The Paper December 4, 2014 Edition

CMYK Thursday, December 4, 2014

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Griffin Lawson now at Parris Island. 3B

Jefferson to get new distribution center Des Plains, Ill.-based DSC Logistics has signed a lease to locate a new distribution facility in the McClure Industrial Spec Building in Jefferson.

The third party logistics firm has picked Jackson County to expand its metro Atlanta footprint to serve its customers.

“Today is a great day for Jackson County with the announcement of DSC Logistics joining our business community. We are very excited they have picked us to expand their footprint in Georgia and we look forward to their success in our pro-business environment,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Tom Crow on Monday.

The firm will expand the 141,000-squarefoot spec building to a 380,000-square-foot facility. The facility is expected to employee 80 people once completed.

“The City of Jefferson is proud to welcome

the new DSC facility to our community and the family of companies operating here.

Their investment and the successful expansion of the McClure Spec Building will be a great addition to the McClure Industrial Park and a catalyst for further development of that park,” said Jefferson Mayor Roy Plott.

“This is just another example of the great teamwork between the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the development community and the pro-business environment in Jefferson and Jackson County,” said Plott. “We appreciate the jobs and capital investment DSC will bring.”

The location of DSC continues an aggressive absorption of industrial space in Jackson County which saw more than 2.9 million square feet of available space in July 2013 now down to 490,000 square feet. This is the second company to locate in McClure Indus-

trial Park located at the section of Interstate 85 and Georgia 82. The 700-acre Industrial park is already home to a large campus for Kubota.

David Nixon and Chad Burd of CBRE Atlanta represented DSC in the transaction while John Drake of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate represented Pattillo.

About DSC Logistics DSC Logistics, a leading supply chain management company, focuses on designing, integrating, managing and adapting supply chain solutions. DSC capabilities as a Lead Logistics Partner (LLP) and third-party logistics provider (3PL) include supply chain analysis and design, network optimization and management, Logistics Center management, transportation management and consolidation, business process integration, sup-

Holiday shopping season is under way Braselton’s “Small Business Saturday” was a large success, according to merchants and town officials in downtown and beyond.

By becoming an American Express Small Business Saturday “Neighborhood Champion” this year, the goal was to get more people to come downtown to shop and help promote local businesses, according to Downtown Director Amy Pinnell.

“The real success story will have to come from our merchants though – whether they had good sales for the day,” said Pinnell.

And the verdict was in from several local businesses owners and operators.

At Kristi’s Country Store, there was a lined outside even before the doors opened to take advantage of prizes and special offerings which several businesses offered for the promotion.

“We had a great weekend and surpassed sales for the same weekend from the last few years,” said Robbie Bettis of the Braselton Antique Mall.

“It was a tremendous day for us, and we were so thrilled to see so many members of the community turn out,” added Kim Houston and Diane Free of Two Ladies in the Attic.

Jackie Stowe of Jarfly Station added, “We thank all for coming out this weekend to support Braselton area stores.

Finally, Debra Swantek of the Braselton Gallery gushed, “We were very pleased with the huge turnout in downtown Braselton.”

This was the town’s first celebration

ply chain visibility, and value-added services.

In today’s environment, filled with rapid and unpredictable change, DSC helps customers achieve their goals by being ready for anything.

About Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business member organization serving the needs of the community in the Jackson County area.

Through Access, Opportunity and Relationships, the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce can help you grow your business.

The Chamber serves as the official economic development arm of Jackson County and its nine municipalities. Visit jacksoncountyga. com or call 706-387-0300 for more information.

CITY OF Jefferson

Downtown in December is Dec. 5-6 LeAnne Akin The Paper

Several food trucks provided an additional attraction in downtown Braselton for Small Business Saturday which also included an outdoor holiday market and the farmers market, which is on Fridays through Dec. 19, along with opportunities for holiday shopping and window-shopping to plan for future purchases.

during the traditional first-shopping weekend of the holiday season.

