03.04.10 Fannin Sentinel

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

drug use Sexting, Fannin facing foster home shortage Parent focus of new mentor program disease discussed at lecture teens were in group homes out of the county. "Group homes are supposed to be for kids who need special things," she said, for children with issues with substance abuse, violence and mental health.

It is important that foster parents realize that the eventual goal is to reunify the family, Washuta noted.

Foster parents must get permission from the biological family or the state for certain things, such as hair cuts, religious training, sports and camps. Parents must also agree to a visitation plan with the biological family, if ordered. Keppel said, "We are looking for foster families that will work with the biological family to reunify them."

Washuta noted some common misconceptions deter people from becoming foster parents. One is that foster parents must provide long-term care. Washuta said that foster homes for weekend, emergency or respite care are also badly needed. Respite care is needed when a regular foster parent needs a break or must travel out of state for a short period of time.

Another misconception is that foster parents must be married couples. Foster parents can be

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Fannin County deputies made a presentation about Internet safety, sexting and sexually transmitted diseases at WIN Georgia's second Parent-to-Parent Support Group meeting at the Family Connection building in Blue Ridge February 22.

Parent-to-Parent meetings offer "a time for parents to get together and learn about things that affect their families," explained Ellen Dillinger, WIN Georgia care coordinator.

Support groups are just one part of WIN Georgia, which stands for Wraparound Initiative Northwest Georgia, according to Wendy Bonner, the organization's social marketing/technical assistant. WIN Georgia is located in 15 counties of northwest Georgia.

"We mainly work with families with children from 6 to 21 that are emotionally and psychologically disturbed (and) that are at risk for being removed from the home. We work with the entire family. We try to teach parent empowerment," Bonner said.

Families can be referred from the court system, the Division of Family and Children Services, parents, schools and mental health professionals, among others, and monthly support group meetings are open to the community.

Bonner said that families with at-risk youth tend to believe that they are the only ones with such problems and, as a result, seclude themselves from community and other activities. "That's our role--to raise awareness that there are a lot of people dealing with this issue," she said.

Bonner noted that WIN Georgia works with families using intensive case management. "It's a long, committed relationship we have with our families," she said.

The presenters at this month's meeting, Lt. Darvin Couch, Deputy Cindy George and Deputy Anthony Walden, are all Fannin County schools resource officers.

"Sexting is going to be one of the See ”Sexting” Page 3A

"We're in desperate need of foster parents," said Amy Washuta, a resource developer at the Fannin County office of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Her job, she said, is to "recruit and retain foster parents."

According to statistics maintained by the office, there were 42 children in foster care in January.

However, at present, there are only 11 foster care homes in the county.

And, according to Washuta, two of those homes only take children who are in the process of being adopted and another is adopting the children the family has been fostering.

Foster mother Lucy Keppel has been taking in Fannin's children for more than eight years. She is in the process of adopting two of her many foster children. She is fervent in her belief that Fannin's children should be fostered in Fannin County. "We need foster families really bad. It's a shame that our kids are being farmed out all over the state," she said.

Just before this article went to press, Washuta said that eight

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Teach One, Lead One, a new mentor program, is requesting mentors and participants in an effort to prevent families from being torn apart.

The grant, which is funded through the Division of Family and Children Services, focuses on substance abuse.

"Our biggest issue that we have with children coming into foster care is with drug use by their parents. The grant that we wrote is actually to decrease drug abuse," said Linda Mahan, the grant writer and coordinator of Fannin County Contributed Photo Family Connection.

Kim Callihan, 23, hugs her foster mother, Lucy Keppel. Keppel has been fostering children for more than eight years.

The grant provides $8,500 and must be matched by an additional more children needed placement their homes and/or the company $2,600, she explained. in the last week of February. As a of familiar caregivers. To be taken "All it is is getting involved in result, the office has been forced to from their schools, friends and fapeople's lives--neighbors getting make out-of-county placements, miliar surroundings is even more together with neighbors, friends Washuta said. "We've been using traumatic for the children, Washuta getting together with kids," Sherhomes in other counties--Union, remarked. iff 's Deputy Anthony Walden said.

Gilmer, Pickens, Dawson...We Keppel said the need is greatest Walden added that the program have to use group homes through- for homes that will take teenagers. is an outgrowth from the Fannin out the state for the older kids," she She said that she believed that, unAnti-Meth Task Force, now named added. til she and a friend took in teens at Most foster children have left the end of February, all of Fannin's See ”Foster care” Page 3A the Fannin Anti-Drug Task Force.

The program needs mentors on a one-to-one basis, as well as secondary mentors, Walden said. Secondary mentors, he explained, teach groups life skills. The program also provides positive female and/or male role models that may not currently be in the lives of children.

"We're trying to find mentors who are going to assist all of these families, hopefully to encourage them to stay off drugs," Mahan said.

By: Lisa Gagnon Primary mentors will meet oneSentinel Writer to-one in a controlled environment A drawing of John Wayne, a cowboy hat and a each week. Secondary mentors will suit coat were all that Wayne Chastain needed to provide information one Saturday make January 26 "A Night To Remember." per month, according to Walden.

Chastain, one of the residents at Heritage Walden said he expects one or Health Care, was one of many residents who more secondary mentor meetings took part in the event. to address recovery since that is a Residents put on their best and added accesrequirement of the grant. sories such as hats and boas for the cameras. The All primary and secondary menwomen enjoyed being made up and donning tors will receive background checks. their Sunday best.

All meetings between mentors and Afterward, residents and family enjoyed snacks parents or children will be moniwith loved ones in the facility's dining hall. Photored, he said. Parents must also aptographs were available for purchase. prove their child's participation in "Every year, our company challenges us to do the program, he added. something for our patients," said Crystal Stanley, Mahan said she expects particia certified nurse aide (CNA). This is the first year pants to be referred by the courts the facility presented this type of event, accordand the Division of Family and ing to Stanly. The staff wanted an event that inChildren Services, but families can volved residents, so they decided to create lasting voluntarily participate, too. memories for residents and their families, she Anyone who wishes to participate added. in the program, either as a mentor or Contributed Photo "We want them to know how much we care CNA Pam Decosta helped Ruth Harper with her makeup before her photo shoot. a mentee may contact Tracy Sumabout them," she said. mers, youth coordinator at Family Connection, at (706) 632-6063.

A night to remember...

Heritage Health Care residents dress up for fancy annual event

2010 Relay for Life teams preparing for summer event By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Contributed Photo

Sheriff's Department Lt. Darvin Couch was in charge of the technical aspect of a presentation about Internet safety, sexting and STDs at the Parent-to-Parent Support Group.

Fannin

Relay For Life of Fannin County is building teams and raising funds in preparation for the main event June 1112. The annual charity event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS), has raised more than $3.5 billion since its inception in 1985.

Teams raise money for the American Cancer Society throughout the year.

Their work culminates in an all-night fund-raising event June 11-12. In addition to fund-raising booths that offer everything from children's face-painting to drawings to wall-climbing, participants walk around a track all day and night.

The event features a cancer survivor

Sentin el P.O. Box 799 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

lap, lighting of luminaria to celebrate the life of a loved one, music, and many other activities.

At the county organization's team captain meeting February 25, ACS Community Manager Natalie Phipps said that the county had 11 teams signed up and $285 raised toward its goal of $50,000.

Existing teams are Amedisys Home Health, Amedisys Hospice Blue Ridge, Appalachian Community Bank, Breast Cancer Survivors' Network, Century 21 Professional Realty Group, ERA The Real Estate Connection, First Community Mortgage Group, Georgia Cancer Specialists, Georgia Prime Real Estate, Tri-State EMC and United Community Bank.She added that only two survivors had signed up online at www.relay-

forlife.org/fanninga, but she expected many more to do so before the event.

She urged team leaders to encourage others to participate and donate. "The more teams and participants we have involved in Relay, the more impact we can make in the fight against cancer.

The main focus for us right now is to recruit new people to join the event, develop our teams and begin our fundraisers," she said.

Relay's goal is for each team member to raise $100.

