, N.C., on the east.

The transportation planning process was initiated in December 2008. The first set of public meetings occurred in July 2009.

The initial plan was scrapped in August 2009, and new options were developed. A draft environmental impact statement from 2003 was discarded, also.

The draft Transportation Planning Report has identified a number of issues with the present roadway. It does not meet National Truck Network design standards; lacks shoulders, guardrails and detours; and can be easily obstructed by accidents, inclement weather and rock slides.

TDOT has estimated that rock slides on U.S. 64, one occurring in November 2009 and another in January 2010, will be cleared by the end of March. Estimated cost for clean-up of the November slide alone is $2.1 million. It was awarded in an emergency contract to Charles Blalock & Sons of Sevierville, Tenn.

Rock Slides: Continued from page 1A

it into a two- or four-lane highway to building two- or four-lane highways north or south of the present road to a combination of improvements.

Costs ranged as high as an estimated $1.29 billion for Option 3, which would include a tunnel and a four-lane highway. Estimates for all options do not include the cost for treatment of pyritic rock or community or environmental mitigation.

Pyrite is the most common mineral in the Southern Appalachians.

When exposed to air either naturally or by construction, it breaks down into iron and sulfur. The iron and sulfur form sulfuric acid, which creates acidic runoff can kill aquatic life.

Each of the options impacts the environment differently. Participants chose among the options for various reasons, including safety; access to markets, jobs, services and recreation; impacts to forest vegetation, wildlife habitat, protected species, water quality, wilderness experience, existing scenic views, new scenic opportunities, and economic development; construction costs; impact of geology and soils; and travel time.

TDOT estimates that the Transportation Planning Report, which was drafted after 2009 public workshops, will be finalized by the

CRT members include nearby residents and business and community leaders. Members were chosen by Polk and Bradley county officials, chambers of commerce, school officials, development officials, and environmental groups. The group provides input to TDOT, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Halfway through session, the Senate and House have passed a Fiscal Year 2010 Amended budget that takes us to July 1 and has been reduced to $15.5 billion.

We’re operating on 23 % less than we were in 2009, and still trying to provide the same level of government service to an evergrowing population. If this isn’t bad enough, the FY11 numbers look even worse. The legislature has decided to recess for 10 days until March 8 to allow lawmakers and budget writers time to grapple with how to balance next year’s budget that could have a more than $1 billion gap. Producing a balanced budget is our constitutional obligation, and with collapsing revenues, it’s going to be a tough job. This is the people’s money we’re spending, and we need to do it right. Our goal is to develop a spending plan that uses every dollar wisely and We are in the process of adjusting the FY11 budget back to 2005 revenue levels with approximately 600,000 more Georgians added to our population since then. Due to previous cuts in the 2009 and 2010 budgets, our budget make-up consists of 57% education (K-12 and universities combined), 15% health services, 6% Department of Corrections, 3% for human services (DFCS, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance), and 11% for all other agencies. To say that we have some “tough choices� ahead is a colossal understatement.

Some suggest that raising taxes and fees is a simple and quick fix to adjusting revenues. This bandaid approach could not come at a worse time for hard-working families around the state already struggling to make due with less and businesses that are being forced to cut jobs and trim payroll.

Creating more jobs and getting people back to work re-

By Sen. CHIP PEARSON Columnist

mains our top priority. The best way to turn Georgia’s economy around is to cultivate the right environment for businesses to grow and expand so people can get back to work. The state budget is an important part of that climate, and must focus on less spending, lower taxes, providing business growth incentives and finding government efficiencies to spur economic development.

The national economy is beginning to show signs of stabilization, but we won’t begin to feel the relief in Georgia for a while.

Thousands of Georgians are still looking for work amid one of the most severe recessions our state has seen. Permanent job creation is the best catalyst for Georgia’s economic recovery.

That recovery also hinges on how we utilize public funds to operate the state. Part of the budgeting process is looking at every area of every agency to analyze where the best efficiencies can be found. In that same vein, I’ve sponsored a bill that will help us look at state dollars spent on growing Georgia’s economy.

Funding for economic development projects and programs is scattered throughout state government, and we need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to promote job creation and growth.

Senate Bill 374 creates a legislative oversight council to review all state funds and programs associated with economic development. The council will oversee the state’s overall economic development strategy and ensure that funds, policies, programs and regulation are aligned to maximize job creation and business growth. Essentially, we’ll be able to keep our finger on the pulse of economic development throughout the state. There are currently at least five state entities that dispense dollars for economic development, including the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, One Georgia Authority and the University System of Georgia. The council will undertake an annual review of the Department of Economic Development’s activities and expenditures, as well as all related economic development funds and programs in other departments and authorities, to see how they work together to advance the state’s overall strategic vision for Economic Development.

As we move through the budget process, we’ll continue to look for conservative solutions that grow our economy. I’m confident that we’ll produce a budget that aligns our efforts to promote job creation so that we can get Georgians back to work as quickly as possible.

Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate. ga.gov.

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DFCS: Continued from page 1A

fice of Financial Independence) position. The OFI position will most probably review food stamp applications at this time and is funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), she specified. The temporary positions are funded through September.

The case manager position is available at www.dhrjobs.org.

Usually, it requires an applicant to have a bachelor's degree in social work and a year of experience, Henson explained. However, Fannin County has received permission to omit or change some of the requirements, she Mary Hopkins, Opal Adams and Raymond Verner, all of Turtletown, listen to Jeff Weisner, a URS consultant for TDOT. stated. "For our county, the state is willing to look at individuals outside the social work specific degree," she said.