“Our goal was to get more people to our downtown to shop and help promote local businesses,” said Downtown Director Amy Pinnell, “and our food truck and mini-farmers market was well attended.

Mission accomplished.

“We set up several places for folks to sit and eat which we hoped kept them in our downtown longer to explore and shop,” said Pinnell. “There seemed to be

a lot of traffic in downtown and I heard very positive comments from shoppers that stopped by the Downtown Braselton tent.”

Vendors and shoppers alike were bundled up against the morning’s chill until the afternoon brought some warmer temperatures. That even prompted Braselton Assistant Police Chief Lou Solis to get a Kona Ice treat after enjoying a Cuban sandwich. Others flocked to the Tex Tacos truck.

The holiday season will be officially celebrated beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday as the Christmas tree in Marlowe Park will be lit by Mayor and Mrs. Plott and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Also during the festive event which launches the annual Downtown in December events, the Fifth Row Theatre will be performing Christmas carols.

Holiday magic will be in the air downtown as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their way in a horse-drawn carriage from the tree-lighting to other happenings at Crawford Long Museum.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children and pose for photos from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Custom photos from Powell & Parr Photography available for $8. Bring your own camera (cell phone or video) for $5. Visit with Santa for free. No reservations necessary.

Also downtown, free carriage rides sponsored by the Crawford Long Museum Association and Main Street Jefferson will be offered during the evening.

On Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m., pajamaclad children can enjoy “Poetry and Pajamas” event. Donuts and hot chocolate can be enjoyed while Andy Garrison presents a dramatic reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Following the story, children will make a Christmas ornament to take home. Pre-registration is required so call 706-367-5307. Cost is $5 for museum members and $7 for non-museum members and includes all supplies.

And also on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will be on the sky – no, it’s not to see if Santa is arriving by sleigh. You’ll have to wait until Christmas eve for that. There is a chance of rain and organizers are hopeful the weather won’t put a damper on the 4 p.m. parade plans.

Call the Main Street Jefferson office at 706367-5714 related to any cancellation plans.

Tony Funari to lead fundraising for new hospital Donald and Nancy Panoz named honorary chairs for the foundation’s philanthropic work

As the construction of Northeast Georgia for wellness and a true healing environMedical Center (NGMC) Braselton nears ment,” says Anthony Williamson, president completion, new leadership is now spear- of NGMC Braselton. “There are many feaheading philanthropic efforts to benefit the tures of the new hospital, such as the healing new hospital. gardens and walking trails, which will only Jim Moore, chairman of The Medical Cen- happen with philanthropic support. We anter Foundation Board of Trustees, recently ticipate rapid growth for our services and announced Tony Funari as chairman of the facilities at NGMC Braselton, and developinaugural campaign cabinet for ing a culture of philanthropy in the NGMC Braselton. Funari will Braselton region will support these lead the day-to-day activities of enhancements.” the fundraising campaign, while Tony Funari and his wife, TeDon and Nancy Panoz will serve resa, have lived in Braselton since as honorary co-chairs.

1993. Tony is active in the commuThe announcement came at nity, serves on the Braselton town the The Medical Center Foundacouncil and is the owner of Funari tion’s celebration of its successRealty. As a cancer survivor, Tony ful Healthy Journey Campaign. Nancy and Donald understands the value to the com“We are excited to partner munity of having excellent healthwith both Tony Funari and the Panoz will serve as care close to home.

Panozes to help NGMC Bra- honorary co-chairs of selton become a destination the campaign.

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Volume 9, Number 6 Forum Obituaries Puzzles Sports

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LeAnne Akin The Paper

Teresa Funari, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton president Anthony Williamson, Stephanie Braselton Williams and Tony Funari are shown at the Medical Center Foundation event at which the announcement was made of a signature gift by the family of Henry Edward Braselton for the NGMC Braselton chapel. Also announced was Funari as chairman and Don and Nancy Panoz as honorary chairs of the foundation’s Braselton fundraising.

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The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

Jackson County Community Outreach

Achievement awards banquet set for Dec. 13 The Jackson County Community Outreach will sponsor the 16th annual Achievement Awards Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6:30pm at the Jefferson Civic Center.