Team members recounted events scheduled to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Vicki Whittenbarger of Georgia Cancer Specialists Contributed Photo displayed T-shirts her team is selling.

Vicki Whittenbarger displayed one of the many styles of She added that they would also be sell- T-shirts the Georgia Cancer Specialists team is selling to See ”Relay” Page 3A raise money for Relay For Life. T-shirts are available at the office at RiverStone Medical Campus.

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GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

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By Jim Fitzgerald

LEANING Â LEFT

Sentinel Guest Columnist

Democrats do a very poor job of letting the nation know their BDDPNQMJTINFOUT 0O UIF PUIFS hand, the Republicans do a superb job creating catchy, even if misleading, headlines that leads one to believe the Democrats do little but PWFS SFBDI ĉF TVQQPTFE MJCFSBMMZ biased media freely repeat the Republican mantras. Reporters seem to repeat what they are told without raising substantive questions about the motive behind the sound bites or reporting serious policy differences. All of the talking heads just make things worse by exaggerating events to raise their ratings.

Because of the forces I have mentioned above, you would not know that the Democrats have been very constructive over the last ZFBS ŕŹ™ŕŹ™Ä‰FJS MBUFTU BDDPNQMJTINFOU has been a jobs bill based almost entirely on tax cuts for business, especially small business.  As anyone knows, Republicans are big tax cut proponents but that did not stop the majority of them from voting BHBJOTU UIJT CJMM ĉFJS NBKPS DSJUJcism of the Economic Recovery Act last summer was that it did not contain tax cuts for small business but when such cuts were offered in the jobs bill, they decided to vote against them. Republican may not like it but the people are looking to the government to save them from this economic crisis – small government talk to the contrary.

Fortunately, Scott Brown gave some backbone to the more moderate Republicans and five of them voted to prevent a filibuster that would have prevented a debate of the bill. When the filibuster failed, 13 Republicans jumped ship and voted for the jobs bill but 27 Republicans voted against, including both of Georgia’s Senators. How can you hammer away at the theme of job creation and UIFO WPUF BHBJOTU JU ĉF MBNF very lame, excuse is that the jobs bill will create more debt for our children. Am I the only one who, since the time of Reagan and supply side economics, heard Republican preach the gospel of tax cuts leading to revenue and tax growth?

Because Democrats do not believe such malarkey, the jobs bill identified sources of revenue to pay for

the tax cuts, a process called payas-you-go that Bill Clinton used so effectively, and Republicans abandoned as soon as they gained control of the government. ĉF %FNPDSBUT IBWF QBJE B heavy political price for rescuing our economy from Republican excesses but it is a feather in their cap that the steep decline has been halted. Yes, the recovery is likely to be slow and unemployment might SFNBJO JO UIF SBOHF GPS B XIJMF but I shudder to think what could have been. Frankly, I do not want to know what would have happened if Republican advice had been followed and the banks, brokerage houses, and some businesses been allowed to collapse.

Feckless Republican spending MFě UIF %FNPDSBUT OPUIJOH UP XPSL with so piling on emergency debt XBT JOFWJUBCMF 1FPQMF TUBSUFE ZFMMing about the national debt too late, and suspiciously not until DemoDSBUT JOIFSJUFE B NFTT ĉF EFCU piled on by George was wasteful spending but the debt piled on to save the economy – and jobs – was OFDFTTBSZ FWFO JG SFHSFUGVM 0CBNB was forceful in staunching the rapid destruction of our economy and should be given credit for turning things around. He took emergency measures, nasty but necessary emergency measures. Had he not taken such forceful action, I suspect unemployment would have more than doubled from the DVSSFOU SFUJSFNFOU BDDPVOUT would have declined more than the IJU UIFZ UPPL BOE UIF IVNBO toll and suffering would have resulted in another generation with a great depression psyche.

Republicans can yell all they want but the new debt would not be there if it were not for their fiscal excesses and gross mismanagement of government over eight years. So much for a Contract with America. Democrats may not be blameless but Republicans were in charge. ĉF &DPOPNJD 3FDPWFSZ "DU was another milestone for the Democrats. A full one-third of that bill was middle class tax cuts. Rather than dole out a one-time check BT (FPSHF EJE 0CBNB DVU UIF QBZroll tax so that workers received a little more in their paychecks over a year. Maybe that explains

XIZ TMJHIUMZ NPSF UIBO PG UIF QPQVMBUJPO CFMJFWFT UIBU 0CBNB gave them a tax cut. Another onethird was to strengthen the social safety net such as unemployment CFOFėUT BOE $0#Ć IFBMUI JOTVSance benefits – both aimed at the middle class. Many states, including Georgia, were able to balance their budgets with money from UIBU BDU ĉF ėOBM POF UIJSE XBT for infrastructure projects, projects that are direct job creators. Every Republican voted against this bill so even though they attempt to take credit for the money flowing into their communities, the credit goes solely to Democrats. Moreover, Democrats have faithfully extended unemployment benefits for over a year and are intent on extending them again – in spite of overwhelming Republican opposition all along the way. How will we ever pay the national debt if we allow our middle class to collapse?

However, the bigger question is why do Republicans think people are expendable but business is sacred? ĉFSF BSF NBOZ NPSF VOIFSBMEed accomplishments over the last year but space and time does not allow me to list them in detail at this time. However, we have a new hate crimes law, new emission standards, new environmental standards, and are very close to health care reform at the very moment health insurers are raising premiums to unaffordable levels. A lot can happen between now and November but remind your friends of what the Democrats have accomplished in spite of fierce opposition from the Republicans.   "I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.

We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors." ĉPNBT +FĎFSTPO

YOUR Â HEALTH Â MATTERS

Earlier this week while I was listening to NBC Nightly News Anchor Brain Williams, he mentioned that March is DVT Awareness Month, and reminded us of the tragic sudden death of 39 year old David Bloom in 2003—who was an NBC journalist. Bloom was traveling with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq when he suddenly died due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms inside a deep vein, commonly located in the calf or thigh.

DVT occurs when the blood clot either partially blocks or completely blocks the flow of blood in the vein.

Complications from DVT kill up to 200,000 people a year in the U.S. – that’s more than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Given this startling statistic, it’s important to know the facts. r .PTU PěFO PDDVST JO UIF MPXFS limbs r .PTU WJDUJNT BSF ZFBST PS older, DVT can strike anyone at risk. r ĉF MFBEJOH NFEJDBM GBDUPST that cause DVT are: injury, immobility, surgery and/or illnesses that may include cancer, clotting disorders, and inflammatory diseases. r 1SPMPOHFE QFSJPET PG TJĨJOH still can slow down the blood flow and lead to blood “pooling,� or accumulating in the extremities.

Tragically, it may have been the long hours he spent cramped in the Army Vehicle that caused his EFBUI ĉSFF EBZT CFGPSF IJT EFBUI Bloom had complained of cramps behind his knee. Like most he endured days and nights of working, eating, sleeping in their vehicles as convoys snaked their way toward Bagdad. r$FSUBJO DBODFST NBZ DBVTF clotting factors in the blood to increase. Clotting factors may also be affected as a result of an infection or injury to a blood vessel or following surgery.

By CLAUDIA PARKS RN Columnist

r1SFHOBOU XPNFO BSF UJNFT more likely than non-pregnant women to develop DVT. Risk increases in the third trimester and immediately following delivery. r 8PNFO UBLJOH PSBM DPOUSBDFQtives or hormone replacement may be at increased risk of DVT. r $MPU GSBHNFOUT IBWF CFFO GPVOE JO VQ UP PG QBUJFOUT with leg and hip fractures. r 4ZNQUPNT PG %75 NBZ JOclude pain, tenderness, swelling or discoloration of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch. r 4PNF EFFQ WFJO UISPNCPTFT are “silent� and may be present with minimal symptoms. r " NBKPS SJTL BTTPDJBUFE XJUI DVT is the development of pulNPOBSZ FNCPMJTN 1& 1& PDcurs when a blood clot breaks loose from the wall of a vein and travels to the lungs, blocking the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. r 1BUJFOUT XJUI QVMNPOBSZ FNbolism may experience shortness of breath, an apprehensive feeling, chest pain, rapid pulse, sweating, or a bloody cough. (Seek medical care immediately.)