Continued from page 1A Henson stated it's been tough for her and her staff, given the Courtney Combs. Row 3: Amber The Middle School Chorus has To pre order tickets, call 706-633loss of four employees and an Gilliland, Kaylee Henry, Beth Thig- been invited to got to Washington 6213. increase in demand for servicpen, Nikki Krueger, Ashley Johns, DC in August. Each student must es. "We've been working longer Krista Hedrick, Caitlyn Thompson, raise at least $500. To help with that Spaghetti Spring Dinner Rachel Kendall, Howie Wright. expense, several fundraisers have March 12th at the Middle Row 4: Emily Kaylor, Hanna Bryant, been set up, including: School cafeteria Lindsey Arp, Ashton DeCosta, Sarah  Dinner served from 6-7:30 p.m.

Pirkle, Haley Griffin, Kimberly Petty, Professional Wrestling with Jake Adult Couples $16, Individual AARP is offering free tax prepJessi Dockery, Jacklyn Schnuphase, The Snake Roberts and other Super- Adults $8, Kids $5, Family of 4 $25. aration for seniors and low- to Dylan Bradburn. Row 5: Dominique stars Contact Alisa Bryant for details, moderate-income taxpayers at Davis, Brittany Collis, Kelsey McGill, Feb 27th at 8 p.m. in the Fannin 706-633-7953 the Morganton Baptist AssociaMiKayla Dittman, Chris Brewer, Ra- County Middle School gym. tion Building.

No appointment is chel Joiner, Emily Morgason, Adrian Adults $8, Kids $6, Middle School Proceeds benefit the FCMS chonecessary; just bring all tax docuMarine Students $4. rus trip to Washington DC. ments, Social Security cards, and,

Chorus:

hours, harder, more constructively. We're burning the midnight oil. I've got very dedicated staff. We're fortunate to have veteran staff," she said.

One of the departed case managers handled 700 cases alone, she observed.

Henson showed board members statistics for fiscal year 2010 that included January's numbers. They show food stamp applications at a high of 1,395 in January. At the end of the month, the office had 1,395 households qualifying for and using food stamps.

TANF applications were at 15 in January, down from highs of 22 in August and 17 in September. The total number of families using this assistance was 24, the highest amount for the fiscal year.

Family Medicaid applications were 109 for January, close to the high of 110 in August. By the

AARP Free Tax Service if possible, last year’s return to the building from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

E-filing is available. The service is offered through April 9. The Morganton Baptist Association Building is located just off Hwy. 515 next to Serenity in the Mountains.

end of January, 1,214 families were using the aid, which was almost the lowest amount during the fiscal year.

ABD Medicaid assists with some or all medical expenses for Georgians who are aged (65 years or older), blind, or disabled. January applications tied the high of 56 from August. Total cases were 697, one of the lowest numbers for the fiscal year so far.

As of the end of January, 42 children were in foster care.

Eight new investigative cases for abuse, neglect or similar problems were opened during the month, and 18 previous clases were closed. There were 22 ongoing child protective services cases at the end of January, with nine new ones opened and 11 closed during the month.

During the meeting, Henson requested permission to upgrade six computers after a check showed that purchase of random access memory (RAM) sticks would speed them up.

Estimated cost, she said, is between $35 and $55 for each stick. Board members approved the purchase.

The next meeting of the DFCS board of directors is March 18 at 4 p.m. at 990 East Main Street, Suite 10, in Blue Ridge.

Page 4A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

C A L E NDA R

U n i o n : U p c o m i n g E ve n t s Free native plant symposium February 20, 9am-3pm at NC Arboretum, Asheville, presented by NC Native Plant Society.

Ed Schwartzman, NCDENR, Natural Heritage Program, presents on flora of Nantahala River; Scott Dean, WNC Naturally, on Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildflower hike and many other presentations. Brought to you by Gardens of The Blue Ridge & Carolina Native Nursery. RSVP, mitch@ ncwildflower.org or visit, http://www.ncwildflower. org/index.php/site/event_details/1445/

Community Night

Brothers Restaurant At Willow Ranch on Highway 76, Young Harris Tuesday, March 2, From 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM What a great way to have a great meal and also benefit a worthy cause. Please mention to the hostess when you walk into the restaurant that you are supporting Castaway Critters.

A volunteer from Castaway Critters will be there to answer any of your questions regarding their nonprofit organization.

Emergency bicycle repair class Blairsville Bikes & Boards Thursday evening

To benefit Castaway Critters Pet Rescue

April 1st. 7 PM The class is free and will be approx. 1 hours long. Topics covered will be basic bicycle repairs for trail or road, like fixing a flat, broken chain, minor brake & shifter adjustments, and a proactive pre-ride check over. The necessary tools you will need & how to use them. So you will hopefully never have to push your bike out.

For more info call the shop @ 706 745 8141. Or stop by @ 49 Blue Ridge St. Blairsville GA. Located in historic downtown. Bring your bike if you like (optional) & and what ever beverage you want to drink. Coffee & Soft Drinks are available at the shop.

SABAmember & supporter offering 10% discounts to SABA members

U n i o n : R e c u r r i n g Eve n t s ily 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.

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 Group— 3rd Monday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at The Cancer Treatment Center Auditorium, 750 Deep South Road, Blairsville.

Parkinson’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) 7456594 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 Men’s Morning Coffee Group at Mary Ann’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 828-389-0295.

Narcotics Anonymous Weekly Meetings List

Mondays - 7 p.m. 12-Step meeting at Union County Annex Building located at 71 Hospital Street. This is an open meeting. Union County AntiDrug 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 706-745-4066.