Several outstanding Jackson County citizens, leaders and achievers will be recognized at this year’s banquet which features Northside Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Larry Ebert as honorary chairman.

Keynote speaker will be Pedro P. Cherry, vice president of community and economic development for the Georgia Power Company.

Cherry is responsible for the company’s efforts to recruit new industry to Georgia as well as to support local and statewide initiatives to improve the marketability of communities in the state. His department is internationally recognized with more than $23.6 billion in capital investment and more than 113,000 jobs coming to Georgia in the past decade alone.

He is a graduate of Auburn University, holding an MBA in operations management and finance.

Hilda Smith, regional coordinator of Georgia Great Promise Partnership, will serve preside over the ceremonies. GGPP is a publicprivate partnership designed to help Georgia’s at-risk students complete their high school education with skills to help them succeed in life.

Jackson County Commission Chairman Tom Crow will provide the Jackson County welcome to the banquet which is promoting its 2014 theme of “Teaching and Educating – The Present and Future Generation: Education – The Key to Economic Growth.”

Banquet proceeds will benefit the JCCO 2015 Scholarship Fund as well as the JCCO Endowment Fund.

Thanks to community support, the endowment fund, which is being administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, will start providing substantial schol-

arships to students who will be pursuing further education at area technical schools to obtain skills to enhance local workplaces.

According to JCCO president Jim Scott, Dayton Superior and Safelite Auto Glass are now supporters of the JCCO efforts to support area high school graduates with leadership potential continue their education with scholarships.

Tickets are $30 each with a reserved table for eight for $300. RSVP tables are available but some singles seats can be purchased at the door. For tickets, call Jim Scott at 706-335-3367 or banquet chairman Charlotte Johnson at 706-335-5488.

JCCO is an IRS 501 (c)(3) tax exempt charity so all contributions go toward the scholarship fund. JCCO’s goal is to provide $1,000 college scholarships to graduates of the following schools: Jackson County Comprehensive High School, East Jackson Comprehensive High School, Jefferson High School and Commerce High School.

“We hope that everyone will come out and have a good time while supporting further education in their county,” said Scott.

According to Scott, JCCO is currently seeking new members and supporters.

The more support received from volunteers and businesses, the more help JCCO can give to local high school seniors to help them onto the next phase of their education. The goal is to enhance educational opportunities for youth who will return to or stay in the community to enhance the workforce with highly skilled and educated workers and leaders, said Scott.

Contributions can be made to the Jackson County Community Outreach at P.O Box 746, Commerce, GA 30529. For more information or questions about the banquet, contact Jim Scott at 706-335-3367.

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HOSPITAL

Carol Burrell, NGHS president and CEO. “The Panozes’ influence in Braselton will help us garner charitable support for the new hospital and ensure a legacy of philanthropy for years to come.”

“The process for developing philanthropic support and identifying leadership began last year with a community-driven feasibility study to help us better understand the community,” comments Nancy Colston, president and chief development officer for The Medical Center Foundation. “In our meetings with key leaders in that community, the names of Tony Funari and Don and Nancy Panoz were mentioned frequently. This is an incredible leadership team.

Tony, Nancy and Don all have a great passion for this cause and for their community and we are thrilled and honored to have them lead our fundraising efforts for the first-ever campaign to benefit NGMC Braselton.”

To find out more information about The Medical Center Foundation Campaign which will benefit NGMC Braselton, contact Ellen DeFoor, director of development, at 770-2198099.

Continued from 1A “I am proud to be the chair of this inaugural campaign and look forward to encouraging others to help create a destination of hope, health and wellness with the support I know I will have from the community,” Tony says. “The new hospital will be a great economic driver, but, more importantly, it will provide much needed access to healthcare for our families, friends and neighbors.”

Don and Nancy Panoz founded Château Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton in 1992.

