03.11.10 Fannin Sentinel

Sentinel FANNIN

50 Cents

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 | THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

Fannin unemployment rising County unemployment rate higher than surrounding area By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Fannin's preliminary December 2009 unemployment rate of 10.4 percent is higher than Gilmer's 10.3 and Union's 9.3 percent, according to Georgia Department of Labor statistics.

It's also higher than the state's preliminary December unemployment rate of 10.3 percent. The state's preliminary January rate is 10.4 percent.

Initial unemployment claims in Fannin County for January are 410, a 19.2 percent increase over January 2009's 344, and a 34.4 percent increase over December 2009's 305.

Gilmer County showed a 14.8 percent decrease in initial unemployment claims and Union County showed a 37.2 percent increase from last

January.

Retail sales figures provided by Assistant Financial Manager Rita Davis show that retail sales for December 2009 are $232,707.42, down $39,433.86 from last year's December figure of $272,141.28.

On the other hand, hotel/motel tax figures gathered by Davis show that January 2010's figure of $25,528.52 are significantly higher than January 2009's amount of $11,097.22.

"I do believe that the county's efforts to collect the local three percent excise tax are part of the reason for the increase from last year. But also remember that the receipts from last month were actually lower by about $3,500, so sometimes people just pay it differently, by the month or the quarter," Fannin County Chamber of Commerce President Jan Hackett remarked.

The tax amount received for December 2008 was $45,036.64, and the amount for December

2009 was $41,592.56, a drop of $3,444.08.

Another factor could be that the tax can be paid on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, so business owners may have changed their payment schedules, she said.

Debbie Jackson was hired in June 2009 to be the lodging tax representative at the county tax commissioner's office. Presently, Jackson has no way to compare rental statistics from before June 2009, although she will be able to do so by the end of the year, she said.

"Nothing has changed in this office except that now we are strictly enforcing the due dates and late penalties," Jackson said.

She added that the office has yet to collect any late fees.

Contributed Photo She said there may be a number of factors The Jones family: from left, Dorianna, Shayla, Makayla and James holding causing the increase, including enforcement, in- Jonathan. creased awareness, and homeowners renting their former residences.

Foster children say care is frightening

The War He Still Remembers

By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Foster care is frightening, foster children and foster parents agree.

"It was scary," said Kim Callihan, 23, a foster child who aged out of the system.

"I didn't know her (Lucy Keppel), and I was going into her home.

It took me awhile to warm up. It took me awhile to realize this is my home," said Brittany Nicole Pryce, 19, another former foster child.

Foster parents James and Dori-

anna Jones and Lucy Keppel agreed that adding a new child to their homes can be daunting. Many times, foster parents don't know the kind of home where the child resided, they don't know the child's complete past medical or psychological history, and they don't know how the child will fit in.

But foster parents and children agree placement focuses on helping the children.

"It's done for service," said Dorianna.

See FOSTER CARE, page 3A

$100,000 grant funding pays for new defibrillators By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Contributed Photo

Veterans at the flag-raising ceremony (L-R): Jerry Estes, Joey Coffey, Dale Dyer, Howard Tilley, Faron Barton, Ed Andrews, Elaine Owen, Conrad Boterweg, Marvin Waldrop, Pluen Troost, Benton Potter. (not pictured Nathaniel Prather)

By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Ed Andrews was only 20 years old when he joined the Marines and went off to war--the war he still remembers.

"I remember," he said, "because I was part of it. You can’t forget something like that."

Andrews is retired with wife Laura and two dogs, now living in Mineral Bluff. There, at the end of his driveway, he recently erected a flagpole made to the exact dimensions of the one used by the U.S.

Marines to raise an American flag on top of Mount Suribachi in World War II. The original raising of the flag was on February 23, 1945 at 10:20 a.m.

Sixty five years later, February 23, 2010 at exactly 10:20, Andrews and Retired Army Colonel Conrad Boterweg raised an American flag on that flagpole in remembrance of those who fought on Iwo Jima during WWII. Before the ceremony, Andrews told the story behind the raising of the flag. "This is not about me," he

said, "It’s about Americans and the flag, a symbol of why we were there and the significance of raising the American flag."

Raising the American flag at the summit of Mt. Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima has become an image of bravery and heroism.

However, there were actually two flags raised on the mountain’s summit that day. Andrews was part of the first flag-raising--just after the Marines had finally gained the top of the mountain after days of hard fighting. This (first) flag, measuring 54x28 inches was deemed too small

to be easily seen from the base of the mountain so a second, larger flag was raised later that day.

Andrews remembers the exact words of the commander who ordered a new flag raised. Colonel Johnson (USMC) said it (the original) was so small that it couldn’t be seen from down below. According to Andrews, Johnson said, "I want this flag put up so every S..O.B.... can see it." The second flag, measuring 8 foot long, was taken from the landing ship LST-779.

It was the job of the 4th and 5th

Fannin County assisted in the Whitepath auto auction incident with 7 EMS runs.

Commissioner Steve Morris commended Oliver, "It's a thankless job that you guys do...These people do not get enough thanks for what they do. I want to thank each of the employees of Fannin County, including the Road Department, because they do a wonderful job without much appreciation."

Commissioner Garnett Webb reported that there had been some response to his resolution asking businesses that wanted to do business with the county to call and let them know. He said, "It just makes good sense to support and buy in the county."

Webb expressed concern regarding the development authority, saying, "I would like to challenge the Fannin County Development Authority to put up a crash pro-

gram and go aggressively after grants for roads. This could save Fannin County thousands of dollars over the next few years. They should make it a priority to explore any available grants."

Chairman Bill Simonds reported that the Water Authority Bill passed the House February 18 (159-0) and will now go to the Senate. If it passes that chamber, it will go to the governor for signature, then become law.

See IWO JIMA, page 8A

Fannin County law enforcement and emergency agencies received 46 automatic electric defibrillators (AEDs) February 24 at the Blue Ridge fire station.

The AEDs were purchased as the result of a grant written by Region 1 EMS Director David Loftin and North Georgia Public Health Promotions Coordinator Rhonda Payne.

Originally, Fannin County was supposed to receive 36 units. However, Loftin was able to provide 10 additional units, according to Lonnie Oliver, Fannin County EMS director.

The two-year $200,000 grant allocates $100,000 this year for AEDs and training for Fannin and Gilmer counties.

Next year, another $100,000 will be allocated for AEDs and training in Murray County, as well as additional AEDs purchased and placed in each school in all three

Of 700 February calls, 14 were due to falls, Oliver says By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer All commissioners were present Tuesday, February 23 for the twice a month meeting.

Safety Director Lonnie Oliver reported that February calls included 429 EMS, 140 fire, 138 rescue, and 14 ground falls. Oliver explained that most of the calls due to falls were caused by the snowy weather in February.

Fannin

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

Simonds also reported on road work being done on Squirrel Hunting Road and Bullen Gap. "There’s a lot of roads that need work and we know that; we’ll get to them as soon as we can," he said.

Fannin County Commissioners meet at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday every month in the third floor Jury Assembly Room at the Court House. Meetings are open to the public.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

52/47

59/46

66/41

51/42

52/38

54/36

Tuesday

54/37

Contributed Photo

Fannin County EMS Director Lonnie Oliver shows one of the 46 AEDs the county received for law enforcement and emergency vehicles February 24.

counties.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training February 9 and 11 at the county detention center.

Up to 50,000 of the annual 300,000 deaths by sudden cardiac arrest could have been prevented if CPR had been performed and an AED had been available for immediate use, according to the Red Cross.

The grant also requires public education. The program, called When Minutes Count, gives information about reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke and warning signs for both. Meetings are scheduled at 6 p.m. February 26 and March 4 in the Bonnie Higdon Reaves Campus auditorium in Epworth.

Page 2A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

CO LU MNS & O P I N I O NS

By Jim Fitzgerald

LEANING Â LEFT

Sentinel Guest Columnist

Over the last year, it has become apparent that conservatives believe our founding fathers made a terrible mistake in creating a threepart, check-and-balances system of government. Their attack on DC daily would lead one to believe that Obama and the Democrats gained power through a coup d’Êtat rather than a fair election. Technically, Bush won office in 2000 by 576 votes (he lost the popular vote) but claimed a mandate. Obama really did have a mandate, winning almost ten million more popular votes than McCain and sweeping the Electoral College. However, Democrats have been hampered from delivering on their top priorities by losing the public relations battle. As I pointed out in previous columns, one would think the Democrats are responsible for the high unemployment rate and bulging national debt rather than the savior of the economy.