Bereavement Support Group - Meeting Changes

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 1-800-577-8791 or 706-896-1251 for more information.

Young Anon

Harris

Al

The Young Harris Al Anon Fam-

Your Journey from Mourning to Joy

GriefShare is a Biblically-based weekly support group for people grieving the death of someone close. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable information that

ACTIVITIES 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.

GWRRA meets

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’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, 706896-7403

Tri-State Women

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 706-745-6370.

Mountain Sounds Dulcimer Club

We meet every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 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!

Just 4 Hours

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 706-781-3992 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 706835-9010.

Experimental AirAssociation Business craft The Experimental Aircraft Asso-

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 706-781-1050.

Ga. Mtn. Club

Writers

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 elected officers and meet to share our writings 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 – and maybe acquire a new interest.

Call for information: Larry Casey at 781-6636 or Ellie Dobson at 7450678.

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.

ciation - 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.

Mountain High Hikers Schedule

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.

Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is dedicated to serving and supporting young people in the immediate area around Blairsville through numerous projects. The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobb’s 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)781-6793.

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.

Saved by Grace Full Gospel Church will be having a All Weekend Service on Saturday, February 20th- Sunday 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

Forming Gourmet Dinner Club

Share superb dinners with other fine 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 706-835-5007

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 hold a Crafts and Bake Sale to benefit 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.

ers Guild meets on the 2nd Wed. of each month from 9:45 until 2:00 at the Shooting Creek Community Center (fire station) 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 Victoria’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

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: 706745-7201

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

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. Don’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, you’ll be glad you did.

of

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is to be held March 2nd and will begin with a special technical session to discuss and demonstrate interfacing/using N1MM logging/contesting software. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Amateur license testing will be held on March 13th in Blairsville.

Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information and/or make an appointment.

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Upcoming Events MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of WKH 0LOLWDU\ 2IĂ€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€FHUV ZDUUDQW RIĂ€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.

Union Community Prayer Meeting

The Patriots of Union County meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 P.M. at the Civic Center (next

2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics and field trips.

meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at

Computer Club

Shooting Creek Bas- Patriots ket Weavers Guild County The Shooting Creek Basket Weav-

This Thursday, February 11,2010 a community prayer meeting will be held at WKH )DQQLQ &RXQW\ (07 RIĂ€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

Feed Fannin and Quinn's Greenhouse sponsor Seminar

Feed Fannin and Quinn's Greenhouse are sponsoring a hands-on seminar for home gardeners on plant propagation Saturday, February 27 at 10:00 and 6:00 at Quinn's Greenhouse, 1060 W. Tennessee Ave.; McCaysville, GA. Free seed starter kit for all participants while supplies last. Call 706492-4219 for more information.

Worth Considering A thought for today

Business

Women business owners in the tristate 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.tristatebusinesswomen.com.

Republican Women of Union County

“Delightful task! To rear the tender thought, To teach the young idea how to shoot.�                                -James Thompson (1834-1882)

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 Bagpipe Instruction schoolers The Appalachian Saint Andrew’s Pipes 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 Clare’s Episcopal Church for instruction and practice.

For further information, please call 706-835-9071 or 706-745-3526.

Church

Pre-

MOPS International, a non-profit 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 office at 706745-2469 for more information or email us at mopsofblairsville@gmail. com.

Smokie Mountain Melodies

Smokie Mountain Melodies is a ladies barbershop-style chorus whose members come from five counties in North Georgia 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.

The teacher holds keys to knowledge, Leads tender minds to apply wisdom.

Can you think of a greater calling Than to be a teacher?

To arouse dormant ideas, to foster thinking?

In each classroom future leaders in every field Await direction and motivation from a teacher. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -Ethelene Dyer Jones

7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\ ‡ GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 5A

CO M MUN I T Y

BUTTERWORTH Â COLUMN

By Sen. JIM BUTTERWORTH Columnist

Our top priority this session is enacting policy focused on job creation and economic growth. But there is no debate; the 2011 budget is the biggest challenge we have.

Georgia’s budget is a paramount challenge and the unprecedented nature of the dire situation calls for a focused approach. Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed a $18.2 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2010 with a projected 4 percent revenue growth, which some now say may be far too optimistic. It only assumes a $1.35 billion shortfall.

Unless revenue collections grow the remainder of the fiscal year, the state will end the year with a $235

million deficit. Therefore, the Senate will be in recess for two weeks, working and focusing on Georgia’s budget. Balancing the budget is our constitutional obligation and it must be done the right way in order to create an economic climate in Georgia that will provide more jobs - our top priority.

We are in the process of adjusting FY11 budget back to 2005 revenue levels with approximately 600,000 more Georgians added to our population since then. Due to previous cuts in the 2009 and 2010 budgets, our budget make-up consists of 57 percent education (k-12 & universities combined), 15 percent health services, 6 percent Department of Corrections, 3 percent

Tributes Helen Agnes Beal

Mrs. Helen Agnes Beal, age 81, of McCaysville, GA passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 in the Copper Basin Medical Center.

Mrs. Beal was born on Sunday, March 25, 1928 in Aberdeen, Scotland, to Francis Robb and Blanche Watson Robb. She was of the Presbyterian Faith.

Mrs. Beal was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ulmont Jr. Beal, and one daughter Debra Porter.