Don Panoz is known as a visionary global entrepreneur who formed Élan Corporation in 1969 and has other business interests including Panoz LLC. “Don has been at the table with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) from day one with a vision of bringing healthcare to the Braselton community, and, earlier this year, Nancy lent her support for the Women of Northeast Georgia fashion show at Château Élan that benefitted emergency services at NGMC Braselton,” says

FIRE REPORT Units from Harrisburg, Jefferson Fire/Rescue and Jackson County EMS responded to Commerce Road and Elrod Road in Jefferson just before 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 on a reported vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, responders found a three-vehicle accident with entrapment requiring three patients to be extricated by fire/rescue personnel. The patients were transported by ambulance to Athens Regional Medical Center where two patients were listed as stable while a third was listed as critical.

The incident is under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. lll Units from Plainview, North Jackson and the Jackson County Correctional Institute Fire Departments responded to 53 Pleasant Hill Drive in Talmo on a Nov. 27 structure fire reported just before 12:15 p.m.

A single-family residence

with heavy smoke and fire showing was attacked and the fire was extinguished.

The structure was listed as sustaining heavy/major damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Plainview Fire Department.

No one was home at the time of the fire but the American Red Cross was requested to provide assistance to the family. lll Units from Nicholson, Commerce and the Jackson County Correctional Institute Fire Departments responded at 8 p.m. on Nov. 25 to 516 Jim David Road in Nicholson on a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-family structure with smoke showing. The fire was located in a HVAC room and under the floor in the structure.

The fire was quickly extinguished with damage listed a moderate, contained to the area of origin.

Humane Society hosting bonfire fundraiser after Jefferson parade The Humane Society of Jackson County is holding its first event at the new 31-acre campus site in Jefferson immediately following the Jefferson Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Humane Society will hold a bonfire fundraiser starting at approximately 6 p.m. with refreshments, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, chips, s’mores, hot chocolate and drinks which will be available for a modest price.

HSJC’s new campus is located on MLK Jr. Avenue and Galilee Church Road. Bring a chair, a flashlight and follow the signs. For additional directions, call 706-367-1111.

Robotics team kicks off Dec. 9 Jackson County 4-H Senior Robotics Team, “The Chargers,” welcomes new members at their annual program kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Jackson County 4-H Clubhouse, located at 102 Cloverleaf Circle in Jefferson. All 8th – 12th grade youth in Jackson County and their parents are invited to attend to find out more about the program. For more information, contact Keri Hobbs at the Jackson County Extension Office at 706-367-6344.

The residence was home at the time of the fire but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was listed as accidental, originating near the heating and air conditioning unit.

The American Red Cross was called for support to the family and the incident scene was cleared at 11 p.m. lll Emergency units from West Jackson Fire and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Jesse Cronic Road near the intersection of Cronic Circle at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 26 to a report of vehicle accident

involving a vehicle which went into the lake with a victim trapped inside.

West Jackson Fire requested support from Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Dive Team was placed in-service. The dive team was cancelled en route.

Upon arrival, responders found the vehicle in the creek and the victim was quickly extricated. EMS personnel checked and released the person who was uninjured.

The accident remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

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The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

OBITUARIES Arnell Patsy Adams

Died Nov. 24, 2014 Arnell Patsy Adams, 66, of Winder, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.

Mrs. Adams loved her family and listening to country music. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, fishing and sight-seeing.

Survivors include her sons, Dewayne Adams of Auburn and Phillip Adams and wife Miranda of Winder; daughters, Diane Boggus and husband Mark, Debra Hayes and late husband Dennis and Bobbie Ann Ford, all of Winder; brothers, Bobby Reeves of Statham; sister, JoAnn McIntyre of North Carolina; grandchildren, Nicole, Eric, Joshua, Adam, Nicholas, Hunter, Caleb, Amy, Devin, Melissa, Nathan, Courtney, Ryleeann and Catlin; and 17 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hammond Ray Adams; parents, Willie and Louise Reeves; brothers, Richard Reeves, David Reeves and Jackie Reeves; sister, Patricia Stephens; and great-granddaughter Valerie.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, in the Lawson Funeral Home Chapel with Brother John Brisco and the Rev. Albert Whitlock officiating.