13&7&/5*0/ #FDBVTF iLJMMer legs� can creep up with little or no warning, the best tactic to take against DVT is prevention.

Although the risk of deep vein thrombosis cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be reduced in TFWFSBM XBZT 1FPQMF BU SJTL PG

DVT should flex and extend the ankles about 10 times every 30 minutes. Such people include those who have just had major surgery and those taking long trips. During long flights, everyone should walk and stretch every 2 hours and drink plenty of water.

When sitting a lot, don’t wear tight clothing. %*"(/04*4 %75 NBZ CF difficult for doctors to detect, especially when pain and swelling are absent or very slight. When this disorder is suspected, color Doppler ultrasonography can confirm the diagnosis. If the person has symptoms of pulmonary embolism, chest scanning using a radioactive marker is performed to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, and color Doppler ultrasonography is performed UP DIFDL UIF MFHT GPS DMPUT ĉFTF procedures are performed except when a person collapses. Collapse suggests massive pulmonary embolism and requires immediate treatment. .&%*$"5*0/4 %SVHT HFOerally used to treat DVT fall into two basic categories: AnticoaguMBOUT BOE ĉSPNCPMZUJD "HFOUT 1BUJFOUT XIP BSF VOBCMF UP UBLF BOticoagulants or who develop pulmonary emboli while on therapy may require the insertion of a filter or surgery to remove the clot.

For more information you can Google DVT or www.preventdvt.

PSH ĉJT JT B DPOEJUJPO UIBU OFFET to be taken very seriously. $MBVEJB 1BSLT 3/ JT B GPSNFS 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.

Claudia can be reached at yhm@ windstream.net

The Green Column

contact the NC state radon office for a list of professionals who have Did you know that radon causes registered with them, or you can more deaths every year (cancer) call a local home inspector who UIBO ESVOL ESJWJOH <GSPN &1"hT routinely performs radon testing " $JUJ[FOhT (VJEF UP 3BEPO> as part of the home sale. Ä&#x2030;F 6OJUFE 4UBUFT 4VSHFPO (FOÄ&#x2030;F MBTU QJFDF PG HPPE OFXT JT JG eral re-emphasized just last month you do need to reduce the levels that radon is the second leading of radon in your home, it is not cause of lung cancer behind smokexpensive to do. A vent and fan ing in the U.S. If you smoke AND system is usually the first line of the radon levels in your home are defense, and will lower the radon high, you will have a very high risk

By RICHARD C . MACCREA Andrews Valley Initiative UP BDDFQUBCMF MFWFMT PWFS PG for lung cancer. What can you do?

1MFOUZ "OE JUhT FBTZ Generally speaking, levels less the time. Ä&#x2030;FSF JT B MPU NPSF UIBU ZPV First, what is radon? Radon is a than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liis colorless, odorless, and tasteless ter of air) are considered safe, al- can learn about radon by going gas that comes from the natural ra- UIPVHI MPXFS JT CFĨFS Ä&#x2030;F HPPE UP UIF &OWJSPONFOUBM 1SPUFDUJPO dioactive breakdown of uranium news: You can TEST for radon, "HFODZhT XFC TJUF XXX FQB HPW

in soil, rock, and water, and ends and put systems in the home to and by going to www.radon.com. up in the air we breathe. Although MPXFS SBEPO MFWFMT Ä&#x2030;FTF TZTUFNT (FU B DPQZ PG UIF GSFF " $JUJ[FOhT (VJEF UP 3BEPO GSPN UIF &1" radon is found in all types of build- can be relatively inexpensive. ings, we get most of our exposure How should I get my home site.

About the guest author: Lisa XIFO XFhSF BU IPNF 3BEPO DBO UFTUFE Ä&#x2030;JT JT FBTZ :PV DBO TUBSU exist in the air, and in our water. It with a do it yourself test kit from Turner is a local expert in the has been found at varying levels in a home improvement store. If field of home inspections and raevery state. You can see the aver- the results are high, you can call a don testing. Lisa can be reached age levels at www.epa.gov/radon. professional, certified radon tes- at 800-738-8781 if you have any Average levels are medium to high ter who can advise you on what questions about this article. in this area of the mountains.

UP EP JG ZPVS MFWFMT BSF IJHI Ä&#x2030;JT What levels of radon are okay? VTVBMMZ DPTUT :PV DBO

GUEST WRITER: LISA TURNER

Subscribe to the Sentinel Call 828.389.8338

Curves sponsors food drive Curves of Blairsville is encouraging women in the area to show their philanthropic strength by participating in the annual Curves Food Drive, and even though donating food to families in need is its own reward, the club is offering compelling incentives for both existing and potential members who participate.

From March 1-31, Curves of Blairsville will collect non-perishable items and monetary donations for food banks in the local BSFB Ä&#x2030;F HPBM BDDPSEJOH UP -VDZ McDowall of Curves of Blairsville is for the community to come together to help families in need.

"At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring

home with our Food Drive. We want to show our community just how powerful the generosity of our members can be," said Lucy McDowall.

According to Lucy, members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during the month of March will receive a reusable Curves grocery freezer bag for free. Non-members who do likewise between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free.

Curves will waive the cost to join.

As part of this effort, Curves of Blairsville will be participating in a company-wide contest for the most food drive donations collected by Curves locations across the nation. Winners will receive one of several cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank. Each

year Curves locations collectively donate millions of pounds of food to feed the hungry.

"We hope women in the Blairsville area will come together and participate in this initiative", added Lucy McDowall. "Even if you are not thinking about joining a gym, you can still drop off your donaUJPOT Ä&#x2030;FSF BSF TP NBOZ GBNJMJFT right here in our own community - who need our help".

For more information about Curves of Blairsville, located at % #MVF 3JEHF 4USFFU BOE UIF Curves Food Drive, contact Lucy .D%PXBMM BU PS blairsvillecurves@windstream. net.

When we work together, we can all help to make the world one milMJPO XPNFO TUSPOHFS

Sexting: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

biggest things I believe we're going to see in the future," Walden said; adding that of the 51 new juvenile cases scheduled for court the following day, some of them were sure to involve cell phones and Internet safety.

Walden related a recent incident, where a teen took a photo of her nude body only and sent it to a boyfriend. Luckily, the boyfriend did not send the photo to anyone else, and the girl told her parents what had happened, he remarked.

The sheriff 's department was notified before the image had been sent to anyone else.

"When you do that, you're disseminating child pornography," Walden said.

Couch then showed a short presentation culled from the news about how anyone, including the person in the photo, who spreads the material can be convicted of a sex crime and become a sex offender. A subsequent clip related the story of one teen whose photo had been passed around committed suicide.

Walden cited a survey that showed that 20 percent of minors in the U.S. have participated in sexting. "Twenty percent is probably an underestimate," he said.

George remarked that cell phones cause problems in school.

"I wish tomorrow they'd tell us they were illegal, they can't be in school any more," Walden concurred.

Walden said parents can use a cell phone spy for phones with a SIM card. The device records all data from the SIM card, including deleted messages.

Couch then played another clip from ABC that advised parents to Google their child's name in quotation marks, Google the child's cell phone number and download Google Desktop.

"One thing you've got to get in your head: Your kids have no privacy," Walden stated.

He advised parents to do whatever is necessary to watch over their children.

Walden then added a short presentation on oral sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). He said that many kids today don't consider cunnilingus or fellatio to be sex, but they can still get STDs. He added that children in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades are starting to experiment.

Condoms don't help with most STDs, Walden cautioned. The only way to prevent them is abstinence.

George, who teaches the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (CHAMPS) program, then presented information about Internet safety.

She said that children with accounts on MySpace or Facebook usually lie about their age, because the sites have instituted safety measures for minors.

Couch then queued a presentation that demonstrated how easily sexual predators can get confidential information about children and their families.

Although the clip showed a 10-year-old instant messaging (IM), George said that sexual predators use many methods to gain the trust of and information about potential victims.

"It always goes back to cell phones or the Internet--either MySpace or

Facebook," she said.