Honoring Mrs. Beal’s request, there will be cremation with no service at this time. Finch-Cochran Funeral Home McCaysville, GA was in charge of arrangements. www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Basil Gordon Ford

Mr. Basil Gordon Ford, 68, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday evening, February 17, 2010 in Union General Hospital in Blairsville. Basil was born on February 13, 1942, in Jenessee, Michigan, a son of the late Basil Gordon Ford, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth Lee Ford. He had been living in Blairsville since 2002, moving here from Flint, Michigan. Basil attended The House of Prayer Interdenominational Church in Blairsville, where he was a faithful member. He worked tirelessly in serving others and gave unselfishly of hsi time and talents

Cynthia Ann Reamsnyder

Mrs. Cynthia Ann Reamsnyder, age 62, of McCaysville, GA passed away February 18, 2010 at her home.

Mrs. Reamsnyder was born on February 24, 1947 in Auburn, IN, to Richard Refner & Virginia Seigel Refner. She was the pastor’s wife and a member of McCaysville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include: husband, Rev. Terry Reamsnyder; daughter & son-in-law, Paula & Howard Walker of Johnstown, PAson, Michael Thompson of West Palm Beach, FL; daughters & sons-in-law,, Ann & Rusty Christopher of Alpharetta, GA, brother & sister-in-law, Richard & Jean Refner of Adrain, MI, sisters & brothers-in-law, Linda & Todd Herrick of Bay Harbor, MI,

Betty F. Rogers

Betty F. Rogers, 67 years old of Mineral Bluff, GA , passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, Februar y 11, 2010.

She was born in Fannin County, GA on August 6, 1942 the daughter of Claude and Lou Arp Hawkins.

She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was active in her church.

Sur viving are: daughter & son in law, Lisa & Marion McFarland, son, Scott Rogers, daughter & son in law, Lori & Brent Carter, daughter & son in law, Leslie & Ryan Patterson, daughter, Lanita Rogers, brother, E.J. Hawkins, sisters, Ellen Byrd, Ruth Ware, and Alice Champion, granddaughters, Alicia McFarland, Kaitlyn Bolling , and Emilie Bolling , grandsons, Kacey Carter, Josh McFarland, Kevin Carter, Hunter Patterson, Chase Bolling , and Cole Bolling. She was preceded in death by husband, Vaughn Ray Rogers,

for human services (DFCS, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and 11 percent for all other Agencies. To say we have some “tough choices� ahead is a colossal understatement.

The 2011 budget may very well have to go beyond the appropriations process and statutory changes may have to be considered.

Some suggest that raising taxes and fees is a simple and quick fix to adjusting revenues. This band-aid approach could not come at worse time for hard-working families around the state already struggling to make due with less and businesses that are being forced to cut jobs and trim payroll.

It is paramount we take time to go over every area of every agency

to analyze where the best efficiencies can be found. Our Senate budget team, alongside our Budget Task Force of top business and economic experts around the state, are working toward identifying wasteful government spending while protecting vital areas such as education and public safety. It is a long process that must allow every idea and avenue to be laid on the table for discussion. Our state’s future is too important to rush through this budget and not identify commonsense, fiscally responsible solutions that will move Georgia toward a prosperous and bright tomorrow.

While the budget is the top challenge, our top priority must be job creation and economic growth for

Georgia. The national economy is beginning to show signs of stabilization, but we won’t begin to feel the relief in Georgia for a while.

Thousands of Georgians are still looking for work amid one of the most severe recessions our state has seen. The best way to turn Georgia’s economy around is to cultivate the right environment for businesses to grow and expand so people can get back to work.

Permanent job creation is the best catalyst for Georgia’s economic recovery.

We must continue our conservative leadership of less spending, lower taxes, providing business growth incentives and finding government efficiencies to spur economic development. Conservative leadership in Georgia has a proven record of reducing inefficiencies, while increasing investments in those limited areas where state gov-

James Milton Rusk

Mr.James Milton Rusk age 71 of Leisure Time Rd.Blairsville passed away on Monday Feb.15,2010 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness.Mr.Rusk was born on July 8,1938 in Miami,FL.,the son of the late Fred Rusk and the late Harriett Wallis Rusk.He was a veteran of the US Air Force of the Vietnam War.He was a loving father,brother and grandfather.Mr.Rusk was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr.Rusk are two sons and daughter in laws,Kenneth and DeAnn Rusk of Naples,FL.,James and Jana Rusk of Winder,GA.,one daughter and son in law,Karen and Jody Charette of Windsor

Mrs. Helen Agnes Beal, age 81, of McCaysville, GA passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 in the Copper Basin Medical Center.  Mrs. Beal was born on Sunday, March 25, 1928 in Aberdeen, Scotland, to Francis Robb and Blanche Watson Robb. She was of the Presbyterian Faith.  Mrs. Beal was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ulmont Jr. Beal, and one daughter Debra Porter.  Honoring Mrs. Beal’s request, there will be cremation with no service at this time.  Finch-Cochran Funeral Home McCaysville, GA Rev. George David Seymour was in charge of arrangements. www.cochranfuneralRev.George David Seymour age 88 of Mauney Circle Blairshomes.com ville entered into a new life on Thursday Feb.18,2010 at his home following an extended illness.Mr.Seymour was born on April 25,1921 in Wise County,VA.,the son of the late Patrick Henry Seymour and the late Eliza Haley Bell Hamin every area of his life. Basil was a part of the staff of mond Seymour.He was a loving husband,brother Elijah's Closet Clothing and Food Bank at House of and a friend to all.He became an evangelist at the Prayer. age of twenty five.He truly loved his lord.He was Surviving Basil are several brothers and preceded in death by two brothers,Jim and Willie sisters. He touched, and blessed many lives Seymour and by two sisters,Mary Lane and Bessie and leaves a legacy of genuine caring and Marie Webster.Mr.Seymour was of the Baptist faith friendship. and also attended many Pentecostal Churches.

