2A
local
The Paper | Thursday, April 10, 2014
Suggestions for Jefferson heritage time capsule sought In celebration of May as Historic Preservation Month, the Jefferson Historic Preservation Committee is pleased to invite the public to attend a special celebration dedicating its Heritage Time Capsule. The Heritage Time Capsule Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Crawford Long Museum. The ceremony will follow the American Legion’s Memorial Day Ceremony which will be held at the Historic Jackson County Courthouse from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The Time Capsule is scheduled to be re-opened in 18 years on Jefferson’s 225th anniversary. Normally, time capsules are opened 50 to 100 years after they are buried, however, the memebrs of the HPC felt it would
be a good idea to get on a typical rotation to start this tradition, with the hope that future Historic Preservation Commissions will continue this tradition. The Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission is requesting suggestions of items to be included in the time capsule. Items should give a glimpse of what life has been like in Jefferson not just in 2014 but in years past. The items can represent the City of Jefferson, civic organizations, schools and local businesses, as well as individual citizens of Jefferson. “We are very excited to preserve some of this community’s artifacts for future generations,” said Nick Bledsoe, chairman of the Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission.
“It is our goal to showcase a day in the life of the people of Jefferson. When residents open up this Jefferson Heritage Time Capsule in 18 years, they will get a true taste of our lives in Jefferson over the past several decades.” Items will be on display for public viewing at the Crawford Long Museum from May 6-23. There will be no charge to view the display. The deadline for submitting suggestions is April 25. Suggestions may be sent to blaughinghouse@cityofjeffersonga.com or by calling the Main Street office at 706-367-5714. The Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission reserves the right to have the final determination of items to be included in the time capsule.
AGRICULTURE
For example, he points to company commercials touting that they use no hormone additives to their chicken. Black points out that is deceptive since it’s illegal to add hormones to chickens. He urges people to view “Farmland” which debuts May 1. He said he was among those at a recent private screening at Fernbank of the feature length documentary by Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Moll. Doing business with people who are local is a growing trend as consumers desire a closer connection to their food’s production, Because of that, the Georgia Grown initiative is growing in appeal. For example, 180 Kroger grocery stores will be adding a Georgia Grown section to highlight locally-grown products. “There is power in local and it’s great for consumer choice,” said Black. “We also want more local foods in our schools.” Exportation of Georgia’s agriculture is an important part of the economy of the state and poultry is a large part of that equation. That is why the deepening of the Port of Savannah is vital to the economy. Half of the Georgia’s ag products leave through the Port of Savannah and 40 percent of the chicken grown in the state is exported. Cotton and timber products are also in exports with wood pellets being produced in Georgia providing a heating source in Europe. A lot of pine trees grown in Georgia become part of the global marketplace, according to Black, who notes the Port
of Savannah is a net exporter: it ships out more than is imported into the port from other nations. Black also fielded questions about whether Jackson County could be an inland port option because of its geographic location and if the state would back additional farmers market sites because of the focus on agriculture and tourism. Black asked if there was a broad base vision for an inland port similar to the successful venture under way in Crisp County. It would be necessary for the community to come together on an endeavor. Related to farmers markets, Black said Farmers Market Week in Georgia will be observed in June and the community-based growth of farmers markets seems to be meeting the immediate need. Enterprises such as Bouchard Farms’ The Veggie Patch is one example of private industry addressing a community need. He said he doubted the state would venture back into the real estate business and invest in state farmers markets due to land prices. He acknowledged that some existing state farmers markets are no longer in the right location and may have ceased to meet the need for farmers to get their products out from the field. Many have developed their own shipping operations. He said if counties come together with their industrial development authorities, Chambers of Commerce and Farm Bureaus on a vision, his department may be able to provide staffing support during the market season.
liability insurance and there was not a termination clause. A few clarifications were added to provide for some flexibility. “We need to send this to the Commerce Fire Department and the City of Commerce so that we can begin working together on this,” said District 2 Commissioner Chas Hardy. In other business, the commission approved two proclamations – one for National Donate Life Month and the other for Child Abuse Prevention Month to spotlight child abuse. The commission also authorized
the chairman to execute a community services contract with The Tree House to provide community services for the qualifying citizens of Jackson County for the annual sum of $5,000. The board had many good things to say about The Tree House and how important the child advocacy center is to the county. Related to organ donation, 270 people die each day in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. This proclamation brings awareness to this issue and allows people to reconsider becoming an organ donor.