Interment followed in Jackson Memorial Gardens in Commerce.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Margaret Lee Chambers

Died Nov. 26, 2014 Margaret Lee Chambers, 84, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014.

A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Leslie and Rosie Roberts Carey. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Chambers.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Holbrook officiating. Burial followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include her children, Larry Jimmie Chambers, Linda (Mark) Phillips and Kay (Ricky) Holbrook; and brothers, Russell Carey and Billy Carey.

Smith Memory Chapel, Winder The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Mary Jane Ferrell

Died Nov. 26, 2014 Mary Jane Ferrell, 75, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014.

A native of Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late Hugh Bruce and Mary Elrod Brown. She was a veteran of the United States Marines. She was preceded in death by her children, Dianne Hanson and Bruce Ferrell.

Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Dave Staton officiating. Burial followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include her daughter, Bonnie (Charles) Hanson; brother; David Brown; and grandchildren, Brian Hanson and Michael and Michelle Ferrell.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Lucille Lee Hammond

Died Nov. 25, 2014 Lucille Lee Hammond, 63, of Winder, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014.

Survivors include her son, Jason Looney of Braselton; brother, Grady Lee and wife Bertha of Braselton; sisters, Lewnell Thomas and husband James and Lewella Elliott all of Braselton; and grandson, Jason.

Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in the Lawson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rex Long officiating.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

James Henry Herold

Died Nov. 29, 2014 James Henry Herold, 73, of Flowery Branch, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

A United States Army veteran, he was a former member of the Flowery Branch City Council. As a hobby, Mr. Herold enjoyed sailing.

Survivors include his sons, Kenneth and wife Sarah Herold of Cleveland and Steven and wife Alyson of Virginia; brothers, Thomas M. Herold and wife Elizabeth of Indiana and Joseph

Winder The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014 M. Herold and wife Jackie of Florida; sisters, Elizabeth Jane Marsh and husband Max of Indiana and Suzanne Pritchard of Kentucky; and grandchildren Griffin, James, Garrett and Chloe.

A funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Darby Funeral Home in Canton. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Father Michael Oswalt will be officiating.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Donald Ora Knisley

Died Nov. 28, 2014 Donald Ora Knisley, 74, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2014.

A native of Ohio, he was a son of the late Arthur Milton and Anna Blanche Sharon Knisley. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sally Nuckols Knisley. He was retired from Central States as a printer.

Memorial services were held Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Beau Farr officiating. Burial followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include his children, Eric (Pam) Knisley and Kara (David) Huff; brothers; Gary Kinsley and Rex Knisley; sisters, Janet Watson and Rita Putney; grandchildren, Brodi Reece and Courtney Epps; and great-grandchild, Leighton Epps.

Memorials may be made to Leftover Pets in Winder.

Smith Memory Chapel, Winder The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Pamela Haynie McKibbin

Died Nov. 27, 2014 Pamela Haynie McKibbin, 52, of Commerce, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014.

A native of Winder, she was preceded in death by her father, Jack Haynie; and her sister, Anita Pulliam.

Survivors include her husband, Doug McKibbin; son, Jackson McKibbin; mother, Evelyn C. Haynie; sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Phillip Wall; niece, Nicole Wall; nephews, Scott Wall and Vic Pulliam; three great-nephews; and one great-niece.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Smith Memory Chapel with Mr. Stoy Hogan officiating.

Smith Funeral Home,

Margaret Johnson Maddox

Died Nov. 29, 2014 Margaret Johnson Maddox, 88, of Hoschton, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2014, in the Lawson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Allen Stephens officiating.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Sarah Ellen McNeal Marlow

Died Nov. 29, 2014 Sarah Ellen McNeal Marlow, 79, of Pendergrass, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

Born in Hazlehurst, she was a daughter to the late Clarence and Corletta Ragan McNeal. Mrs. Marlow was a member of the New Beginning Pentecostal Outreach Church in Jefferson and was a seamstress and homemaker. She was preceded in death by her son, James Thomas “Peanut” Marlow.