As part of the PR battle, conservatives criticize the Democratic health care reform bill for having over 2,000 pages. They brag that the Republican version is a mere 219 pages. Ask any lawyer which version would be the easiest to slice and dice in a court of law. Ask any lawyer where you would find the greatest number of loopholes to exploit. Ask any lawyer which version demonstrates intellectual laziness. It is easy to state a broad principle but difficult to define, in detail, how that principle can be implemented in practice. The Prescription Drug Bill of 2003, contained over 1,100 pages so I suspect 2,000 pages may be too few for an overhaul of the entire health care system. On the other hand, 219 pages seem like an anorexic runway model.

Do you remember the health care fight back in 1994? Republicans won that battle, using the same arguments they are using today. Moreover, what did we get?

Managed care, HMO’s, PPO’s, provider panels, rationed health care, preapprovals, higher co-pays, markedly increased premiums, a “free market� in health care that has driven millions of citizens out of the health care system, and markedly increased government funding of health care benefits for children, the poor, and the chronically ill. Now, after that terrible experiment, we are back at the drawing board and Republicans are proposing more of the same! Republicans had their chance and it was ineffective. They could have “tweaked� the system during Bush’s term but they did nothing in spite of mounting evidence of a broken health care system. Now it is the Democrats turn – and everything suggests a radical improvement is the only thing that will reign in health care costs. I pay over $12,000 in premiums a year for two, almost $1,200 a year in Medicare premiums, a $100 per person deductible, and 20% co-pay. Over 50% of my net pay is spent on health care – and I am a healthy person. Thank goodness, I have other sources of income.

Conservatives claim that the use of reconciliation is rare and should not be used for health care. Without belaboring the point, suffice it to say the Republicans used it frequently during their time in power.

Now John McCain, who I used to respect, is proposing that reconciliation is inappropriate for trimming fraud and waste from the Medicare system. John, bless his heart, is not credible on this issue. In 1989, 1995, 1997, and 2005, McCain voted to substantially slash Medicare funding – all through reconciliation! Republicans used reconciliation to cram the Bush tax cuts down our throats (to borrow an over- used phrase from Fox “news�). I wonder if our founding fathers intended for Congress to be paralyzed by the filibuster or if they understood passage to mean a simple 51-vote majority.

Another argument in the con-

servative battle to impugn government is to spew forth withering criticism of federal government programs, claiming gross inefficiency, while trumpeting the benefits of private enterprise. They love to pick on the post office so I am excited to see how they will handle the recent post office request to cease Saturday mail delivery. Every time the post office proposes raising the cost of a stamp by a penny or two, or stopping Saturday delivery, all hell breaks loose. You see, the post office cannot make changes without Congressional approval because the Post Master General is a Constitutional office, even though the post office received no funding from the federal government. However, comparing the post office to private delivery companies is like comparing apples to oranges. No other company delivers mail to EVERY address in the country, as well as its territories like Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and St. John, six days a week at an affordable price. If UPS and FEDEX did the same thing, service would be unaffordable to a vast majority of citizens. If our local, state, and federal governments had to use FEDEX or UPS to deliver official documents, like tax bills, taxes would have to rise to cover the significant increase in costs.

I doubt that our founding fathers could foresee that governing would boil down to a public relations campaign. I suspect that they believed the weight and responsibility of governing would force self and party interest to yield to country interest. I think they believed that the federal government was to consider legislation in light of the entire country rather than regional and local interests. However, since we started drawing Congressional districts that look like space aliens, the interests of DC starting boiling down to PR battles, earmarks, and the politics of personal enrichment.

YOUR Â HEALTH Â MATTERS

There comes a time when one needs to dispose of some of the many books one has collected over their lifetime. In so doing I ran across a book that my late father had given me—Anatomy of an Illness, by Norman Cousins, first published in 1979. He had given it to me on my birthday with this note, “Claudia, since you not only deal with sick people and probably will for the rest of your life, and you teach others how to deal with them. To me, this book touched on the direct and indirect approach to care for the ill, plus a bit on preventing illnesses. Hopefully this will be useful to you, your patients, and students.� As it turned out, it was very useful, and rereading it will make it a “keeper�!

It challenged me to make laughter the subject of this week’s column.

In his famous book, Norman Cousins described his fight against a disease for which doctors had no known cure or treatment.

He was told that he had little chance, if any, of surviving. Hearing this, Cousins decided to take the matter into his own hands and started to plan his own recovery plan, including laughter and affirmative emotion like love, faith and hope. He also took a great deal of vitamin C, which he read would be beneficial for his condition.

Cousins was editor of the Saturday Review of Literature. He was diagnosed in 1964 with spondylitis, an acute inflammation of the spine. Cousins was sure that negative thoughts can cause illness. So, he reasoned that positive thoughts could have the opposite effect. He left the hospital and checked into a hotel where he watched humorous movies and shows. He found that 10 minutes of hearty laughter resulted in at least two hours of pain-free sleep.

He continued this “treatment� until he recovered. He wrote this widely read book about his amazing recovery. (You can still get this book on Amazon.com and it is

By CLAUDIA PARKS RN Columnist

worth reading.)

We have heard all our lives—Laughter Is the Best Medicine! I love a good dose of laughter! It will cure just about anything I have wrong with me!

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

Scientists have also discovered that laughter increases your cardiovascular flexibility (your blood vessels exercise through dilation). Laughter convulses your diaphragm, which in turn massages your internal organs. Massaged internal organs are happy internal organs and they cooperate by staying plump and juicy. Laughter also causes you to gulp in large portions of air, oxygenating your blood. When that air is expelled, it’s been clocked at 70 miles per hour, providing the lungs with an excellent workout.

A good hearty laugh will cause you

to lose muscle control, which relaxes the skeletal system.

Four-year-olds laugh on an average of 500 times a day, while adults laugh a mere 15! This should tell us that we could have the heart rate and blood pressure of a child if we laughed more!?

Laughter causes the brain to produce hormones called beta endorphins which reduce pain and causes our adrenal glands to manufacture cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s wonderful for arthritis.

Laughter also provides a catharsis, which means to purify or purge, to the emotions. It also brings about a spiritual renewal or release from tension. More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope.

Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh—or even simply a smile— can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in on the fun.

Some events are clearly sad and not occasions for laughter.

But most events in life don’t carry an overwhelming sense of either sadness or delight. They fall into the gray zone or ordinary life— giving you the choice to laugh or not.

Number one rule—be able to laugh at yourself!

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.

Claudia can be reached at yhm@ windstream.net

SOMEWHERE Â IN Â THE Â MIDDLE

By Jim Fitzgerald Sentinel Guest Columnist

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a retired teacher of high school history, government, and economics. I am also an information junkie, constantly flipping back and forth between CNN and FOX News and surfing the Web for the latest updates and analyses on politics, the economy, and current events. Politically, I lean to the right, but I consider myself moderately conservative; I am certainly no radical. I have voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election since I turned eighteen, but I am registered as an Independent and plan to stay that way. No party or political action committee dictates how I think on any single issue. Moreover, I consider both major political parties responsible for our current economic mess.

I am a member of a Southern Baptist Church and attend regularly, though I am not dogmatic about denominational differences. My faith is extremely important to me and influences my beliefs in all areas of life, but I think people often pretend to know a lot more about God than any of us actually do. Since we currently “see through a glass darkly,� I don’t think we should pretend to have all the answers.

I love my country. I used to tell my students that they should get down on their knees every day and thank God that they were born in the United States of America. I still believe that, but I am profoundly worried about the future of this great nation. Like so many others who are far more knowledgeable than I, I think our economy is on an unsustainable path. The challenges we face are enormous and complicated. There are no easy answers, no painless solutions to our problems.

I am a mom and a new grandmother. I look into the eyes of my precious, perfect, beautiful little granddaughter and wonder what the future holds for her. How will our 12 ½ trillion dollar national debt affect her life and the lives of all our children and grandchildren? What are we doing to them?

Will her generation be the first not to have better lives than their parents had? I see my former students so excited about starting their careers, getting married, and having babies. I offer my congratulations and wish them well – but I fear for them.

My husband is a retired federal employee. He served for over thirty years, working hard to provide farm loans, low-interest loans for housing, and grants for important things like water and sewage systems, fire trucks, and community centers for small towns.