Continued from 1A
“You can link production in agriculture to help solve some other challenges we have,” said Black, noting that the wintertime crop production of canola could provide an alternative crop for farmers which could help address concerns about longlasting plastics going into landfills. “I’ve got beef cattle at my house and prices are pretty good right now,” said Black. Herds are at their lowest level since 1954 which means prices are up. When prices are $2 a pound, it may be a little tougher to put that 600-pound heifer back into the herd, he said. Black said there is a resurgence of connectivity with American consumers wanting to know where their food and fiber comes from and that is an opportunity to reach the 90 percent of folks who speak “food” but not “farm.” “It is incumbent upon us to bridge the gap,” said Black. There is a generational gap since people left the farm for work elsewhere and their children have not developed an appreciation for how their food and fiber is produced. Educating people about farming is important and Jackson County is still a big supporter of agricultural education in its schools systems. Because of the amount of incorrect information out there about agriculture, people can be deceived.
COMMISSION Continued from 1A
However, the pro to hiring someone in-house would mean the staffer could take over the soil and erosion aspect, too. After discussion, the board opted for further review. An amendment to fire services contract for the East Jackson Fire District was also discussed. The county attorney explained the amended version was clarified but not changed because there were problems with the
Fire captain is living his dream By LEANNE AKIN
lakin@clickthepaper.com
Josh LeBlanc’s inspiration to be a firefighter can be traced to childhood. As a 3-year-old in his hometown in Massachusetts, visits to the fire station were frequent family outings. “Since I was a kid, being a firefighter was one of my dreams,” said LeBlanc, who is now living that dream with the West Jackson Fire Department. He was recently promoted to the rank of captain. With attorneys and law enforcement in his family, he was considering a career in the fields of medicine, law or big business but he couldn’t stop that dream of the fire service. It became his challenge to fulfill that aspiration. As a West Jackson Fire volunteer, LeBlanc took more and more classes and was mentored by others within the department. Completing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training through Lanier Technical College, LeBlanc interned at Grady Memorial where he responded to many EMS calls and gained great experience. Full-time with the West Jackson Fire Department since 2005, LeBlanc also works with another metro area department. At West Jackson, he has worked through the ranks and had an opportunity to test for the captain’s position. When his promotion was announced by Chief Ben Stephens, he was joined by his wife, Cassie.
D
ORA’S SERVICES
West Jackson Fire Department Capt. Josh LeBlanc with his wife Cassie when he received his promotion. “My wife works across the street and we live local with family and friends nearby,” said LeBlanc. “I have a second home with the fire department.” The LeBlancs moved to the area for a job opportunity for his father when Josh was 8. LeBlanc enjoys motorcycling, mountain biking, exercise and PT and swimming. He grew up on the beach so water sports come natural. For LeBlanc, family is at the top of
Affordable & Dependable Fully Insured Satisfaction 100% Guaranteed
Residential – Commercial
CLEANING • Houses • Apartments • Offices • Buildings
PAINTING • Ext./Int. Painting • Drywall • Pressure Antiques andWashing
Collectibles Show: Join us for these dates:
Please call today for1sta free Friday February : 9estimate! AM to 5 PM 770-318-4580 / 770-985-0901 Saturday February 2nd : 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday February 3rd : 10 AM to 4 PM
Breakfast & Lunch served by Angie’s Cafe
the list. Because work in public safety can be high stress, LeBlanc says he tries to leave his boots at work and be a good communicator with his school teacher spouse. But support of firefighters is also a family business so LeBlanc works to mentor others to adjust to their strengths and adapt and overcome to attain their potential. For LeBlanc, firefighting is a calling and he is helping to train others as an adjunct instructor. “You never stop being educated,” said LeBlanc. “You have to continue to study and train as a part of annual requirements because you must keep up with chances in the profession.” LeBlanc says two to four years of college, EMT school and fire science studies would help put someone interested in a career in firefighting on the right track. A GED or high school diploma is vital. West Jackson Fire Department is a busy place, notes LeBlanc. With four on a truck manning the station 24/7, firefighters are responding to fire and EMS calls in sometimes lifesaving situations, providing automatic and mutual aid to other departments and agencies and providing fire safety messages and assistance. “It is not sitting around in the station waiting for a call as some people may think,” said LeBlanc. “It’s fun most of the time but there can be some monotony when you spend a third of your life at the fire station.”