Survivors include her husband, James Thomas Marlow; sons and daughtersin-law, Michel and Michelle Frady of Jefferson and Wesley and Mary Majors of Gainesville; sister, Carolyn McNeal Hand of Hazlehurst; brother, Tom McNeal of Hazlehurst; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at New Beginning Pentecostal Outreach Church with Pastor Wayne Norris officiating. Burial followed in the Woodbine Cemetery with Jake Patton, Randy Bridges, Wayne Collins, Darrel Hand, Allen Michael Frady and Wesley Major honored as pallbearers.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Martin of Flowery Branch; grandchild, Jordan Nicole Martin; stepfather, Terry Mooney of Flowery Branch; brother, Jeff Nolan; and sister, Lynn Flynn.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Mildred Venable Murphy

CHURCH NEWS Cross Pointe Mill Creek is a new church in the community for the community that meets at Mill Creek High School on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. with programming for all ages. Lead Pastor James Merritt will be launching a new series on Sunday, Dec. 7, entitled, “Christmas, Really?” We will uncover a fresh perspective on the original Christmas story. On Sunday, Dec.14, a clothing drive and a food drive will be held for our CarePointe ministry, which has served more than 27,000 families and distributed one millionplus pounds of food in Gwinnett County. Come experience a church where you and your family will feel at home. You can find out more information at www.cpmillcreek.org or www.facebook.com/ cpmillcreek. sss

Died Nov. 23, 2014 Mildred Venable Murphy, 77, of Gainesville, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at her residence following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Belmont Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Bill Compton officiated.

Mrs. Murphy loved her church and community where she was a member of Belmont Baptist Church for more than 57 years. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and playing the piano and organ. Her other areas of service included helping with vacation Bible school and other church outreach programs. She began a career as an administrative assistant for Gold Kist and then enjoyed working for the Hall County government for several years. She fully retired in 2004.

Born Feb. 19, 1937, in Jefferson, she was a daughter of the late Okie Venable and Lottie (Wade) Venable.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Staff Sgt. Okie Venable Jr., and

Hoschton United Methodist Church is hosting a chicken stew and chili dinner fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Dine in and enjoy all you can eat for $7. Take out a quart for $7.

First Sunday Communion on the second Sunday of Advent will be Dec. 7 with the worship service at 11 a.m. An open house will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the parsonage.

The church Christmas party will be held Dec. 10 in the fellowship hall.

Prime Timers Bingo and lunch will be at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall on Friday, Dec. 12.

The third Sunday of Advent on Dec. 14 will be marked during the 11 a.m. service with a children’s Christmas play, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

For the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Christmas cantata will be performed at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21.

A candlelight service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas eve, Dec. 24, and on Christmas day, Remember the Reason for the Season.

Hoschton United Methodist Church is located at 12 Mulberry St., and Bell Avenue behind City Square. Contact Pastor Marvin Mason at 706-6541422.

See OBITUARIES, 4A

See CHURCH NEWS, 4A

Ricky Herby Martin

Died Nov. 27, 2014 Ricky Herby Martin, 49, of Gainesville, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, following an extended illness.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Braselton Tabernacle of Praise.

Born May 26, 1965, in Gainesville, he was a son of the late Herby and Joan Martin. He worked in the construction industry.

Survivors include his daughter, Jessica Martin of Gainesville; son, Allan

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The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

OBITUARIES

Died Nov. 30, 2014 Johnny “Paul” Myers, 55, of Jefferson, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014.

Born in Atlanta, he was a son to the late John Henry Myers and the late Hazel Pruitt Myers. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Myers; sister, Kay Duckworth ; and brother, Cody Myers. He worked as an electrical contractor for D and M Mechanical and Electrical.

Survivors include his wife, Lynna Taylor Myers; children, JP and Kaile Myers of Anchorage, Alaska, Emily and Cody Grier, Erica Myers and John Henry Myers, all of Jefferson; grandchildren, Hayden and Hailie Grier; a niece; and two nephews.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, in the Academy Baptist Church Cemetery in Jefferson with the Rev. Eric Shelton officiating.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

L.G. “Snuffy” Perry, 89 of Commerce, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014.