(He was NOT part of the sub prime lending fiasco.) I believe our government provides many good and necessary services. I am not anti-government, but I do believe in LIMITED and fiscally responsible government.

I believe it is my duty to be a lawabiding citizen who pays my taxes, stays informed, and votes. I also think it is every citizen’s duty to speak up when our leaders are taking us down the wrong path. We have freedom of speech and we should exercise it.

Otherwise, we get the government we deserve.

I believe as Winston Churchill did, that “democracy is the worst form of government‌except for all the others.â€? Like any red-blooded American, I value the freedom and individualism afforded me by a democratic society; at the same time, I see the inherent weaknesses in democracy that could destroy us from within. I recognize that capitalism has provided more prosperity for more people than any

other economic system in history. On the other hand, we’ve all seen how the system can be gamed by those whose greed has run amok – to the detriment of us all. I am wary of too much government control, but also recognize that some level of government regulation is necessary.

I am sick and tired of the radicalism of American politics. As a nation, we have become so polarized we can no longer carry on a civil conversation about the difficulties we face. Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, practice trench warfare - lobbing verbal attacks back and forth at one another across the No Man’s land of moderation while the media plays up the differences and stokes the fires of anger and discontent. How can compromise take place in such a poisonous atmosphere? It can’t, and it doesn’t.

Where are the moderates? Where are the voices of reason? I believe we need more people who are willing to navigate the “mushy middle� where one is bound to be attacked by extremists on both sides. Granted, it is a difficult, dangerous and thankless job.

Just recently, Senator Evan Bayh called it quits because he has given up on getting the two parties to work together to accomplish anything of real value.

But unless we learn to come together, really talk to each other and not past each other, we are in serious trouble.

When I was a little girl, my mama taught me that there are two sides to everything. She always listened to my side and then helped me see other points of view. The lesson stuck, and I later taught my classes that when you hear extremists argue their positions, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.

EDITOR'S Â INBOX

Lost Freedoms

It’s not a Constitutional thing, as such.  Freedom is the intangible the grassroots folk say we are losing. Loss of freedom comes with growth of government and the usurped power that comes with that. Americans are a freedom loving people and don’t like the impending cradle to grave nanny state they see on the horizon. The FCC recently caved in to greed and lobby pressure when they mandated that over the air TV signals be digitized. The increased power need shortened the transmission range. Three people on our street no longer have TV. We had to replace a toilet recently. So we set something called a “dual flush�. This is a new standard coming to us from California. First we had low flush next will be low flush for solids

and lower flush for liquids. The next regulation will be “when�. We converted the generator from gasoline to propane. But now the engine’s fuel is no longer certified. Several emails to different sub-agencies of the EPA asking how to re-certify have gone unanswered. The EPA set the standards but doesn’t know how we are to comply with them!

We the People would have more freedom if the government would butt out of our lives. Ask your congressmen if he believes this.

M. J. Blanchard Blairsville  "It does not take a majority to prevail . . . but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men."  Samuel Adams

You could be in the coin club The Mountain Coin Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Early activities begin at 5:30.

Meeting follows at 6:30 p.m.

The club meets at Cadence Bank in Blairsville..

For more information, call YOCS, 706-379-1488.

Feed Fannin class gives fruit tree tips

Free class on tips for productive fruit trees co-sponsored by Feed Fannin and Mercier Orchards, Thursday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. at Mercier Orchards, 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge. For more information call 706-632-3411.

Republican party meets March 15 Fannin County Republican Party meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 15 at the Senior Center in Blue Ridge.

Speakers will be congressional candidates Lee Hawkins and Bobby Reese and Herman Clark, who is running for superior court judge.

Business meeting will include election of treasurer and election board members.

For more information, please call chairman Ron Bolin at 706-4927724.

Female Republicans to gather

Make an informed decision before you vote in the Primary Election, July 20. Three candidates will be at the monthly meeting of Republican Women Wednesday, March 17 at Harvest on Main in Blue Ridge. Bert Loftman is running for U.S. Congress, Harold Logsdon for Insurance Commissioner and Faron Barton is running for Post One Commissioner. Come and hear what they will do to help Fannin County and their opinion on other issues important to you. Lunch is at 11:30 and speakers begin at noon. For more information, please call Elaine at 706-632-0021.

Fire station dinner set March 13 Mark your calendar now for Saturday, March 13 from 4 to 7 p.m.

That's when the fifth annual corned beef and cabbage dinner will be held at the station on Aska Road. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children.

According to Ed Judge, money from this event will help the Fire Station build two bays to add to the two originally built in 2005. Entertainment will be provided and a quilt raffle will be held. For more information, call Ed Judge at 706-632-7697.

NE W S

Foster care: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK ‡ GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 3A

Added James, "a service for the children and a service to the community."

James is principal at Crossroads Alternative School in Gilmer County and president of the Foster and Adoptive Parents Association. Dorianna stays home with their three children, five-year-old Makayla, four-year-old Shaylee and 21-month-old Jonathan.

Keppel fostered Callihan and Pryce; recently adopted two brothers, ages 7 and 9; and is presently fostering a teenager. Her niece and the niece's child also live with her.

Callihan, at the age of 12, placed herself in foster care, first by repeatedly calling police when left home alone and then by asking to be put into foster care.

"It was a hard decision to make, because I made the decision myself. I wanted a way out.

I knew I deserved a better life. I knew I deserved someone who would take care of me," she said.

She received that life in foster care. Callihan was placed in-county and was able to continue at her school. When she was named to homecoming court, Keppel paid for her hair and nails to be done and for a dress, none of which is covered by state funding.

Callihan stayed in three different foster homes until she turned 18 and still maintains relationships with her foster families.

"I still go back and visit them. For my fouryear-old son, they're like grandparents," she said.

"If they've been in my house for any amount of time, they're my kids. I run into my kids.

They come see me at work," Keppel said.

Unlike Keppel, who had already raised her daughter when she became a foster mother more than eight years ago, the Joneses were thinking of adoption when they became foster parents.

"One of the thoughts of ours was maybe to eventually adopt," James said. Overriding that thought, though, was their wish to help children, they said.

Until they adopted Makayla and Shaylee in 2008 and Jonathan in 2009, they fostered children of all ages. At one time, they had five foster children in their home.

"We felt that it was a calling from God," Dorianna said.

Both families said that it's important to remember that it's all about the child. And, sometimes, that means facing the loss of a be-

loved child when he or she returns to a parent.

"They need to realize that the main focus of it is reunification with biological parents," said James.

"Even if it (return of a foster child to a biological parent) hurts us, as long as it helped them," said Dorianna.

When questioned, all three foster parents said the key to successful parenting is treating the child as their own.

But foster children are different in that, in some cases, the child's medical or psychological history is murky or unknown, especially if it's an emergency placement.

When the Joneses first took Makayla and her sister into their home, Makayla became ill with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease caused by ingestion of food or liquid contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.

Dorianna spent weeks in the hospital with Makayla even though the state would have provided a caretaker for her.

"My outlook on it was she was put in my home to take care of," she explained.

Dorianna said she would get the other children ready for school, then stay all day at the hospital with Makayla, get home in time to get the other children ready for bed, and then repeat the process the next day.

The Joneses missed their tenth anniversary celebration during Makayla's illness, but both said they have no regrets.

All three foster parents are concerned about the lack of foster homes in Fannin County.

"There's an extremely big problem as far as not having enough foster homes," Dorianna said.

They urged people who love children and who can provide an extra bedroom to look into foster care. All three said they hoped that church members would step up to help Fannin County's children.

Keppel said that most of Fannin County's teenagers are being put in group homes all over the state because there are not enough foster homes in the county. She added that most foster parents want younger children, so there are fewer homes that will take teens.

Foster families can specify the type of placement they wish, she explained. For example, some families will only take certain age groups, others will only take temporary placements, and others will take only emergency placements.

James Jones said that teens are sometimes more traumatized than younger children, because they've usually been with their families longer. Teens have also become accustomed to the rules in their houses and may be reluc-

$POUSJCVUFE 1IPUP

Foster mother Lucy Keppel, center, with foster daughters, Brittany Nicole Pryce, left, and Kim Callihan.

tant to change. Teens are at the age when they want more control over their lives, and foster care is restrictive, Keppel said.

Foster children must always be supervised by an approved adult, they can't get a driver's license or drive, they can't stay at a friend's home, and they can't go out of state without a parent's or the court's permission. The state pays for their physical and mental health care.