BEST KEPT SECRET in Hall & Forsyth County
Flowery Branch Auction & Antiques
CAMPAIGN 2014
Ralph Richardson Jr., a candidate for District 3 on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, recently held a meet the candidate event at the Hoschton Depot. He visited with friends and made some new ones. A Jackson County native, Richardson retired from 26 years of military service. He also served as a member of the Braselton Town Council from 20032010. Ralph and his wife Becky live in Braselton.
ELECTION 2014 May 20 is primary election day in Georgia and the deadline to register to vote for those who are not already registered is April 21. Advance voting in Jackson County for the May 20 primary will begin April 28. See below for the correct dates, times and locations for voting. The Administrative Building 67 Athens St., Jefferson April 28 - May 16 Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (at this location only) The Commerce Parks and Recreation Center 204 Carson St., Commerce May 12- 16 88 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday- Friday The Police and Municipal Court Building 5040 Highway 53, Braselton May12-16 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday May 20 Primary Election 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote at your precinct: Attica, Center, Cunningham, Harrisburg, Hoschton, Miller, North Jefferson, North Minish, Newtown, Porter, Randolph, Redstone, South Jefferson, South Minish, Talmo and Wilson.
Creel is UGA award receipient Barrow County School Superintendent Wanda Creel is the recipient of the University of Georgia College of Education’s Johnnye V. Cox Award. The college awards the honor annually to education administrators in the state for distinguished service in the field of supervision and leadership. Creel has been Barrow County school superintendent since 2010. She has also held jobs as state associate superintendent for school improvement and as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Houston County. She was director of elementary education in Coweta County’s public school system. She has taught in elementary and middle school, and has also been an elementary school principal and a middle school assistant principal. She has also taught educational leadership at the collegiate level. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education from Columbus State University, she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of West Georgia, a specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Samford University. The Johnnye V. Cox Award is named for a University of Georgia professor who developed the UGA College of Education’s educational supervision program and was considered a national leader in the field. Clarke County School Superintendent Philip Lanoue received the Cox award last year.
•HOW TO CONTACT US• 169 Towne Center Parkway, Hoschton, GA 30548 P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548 News: 706-658-2683, editor@clickthepaper.com Display Advertising: 770-598-1869, dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Classified Advertising: 770-535-6333, cellem@gainesvilletimes.com Circulation: 770-535-6353, ahood@gainesvilletimes.com Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
Publisher: Dennis L. Stockton
Every Monday Night at 6:30pm See this week’s featured items Follow our auction prices link at flowerybranchantiques.com 770-967-9080
5540 Atlanta Highway Flowery Branch, GA 30542
General Manager: Norman Baggs
Advertising: Debbie Purvis
Editor: LeAnne Akin
Sports Editor: Latrice Williams
•Getting Published• To submit items for publication, please provide complete information plus a contact name and number. Information cannot be guaranteed for publication on a specific date. Photos should be in focus and all people pictured clearly identified.