After parents asked several questions of the officers, Pam Godfrey, WIN Georgia of Fannin County's parent support partner, announced that the next support group meeting would take place March 15 at 7 p.m. in the Family Connection building at 101 Industrial Park in Blue Ridge. The next meeting will feature psychologists Kyle and David Raque, who will speak about working with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dillinger said that babysitting by Americorps volunteers is available for each support group meeting.

The organization is also looking for business or community sponsors to provide snacks for the support meeting. All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dillinger at (706) 400-9202.

NE W S

64 years of marriage celebrated Eugene and Alice Sheely, residents of Life Care Center of Copper basin, celebrated sixty-four years of marriage in January 2010.

Their children Bill and Alice Johnston and Bob Sheely furnished cake, ice cream, and cola for the Sheelys and multiple other residents.

Pictured: From Left: Eugene Sheely, Alice Sheely Back from Left: Bill Johnston, Alice Johnston and Bob Sheely.

Foster care: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

single men or women. They must be at least 10 years older than the child and, if single, at least 25 years old. Senior citizens can be foster parents if their doctor certifies they are in good health. Foster parents do not have to own their homes either, Washuta said.

Prospective foster parents must get a criminal records check, a home safety check, a medical examination and a drug screening. They must also provide references. And they must have a Georgia driver's license if they live in Georgia.

Applicants are automatically ineligible if they have been convicted of felony physical assault, battery, or a drug-related offense within the previous five years. They're also ineligible if they have ever been convicted of felony child abuse or neglect; spousal abuse; any crime against children, including child pornography; or any crime involving violence, such as rape, sexual assault or homicide.

Issues regarding pets, gun ownership, type of schooling and anything out of the ordinary are usually decided on a case by case basis, Washuta said.

There are also some aspects of foster care that potential parents only learn when they begin the process of becoming a foster parent. For example, foster children are not permitted to travel out of state. They are not permitted to ride

Relay:

7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK Â&#x2021; GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 3A

The Red Cross Disaster Action Team will meet at 10 a.m. March 8 in the Red Cross office on the second floor of Fire Station No. 1 in Blue Ridge next to the Courthouse.

Volunteers are needed to participate in any aspect of the team, from promoting blood drives to providing help to fire victims. Training is free, and the time commitment is flexible. For more information, attend the meeting or call (706) 632-9331 and leave a message.

ATVs or jump on trampolines. They can't stay overnight at friends' homes, although friends can stay overnight at the foster parent's home.

They can't babysit and must have constant adult supervision. They are not permitted to have cell phones. Washuta said that these and other requirements are covered in the initial two-hour orientation meeting.

Foster children do receive free health care, and medication not covered by Medicaid is reimbursed. In addition, day care can be provided if the parent or parents work.

Although it's not a quick process to become a foster parent, DFCS tries to make it as easy as possible, Washuta said. The initial two-hour orientation is scheduled in the evening and acquaints potential foster parents with requirements. It involves no commitment on the part of interested people.

The next step is 20 hours of class time.

Washuta said that the classes are scheduled for three consecutive Saturdays and rotate among Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union and Towns counties. The classes inform candidates about DFCS and its requirements and foster children and their behaviors. Applicants also learn how to fill out required forms during classes.

"We explore, as you are exploring, your skills and interests," Washuta said. "It is a learning experience. You also enhance your skills as a caregiver."

Another resource for foster parents is the Foster Parent Association. The current president, James Jones, is a foster parent, as well as

the principal of Crossroads Alternative School in Gilmer County.

Washuta said the association provides counseling and support to foster and adoptive parents, as well as scheduling fun events and helping provide money for Christmas gifts. "If there's a new foster home, they try to do anything they can for that foster parent," she said.

The group, as well as the local office and local residents, also help out with necessities that aren't funded, such as diapers, car seats, socks, underwear, bras, pajamas, school yearbooks, school pictures, extracurricular activities and haircuts, Washuta said. She added that donation of these items is a way for those who are unable to foster children to contribute to the program.

One of the most pervasive misconceptions is that foster children are difficult to handle, according to Washuta who said that foster kids are like children everywhere. "These kids need love.

They need stability. They need people to be there for them," she said.

The next orientation meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 6 at the Fannin County DFCS office at 990 East Main Street, Suite 10, in Blue Ridge. The next set of weekend classes will be between Fannin and Gilmer counties.

Information about Georgia foster care is available online at www.myturnnow.com or www.

GApartnershipparents.org.

For more information about foster care and adoption or to register for orientation or classes, call (877) 210-KIDS or Washuta at (706) 6322296, extension 25.

Whatever it takes... and then some.

t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " ing them at the April 17 Rumble for Relay.

The second annual Rumble is a treasure hunt that includes a 120mile ride through the Georgia Mountains, live music by Breaking Point, a classic car cruise-in, a motorcycle show and barbecue. It is sponsored by Fannin Regional Hospital and RiverStone Medical Campus.

Dawn McGuire said Century 21 Professional Realty Group is holding a fundraiser car and motorcycle show, egg hunt and cake walk April 3 at the city park near the county courthouse.

Wilda Dickey of the Appalachian Community Bank team said they would be holding a cooking show March 31 at Mercier's Orchards and another at Town and Country Furniture April 24.

Tracie Griffith said that the First Community Mortgage Group team will hold a softball tournament May 1 at the county park.

To sign up for a team or form a new team, visit www.relayforlife.org/fanninga or call Phipps at (706) 278-1960.

Fannin

Sentinel PUBLISHER: Frank Bradley DESIGNER: Harrison Keely

The Fannin Sentinel (USPS # 024-582) is published weekly each Thursday by Sentinel News Group at P.O. Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30153. Subscriptions are $20 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 706.632.6397. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the address listed below: Fannin Sentinel, 3608 East First St., Suite 105, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

706-632-6397

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 fannin@georgiasentinel.com

Red Cross action team needs help

DAR event to focus on Ă&#x201E;YZ[ ZL[[SLYZ The March meeting of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be held at The Oaks in Hiawassee, GA, Saturday, March 13th, 2010, at 10:15 AM. Joan Wallace, Past North Carolina State Indians Chairman of the NSDAR, who is currently a member of the OUTDAR chapter, will present a program on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Newcomersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Settlers.â&#x20AC;? Hostesses are Eleanor Haines and Virginia Clowney. 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, 706379-2533. Old Unicoi Trail Chapter serves Towns, Union, and Fannin Counties. The Old Unicoi Trail homepage is found online at http:// oldunicoitrail.georgiastatedar.org.

Bake sale ^PSS ILULĂ&#x201E;[ Byrd family Appalachian Community Bank is sponsoring a bake sale to benefit the family of Madison Byrd March 5.

Baked goods will be sold at both the Blue Ridge and McCaysville bank locations. The Blue Ridge office is located at 150 Orvin Lance Connecter and the McCaysville office is located at 109 Blue Ridge Drive.

Donations are also being accepted at both bank locations.

Look good, feel better

Sue Dilbeck is pictured with Life Care Executive Director Darren Hulgan.

Life Care Center of Copper Basin is pleased to announce its January What Ever it Takes and Then Some winner Sue Dilbeck.

Sue is a Therapy Tech who has touched many lives

$POUSJCVUFE 1IPUP

at the Life Care Center. Recently 7 family members nominated her because of the quality care she has given their family members. Pictured with Sue is Life Care Executive Director Darren Hulgan.

Georgia Cancer Specialists at 101 Riverstone Vista, Suite 102 in Blue Ridge is hosting American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s "Look Good, Feel Better" on Monday, March 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sessions are free and for any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. These sessions help attendees learn make up techniques and skin care during treatment. Information regarding wigs, turbans and hats is also available. Registration is required by Friday, March 5. For more information or to register, call Vicki Whittenbarger at 706-258-4140.

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C A L E NDA R U n i o n :  U p c o m i n g  E v e n t s UG Hospital Auxiliary to host a Gold Buying Event on Tuesday, February 23rd from Noon to 7:00pm at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville.