And the Foster Child Education Grant permits all foster children who are in state custody at age 18 to get college tuition, room and board expenses covered as long as they are in foster care.

Keppel added that foster children come from all sorts of backgrounds. They can come from wealthy or poverty-stricken families.

Their parents may be well-educated or mentally deficient. They are just as likely to be spoiled or honor students or school leaders as they are to be abused or neglected.

Foster parents, too, can vary. They can be single or married. They can own pets, as long as the pets are determined not to be dangerous and as long as they have all their shots.

They can rent or own their homes. They can be of any faith or no faith at all.

All must be financially secure, because the state's per diem rate does not cover all the child's costs. All must receive training, and their homes are inspected each month. Foster parents must all take continuing education each year.

And, Keppel maintained, foster homes are not the same as group homes. Group homes, she said, are more impersonal. Their purpose, she said, was to take in children who had physical or emotional problems that made them difficult to place. Now, most of Fannin County's teen wards of the state are placed in group homes throughout the state.

Callihan and Pryce said that going to a group home was never used as a threat, but every foster child knew that if they became violent, used drugs or engaged in unsafe behavior, they might go there.

"Group homes are very structured. It's harder to form the bonds you would in a family setting," James said.

"The threat of a group home is very scary," Keppel said.

"The foster home, it's more like a family.

You feel like you're being taken care of," Callihan 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) 632-2296, extension 25.

AARP tips, notices, news and information The AARP TAXAIDE program is in full swing giving FREE tax preparation and FREE e-filing assistance to all clients in the low and moderate income people. You do not have to belong to AARP nor be a certain age to receive assistance.

During the month of February, the TAXAIDE counselors have helped over 500 people in the Hiawassee and Blairsville area.

We are open in Hiawassee on Mondays from 9 AM to 2PM at the United Methodist Church next to the Fair Grounds. And in Blairsville on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 2 PM at the First Baptist Church Bldg H across from Rite Aide Pharmacy.

Since this is the busy time of the tax year, it is advisable to come by 11 AM to insure we will have time to complete your return.

We have been trained and certified by the IRS and AARP to prepare itemized deductions, sale of stocks and property, and all kinds of other transactions. The TAXAIDES have over 95 years of tax preparation experience and every return is quality reviewed to insure accuracy.

If you have any questions feel free to call TED NOELLE, the Local Coordinator at 706-745-7998 or tjnoelle@windstream.net.

Fannin

Sentinel PUBLISHER: Frank Bradley

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

Ted's Tax Tips By: Ted Noelle Contributing Writer Tip # 1 – If you have questions about your taxes or whether you need to file call me at 706-745-7998 or email at tjnoelle@WINDSTREAM.net Tip # 2 – New this year, you do not have to pay Federal tax on the first $2400 of Unemployment Compensation you received in 2009. So far, the State of GA does not recognize this credit.

Tip # 3 – If you are lucky enough to be receiving a refund this year, you may purchase up to $5000 in US Series I savings bonds in multiples of $50.

Tip # 4 – One area of misunderstanding from last year and into this year is if you sell stocks at a loss, you need to list them on your tax return. Not only will some of the loss apply to this years return and the excess carried over into next years return, but this will clear the stock with the IRS. The IRS is given a report by the stock company of the sale, but does not know the beginnings of the stock. They do not know the purchase price or when you purchased the stock so if you do not report that information they think the sale is all profit and will tax you on the sales amount. If this is your case, or if you have received a letter from the IRS stating you owe tax on the stock sale amount, we can help you straighten this out at no cost to you.

Safe Driving with AARP Come join the AARP Safe Driving Course March 11th & 12th at the Shirley Miller Building located behind the renovating Union County Library.

The fee is $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non-members.

To enroll please call Jessica deRuise at 706-439-6332.

(&5 #3&",*/( /&84 61%"5&4 0/ :063 1)0/&

school closings, emergencies, traffic, hot news...

58*55&3 $0. /SENTINEL4$001

Page 4A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

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 wear—broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesn’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€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€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 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) 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 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 828-3890295.

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 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 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, 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 RIÀFHUV 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 – 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 Clare’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 ÀUH 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 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

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

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.

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€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€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. 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.

Union County Republican Party

will be holding its monthly meeting on Saturday, January 16th at 9:00 am at Victoria’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€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 wear—broken chains, a single earring, out of style earring jackets, class ring, a forgotten boyfriend ring or pendant, an old gold watch (doesn’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€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€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€HOG VHHNLQJ WKH RIĂ€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.“More than 75 percent of jobs that are created in this kind of recession are created at the small business level,� he said. “If you care about jobs in the state, then you should care about small business.�.

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 ÀHOG 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€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.

Community Prayer Meeting

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

Worth Considering A thought for today

Mothers of Preschoolers

0236 ,QWHUQDWLRQDO D QRQ SURĂ€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€FH DW IRU PRUH LQIRUPDtion or email us at mopsofblairsville@ gmail.com.

“If  I  have  seen  further  than  others, it  is  by  standing  upon  shoulders  of  giants.�           -Sir  Isaac  Newton  (1642-1727)

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 Cobb’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 Andrew’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!

1DWLYH 1XUVHU\ 5693 PLWFK#QFZLOGĂ RZHU RUJ RU YLVLW KWWS ZZZ QFZLOGĂ RZHU RUJ index.php/site/event_details/1445/

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 ÀYH 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 ÀQH 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 ÀUVW 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€FDOO\ WKH Tarheel Network in North Carolina. For

I  think  of  teachers.

They  provide  shoulders  for  others  to  stand  upon.

Every  noted  doctor,  inventor,  musician,  writer,  scientist,  physicist,  philosopher,  political  leader,  agriculturist,  theologian,  professor  and  every  other  person  whose  work  has  made  a  difference  had  teachers  who  spurred  them  on  to  greatness.                             -Ethelene  Dyer  Jones

7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK ‡ GEORGIA SENTINEL Page 5A

CO M MUN I T Y Tributes Harold John Williams

Mr.Harold John Williams age 76 of Lake Vista Drive Blairsville passed away on Thursday March 4,2010 following an extended illness.Mr.Williams was born on September 26,1933 in Detroit,MI.,the son of the late John Williams and the late Lenna Singer Williams.Mr.Williams retired as captain from the West Palm Beach Fire Department after over twenty three years of service.He was a veteran of the US Air Force.He was preceded in death by a son,Ricky Williams in 2005.Mr.Williams was of the Methodist faith.

Surviving Mr.Williams are his loving wife of fifty six years,Tawana Lemons Williams of Blairsville,two sons and one daughter in law,Jeffrey and Laiying Williams of Sylvan Lake,MI.,John Williams of

Gloria Crump Sasser

Mrs. Gloria Crump Sasser, age 72, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in Union General Hospital in Blairsville.

Mrs. Sasser was born in Forrest, Illinois, on Wednesday, March 17, 1937, a daughter of the late Hersel Crump and the late Alethia Saxton Crump. Mrs. Sasser moved to Blairsville from Sarasota, Florida in 1986. She attended New Union Baptist Church. Gloria loved camping and fly fishing; and she enjoyed sewing and was very good at it. Gloria was also an avid reader. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Patterson.

Surviving family members include her husband, James "Jim" Sasser, of Blairsville; daughter and sonin-law, Sandra and Darryl Watson of Port Charlotte, Florida; and daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Bob Palmer, of Orlando, Florida;Â Step-Son, Dennis Sasser, and his wife, Beth, of Ft. Green, Florida; Step-son, Henry Sasser, of Bradenton, Florida; sister, Lois Stew-

Jack Ray

Mr.Jack Ray age 90 of Mocking Bird Lane Blairsville passed away on Saturday March 6, 2010 at his home following an extended illness.Mr.Ray was born on Feb.23,1920 in Cordele,GA.,the son of the late Richard Carsey Ray and the late Nannie McKinney Ray.He was a veteran of the US Navy of WWII.He was a longtime member of the VFW and also had served as Mayor of Jeffersonville,GA.He was preceded in death by his parents and also by four brothers.He was a loving husband,father,brother,grandfather and great grandfather.Mr.Ray was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr.Ray are his loving wife of sixty eight years,Betty York Ray of Blairsville,two

James Mack Guffey

Mr.James’’Mack�Guffey age 72 of Young Harris St.Blairsville passed away on Sunday March 7,2010 in the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home following an extended illness.Mr.Guffey was born on March 2,1938 in Union County,the son of the late Lloyd Guffey and the late Minnie Jordon Guffey.

