2A
local
The Paper | Thursday, March 19, 2015
HOSPITAL
Continued from 1A visitors to become familiar with the campus, learn where to park and begin enjoying amenities like the new café.” Many of the practices that moved to Medical Plaza B came from nearby Medical Plaza 1 or Thompson Mill Medical Offices. Plaza B and Plaza 1 are on the same 119-acre campus, with plans calling for an eventual Medical Plaza 2. The hospital serves as the campus’ A building, and there are plans for C and D buildings, Downs has said. “We’re real excited about (the new hospital) because it’s hospital services in an area that really had been somewhat underserved,” said Dr. Casey Graybeal of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Surgical Associates, one of the new practices in Medical Plaza B. “If anything, it’s going to be too small, too quick,” he said. “I think it’s going to be
LeAnne Akin The Paper
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton is gearing up for the upcoming opening of the facility. a popular destination.” An opening date hasn’t been set for the hospital, which is part of the Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health System, but that doesn’t mean all things are quiet at the building. Staff members are going through a series of “day in the life” simulated exercises “designed to test our facilities and make sure we know our paths of travel, to
let the staff practice typical scenarios on a daily basis,” Downs said. “We want to know with certainty that everybody knows every situation that’s going to arise and how to react,” she said. “The point is to find things we need to practice or correct before everyone comes when we open. “It’s a dress rehearsal, in essence.”
Sheriff’s Life & Reality program is tonight Fallout of choices sparks message to youth
Life & Reality is the next Life Choices program being presented March 19 by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The presentation will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Jackson County Comprehensive High School auditorium with a series of speakers on tap to share the realities of making poor choices. Among the speakers will be an inmate from Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute and Fire Chief Tammy Ayers. A Jackson County Correctional Institute inmate will also speak. Drug Enforcement Agency agent Chuvalo Truesdell, Danny Riddell of New Directions, Alfred Brooks of Respect Institute, Tony Sanchez and James Guffey of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse and Pastor Wayne Norris of New Beginnings Church. This program is part of an ongoing series of program presented by Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum to share information with youth of the community, their parents and other adults who could positively impact their lives about the possible outcomes of poor choices. “We need to fill up the Jackson County High School Auditorium. Remember, if we make a difference in the life of one, it is well worth the time and effort put into this,” said Sheriff Mangum. “Our goal at the Sheriff’s Office is to educate our young people on the choices they may face in life and the consequences when
Farah Bohannon The Paper
The City of Hoschton’s focus is on restoration of the historic Hoschton Depot while investigation of the arson fire is under way by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and State Fire Marshal Office.
HOSCHTON DEPOT Continued from 1A
can safely change air filters and provide service. “I honestly do not think anyone wanted to fool with it,” said Kenerly. Kenerly then brought up the large, sliding door that would have had specific use when the building was a train depot. Macon said that it was not practical now, and Kenerly said that she believed it to be a safety hazard. “I always was afraid that it was going to fall on someone,” said Kenerly. “I was scared to death of it, and it always took at least two grown men to open and close it.” The door does have historical value since it was used when the building was an old train depot, so the agreement was to bolt it to the wall and showcase it, similar to what the city of Talmo has done at their train depot. Macon says he plans to install two double-hung French doors there instead which will be practical and look beautiful as well. It will also help with the heating and air bills. “I am trying to make the depot look as old and historical as possible,” said Kenerly. “However, it is a rental.
I want it to be nice enough to where we can rent it out and not have to worry about the liability of that big door or other possible dangers.” Another hot topic was the kitchen. Councilman Cleveland suggested simple cabinets, since that would closely resemble what would have been used back in time. A flat paneled door with trim around it is what was discussed, as well as simply painting them. Kenerly said that she does not want anything that looks modern in the kitchen. There was also debate about whether or not to place an oven in the kitchen. Cleveland thought it could be a liability, but Macon suggested adding one because it would be a great asset for a rental venue. However, the idea of double wall ovens came up when Butler mentioned weddings or events that have more than 50 people — one oven would not be enough. This is still up in the air due to spacing issues with a double oven as well as a microwave squeezed into a small kitchen. The idea of a larger deck was discussed as well.
“Even with 30 or 40 people, the current deck was packed full,” said Kenerly. “If there was a little bit more space, we could easily fit more people and even a band.” Kenerly also mentioned purchasing new folding chairs that would be stored on an organized rack. They would not need to be stacked, and would save much more space when stored away. Macon suggested they only need 50 chairs instead of 100. Kenerly and the council members say they are thrilled with how fast things are moving, and look forward to seeing the newly restored historic train depot. “We just received a $200 donation on Saturday from the Republican Party,” said Kenerly. “We are so thankful for the outpouring of support from our community.” The Jackson County Republican Party has utilized the depot for gatherings. At the Tuesday morning meeting of the Hoschton Area Business Alliance, a motion was made and seconded to make a donation toward the depot restoration project. Kenerly expressed her appreciation to the HBA for the support of the city and its historic depot.