Memorial services were held Sunday, Surviving Mr.Seymour are his loving wife and February 21, 2010, at 6:00 p.m., at The best friend of forty nine years,Nina Baker Seymour of House of Prayer Church, with Pastor Jerry Blairsville,one sister,Gladys Faye Barker of Big Stone,VA.,a host Helton and Rev. Bill Honaker officiating. of his church family,many other relatives and friends also surArrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please send condolences to Grover Dell Tanner www.cochranfuneralhomes.com Mr.Grover Dell Tanner age 65 of Carroll Rd.Blairsville entered into a new life on Feb.19,2010 at his home followKathy & Ed Cole of Blairsville, GA, and Sandy & ing an extended illness.Mr.Tanner was born on May 15,1944 Scott Barta of Rossford, OH. in Cherokee County,NC.,the son of the late William Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 27, P.Tanner and the late Evelyn Young Tanner.He was 2010 at 12:30 PM from the United Methodist Church a lifelong resident of Union County.Grover was a of Copperhill. The interment will be in the Pat- loving husband,father,brother and grandfather. terson Cemetery He was preceded in death by his parents,William The family will receive friends at the and Evelyn Tanner,one son,Tony Dewayne Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Friday eve- Tanner,brother,Larry Tanner and one sister,Frances ning, February 26, 2010 from 5:00 PM until Mason Bell.Mr.Tanner was a member of Snow Hill 7:00 PM. Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers you may make donaSurviving are his loving wife and best friend of tions to the Amedeysis Hospice of Blue thirty nine years,Glynda Jones Tanner of Blairsville,one Ridge, 140 Progress Circle, Suite 3, Blue son and daughter in law,Dell and Angela Tanner of Ridge, GA 30513.

Blairsville,two sisters and brother in laws,Eva and Glenn Finch-Cochran Funeral Home McCaysville, GA Wilkins of Culberson,NC.,Omie and Raymond Mashburn is in charge of arrangements. www.cochranfuneralhomes. com

brothers, John Hawkins, James Hawkins, Lynn Hawkins, and Lonas Hawkins, sisters, Monnie Lou Hawkins, Nola Clore, and Bunzie Moore.

Friends were received Saturday, Februar y 13, 2010 at the Henr y-Cochran Funeral Home, Blue Ridge, GA . Ser vices were held at the Henr y Cochran Chapel on Sunday, Februar y 14, 2010 with the Rev. Tully Griggs, Rev. Brent Carter & Rev. Roy Clore officiating. Music was

by A .C. Caylor Family. Pallbearers were: Josh McFarland, Kacey Carter, Kevin Carter, Caleb Baugh, Jerr y Lee Hawkins & Jim Ware. Honorar y Pallbearers were: Charles Hawkins, Cliff Hawkins, LeRoy Hawkins, E.L. Ware & Edward Ware. Interment followed in the Sweet Gum Baptist Church Cemeter y. Arrangements were entrusted to the Henr y Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA . Friends can send their condolences and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com .

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. – 3 p.m.

GAINESVILLE 1315 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Suite 300 Gainesville, GA 30501 Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Call 770-219-6520 to schedule appointments.

ernment has a fiscal responsibility – particularly education. However, as I’ve noted, this is increasingly more difficult when education is 57 percent of the overall state budget.

As this budget process continues, I will continue to work with my colleagues in finding conservative solutions to growing our economy and reducing our state budget.

We must continue to evaluate the role of government in our daily lives and how to get government out of the way to let the citizens of Georgia grow and prosper.

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@ senate.ga.gov.

Locks,CT.,three brothers and two sister in laws,Jerrold and Barbara Rusk of Blairsville,Jack Rusk of Blairsville,John and Luva Rusk of Gainesville,GA.,one sister,Rosella Jean Murray of Blairsville,nine grandchildren,one great grandchild,many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with interment to follow in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family request that memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Mr.Rusk’s memory.

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. mountainviewfuenralhome.com vive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday Feb.21,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.John Wynn,Rev.Jimmy Tanner,Rev.David Hatcher and Rev.Wade Persall officiating.Special music will be presented by Rev. William Sisum,Wade Persall and Mica Tanner.The following gentleman will serve as pallbeaers,Willaim Young,Randy Reynard,Wade Parsall,Ernest Chastain,Travis Henry and Ray Arragata.Interment will follow in the Liberty Hill Methodist Church Cemetery with the Odd Fellows conducting graveside rites.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 4-8pm.

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 of Jasper,GA.,four brothers and three sister in laws,Johnny Tanner of Talking Rock,GA.,Carr and Linda Tanner of Jasper,Jack and Irene Tanner of Murphy,Robert and Wanda Tanner of Jasper,two grandchildren,Dylan and Hannah Tanner of Blairsville,several nieces,nephews,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday Feb.22,2010 at 11:00am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Kenny Beavers and Rev.Guy Bradley officiating.Special music will be presented

by Evan Hughes,Omie,Raymond and Rex.The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers,Clyde,W es,Mike,Junior,David and Ralph Carroll.Interment will follow in the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday and Sunday 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

Shaena B levins, M Georgia P D hys

Northeast

icians Gro up N

eurology

www.ngp g.org

www.ngp g.org

Page 6A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\

CO M MUN I T Y

Prepaying Our Way Out of the Recession Plan Ahead for Safe Senior Driving (NewsUSA) - As signs suggest a slowly improving economy, all Americans agree -; we never want to see another large recession.