Go through your jewelry box and pull out all the old pieces you no longer wearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if it works) and bring it to the hospital. Southeast Gold Buyers will determine if its 10K, 14K

or 18K and you can trade it for current market prices and get PAID on the spot!!!!

Southeast Gold Buyers will be making a GRQDWLRQ WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKH +RVSLWDO DQG 1XUVing Home Special Needs and to provide scholarship for local medical students.

For more information on this event, please contact Pat Cook at 706 781-1908 or email xpcook@windstream.net

Grassroots group

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

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

Free native plant symposium

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

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

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

Give them a call at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Man to Man

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

Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support

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

Alcoholics mous

Anony-

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

T.O.P.S.

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

Morning Group

Coffee

Regency Hospice announces Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning Coffee Group at Mary Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant. For men who have a lost spouse, partner, or experienced other losses and would like to share with other men, please join us on Tuesday at 10 a.m. We meet the first and third Tuesday morning of each month.

For more information call Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Counselor at Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Ga., at 800-577-8791.

Cancer Group

Support

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

Mourning to Joy

GriefShare is a Biblically-based weekly support group for people grieving the death of someone close. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life.

A GriefShare group meets every Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting September 1, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Blairsville. Call 706 745-7777 for more information.

ACTIVITIES GWRRA meets

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00 during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed.

We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters.

There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us.

For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403

Tri-State Women

Formerly known as Business Women of Blairsville, the Tri-State Business Women is an organization of entrepreneurial women in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee who own and operate their own businesses and are a positive force in the community. Their vision and mission is to support one another in continuing success through networking and marketing.

If you are a woman in business in the area, there is a place for you to receive support, gain leads, and spread the word about your practice or business in the area.

Meetings are held every Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at Grinds N Glazes in Blairsville. For more information, please contact Susanne Johnson, President, at 706-781-1678 or Cathy Wheeler at 706781-1050.

Ga. Mtn. Writers Club

We meet 10 a.m. to noon the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church on the Young Harris Highway.

We have no membership dues or electHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DQG PHHW WR VKDUH RXU ZULWLQJV and provide helpful criticism, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to each other. Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a writer - just visit and enjoy listening to readings and discussion. You will be entertained â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and maybe acquire a new interest.

Call for information: Larry Casey at 781-6636 or Ellie Dobson at 745-0678.

Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council, monthly meeting is on the second Thursday of the month and meets 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville. All active members are invited to attend the meeting and social hour.

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

Young Harris Al Anon

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

Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats.

Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-7813992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at Cadence Bank conference room in Blairsville at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please call Marcus Tuschel at 706-835-9010.

Experimental Aircraft Association

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

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

UC Republican Party

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

Tri-State Women

Business

Women business owners in the tri-state area are welcome to attend and join our weekly meeting every Tuesday at 8am.

Meetings are held at the Blairsville Restaurant with breakfast available to those interested. Come and see how women are making an impact as leaders in our community. For more information visit www. tri-statebusinesswomen.com.

Republican Women of Union County

MOPS

"Blairsville Mothers of Preschoolers will meet February 18th at the First Baptist Church of Blairsville from 6-8pm. Join us as marriage counselors Phil and Mary Mason answer all your relationship questions and offer tips on keeping the SIZZLE in your marriage!

MOPS is open to mothers of children birth-Kindergarten. To make a reservation IRU FKLOGFDUH SOHDVH FDOO WKH FKXUFK RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW 706-745-2469.

Visit us at www.mops.org for more information!"

Union General Hospital Auxiliary

more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Amateur license testing will be held on December 7th in Blairsville at 310 Welborn Street, Blairsville, GA. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

DAR Meeting

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

Computer Club

The Mountain Computer User Group Will meets in November on TUESDAY at 7 PM in the Goolsby Center, Young Harris College. Please note this is a change from our normal meeting date.

At this time we will be presenting a program on all the new technologies that you can expect to get for Christmas.

Come join us as we travel into the land of new technology. You might just get a glimpse of what Santa has in store for you at Christmas this year. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget we are meeting on Tuesday, November 10th. at 7 PM and not on Monday as we normally do.

We will start the evening with our usual Q&A session. Come and join us for a lively session that is bound to increase your computer knowledge. Our Q&A session begins at 6 PM. Bring a friend and join us for the evening, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.

Union County Republican Party

will be holding its monthly meeting on Saturday, January 16th at 9:00 am at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shop at 2386 Young Harris Highway, Blairsville. A buffet breakfast for $6 will be available and is optional.

Everyone is invited to attend and meet FDQGLGDWHV IRU VWDWHZLGH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV 6SHDNers this month are: Max Wood, running for Attorney General - By way of Presidential appoint-

is hosting a gold buying fundraiser on Tuesday, February 23rd from Noon to 7:00pm at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville.

Go through your jewelry box and pull out all the old pieces you no longer wearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if it works) and bring it to the hospital. Southeast Gold Buyers will determine if its 10K, 14K or 18K and you can trade it for current market prices and get PAID on the spot!!!!

Southeast Gold Buyers will be making a 20% GRQDWLRQ WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKH +RVSLWDO DQG 1XUVLQJ Home Special Needs and to provide scholarship for local medical students.

For more information on this event, please contact Pat Cook at 706 781-1908 or email xpcook@windstream.net.

ment, Max Wood served as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia beginning in 2001. He served as the Chief Prosecutor and law enforcePHQW RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU IRU WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV LQ WKH 70 county Middle District of Georgia.

This district includes the cities of Athens, Macon, Columbus, Albany and Valdosta.

0DULD 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG VHHNLQJ WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RI Insurance Commissioner - She is a conservative running to serve Georgia as Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

Pro Fair Tax, Pro Gun, and Pro Life.

Doug MacGinnitie, candidate for Secretary of State Candidate - Doug believes the key to creating jobs during the current recession is a focus on small business.â&#x20AC;&#x153;More than 75 percent of jobs that are created in this kind of recession are created at the small business level,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you care about jobs in the state, then you should care about small business.â&#x20AC;?.

Melvin Everson, running for Labor Commissioner - Republican Melvin Everson has developed a reputation for strong, conservative leadership as a State Representative from Gwinnett County.

Prior to being elected to the State Legislature, he was elected City Councilman in Snellville twice. Everson has made a difference for those he has served at both the local and state level. He served 23 years in the military before retiring in 1999.

Additional information may be obtained at www.uniongop.org or by calling 706-781-1013.

Patriots County

of

Union

Church Saved by Grace Full Gospel Church will be having a All Weekend Service on Saturday, February 20thSunday February 21st.

Saturday, February 20th Services will be at 10 a.m. until ?, Saturday evening 7 p.m. to ?

Sunday Morning Service begins at 10 a.m. all day food and refreshments will be served on Sunday.

The church is located on Burnt Schoolhouse Ridge Road. Everyone is invited to attend.

Reverend Shannon Burrell.

For more information contact Mary Jane Kitchens 828-389-4180

The Patriots of Union County meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 P.M. at the Civic Center (next to Steve's Steak House). 185 Wellborn St. This is a non-partisan group and everyone is invited.

The meetings will feature discussions on Constitutional rights, state's rights, right to bear arms, Fair Tax, border security, energy dependence and more.

A canned and non-perishable food drive will be held in conjunction with the meeting for the 9th District Food Bank For more information call: 706-7457201

Auto Club

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

Mountain Community Seniors meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M..

We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, ,QIRUPDWLYH VSHDNHUV SLFQLFV DQG Ă&#x20AC;HOG trips. On Thursday Feb. 11th We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis. Light refreshments served. Do come join us.

Fannin:   Upcoming  Events MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of WKH 0LOLWDU\ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV $VVRFLDWLRQ RI $PHULca (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, former military, Public Health Service, NOAA RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV ZDUUDQW RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DQG VXUYLYLQJ spouses are invited to attend.

For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: Jim Ferrell at 828-335-9203, and in Georgia: John Quinlan at 706-896-2430, or visit www.moaa.org/chapter/blueridgemountains.

Community Prayer Meeting

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

Worth Considering A thought for today

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

Mothers of Preschoolers

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

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

Smokie Mountain Mountain High Hik- Melodies Smokie Mountain Melodies is a ladies ers Schedule barbershop-style chorus whose members Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia.

Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Club Bereavement Sup- Kiwanis The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is dedito serving and supporting young port Group - Meet- cated people in the immediate area around Blairsville through numerous projects. ing Changes The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welcome to a community bereavement support group. A place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

First Thursday of every month at United Community Bank, Small Community Room, Blairsville from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

We will only meet once per month.

Facilitator: Suzanne Repp, LCSW. The group is presented by Regency Hospice and is free of charge. Please call 1-800577-8791 or 706-896-1251 for more information.

Just 4 Hours

Shooting Creek BasWeavers Guild Business ket The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers

Narcotics Anonymous Weekly MeetBagpipe Instruction ings List The Appalachian Saint Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pipes Mondays - 7 p.m. 12-Step meeting at Union County Annex Building located at 71 Hospital Street. This is an open meeting. Union County Anti-Drug Coalition Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Towns County Avita Community Partners. Meet at 1100 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris, Ga. Tuesdays - 7 p.m. Discussion meeting at Union County Annex Building & New Hope Counseling at 71 Hospital St. Wednesdays - 6 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Avita Community Partners. 41 Hospital St., Suite 100, Blairsville.

Fridays - 8 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Annex & New Hope Counseling, 71 Hospital St. All the meetings are open & anyone can attend. For more information regarding any of these meetings, please call 706-897-9775, 706-896-6263 or 706745-4066.

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

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

DAV

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

Club 180 for Teens

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

Mountain Sounds Your Journey from Dulcimer Club

We meet every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

FRPH IURP Ă&#x20AC;YH FRXQWLHV LQ 1RUWK *HRUJLD and Western North Carolina. As a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is committed to a goal of advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.

Smokie Mountain Melodies meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 at the First United Methodist of Union County in Blairsville, Georgia located at 859 Highway 515.

Any women who have a love of singing are welcome to join. For more information call the Director, Phyllis Baker at 706-379-3836.

Forming Gourmet Dinner Club

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

Limited membership. Call Diane 706835-5007

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are KHOG RQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW 7XHVGD\ RI HDFK PRQWK DW 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public.

Our next meeting is to be held December 1st and will begin with a special technical session on Amatuer Radio Emergency 6HUYLFH $5(6 DQG PRUH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;FDOO\ WKH Tarheel Network in North Carolina. For

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Some  look  to  things  to  satisfy, To  bring  euphoria  and  contentment.

But  pursuit  of  more  can  lead  to  misery And  the  never-satiated  desire  for  greater  possessions.

Some  hope  to  have  a  life  without  trials And  so  seek  to  avoid  pitfalls  that  would  bring  sorrow.

Along  the  journey  the  traveler  must  take  heed  to  self.

Peace  and  joy  are  inward  traits;  the  way  we  think  is  who  we  are.       -Ethelene  Dyer  Jones Â

7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK Â&#x2021; GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 5A

CO M MUN I T Y Tributes James Edward Weeks

James Edward Weeks, 96, of the Mobile Community in Fannin County, Georgia passed away Friday morning, February 26, 2010 in Cleveland, TN at the home of his daughter and her husband, LuAnn and Michael Holden where he has resided for the past six years. He was preceded in death by his wife Ella Lea Rogers Weeks, his parents Lee and Mary Ellen Weeks and his brothers Emmett and George Weeks.

He is survived by his brother, Howard Weeks of Atlanta, Georgia and his immediate family of three children-daughter, Lea Bell Caliandro of New York and her two children, Braden Bell and Christina Bell Currence; son and daughter-in-law, Alton and Bonnie Weeks of Alabama and their four children, Allison Willis, John Weeks, Leslie Weeks, and Natalie

Wayne Alderton

Wayne Alderton, age 43, of Ducktown, TN passed away Friday, February 19, 2010 at his home. He was born on Thursday, November 10, 1966 in Maryland, to Charles and Rosetta Carrol Alderton. He worked as a mechanic in the carpet industry. He was preceded in death by wife, Linda Tipton Alderton. Survivors include: daughter, Laura Alderton of Blue Ridge, mother in law, Ginny Tipton of Morganton, sister in law, Me-

Vada Lee Curtis

Miss Vada Lee Curtis age 77 of Faith Acres Rd.Blairsville passed away on Thursday Feb.18,2010 at her home following an extended illness.Miss Curtis was born on Feb.27,1933 in Union County,the daughter of the late Howard Curtis and the late Ollie Hood Curtis.Miss Curtis was a native and Union County.She was a 1950 graduate of Union County High School.She was preceded in death by her parents and a cousin,William Lee Holt.Mrs.Curtis was a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church.

Surviving Miss Curtis are William Lee and Tina Holt Jr.of Blairsville and Nan Holt of Blairsville,many

Melissa Devereaux

Mrs. Melissa Devereaux, age 89, of Blairsville, GA passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at her home. Mrs. Devereaux was born on Monday, November 8, 1920 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Jacob and Fern (Baker) Goehring. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Union County, and had been a member of Union General Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs. Devereaux was preceded in death by her husband, Howard

Bernard Dockery

Mr.Bernard James Dockery age 55 of Pinelog Church Rd.Brasstown,NC.,passed away on Feb.27,2010 at his home following a brief illness.Mr.Dockery was born on Dec.7,1954 in Union County,the son of Johnnie Long Dockery and the late Verlin Dockery.Bernard enjoyed fishing,camping,gardening ,cooking,taking family photos and being outdoors.He was a loving father,son,brother and grandfather.He was preceded in death by a sister,Sylvia Maney.Mr.Dockery was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr.Dockery are his partner,Lisa Hicks of Brasstown,mother,Johnnie Dockery of Young Harris,one daughter and son in law,Lisa and Edward Williams of Jefferson,one brother and sister

David Edward Eads

Mr. David Edward Eads, age 38, of Cleveland, TN passed away February 20, 2010 at his home.  Mr. Eads was born on September 30, 1971 in Farmington, MI, to Thomas and Dalis Eads. He was of the Church of God Faith. David was employed as a chef and a water guide. He enjoyed collecting comics, drawing, camping, and he was a pet lover.

David will be missed and we will hold him in our hearts forever.

Survivors include: parents, Thomas and Dalis

Hester Bingham Evans

Hester Bingham Evans, 84, entered into rest February 23, 2010 at Mission St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. She had been a resident of Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home for the past 6 years. She was the daughter of the late Lonnie C. Bingham and Grace Townsend Bingham Lackey. Mrs. Evans was preceded in death by both her parents; her son, Lance Corporal Roger W. Overstreet; husband, Silas Overstreet, and her husband, Billy E. Evans; and a granddaughter, Dianne Yourkonis. She is survived by her daughter, Frankie Jewell Overstreet, of Sylva, North Carolina; two brothers, Rev. Thomas A. Bingham and Elizabeth Moore Bingham of Forrest Home, Alabama; and Command Sergeant Major Ret. Wiley C. Bingham and Chong Bingham; one half-sister, Loreane Henson, of Blairsville, Georgia; three step-sons: Malcolm Evans of Griffin, Georgia; Walter Evans and Becky Evans; and Rodney Darnell Evans and Faye Evans, all of Jacksonville, Florida. She also has many beloved

Grissom; and daughter and son-in-law LuAnn and Michael Holden of Tennessee and their sons, Matthew and Mark Holden. He is also survived by 7 great grand-children.

Mr. Weeks was a long-time member of Mobile Baptist Church and served as an active deacon for more than 50 years. He retired from a 40 year career with Tennessee Copper Company and Cities Service Corporation.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Finch-Cochran Funeral Home in McCaysville, Ga. on Friday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Mobile Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be on Thursday evening, March 4, 5:00 -7:00 p.m. lissa Tipton Long of Cleveland, brother Dewayne Goswick, neice, Jennifer ( Jeff ) Stewart, great nephew & neice, Lance (Libby) Stewart, K-9 Companion, No No. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Blue Ridge, GA. www.cochranfuneralhomes. com other friends also survive.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday Feb.23,2010 at 11:00am from the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev.Ben Lewis officiating.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that in lieu of flowers,donations may be made to the Shady Grove Cemetery Fund in memory of Miss Curtis.The family met with friends following the services.