Born in Madison County, he was a son of the late Luke Henry Perry and Mellie Elizabeth Perry. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Gordon Perry; and 10 brothers and sisters.

“Snuffy” as he was affectionately known, graduated from Ila High School in 1946, enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Tripoli. After an honorable discharged, he attended Piedmont College and the University of Georgia. Working as a salesman for George W. Helmne Tobacco Company, he became a household name in many homes throughout Northeast Georgia. “Snuffy” served as Jackson County Sheriff from 1965-1967. He owned and operated Perry’s Men’s Store in downtown Commerce from 1970-1984 and became president of Northeast Georgia Bonding Company 19851996. He served as president of Commerce Jaycees, was the local and District Commander of McCoy-Borders Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Commerce Masonic Lodge. He was a member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Commerce.

Survivors include his son, Greg Perry and wife Becky; son, Steve Perry and wife Marsha; grandsons; Jeff Perry (LeighAnn), John Perry (Sarah), Matt Perry (Erin) and Adam Perry (Jenny); five great-grandchildren, Logan, Adella, Dylan, Luke and Anna Rebecca; and siblings, Robert Perry, Lamartine Perry, Martha Black and Grace Robertson.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at the First Baptist Church of Commerce with Dr. Carlton Allen officiating. Burial followed in Grey Hill Cemetery with Jeff Perry, John Perry, Matt Perry and Adam Perry, Irving Ramsey and Stan Evans honored as pallbearers.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Snuffy Perry

Verdis Clinton Puckett

Continued from 3A

George Venable. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a caring neighbor and a friend to all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Radford E. Murphy; daughter, Pam Grant of Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Randall Smith of Suwanee; son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Misty Murphy of Gainesville; grandson, T.J. Murphy of Gainesville; sister, Erene Dell Venable of Jefferson; sister, Betty Jo Bowden of Athens; brother, Cecil Venable of Jefferson; sister-in-law and brotherin-law, Renelda and Carroll Gatch of Grand Island, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Memorial donations may be given to Belmont Baptist Church Building Fund, 635 Belmont Highway, Gainesville, GA 30507 or The Gideons, P.O. Box 2914, Gainesville, GA 30503.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Paul Myers

Died Nov. 29, 2014 Verdis Clinton Puckett,

Died Nov. 27, 2014

CHURCH NEWS Continued from 3A

sss Everyone is invited to come to the Holiday Bazaar in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Jefferson from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Christmas wreaths, baked goods, soup luncheon, Christmas gift baskets, handmade clothing, jewelry and more will be available for purchase with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Kentucky mission trip in March 2015. A gift wrap station will be provided. sss Union Baptist Church in Winder is hosting a special musical program with David Carnes in the 11 a.m. and the 6 p.m. services on Dec. 7.

On Dec. 19, Union Baptist’s Children Choir will be singing at ChickFil-A in the Beechwood Shopping Center in

Athens at 7 p.m.

The Children’s choir will be performing at Union Baptist at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21.

A Christmas eve spectacular with Felix Farrar and more will be at 11 a.m. on Dec. 24.

Union Baptist Church is located at 527 Union Church Road in Winder.

Call the church office at 770-867-7273 or visit www.unionbaptistwinder. org sss Worship With the Carols of Christmas: Arbor Pointe Church invites you to join them in worship each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The worship services during the four Sundays prior to Christmas will explore the ideas of Peace, Hope, Joy and Love. Each week will focus on a wellloved Christmas carol.

Arbor Pointe Church will present “Bethlehem Bound.” On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 p.m., the children of Arbor Pointe will present a fun family drama entitled Bethlehem

86 of Buford, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

A life-long resident of Gwinnett County, he was a graduate of Buford High School and the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School.