Consumers are learning to live within their means. The Obama Administration is considering creation of a new government agency to better protect consumer interests.

There is a huge risk, however, that lawmakers may unwittingly limit access to one of the more important elements for consumer recovery -; network branded prepaid cards.

People need financial products that help them spend within their means.

With prepaid cards, you can't spend more money than you put on the card, so it's easy to stick to a budget and not over-spend.

Prepaid cards also allow those Americans who cannot qualify for credit cards to carry something other than cash. Prepaid cards give a level of secu-

rity that cash cannot, and offer valuable consumer protections. According to a study conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, prepaid payroll cards are less costly than checkcashing services or low-balance checking accounts.

In the wake of the housing collapse and credit crisis, the government must strengthen consumer protections.

However, new regulations should not prevent Americans from buying helpful financial products.

For example, new laws could limit access or increase costs for prepaid cards.

Some suggested regulations would deem prepaid cards "deposit-taking" mechanisms. As such, prepaid cards could only be sold at bank branches.

This would disproportionately penalize the millions of Americans without bank accounts.

Other seemingly innocent requirements would require companies to

send paper statements, even if consumers prefer e-mail or text messages. Still other proposals would punt regulation to the states, allowing a patchwork of state-by-state rules that would serve a limited interest. As is already the case in some states, such as Vermont, state laws could become so prohibitive that they force companies to take their products off the shelf, limiting consumer access.

Regulatory changes need to be weighed against their economic impact and aligned with the way consumers use financial products. Without that balanced view, well-intentioned policy changes could prevent Americans from using tools like prepaid credit cards to control their spending.

Kirsten Trusko is the Executive Director of the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA), an interindustry trade association that works to advance network branded prepaid cards.

Timothy wants you to know...

25

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BUCKS

(828) 389 - 8338

w w w . g e o r g i a s e n t i n e l . c o m SENTINEL NEWS

(NewsUSA) - No one wants to admit that aging affects their ability to drive safely. But experts agree that, although not all drivers are the same, driving ability generally begins to deteriorate around age 55.

Kathleen Marvaso, AAA's vice president of Public Affairs, said that as the population ages, senior-driver safety is becoming an increasingly relevant and challenging issue for many families.

"Many adult children of senior drivers are looking for help navigating this new and sometimes challenging road," she said. "Our research shows that one of the biggest questions is how to begin the conversation."

AAASeniors.com, AAA's senior safety and mobility Web site, offers the following advice: * Plan ahead. It's never too early to begin the conversation. Planning ahead means you can discuss gradual adjustments that may be needed over time as a senior gets older. Sometimes, just a few simple adjustments, such as avoiding night or highway driving, can help prolong a senior's safe driving years. * Approach the conversation with safety as the main objective. Because driving is such a big part of independence, AAA advises to be prepared to face some resistance from the senior driver. Having facts and concrete examples available will help; and a caring tone may make all the difference. * Talk about the issue during discussions about retirement. Take the same careful approach to transportation that

you would with finances and other retirement-related decisions. Future transportation needs may affect other retirement decisions, such as selecting a retirement home. For example, convenience to public transportation or the availability of onsite transportation become important criteria.

"At AAA, we want to foster a society where older adults can remain confident and independent and live to their full potential," Marvaso said.

"AAASeniors.com gives seniors and their families the tools necessary to

create an action plan to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging, and to help seniors drive for as long as safely possible -- and remain mobile thereafter."

In addition to information about how aging affects driving, and tips for talking to seniors about safe driving, AAASeniors.com also provides an expert advice section, driving skills assessment tools, tips for choosing a safer car, fact sheets, brochures, and referrals to driver-improvement courses and free community-based programs.

Birth Announcement Jacqueline Christine Gregory is Born!

Mr. And Mrs. Howard Reid Gregory would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Jacqueline Christine Gregory. Born on February 9th, 2010 at Union General Hospital, delivered by Kevin Davis, MD. The birth weight of the baby was 8 pounds and 20 inches. Mrs. Gregory is the former Tanya Elaine Galbraith.

Arthritis -- Breakthrough Relief For The Rest of Your Life (NewsUSA) - Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which joint cartilage wears away over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one-third of American adults suffer from chronic arthritis.

The pain of osteoarthritis affects not only Americans' joints, but also their wallets. Thirty-three percent of American workers report that arthritis interferes with their ability to perform their job. In 2007, treating arthritis cost $128 billion -- $81 billion in direct ex-

penses, like medical costs, and another $47 billion in lost wages and other indirect costs.

"The pain comes and goes, prevents sleep, makes walking difficult, causes you to drop or spill things, and renders you unable to sign your name or write," writes Dr. Larry Lytle in his book, "Universal Healer: Osteoarthritis." "In short, it is the most common form of disability."

Osteoarthritis cannot currently be cured, but effective non-drug treatments can safely improve the quality of life of millions of people.

Fannin

Sentinel BULLDOG INSPECTIONS Home Inspections, Mold, Radon

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For example, the FDA has recently approved a low-level laser treatment, the QLaser, for treating osteoarthritis in the hands.

The QLaser System helps the body reduce pain by stimulating the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), while also helping the body reduce inflammation, increase circulation, help heal damaged cell membranes and boost cellular energy levels, resulting in less pain and faster healing.

Keeping a device like the QLaser at home can help people ad-

PUBLISHER

Frank Bradley EDITOR

Randal MacCrea

dress their osteoarthritis without turning to costly medical treatments or dangerous drugs.