FROM MOONSHINE TO NASCAR
Braselton BULLI class starts Tuesday, March 24
bad choices are made,” said Mangum. “Some of the consequences are lifelong. “We deal with young people at times who have made a bad choice and have ended up in our jail for criminal charges. These consequences not only affect that young person, but also their loved ones and/ or friends. When an innocent life has been taken because of a choice someone made to drink and/or do drugs and drive, then jail or prison is not the only consequence they have to face. They have to live every day with the fact that because of their actions, an innocent person lost their life,” said
Mangum. This is the second annual Choices program. “Through these Choices programs, we hope people will understand that the choice you make matters. If we touch one young person and make them think before they make that bad choice, then we have accomplished what we set out to do and it is worth all the effort and time we put into this program,” she said. “We will continue to host these programs each year. We appreciate the partnerships we have with all the speakers that volunteer their time for this pro-
When Charles Head slips into the driver’s seat to lead the Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute (BULLI) course in Braselton, it will be a homecoming of sorts for him and a fast, wild ride for the students in the class. Known throughout north Georgia as “Mr. Racing,” Head hails from Toccoa and was the foremost choice to lead the BULLI class which begins March 24. He launched the CHAMP Racing Show on regional radio stations in 1990 and was the track announcer for Lanier Raceway/Lanier National Speedway in 1992 and was the announcer for Road Atlanta in earlier years as well, having legendary Bobby Allison as his color commentator. “I grew up in the era of Bud Lunsford, Buck Simmons and many others who started dirt track racing competition in the southeast. I expect the class to delve into the grand history of car racing, including the documented start with moonshiners running from mountain reaches to the demand markets of more populated areas,” said Head as he prepares for the course. “Names like Raymond Parks, the origins of NASCAR, the engine builders, outrunning ‘revenuers,’ and much more will be covered. Students will learn that the younger drivers were better at outrunning the federal agents in racing’s formative years,” said Head. Head has seen and announced it all – the American Challenge Series, the Parts Pro Truck Series, at Georgia International Speedway, Peach State and Gresham Motorsports, Lavonia Speedway, Hartwell Speedway, Toccoa Speedway, Anderson Motor Speedway and the racing venue granddaddy, the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Charles Head BULLI class invited guests include Bud Lunsford of Hall County, Charles Mincey of Dallas, Warren Johnson of Cumming, Dan Elliott of Dawsonville and Braselton’s own, Dr. Don Panoz. “From Moonshine to NASCAR: the History of Auto Racing in Georgia” promises to be a thrill ride for the students. The final class will visit the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville in April. Learn more about BULLI in Braselton by contacting Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees at 706-654-3915 or call BULLI executive director Kathy Amos at 770-538-4705 or email kamos@brenau.edu. You can also visit www.brenau.edu/lifetimestudy
Come visit ~Serving Hall County Since 1975~
SPRINGTIME GIFTS ANYTIME GIFTS • Home Décor • Garden Décor • Silk Floral Stems • Fashion Wear • Sun Protection Hats • Cards and Much More
• Durable Medical Equipment • Sales & Rentals • Wheelchairs • Canes • Crutches • Nebulizers & Medications • Blood Glucose Monitors & Supplies • Ostomy • Urologicals • Wound Care • Support Braces • Compression Hosiery • Bath Safety • Pillows & Support Surfaces • Orthopedic/Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics & More
5325 Atlanta Highway • Flowery Branch
We Have the PerFeCt Gift! Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm • (Closed Sunday)
6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Braselton, GA 30517 770-967-2055
770-967-3324
www.citizenspharmacy.com
Medicare accredited Provider
Accepting Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross, Medco & Other Prescription Cards Refills aRe easy with ouR RefillRX app oR via website
•HOW TO CONTACT US• 9924 Davis Street, Suite 8 Braselton, GA 30517 P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548 News: 706-658-2683, editor@clickthepaper.com Display Advertising: 770-598-1869, dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Classified Advertising: 770-535-1199, cellem@gainesvilletimes.com Circulation: 770-535-6353, swhitworth@gainesvilletimes.com Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
Publisher: Charlotte Atkins General Manager: Norman Baggs
Advertising: Debbie Purvis
Editor: LeAnne Akin
Sports Editor: Charles Phelps
•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.