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

Tamela Lynn Morris

Mrs.Tamela Lynn Morris age 43 of Caney Creek Rd.Murphy,NC.passed away on Thursday Feb.25,2010 at her home following a battle with cancer.Mrs.Morris was born on March 2,1966 in Poughkeepsie,NY.Tamela owned and operated Tammyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cleaning Service.She never met a person that she did not like,She had a great sense of humor,she also loved camping and fishing.Tammy was of the Christian faith.

Surviving Tamela are her loving husband of eleven years,Tom Morris of Murphy,Zach and

Kirkland Clay "Kirk" Pless

Mr.Kirkland Clay "Kirk" Pless, age 53, of McCaysville, GA passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010 at his home.  Kirk was born on Wednesday, November 7, 1956 in Copperhill, TN, to Frank L. Pless Sr. and Patricia Hamby Pless. He was a member of Harbor Ministries. Survivors include: wife Gloria Barnes Pless of McCaysville, GA; daughter, Jennifer Patterson; sons, Levi Pless, and daughter, Kari

William Rutherford Schober

Mr. William Rutherford Schober, age 76, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Mr. Schober was born on Wednesday, January 10, 1934, in Waretown, New Jersey, a son of the late William John Schober and the late Jane Elizabeth Gray Schober. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.  He was a member of The House of Prayer and was a deacon there. Mr. Schober had served as treasurer of the local Gideons International for the past 6 years. Besides his parents, Mr. Schober was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Ulrich.

Surviving family members include his loving wife of 51 years, Gail Post Schober, of Blairsville - they were married in England in 1958; children: William John Schober, of Marietta, Georgia; Suzanne Jane Schober Orfield, and her husband Mark, of Abingdon, Virginia; Bethanne Jean Schober Barstow and her husband Todd, of Chespeake, Virginia; and Janice Gail Schober Blanchett and her husband Mark, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee; two sisters: Jane Mears, of West Creek, New Jersey; Bette Treloar, of Jamesville, Virginia; and brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Bert Schober, of Palm Bay, Florida; grandchildren: James Blanchett, Tyler Bar-

Sassy,her four legged children,a host of friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mrs.Morris.

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 Pless; and two grandchildren, Hailey Patterson, and Triston Pless; and brother, Frank L. Pless.

A memorial services was held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Harbor Ministries with Reverend Denise Caldwell officiating. Mr. Grady Jack Bryson and the church choir provided the music. Finch-Cochran Funeral Home McCaysville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.cochranfuneralhomes.com stow, Jennifer Whitesides, Jordan Whitesides, Jared Blanchett, Kyle Schober, Jillian Blanchett, Jonathan Whitesides, Taylor Blanchett, and John Mark Blanchett.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., at The House of Prayer Church, with Pastor Jerry Helton and Rev. Bill Honaker officiating. Special music was presented by The House of Prayer Church Choir. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Tyler Barstow, Jonathan Whitesides, James Blanchett, Jared Blanchett, Todd Barstow, Mark Orfield, Mark Blanchett, and Bill Schober. Burial will be in The House of Prayer Cemetery, with military honors conducted by North Georgia Honor Guard.

Visitation was held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at The House of Prayer, for one hour prior to the service.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 521, Blairsville, Georgia 30514; or to The House of Prayer Building Fund, P.O. Box 1475, Blairsville, Georgia 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please view Mr. Schober's Life Tribute, and send condolences at www.cochranfuneralhomes. com

Ross Devereaux; and a son, Jacque Devereaux; and a sister, Fern Kratt. Survivors include: son & daughter-in-law, Rev. Jan & Bonnie Devereaux of Clarkesville, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Sharon Devereaux Hood of Blairsville; Six grandchildren and five great grandchildren also survive. Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Alleghany Cemetery in PittsFuneral services were held Sunday, February 28, Linda Gail Stephens burg. Cochran Funeral Home Blairsville, GA 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Cochran Funeral Home Linda Gail Stephens, age 50, of Blairsville, Georwww.cochranfuneralhomes.com in charge of Chapel with Rev. Marty Duncan and Rev. Kenny gia, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010 from arrangements.

Beavers officiating. Music was provided by Scott injuries she sustained in an automobile accident. in law,J.M.and Nicole Dockery of Brasstown,one Lance. The following gentlemen served as Linda was born on Tuesday, July 7, 1959 sister,Lucy Leatherwood of Austell,GA.,one pallbearers: Brad Thomas, Justin Thomas, in Hiawassee, Georgia, to Willa Mae Floyd grandson,Trey Williams,many other relatives Joey Colwell, Mike Patton, Junior Whitener Stephens of Blairsville and the late Mitchell and friends also survive. and Jackie Cook. Burial followed in AnClay Stephens. She was a member of FelA visitation forMr.Dockery will be held tioch Baptist Church Cemetery. lowship of the Hills Church in Blairsville. on Monday March 1,2010 from 6-8pm at The family received friends at the CoSurviving family members, in addition to the Mountain View Funeral Home.A mechran Funeral Home Saturday, February 27, her mother, are: sister and husband, Gizelle morial service will be held at a later date 2010, from 5 until 9 PM. and Steve Thomas of Morganton, Georgia; and will be announced.In lieu of flowers if Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funersister and husband, Gwyneth and Joe Yaita of you wish,the family requests that memorials al Home and Crematory of Blairsville. You may Murphy, North Carolina; nephews: Brad Thommay be made to the American Heart Associaas, Justin Thomas and David Murphy; nieces: Britta- sign the guest register, view Linda's Life Tribute, and tion in memory of Mr.Dockery. ny Thomas, Sleana Cook, Lisa Renbarger and Shirley send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuMountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in Bryson; and special friend, Danny Murphy; twelve neralhomes.com . charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family great nieces and nephews. guest book and send condolences on line at www. mountainviewfuneralhome.com Carolina, and Joseph Griggs, Jr. of Blairsville. Many C.D. Griggs.

Mr. C.D. Griggs, age 85, of Blairsville, Georgia, other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Februpassed away Monday, February 22, 2010 at Union ary 24, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Ebenezer Baptist Eads; sons, Devon Eads, and Dillan Eads; daughters, General Hospital in Blairsville after a brief illness. He Church with Rev. R. L. Martin and Rev. Ray Potts Madison Eads, and Morgan Caldwell; brother, was born on Monday, October 20, 1924 in Blairsville, officiating.

Music was provided by the church choir Thomas C. Eads Jr.; and sister, Tiffany Eads a son of the late Joseph and the late Madelene Elliott and Rev. Tommy and Vicki Jenkins. The following Griggs. C. D. was a WW II U S Army Veteran and a Sparks; many aunts, uncles, and . gentlemen served as pallbearers: Junior Bridges, The Funeral service was held, Wednes- member and Deacon of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He Ricky Griggs, Ronnie Griggs, Cecil Hughes, Terry day evening, February 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM was also preceded in death by a sister, Ella Griggs.

Hughes and James Bridges.

The following gentlemen He is survived by his wife, Charlene Griggs of from the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home served as honorary pallbearers: Hubert Plott, Doyle Chapel with Reverend J. T. Willoughby of- Blairsville; son & daughter-in-law, Mark & Cheryl Gunter, Arlin Worley, Lee Knight and Ronnie Coker.