For more information about the QLaser and to receive a free copy of Dr. Lytle's book, "Universal Healer: Osteoarthritis," go to www.qlasersolutions.com and enter the code 5390 in the dropdown menu. To receive a free information packet by mail, call 1-800597-9231 and use the code 5390 when requested.

Dr. Lytle is available for interviews. To arrange an interview, please e-mail kip@rapidnet.com.

The Fannin Sentinel (USPS # 024-582) is published weekly each Thursday by Sentinel News Group at PO Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30153. Subscriptions are $25 for 1 year in Fannin County; $45 out of area. Single copy rate is 50¢.

Periodical postage is paid at Blue Ridge, GA. To subscribe: call 706.745.6397.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the address listed below: Fannin Sentinel, PO Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

706-745-6397

CORRECTIONS: If you find a mistake of fact in the Fannin Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call or stop in so we can make it right in the next week's edition. Email us at fanninsentinel@gmail.com

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Place your ad in our classifieds and reach thousands of North Georgia readers. Cost is only $5 for the first 10 words for one week in Union, Towns and Fannin Counties.

Call (828) 389-8338

Subscribe to the Sentinel

Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3 p.m.

All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday.

200 - Employment Store Manager Kerr Drug has an immediate opening for a Store Manager in our Hayesville, NC location. Full-time position with benefits. Management experience preferred, retail experience required. Please fax resume to (828) 236-3328. Attn: Dennis Seeney RV Campground Host Needed for Hiawassee. Must be able to do light chores Call Robbie 706-897-1041 CNA’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 For Sale 1996 Kubota 1700 Tractor, only 383 hours, excellent condition.4 ft. Finish Mower, small garden plow. 706-8963548 Dining Table with 4 chairs, Early American Maple, Clean, excellent condition. Oval table with Drop leafs measures 42� x 63� $225.00 Call 706-896-3383

400 - Animals Free beagle to good home 678-520-2863

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types of remodel, and /or repair.

Wood work, sheetrock, plumbing, electrical, flooring, etc. Call Richard at 706-851-6268 Meow Meals on Wheels. Joy/ Glen. $15 per visit- your home; 706-896-9521.

A and R Landscape Residential and Commercial Lawn Care.

Plant, turf and grassing, lot clean-up, mulching and retaining walls. 706-994-2457 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 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

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!

706-896-1380We buy junk, wrecked, rusted old cars and trucks. Call George 706-455-1129

800 - Wanted

just sitting around gathering dust? Donate old iPods and computers, even if they don’t work anymore, to Harrison by contacting hkeely@gmail.com.

Wanted : Old Pinball Machines, Electro-mechanical, Call 828-389-6459

900 - Lost & Found 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

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 Property Rental: Lakefront on Lake Chatuge 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Trailer, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Guest house. Screen porch, Deck and Dock. Unfurnished. $600 a month + Security deposit. Call 706-896-7668 BEAUTIFUL CREEK FRONT CABIN – 2 Bedroom, 1 bath cabin on rush-

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FOR RENT – 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 Bedroom, 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.

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CO M MUN I T Y

Oyer new theater marketing director FOL fundraising shifts into high gear

By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--Angela Oyer, marketing director for Blue Ridge Community Theater, has a vision for the theater and the city.

"What we are trying to do is put Blue Ridge on the map as a cultural center," the petite blonde said.

Initially, that requires introducing people to the theater.

"It's amazing how many people I've come across who've never been to the theater here or never been to the theater anywhere," she said.

The Novice Program provides exposure to the theater even in these tough economic times. The Novice Program permits a theater-goer to bring along a friend or family member to a production for free. The program is sponsored by RiverStone Medical Campus.

"It's really to get the word out for people who've never been to the theater," she said.

Another goal is to get people involved in the Cornerstone Project, which is raising money to convert the theater's present space at 2591 East First Street in Blue Ridge. The former site of an auto parts store, the building is slowly being transformed into a 160-seat theater and box office thanks, mostly, to volunteer help.

Last year, Mr. and Mrs. John Grado offered to match donations up to $125,000. Presently, the theater has raised approximately $52,000 toward that goal, Oyer said.

"That was a great boost," she commented.

"That is our short-term goal--to get this theater built out and, of course, to consistently deliver quality entertainment and to grow," she added.

Oyer emigrated to Canada from Holland when she was 18. In Canada, she dabbled in the theater. After their three children became adults, she and her husband, Steve, moved to Marco Island, Florida, and owned a vacation home in Sarasota Springs, New York. At that time, Oyer was a successful real estate agent with a background in interior design and marketing. She used her arts background to design and stage upscale homes and models.

Her first experience with Blue Ridge Community Theater occurred approximately five years ago when the couple bought a vacation cabin in the area.

"I came to attend a play, and I was blown away by the quality of acting and by the set design. For a small town like this to have that level of acting and set design is phenomenal," she said.

In May 2009, the couple moved to Fannin County permanently. Soon after, Oyer began volunteering at the theater.

"I came in one day and asked if I could help," she said. From stamping and sealing envelopes to answering phones to lending her skills to the design committee to marketing, Oyer's theater responsibilities have grown.

"I've basically joined the theater.

I'm now a board member," she said.

By LISA GAGNON Sentinel WriterÂ

Blue Ridge--A quilt raffle, a bike raffle, a ceramic village raffle, and the May book sale were just a few of the fundraising efforts discussed at the February 8 Friends of the Library (FOL) meeting.

Judy Vannoy reported that she would organize setting up a booth to raise awareness of the library and raffle a bike at the annual Kiwanis fair in late June and the annual rodeo in August. Although she would be out of town the weekend of the fair, she said she'd get everything ready.