Mr.Guffey was a native and lifelong resident of Union County.He loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his best friend Blaze his dog.He was preceded in death by his first wife,Jean Hughes in 2008 and by his second wife,Evelyn Louise Thomas March 3,2010.Mr.Guffey was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr.Guffey are three sons and two daughter in laws,Gary and Denise Guffey of Hiawassee,Greg Guffey of Young Harris,Chris and Shelly Guffey of Young Harris,step daughter,Pam Young,two sisters,Sharon Poulos and Ellen Kirby both

William Ralph Jones

Mr.William Ralph Jones age 93 of Ralph Jones Rd.Blairsville passed away on Sunday Feb.28,2010 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness.

Mr.Jones was born on Dec.24,1916 in Union County,the son of the late John Martin Jones and the late Ader Cavender Jones.He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County.He was a veteran of the US Army of WWII.Ralph was a loving husband,father and grandfather.He was preceded in death by a son in law,Jim McCarter,two brothers,Dewy and Jewell Jones,four sisters,Cordie Bell Smith,Imogene Kile,Claudine Jones and Birdell Jones.Mr.Jones was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr.Jones are his loving wife,Agnus Irene Combs Jones of Blairsville,son and daughter in law,Bill and Jean Jones of Blairsville,daughters,Janice Erwin of Blairsville,Lillian McCarter of Blairsville,son and daughter in law,Donald and Bonnie Jones of Blairsville,Ronald and Sheila Jones of Blairsville,ten grandchildren,Nicole Queen,Jessica Erwin,Jonathan

Willa Mull

Mrs. Willa Mull, age 83, of Belton, SC passed away Friday, February 26, 2010 in Anderson, SC.  Mrs. Mull was born on Sunday, December 5, 1926 in Cherokee County, NC, to Ganes and Vada Ledford Ballew. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist (Wolf Creek) Church. She was preceded in death by husband, J.E. Mull; her parents; brothers, Clarence Ballew, and Winford Ballew; sisters, Jeanette Tankersley and Lena Denton. Survivors include: daughter, Cathy (Ronnie) Lawson of Belton, SC, son, J. B. (Barbara) Mull of Cleveland, TN, granddaughter, Tracy DorÊ, grandson, Ron

St.Augustine,FL.,one sister,Shirley Carroll of Rock Hill,SC.,four grandchildren,Brittney,Amanda,Saman tha and Bailey,many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday March 7,2010 at 5:00pm from the Mountain View Funeral Home with the Rev.Harold Savage officiating.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that memorials may be made to St.Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Mr.Williams.

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 art, of San Diego, California; and a brother, James Crump, of Le canto, Florida; granddaughters: Tammy Whidden and Nikki Palmer; grandson, David Palmer; step-granddaughter, Randi Sasser; and step-grandsons, Anthony Sasser and Jimmy Sasser.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 5, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., at New Union Baptist Church, with Rev. Harrison Bradley and Mrs. Sasser was eulogized by Dennis Sasser. Mrs. Sasser was instate at the church starting at 1:30 on Friday, prior to the funeral service. Special music was presented by New Union Baptist Church Choir, Dennis Abbott, Charles Abbott, and Lita Gowder. Burial took place in the church cemetery.  Visitation at the funeral home was held on Thursday evening, March 4, 2010, from 7 until 9 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home - Blairsville Chapel. Please send condolences and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes. com. daughters and one son in law,Jackie and George Law of Murfreesboro,TN.,Betty Sue Loflin of Blairsville,one brother,Warren Harold Ray of Valdosta,GA.,five grandchildren,eleven great grandchildren,several nieces,nephews,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 9,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Waymon Lovell officiating.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1-2pm.

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

Novalee Potts Nation

Mrs.Novalee Potts Nation age 93 of Branan Lodge Blairsville passed away on Thursday March 4, 2010 in the Union County Nursing Home following a brief illness.

Mrs.Nation was born on Oct.18,1916 in Union County,the daughter of the late Henley Potts and the late Della Shope Potts.She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County.She was preceded in death by her husband,John Henry Nation,Son,James Junior Nation a daughter,Della Mae Shelton and a brother,Rev.Horace Potts.She was a loving mother,sister,grandmother and great grandmother.

Mrs.Nation was a member of Fair View Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs.Nationtwo daughters and one son in law,Willie K .Grindle of Lawrenceville,GA.,Shelby and Bill Ledford of Blairsville,five sons and four daughter in laws,Wayne and Hazel Nation of Blairsville,GA.,Johnny and Lois Nation of Murphy,Herbert and Karen Nation of McDonough,GA.,Gerald Nation of Blairsville,Benny

and Jerri Nation of Dahlonega,sister in law,Iva Potts of Blairsville,eighteen grandchildren,forty great grandchildren,four great-great grandchildren,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 6,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Jerry Helton and Rev.Luke Durden officiating.

Special music will be presented by Troy Dyer and Craig Stephens.T he following gentleman will serve as pallbearers,Herbert Nation Jr.,Joseph and Alan Grindle,Charles Wright,Eddie Nation and Jeremy Durden.Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Austin Nation,Doug Nation and David Harbin.Interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery where she will rest next to her husband,Henry.T he family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-9pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www. mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Healing Hands Community Clinic The Healing Hands Community Clinic hosted a CPR Saturday for its volunteer staff. Jack Harper, certified CPR instructor, graciously devoted his time and services for the event.

The number of patients the clinic is now serving has increased and thus so has its needs. Dr Bryan Johnson, whose practice is located in Hiawassee, has served as our volunteer physician quite often and the clinic staff and patients would like to thank him for his compassion and willingness to serve. The clinic is in the process of filing for its tax-exempt status. Once received, this will open the door for the clinic to apply for and receive grant money and to be able

to receipt individuals and businesses for their donations.

Look for the Healing Hands Community Clinic donation jars throughout the community, as the clinic is need of funds to complete the 501c application fee and for its medication assistance fund.

The clinic provides general healthcare to adults and children over the age of two who are uninsured, not eligible for Medicade or Medicare and whose income is less than 200% of the federally defined poverty level. Patients should bring proof of income at the time of their visit -previous year’s tax return or recent proof of income statement.

Clinic services include: General health care for chronic

and acute health conditions, other than chronic pain, narcotics, emergency treatment, pregnancy, or serious mental health illnesses.

Medication assistance program – aiding patients to obtain medication from local pharmacies, or pharmaceutical companies when funds are available.

Healthcare education.

The clinic staff appreciates community support. Should you care to make a monetary contribution or donation of medical supplies/equipment, please contact the clinic at 706-994-6768. The clinic is open every Saturday from 9-12. They are located at 850 Bible Camp Circle directly behind House of Prayer Church on Pat Colwell Rd.

Growing your economic dependance

to know about how your SPLOST dollars are being invested wisely and how this project benefits everyone then you don’t want to miss the meeting.

There will be a demonstration of how the canning process works.

The canning process is a mystery to many, so come see how it happens from the raw ingredients, to a finished canned food product.

The potential of a new culinary incubator could be a tremendous opportunity for many, as well as a great economic development tool for Union County. A Question & Answer session will conclude the presentation.

Please try and join us at the canning plant on March 27th at 11:00 AM. The canning plant is located on Hughes St. behind the old Health Department Building. For further information please contact Brad Lester at (706)994-0582.

of Blairsville,one brother,Jack Guffey of Blairsville,ten grandchildren,three great grandchildren,several nieces,nephews,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 9,2010 at 11:00am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Gary Guffey and Rev.Jimmy Rogers officiating.

The following gentleman will serve as pall bearers,Brian,Hogan,Jordan,Daniel and Andrew Guffey and William Young.Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Watson and Stacy Stephens and Kevin Russell.Interment will follow in the Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Monday evening after 6:00pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family Have you ever wanted to know the cannery. guest book and send condolences on line at www. how the canning process works?

We will be discussing the old mountainviewfuneralhome.com Do you want to reduce household & proposed new cannery as well Jones,Tiffany Ringenberg,Sheena Jones,Shauna expenses? Do you have an inter- as the possibility of a culinary inJones,Kile Jones,Blake Cunningham,Isaac Jones est in starting your own culinary cubator in our future. It will start and Emily Jones,five great grandchildren,many business? If you answered yes to with the history of our current any of these questions then you cannery. This will lead into what other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thurs- won’t want to miss the community plans have been made for the proday March 4,2010 at 11:00am from the meeting Saturday March 27th at posed new cannery. If you want Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Jerry Helton and Rev.Tony Black officiating.