Griggs of Blairsville; daughter & son-in-law, Patty & ficiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.  Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Mc- Wes Whitfield of Homer, Georgia; granddaughters The family received friends at Cochran Funeral Caysville, GA was in charge of arrangements. and their husbands, Marquetta & Brent Thompson of Home Tuesday from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Virginia Beach, Virginia; Marletta & Jordan Arnold of www.cochranfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home Dahlonega, Georgia; grandaughter Kaylee Whitfield and Crematory of Blairsville, Georgia. Please send of Homer, Georgia; grandson, Wyatt Whitfield of condolences to  www.cochranfuneralhomes.com . nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and one Homer; brothers, Roy Griggs of Bryson City, North great grandchild, Raven Yourkonis, of Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Evans was a native of Blairsville where she returned to live after retiring from work in 1986. She was a member of New Union To help student leaders increase Baptist Church in Blairsville. The funeral their awareness and understanding was conducted by Rev. Thomas A. Bingof the legal system, Union County ham. Pallbearers were the following gentleHigh School hosts an annual Mock men: Dennis Bingham, Thomas A. Bingham, Trial Competition. In support of Jr., Darnell Evans, Walter Evans, Kenneth West, this effort, United Community reand Brady Lindsey. Cochran Funeral Home in cently donated funds for the comBlairsville was in charge of arrangements. Visitation petition. was held on Friday afternoon from 2 until 9 p.m.,    Pictured here are United Comand Saturday morning before the funeral in Cochran munity Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sharon Arnold Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m., on February 27, (center) and Helen Teboe (third 2010. Interment was in New Union Baptist Church from right) presenting a check to Cemetery on Jones Creek Road in Blairsville. Arthe students. The donation will rangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Pictured from left: Cameron Schuette, Katie Hamilton, Kasey help with traveling expenses to the Blairsville. You are invited to view Mrs. Evansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Tribute, and send condolences to the family at www. Cargill, Ashley Swanson, Sharon Arnold, Alex Drost, Helen Te- regional competition on February cochranfuneralhomes.com. boe, Kayla Rogers, Jeffrey Ward.

27th. Â

UCB Supports UCHS Mock Trial Team

Page 6A

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CO M MUN I T Y

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Jane Brackett, left, helped Anna Postell with her taxes February 26 as part of the AARP free tax service. This was the first year both women had participated in the service, which is being held at the Morganton Baptist Association building Fridays until April 9.

AARP is offering free tax preparation again this year in Blue Ridge. Senior citizens are encouraged to use the service, but it is available to low and moderate income taxpayers also. Taxes will be prepared at the Morganton Baptist Association Building just

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Page 8A

GEORGIA SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

CO M MUN I T Y

Red Coat Day at the Capital

Georgia Federation of Republican Women (GFRW) met with Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) Thursday and other legislators, including Judson Hill, Seth Harp, Austin Scott. Legislators talked about the economy, unemployment, the drinking water problem, ethics, energy, transportation and other issues important to Georgia residents.

The common theme of the lawmakers was, "You are important and we need your voice. Come and talk to us." GRFW president Suzi Voyles (fifth from left), Past President Millie Rogers (fifth from right) as well as over 100 GFRW members participated in the event.

Local participants included Elaine Owen, Louise Little, Reva Jennings, Betty Jo Campbell and Lena Rinehart. A special tour and coffee at the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mansion concluded the day's events.

Heart attack warning signs prove that minutes matter t %JTDPNGPSU JO PUIFS BSFBT PG UIF VQper body. Symptoms can include pain or Sentinel Writer discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Members of the Fannin County Emert 4IPSUOFTT PG CSFBUI XJUI PS XJUIPVU gency Management Agency held a public chest discomfort. seminar on heart attacks and their warning t 0UIFS TJHOT NBZ JODMVEF CSFBLJOH PVU signs, and what to do when those warning in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. signs appear.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most common heart attack "Minutes Matter" was conducted by Josh symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But Curtis and Lonnie Oliver Friday in the women are somewhat more likely than auditorium of the Bonnie Higdon Reaves men to experience some of the other comCampus in Epworth. mon symptoms, particularly shortness of Oliver and John Baker, heart attack sur- breath, unexplained anxiety, weakness, favivors, shared their stories about not recog- tigue, rapid heartbeats, cold sweats, palenizing symptoms, being in denial and their ness, nausea/vomiting, and upper back or realization that they needed to call 9-1-1. jaw pain.

Curtis began the seminar describing Learn the signs, but remember that even heart attack warning signs. He said some if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a heart attack, have heart attacks are sudden and intense and it checked out (tell a doctor about your everyone knows whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening. But symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action most heart attacks start slowly, with mild can save lives...maybe your own. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait pain or discomfort. Often people affected more than five minutes to call 9-1-1. Clot arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong and wait too long busting drugs and other artery-opening before getting help. Curtis said, "Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t treatments work best to stop a heart atwait. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to call 9-1-1 if you tack if given within one hour of the start think something is just not right." of warning signs.

Signs that can mean a heart attack is Curtis repeated that calling 9-1-1 is alhappening: most always the fastest way to get lifesavt $IFTU EJTDPNGPSU .PTU IFBSU BUUBDLT ing treatment. Emergency medical services involve discomfort in the center of the (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they chest that lasts more than a few minutes, arrive, up to an hour sooner than if someor that goes away and comes back. It can one gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeez- are also trained to revive someone whose ing, fullness or pain. heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain

By: Elaine Owen

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who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Stroke Warning Signs If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay. t 4VEEFO OVNCOFTT PS XFBLOFTT PG UIF face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body t 4VEEFO DPOGVTJPO USPVCMF TQFBLJOH PS understanding t 4VEEFO USPVCMF TFFJOH JO POF PS CPUI eyes t 4VEEFO USPVCMF XBMLJOH EJ[[JOFTT MPTT of balance or coordination t 4VEEFO TFWFSF IFBEBDIF XJUI OP known cause Immediately call 9-1-1 so an ambulance with advanced life support can be dispatched. Also, check the time to know when the first symptoms appeared. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very important to take immediate action.

If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can restore blood flow to the brain and reduce longterm disability for the most common type of stroke.

Heart attack and stroke are life-anddeath emergencies where every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and re-

turn. If some occur, get help fast.

Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past.

For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given rquickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay, get help right away!

Curtis cited statistics showing that coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability.

He said, "Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important to know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur."

To reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, follow these 10 tips: 1. Check your blood pressure and keep it under control, taking medication prescribed by your doctor.

2. Aim for a healthy weight, follow a healthy eating plan, cut down on salt and sodium and stay physically active.

3. Get cholesterol checked at least once every five years and know what your numbers mean.

4. Follow a low-fat and low cholesterol eating plan.

5. Stop smoking or cut back a little at a time and keep trying until you quit.

Josh Curtis, EMS

Contributed Photo

6. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smoke, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start.

7. If you are overweight, try to lose weight slowly, 1/2 to 1 pound a week.

8. Find out if you have diabetes. Get blood sugar checked by a doctor and follow his advice.

9. Do 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking ever day.

10. Take all medications for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes prescribed by your doctor.

Joe Reece lives his dream with family

Joe Reece has played the harmonica and guitar all his life, and nurtured an extended family of musicians, so it is no surprise that his Second Wind Dream was to have his family gathered together to play the music he loved.

The Regency Hospice Second Wind Dream Board enabled Reece to live his dream with his children, Terry Reece; Little Joe Reece, and Betty Jean Reece Riggins; grandchildren, and nearly fifty family members gathering at the Blairsville home of his sister, Lawanda Reece Spiva, on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

Board members provided cookies and refreshments, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living the Dreamâ&#x20AC;? t-shirt, two pairs of black diabetic socks requested by Reece, ingredients for his favorite orange slushies, and the Cokesbury Hymnal. Reeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nieces and nephews sang, played guitar, banjo, and harmonica, swapped stories, and listened to a gospel tape and testimonial provided

by Reeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, Lawanda Reece Spiva. Long-time friend Billy Harkins played Reeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite hymn, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amazing Grace.â&#x20AC;? The family sang other favorites, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Long Black Train,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sweet Bye and Bye,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wayfaring Stranger,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gettinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ready?â&#x20AC;?

Robin Watts, Regency Hospice Health Care Coordinator, put together a DVD presentation of family photos set to music. Other Regency staff present were Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Coordinator; Jan Devereaux, Chaplin; Mary Phillips, CNA; and Barbara Colvert, Volunteer Coordinator.

An afternoon of music, love, and memories gave Joe Reece the dream he wanted. Special thanks to Scrubbs and More for providing the t-shirt, Synergy Health for donating Sunkist for orange slushies, and Health Care Needs in Blue Ridge for donating.

Contributed Photo

Joe Reece tries out the heirloom harmonica he has played all his life, with his three children and two grandchildren.