President Anne Seay said she would contact local merchants about donating a bicycle to raffle.

Librarian Teresa Haymore said the quilt raffle at the library was very popular. The winner will be chosen March 17.

She added that, presently, a collection of hand-crocheted scarves are in the library's display case, but she plans to display a ceramic village donated by Margaret Mason, beginning in March. The ceramic village consists of five or so pieces and is signed by Loret, Haymore detailed. Board members considered choosing a raffle winner the weekend of Arts in the Park, but did not vote on the issue.

Members also considered raffling a spa basket, as they did last year at Arts in the Park. Vannoy

noted that the basket, donated by Ann Kennedy Studley of Higher Ground Massage and Bodywork Studio, was very popular last year.

Membership Secretary Heidi Rule said that the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church had agreed to let the Friends of the Library hold their book sale at the fellowship hall Memorial Day weekend. She added that children from the church may be available to help set up or take down the book display.

Under new business, Parliamentarian Joe Webb requested that the FOL president and officers be authorized to file any required forms, lobby and set up a committee for the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

The motion was approved. Library supporters are working toward funding a free-standing library through the SPLOST. Webb also requested a motion approving the purchase of 2,000 bumper stickers and 3,000 buttons. After some discussion, members approved the purchase of 2,000 bumper stickers at 25 cents each and 3,000 1.75-inch buttons at 21.8 cents each. After some discussion and Haymore's statement that she would research text other libraries have used, attending members decided that text for the buttons will be determined later.

Haymore also suggested the

FOL research how much it would cost to use the school district's button maker.

Webb was concerned about timely preparation for putting library funding on the ballot. He said the commissioners must vote before the library issue can be put on the ballot July 20. He said that he introduced Fannin County Commissioner Bill Simonds to Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris at a meeting that Sen. David Ralston attended. His hope, he said, was to get them talking about how Union County was able to fund its new library.

Haymore remarked that she and Donna Howell, director of the Mountain Regional Library System, went to the state capital recently to speak to Sen. David Ralston. "He wants the library as bad as we do. He's going to work for us," she said.

Haymore also noted that there is to be a meeting to discuss a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant that may be applicable for improvements to the present library or purchasing land for a new library on March 2 at the Young Harris Library. Five people from the USDA will speak at the 10:30 a.m. meeting, she added.

The Friends of the Library meet the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church.

Librarian Teresa Haymore shows handmade scarfs that were donated to raise money for the new library New Blue Ridge Community Theater Marketing Director Angela Oyer on the set of "Leading Ladies," which runs February 12 through March 8.

Herman Clark tells Fannin County changes are needed and talks to a future leader

Herman Clark was the featured terms of donating their time and The mission of a Superior Court speaker at Fannin County Repub- professional expertise beyond Judge is to serve the public in a fair, lican Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly meeting. their daily courtroom responsibili- accessible, accountable, efficient He is an attorney at law with the ties. They donate their time to a va- and timely manner. They take law firm Clark & Clark in Ellijay. riety of public activities, including pride in their work and they seek Clark is also running for Superior speaking to both legal and public to uphold the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust and Court Judge of the Appalachian associations, as well as attending confidence which has been deleCircuit. other functions. In addition, the gated to them as public employees.

Clark enchanted the audience Judges share in the sponsorship of The Appalachian Circuit is comwith tales of his growing up in a big mock trials, such as Fannin Coun- prised of three judges who are family, meeting his wife Charlotte, ty High School is now involved elected by the citizens to a term of and life before he moved with his in. Throughout the year, various four years. When an unexpected own family to Gilmer County. He Judges might speak to students in vacancy occurs during a judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s related how he started out as a sur- their courtrooms. The Judges also term, the Governor of Georgia veyor...and became a lawyer; and remain active within their profes- makes an appointment to fill the how he made the move to North sion and attend legal seminars vacancy until a regular election Georgia. with their colleagues from other will determine the permanent "I always liked the mountains," Superior Courts throughout the seat. The regular election for this he said, "but I never really thought State of Georgia. vacancy is November, 2010.

I would ever move here." The decision to move was actually made by the entire family after they had bought their house in Ellijay and found themselves driving to the mountains more and more often.

With his children still in school, he never thought they would want to leave their friends and move.

"But when I asked if they wanted to move up here, they all said they did," he recounts.

That move began a new life for the Clarks, with the law office and a partnership with one son and the other children nearby. Soon after, Clark became involved in every facet of mountain life, including local politics. That led to him running for superior court judge.

It was just over three years ago, November 7, 2006 when Clark was narrowly defeated for this position by Harry Doss.

Just three years later, Doss resigned effective December 5, 2009.

That left a vacancy and another chance for Clark to run again.

Clark explained that a Superior Court Judge does not make law but interprets laws that have been made by Congress. Decisions are based not only on the case presented to him but by his interpretation of the law and the process before it was referred to Superior Court.

Superior Court Judges also play Clark:Â Hannah Barton, daughter of Faron and Tasha Barton, tells Mr. Clark that a key role as public servants in she likes to have "snow days" because then she can go to lunch with Mom and Dad and hear him talk about his job.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Solving Fannin Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Problems with a Biscuitâ&#x20AC;?

McDonalds: This self-proclaimed club of troublemakers, who absolutely refused to be identified although many are easily identifiable by most Fannin County residents, has been meeting each morning for breakfast for close to 40 years, one member claimed.

Another said they moved to McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 30 years ago, when the Tastee-Freez was demolished. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We solve all the problems in Fannin County from here,â&#x20AC;? one said.

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