Special music will be presented the Kelley What a great relief for Trio.The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers,Jonathan Jones,Donald Jones,Leslie Lions of Georgia and especially Groves,John Hill,Benny Erwin,Michael for Lions of District 18-D here in Ringenberg,Matt Queen and James Jones.Serving as North Georgia when the Dacula honorary pallbearers will be Kile,Blake and Isaac.In- Lions Club do Dacula, Georgia terment will follow in the Mt.Pleasant Baptist Church was recently chartered. TwentyCemetery will the North GA.Honor Guard conduct- one new Lions made history this ing military honors.The family will meet with friends special night as Charter Memat the funeral home on Wednesday evening from bers! Their sponsoring club was 6-9pm. the Snellville Lions of Snellville, Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in Georgia. charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family The following Union County guest book and send condolences on line at www.

Lions were privileged to be in mountainviewfuneralhome.com attendance at this celebration : Lawson, great granddaughter, Keegan  DorÊ, and President Lisa Little and Gene & Left to Right: President Lisa Little of Union County Lions Club, PresiLouise LIttle. Lion Gene is the Im- dent Scot Addes of new Dacula Lions Club, and UCL's Louise & gene great grandson, Dillon Lawson.

Funeral services were held, March 1, 2010 at 1:00 mediate Past President of Union Little.

PM from the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel County Lions Club. Lion Louise out for a coming news article of with Dr. Phil Byler and Rev. Paul Adams officiating. is the current Peace Poster Chair- tional. another new Lions Club to be Current 18-D District GoverMusic was provided by Mrs. Judy Byler. Pallbearers person. chartered! This only means that nor, Grace Clower, presented the were Wayne Harper, Mike Ballew, Glenn Tanner, TerThere were six Past District there will be opportunity for adCharter as well as the signing.

Lion ry Satterfield, Billy Meese and Keith Roberson. Burial Governors present of which sevfollowed in the Copper Ridge Memorial Gardens. eral were also Past Council Chairs: John Pearce, PID, was the guest ditional service to those in need of Arrangement entrusted to Finch-Cochran Funeral current District Governor, as well speaker sand he was introduced by eye glasses & exams, eye surgery, hearing aides, and so much more!

Home McCaysville, GA. www.cochranfuneral- as two who are also Past Interna- Lion Buddy Ouzts, PID. Lions Motto: "WE SERVE" Congratulations, Dacula Lions homes.com tional Directors of Lions InternaClub. By the way, be on the look-

New Lions Club for District 18-D

Page 6A

GEORGIA SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ 0DUFK

CO M MUN I T Y

Deal names Harris chair of steering committee Rep. Nathan Deal, Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, named Melanie Harris chairman of the Fannin County for Deal Steering Committee. Harris has long been active in the local and state Republican Party.

She presently works as the executive administrative assistant for the Fannin County Sheriff's Department. She is married to Kevin Harris. The couple has two children, Jordan and Grant.

Fannin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Simonds and John Tucker are the committee's cochairs.

Other steering committee members are Lane Bishop, Bradley Davis, Weldon and Judy Davis, Lynn Doss, Ronnie Godwin, Marie Herndon, Jessica Jackson, Dr. Steven Miracle, Manny Robles, Carol Smith and Brian Stanford.

Sons of the American Revolution meet The Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 16th at 6 p.m. at The Brother's Restaurant in Towns County. Dinner cost is $13.00 The program will be brought by Immediate Past President Harry Strickland of Towns County. His topic will be the History of the Strickland Family.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter serves Union, Gilmer, Towns,

Fannin and Rabun Counties. If yup have a Revolutionary War patriot in your family history and err interested in becoming a member of an organization whose roots err in our nation's beginnings, please call your reservation to William O. Brazil at 706-781-3500 by Saturday, March 13th.

The SAR is a historical, educational and patriotic non-profit corporation that seeks to maintain and extend: t UIF JOTUJUVUJPOT JG "NFSJDBO Kevin Panter CIC

SUBSCRIBE to the

FANNIN SENTINEL Call

632-6397

Kevin Panter Insurance 10051 Blue Ridge Dr. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706-632-3400 706-632-8171 fax kevin@kpinsmail.com

Freedom t BO BQQSFDJBUJPO GPS USVF QBUSJPtism t B SFTQFDU GPS PVS OBUJPOBM TZNbols t UIF WBMVF PG "NFSJDBO DJUJ[FOship t ÉŠF VOJGZJOH GPSDF PG F QMVSJCVT unum that has created , from the people of many nations, one nation one people.

Come join for a good time!

For additional information contact John Preston @ 706-745-9513

M&M

CUSTOM CABINETS

706-669-4882 NORTH GEORGIA RESPI CARE Specializing in Oxygen Therapy and Durable Medical Equipment

%OXH 5LGJH *D ‡ 706-632-2255

Kaye’s Auto Parts 2445 East First Street Blue Ridge, GA

706-632-2233

Blue Ridge—706-258-4545 Ellijay—706-515-4545 Chatsworth—706-517-6439

Perkins Towing & Recovery Auto Lockout We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover Jim Perkins ‡

BULLDOG INSPECTIONS Home Inspections, Mold, Radon

706-258-8304 EXOOGRJLQVSHFWLRQV#JPDLO FRP ‡ EXOOGRJLQVSHFWLRQV RUJ

For more information call:

(706) 515-4100

w w w. c a m e r o n h a l l . n e t

706-632-6519

10 Northside Square, Ellijay, GA ‡ DQWLTXHKRXQG QHW

Blue Ridge Mountain Moving and Packing

706-632-5449 Billy Joe Messer, Owner

Blue Ridge Pharmacy 793 E. Main Street Blue Ridge, GA (706) 632-2244 INDIGO HILLS RESTAURANT

Cucina Rustica 706-374-7474 )RUJH 0LOO &URVVLQJ ‡ 0RUJDQWRQ Reservations Suggested

706-946-EASY

(DVW )LUVW 6WUHHW ‡ %OXH 5LGJH

www.ezpayhomefurnishings.com

$IIRUGDEOH *RXUPHW 6XQGD\ %UXQFK

3URJUHVV &LUFOH ‡ %OXH 5LGJH *$

Advertise Here (828) 389-8338

706-632-FOOD

Blue Ridge Diamond Center *OHMFT 4IPQQJOH $FOUFS t )XZ

(706) 632-2299

0QFO .PO 'SJ t 4BU +FXMFSZ 3FQBJS 3JOH 4J[JOH 8BUDI #BUUFSJFT *OTUBMMFE

YOUR TURN LD

GOELRY JEW ASH INTO C

{SMALL} ONE STEP FOR FAN

One GIANT chance to win $100!

Become a fan of the Sentinel at Facebook.com/ NewsSentinel to enter

See the full details on the Sentinel Facebook page

CLASSIFIEDS

Reminder:

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

#C?BJGLC DMP AJ?QQGcCBQ GQ ,MLB?W ?R N K JJ AJ?QQGcCBQ PCACGTCB ?DRCP RFGQ RGKC UGJJ @C NPGLRCB RFC DMJJMUGLE 3FSPQB?W 200 - Employment RV Campground Host Needed for Hiawassee. Must be able to do light chores Call Robbie 706-897-1041

300 - For Sale Gorgeous, soft green, Country French, distressed China Cabinet. Original Price $1,950.00 will sell for $475.00. I will be happy to e-mail pictures for anyone interested. Call 706-897-5728 2008 Jayco Feather for Sale : 19’9� Camper $12,799.00. Excellent condition, only used during travel one time. Have used where it sits 2 times. Have sway tow bar ( worth $400) , electronic brake adjuster, 12 ‘ x 9’ awning, full kitchen, gas stove/oven,microwave, cd/radio, shower ( inside and out) .

Please contact ONLY if serious about looking at it, and possibly purchasing. It is located 2 miles south my home, in a rental space, so like I said please be serious if wanting to see/purchase it! Located south of Blairsville, just north of Vogel State Park.

Queen bed, sofa folds down to a full sizes bed, Tires like new ( about 200 miles on them) e-mail me at : scottan59@yahoo.com if you would like photos Call 706-781-1748 For Sale Dining Room Table with 4 chair, handmade solid hardwood, asking $200 call 828735-1328

400 - Animals Happy Jack Mitex For ear mites in rabbits, dogs, or cats, ask for Happy Jack Mitex. Contains no IGR’s., Hiawassee Feed & Farm Supply ( 896-1319) www. happyjackinc.com

500 - Services

706-632-6266 eaglerestorationllc.com Cooking with Kara *NEW* The Hiawassee Health Hut, your natural grocer. 3243 Dogwood Lane Hiawassee GA. Open TuesdayFriday from 8-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-4. Saturday morning cooking classes from 11-1. For more information call Kara 828389-7044. Visit: www.Cooking with Kara.com A and R Landscape Residential and Commercial Lawn Care.

Plant, tur f 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 Massage Therapy- in the comfort of your home. Licensed and insured. 18 years experience, call Gerri; 1 hour $40; Half hour $25; 706-896-6108.

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 Moving Sale: 4 piece bedroom set, Dining Table, sofa and love seat, Lamps, Some misc. items.

Call 828-389-0859

AD Eagle Restoration, LLC., Staining and Pressure Cleaning.

5$13(2$ Your classified ?BTCPRGQCKCLR UGJJ @C QCCL GL 4LGML 3MULQ ?LB %?LLGL "MSLRGCQ all for one JMU NPGAC (828) 389-8338

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!

706-896-1380Sell your Boat, RV. We bring the buyer to you. 1-866-4178291

800 - Wanted We buy junk, wrecked, rusted old cars and trucks. Call George 706-455-1129 Have any old Mac/Apple products 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 House for Sale By Owner 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, a sunroom, LR, DR, HWF, Many extras, Partially furnished. In beautiful Plantation Villa in Hiawassee, Georgia. Walk to Town, Walk to Lake $175,000.00 Call 706-400-8159

1000 - Rentals 2 Bedroom, 3 Bath Cabin with Mtn. views for rent. $850.00 a month, plus first month security deposit. 3 miles from Blairsville.

All appliances,finished basement.

1-770-995-0184 Small lake house on Lake Chatuge with dock. 2BR/1BA, partialy furnished, $600 plus deposit.

Annual lease, no smoking, no pets.

Valerie 404-849-9010. Available January 9th.

Mobile Home for Rent Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home

Become a fan of the Sentinel on Facebook Facebook.com/NewsSentinel

Local Subscriptions in

for rent in Hiawassee, Ga.,$125 per week or $400 per month, plus $200 Deposit. No Pets. Call 706-835-6561 Apartment for Rent in Hiawassee Specious, light, 1 bedroom, large bathroom. All appliances! Private covered deck! monthly $475.00 plus deposits 706-896-4988 or 706781-9917 Ridgeline Apartments Early Spring Special! Sit in your rockers and watch Spring Arrive from your front porch! 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath to 2 Bedrooms , 1 1/2 Bath from $495.00 per month with security deposit. Maintenance FREE! NO steps! FREE water & Trash disposal! All appliances included! “It’s time to move up to the Ridgeline Apartments! “3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC 828-389-1545

Georgia Gold Buyers Trusted Since 1976

Now Open to the Public In our NEW LOCATION in Hiawassee Get all the CASH for YOUR GOLD & SILVER Be Smart Sell your GOLD & Silver where the Gold Buyer’s Sell

g3MULQ "MSLRW g4LGML "MSLRW g%?LLGL "MSLRW

only $25 / year 706-896-6397

Eliminate the Middle-Man

and GET ALL THE MONEY! Now Paying the Highest Prices Ever!

We Buy - Jewelry In Any Condition Coins Silver - Gold Watches Wristwatches-Pocket Watches Open Daily Georgia Gold Buyers 375 N Main St. Hiawassee, GA 1-877-465-3919 Next t0

Georgia Mountain Restaurant

“Drive a Little and Get a

Whole Lot More�

Hughes Pool & Stone Carries a full line of Landscaping products including: t 0BL $ZQSFTT 3FE BOE #SPXO .VMDI t #SPXO 8IJUF BOE (SBZ %FDPSBUJWF 1FB (SBWFM t 4UBOEBSE (SBZ (SBWFM BOE 3JQ 3BQ t 8IJUF 4BOE BOE 3JWFS 3PDL Located behind Downtown Pizza in Murphy on Church St.

Call (828) 837-6222

You could win $100 by becoming a fan.

Go online for details.

SENTINEL NEWSGROUP (828) 389 - 8338

The following positions are available

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 30 $0 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 $0 30 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 )7 $0 30 Â&#x2021;,&8 51 )7 30 $0 Â&#x2021; 0XUSK\ *URXS 3UDFWLFH 2% *<1 0HGLFDO $VVLVWDQW )7 Â&#x2021; 3K\VLFLDQV 6HUYLFHV 5HLPEXUVHPHQW 6SHFLDOLVW )7 Â&#x2021; 0XUSK\ *URXS 3UDFWLFH , 6XUJHU\ 51 )7

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 1856,1* +20( Â&#x2021; 51 /31 $OO 6KLIWV 7R DSSO\ JR WR ZZZ PXUSK\PHGLFDO RUJ DQG FOLFN RQ HPSOR\PHQW WR XVH RXU HOHFWURQLF DSSOLFDWLRQ V\VWHP 3DSHU DSSOLFDWLRQV ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH DFFHSWHG +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV 'HSDUWPHQW 0XUSK\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU (DVW 86 $OW 0XUSK\ 1&

Page 8A

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

Iwo Jima: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

Marine Divisions, comprised of the 25th, 26th and 27th regiments, to secure the area around Mount Suribachi. Andrews was in the 26th.

Americans needed this part of the island to develop a base for B29 bombers flying out of Guam to land and refuel.

The Division landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945 on the northeast side of Mount Suribachi and immediately sustained heavy losses.

From February 19 until March 18, the Division had over 1,000 Marines killed in action and nearly 3,000 wounded. This was the highest casualty rate in all Marine divisions involved in the invasion.

That February morning, the 4th and 5th regiments began their climb up the rough terrain to the top. Their mission was to "cut the island in two and secure the mountain." After furious fighting and resistance on every side, the Americans were able to declare a victory and at approximately 10:20 a.m., the flag was hoisted above the island on a steel pipe that had been used as a water pipe and left there by the Japanese.

The sight of the American flag flying from the top of Mount Suribachi was a welcome sight for Americans all over the island. And for the first time during WWII, an American flag was flying above what was considered Japanese territory, the southernmost island in Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeland.

This symbol of victory sent a wave of encouragement to the men fighting below, and struck a demoralizing blow against the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defenders. "That helped us," said Andrews, "We worked hard to get that flag up there."

Andrews said 25,000 Marines were killed and scores more wound-

CO M MUN I T Y

ed before the Americans took control of the island. "I was lucky," he remembers, "I walked on the island, and I walked off."

On March 27, 1945, the last Marines of the Division sailed from Iwo Jima and arrived in San Diego, California shortly thereafter.

Then, in early August 1945 word came that the Army Air Force had dropped a giant bomb (the atomic bomb) that could destroy an entire city. The Fifth sweated out the rumors, which were confirmed a few days later and the Division was put aboard ship with other occupational forces, waiting on orders or news of a treaty.

On August 14, 1945, the Japanese government surrendered unconditionally, ending World War II. After the treaty was signed, the Division went ashore and did occupational duty on the southern island of Kykshk.

The majority of the Divisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marines were discharged and the division was deactivated on February 19, 1946, exactly one year after their arrival at Iwo Jima.

Andrews returned to civilian life in March, 1946. With help of the GI Bill, he graduated from Auburn with a BS in Education and spent 32 years with the telephone company. The family moved to Mineral Bluff in 2005.

Andrews said he intends to fly the flag 24 hours a day. He hopes it will be a reminder of those who fought and those who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it back. It will be flown at half mast every February 23, in remembrance of the sacrifice Americans made.

The group gathered for the memorial ceremony consisted of friends, neighbors and veterans.

Dale Dyer, local historian and Air Force veteran who served in Normandy, said, "The Marines took a terrible loss but what most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember is that the Air Force lost more than all the other services combined in that war (WWII)."

Sands from Iwo Jima

Sands of Iwo Jima is a 1949 war film that follows a group of Marines from training to the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. It is the story of a tough Marine Sergeant played by John Wayne.

Marine veteran Ed Andrews would probably never be compared to Sgt. Stryker but he has something in common with the film. He has actual sand from Iwo Jima.

Andrews, now 86 and living in Mineral Bluff, served one year at Iwo Jima.

He was there when the American flag was raised on Mount Seribachi. He remembers every detail of the war, including the blackness of the sand and the large granules that reminded him of coarse ground coffee. He also mourns the Marines who "never made it back."

Contributed Photo Those memories are real to Andrews, Grains of sand from Iwo Jima. as real as the sand he shared.

Nathan Deal changes date, will stay for health battle

Following President Obama's Wednesday announcement that he would seek a quick vote on health care, Congressman Nathan Deal, a candidate for governor of Georgia has announced that he will postpone his departure from Congress until later in March. Deal discussed the change with Governor Sonny Perdue, who encouraged him to stay.

"Just two days after I announced my intentions to leave Congress, the majority party stepped up the schedule for the proposed health care bill," Deal said. "Having been

deeply involved in all health care legislation for the past decade, I knew it was important to stay and vote down this bill."

But he made it clear; he is not backing down from the important race for governor.

"I announced I was leaving Congress to focus on winning the Republican primary for governor so as to deny Roy Barnes the opportunity to face the Republican candidate who currently leads solely based on name recognition. He is the one Republican Roy Barnes is sure to defeat," Deal said.

"As governor, just as I have in Congress, I will listen to the people of Georgia. I listened yesterday to President Obama's aggressive push for a quick vote on 'Obama-Care' and am staying in Congress until the end of March, so that I can continue the fight against the most liberal health care proposal ever offered."

Subscribe

1 Year is only $25 Call (828) 389-8338

Graves digs into Fannin County By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer Tom Graves is running for U.S. Congress. He was in Fannin County Sunday to visit with residents and talk about problems they were facing and how he would represent them if elected their representative in Washington.

The first stop for Tom and Julie Graves Sunday was Blue Ridge United Methodist Church, where they met friends for the morning worship service.

Lunch at Harvest on Main followed, with more friends stopping by. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long for Graves to understand that people in Fannin County were worried and they wanted him to offer some assurance that things were going to get better.

Most people wanted to know his priorities if he is elected in November.

"Specifically," said one, "what is the first thing you will do when you get to Washington?"

The would-be congressman hesitated just a second before replying that

every decision he made would be with the thought of what is best for people in the ninth district. "You will be my number one priority," he said, "and I will always be mindful that you are the ones who elected me and I will represent you well."

Other topics: jobs, the economy, education, even antibiotics injected into beef and chicken, were other things discussed with Graves as he spent hours talking to local residents.

Graves is currently serving in his fourth term in the Georgia House of Representatives and was recently recognized nationally on the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009 (JOBS Bill), designed to help small businesses and put Georgians back to work through a series of tax credits, cuts, and incentives for businesses.

Graves and his family live on their farm in Ranger, Georgia. He and his wife, Julie, have three children, JoAnn, Contributed Photo John, and Janey. The Graves attend Tom talks to Fannin County Republican Party Chairman Ron Bolin, Phil and Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun Sally Forest of Ellijay. where he is an ordained Deacon.

Silas House and Public Outcry tell a moving story of mountaintop mining By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

Silas House, writer, poet, songwriter and activist, gave the sixth annual Helen Lewis Lecture Friday in the auditorium at the Bonnie Higdon Reaves Campus in Epworth. The lecture was sponsored by the Craddock Center at Cherry Log. Craddock Center Executive Director Trisha Senterfill introduced Helen Lewis as the woman who educated a whole generation of Appalachian children and saved mountains through her teaching of Appalachian studies. Lewis now lives in Morganton and is honored with this annual lectureship.

Silas House serves as National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) in Appalachian Studies at Berea College and is a well known author of five books. He is also a song writer and heads up a band called Public Outcry. Through words and music, he and his band members fight mountaintop removal, an ecologically devastating form of coal mining.

House and band members Jason Howard and Kate Larken brought their voices in testament to what it means to live in Appalachia and the value of preserving a cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and spirit through stories and music.

The author of the novels Clayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quilt, A Parchment of Leaves, The Coal Tattoo, Eli the Good and two plays The Hurting Part and Long Time Traveling, House co-authored a nonfiction book with band member Jason Howard about social protest called Somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rising.

According to House, mountaintop removal isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to end anytime soon. He says we are an energy-hungry nation, a selfish country that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even look into ways to reduce the use of gas and electricity. While he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t specifically call for the end of the coal industry, he does believe that we can fight for coal mining to be done in a more responsible and respectful way.

We can make sure that our streams are protected, that our homes are protected and that our people are protected.

Howard maintains that mountaintop removal isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only destroying the land and water and trees and animal habitat and mountains and things like that; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also destroying peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives and Appalachian traditions and culture. "For generations," he said, "these mountains have sheltered us and provided us with stories and protection. The storytelling is something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been lost today because as those mountains are leaving, our culture is leaving, too."

House and Howard are both from central Appalachia; both are grandchildren of miners, and grew up very much a part of the world of coal mining. Both have close family members who worked in the mines and both lived close to mines. House said, "If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an Appalachian, you always have a love-hate relationship with coal, but it just became more and more obvious to both of us that this (mountaintop mining) was wrongâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we felt it would be morally wrong to sit by and not say something about it."

Public Outcry proved what a three-minute song can do as they sang "All That We Have," whose haunting words left few dry eyes in the auditorium. "Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tear down these mountains with your mining machines...for the land and each other are all that we have."

Howard provided alarming facts about mountaintop removal: that typically surface mining blasts 1,000 feet of rock to get to a two-

Contributed Photos

Silas House, Kate Larken and Jason Howard

feet thick seam of cold. Rocks fill up the valley, 1,500 miles of streams are buried. Water is polluted and people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live where water is polluted.

Kate Larken provided chilling statistics as she played and sang, "Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Put it Back." This song tells how "You see the course laid out before you, you see the mountains blood run black, she was killed as she lay sleeping and they can never bring her back...coal is tapped, drilled and blasted...you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put it back...ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t no mountain where there was before."

House began his lecture by saying he became aware of injustice by two events that shaped his

life. The first happened when he was 11 years old and his uncle was murdered. He remembers attending the trial, "all the children attended... and I remember everything about that trial, the sounds, the smells, the sweat. It lasted two months and the murderer served six months in jail. I remember thinking something wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right."

The other injustice was the murder of a place.

His family owned a ridge where crawdads lived in the streams, 100 year old beech trees, sycamores, gums, hickory, maple and other hardwood trees were part of their life. "After the coal companies moved in, our way of life changed forever," he remembered.

House said he was tired of the injustice. He saw "the murder of my ridge." He carried this injustice into his adult life and (ultimately) that led to his activism to protest the process of mountaintop removal with its method of destroying the land by creating "valley fill" out of the trees and vegetation, and its use of slurry impoundments that result in contamination of the waters and flooding of whole communities, destroying homes, families and lives.

In Somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rising, House and Howard make the case that Appalachians must stand on their own against this practice which uses machines to rob the region of jobs and land.

House says he has witnessed firsthand the effects of mountaintop removal. "I watched a scene of utter destruction. A bulldozer groaned back and forth, piling up green-leafed trees it had knocked over. Another mess of trees was burning, the black smoke curling up on the spring air. There was nothing else but dirt and exposed rock for acres and acres before the site stopped abruptly at the rich, green woods in the distance. Beyond them was blue mountains that faded away to the horizon like smudges of paint."

Their song, "Cranks Creek" tells of storms, floods, protests and people rising to turn the tide, and concludes with a takeoff from "Shall we Gather at the River?" ending with "before the mountains are washed to the sea."

House says mountaintop removal has destroyed a million and a half acres in the past 30 years and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on at an accelerated rate now. He laments, "Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just destroying the land; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destroying a whole people. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destroying a culture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destroying towns. People are part of the environment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s killing them."

According to House, between 1991 and 2004, there were 33,000 jobs lost in the Appalachian area in Kentucky. "And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no end in sight," he said.

House admits he is a tree hugger and a mountain hugger. Even so, he does not say that the coal industry should be shut down; he thinks mining can be done with respect and responsibility, treating the place and its people with dignity. "So far the coal companies have refused to listen to that request and government officials refuse to require them to do so," he said.

Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message was moving and heartrending: We are all connected. We need to read books, become educated about the environment, consider the mountains, become more aware of the trees and streams, and remember that "we all live downstream.

"The best advice I can offer is to live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

He concluded with, "Be fearless and bold; share your knowledge; be of service to others and live in love and goodness."