Prior to retirement, he was the owner of Gainesville Iron Works and Power Cranes. A member of Friendship Baptist Church, he taught Sunday school for many years and served in leadership positions. He was preceded in death by his parents, V. H. and Carrine Puckett; sister, Betty McNeal; brother, Harold W. Puckett; sister-in-law, Doris Puckett; and parentsin-law, Bill and Jesse Akins.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary Akins Puckett, brother and sisterin-law, Jim and Elizabeth Puckett of Buford, brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Charlsie Akins of Flowery Branch, sisters-inlaw, Voncille Akins of Athens and Shirley Jones Akins of Winder; special nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and other family and friends. Special appreciation is expressed to the caregivers who provided for Mr. Puckett during his extended illness.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, in the Flanigan Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Jack Chalmers, Darryl Dale and Charles Pirkle officiating.

Interment followed in Broadlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Community Baptist Church, 3784 Friendship Circle, Buford, GA 30519 or Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502.

Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Buford The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

William Douglas Pugh

Died Nov. 24, 2014 William Douglas Pugh, 88, of Commerce, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.

Born in Buford, on July 2, 1926, he was a son of the late William Wesley Pugh and the late Eunice Pugh.

A graduate of Buford High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1944, and joined the war with the 94th Infantry Division in Germany in February 1945.

He served in the Rhineland, in Central Europe and later under Gen. George Patton in the 3rd Army.

Bound. Join Marty and Ramona, a Bible-times couple, as they lead the way on this journey to Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. A light fellowship dinner will follow the presentation.

On Christmas Eve, Arbor Pointe Church’s 6 p.m. service which will feature lots of Christmas singing and a message geared to children and families.

The 11 p.m. service will feature a more traditional approach and will include Holy Communion.

Both services will be candlelight services.

Arbor Pointe Church is located at 115 Towne Center Parkway in Hoschton. Find out more at www.arborpointe.org or listen to the worship messages on iTunes. sss At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, Jefferson First

He also served as a guard during the Nuremburg trials and received his discharge on Aug. 7, 1946. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

After his military service, Mr. Pugh worked for Burrell’s Supermarket in Buford for 30 years and later for J&J Foods in Gainesville for more than 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Noama Niven Pugh; sister, Opal Martinez; brother, Richard Pugh; and stepchildren, Paula Niven Hardy, Sunny Niven McDonald and Ronald Paul Niven.

Survivors include his brothers, Bud Pugh of Suwanee and Jimmy Pugh of Lawrenceville; stepdaughter, Candy Niven O’Kelley of Rockmart, and her husband, Herschel; sons-in-law, Charles L. Hardy Jr., of Commerce and Lauren W. (Bubba) McDonald Jr., of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Tracey Hardy Newcomer, Charles L. Hardy III (Sabrina), Ellen Hardy Shea (Peter), Lauren W. McDonald III (Claire) and Tiffany Niven; and nine great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, in Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville with the Rev. Carlton Allen, pastor of Commerce First Baptist Church, officiating.

McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming and Dahlonega Funeral Home, Dahlonega The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Ed Samples

Died Nov. 29, 2014 Eldridge L. “Ed” Samples, 85, of Homer, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, in the chapel of Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, with interment following in Alta Vista Cemetery. The Rev. Harry E. Barron Jr., officiated.

Born Nov. 28, 1929, in Canton, he was a son of late Ezra and Ophelia Samples.

He grew up in Forest Park and spent most of his life in Gainesville and Homer. He was of the Baptist faith. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant and radar instructor during the Korean War. Ed owned and operated, with his sons, Samples

Baptist Church’s adult choir will present the Christmas musical The First Noel: Celebrating the Birthday of a King, directed by the Rev. Richard Dickson, Minister of Music, and narrated by Fred Zuschlag.

First Baptist Church will perform its annual Pageant of the Holy Nativity on Sunday, Dec.14, at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the performance.

Everyone is welcome to worship with First Baptist Church in Jefferson on Christmas Eve to welcome the light of Christ into their hearts. This special Christmas Eve candlelight service is concluded with the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. Musical prelude is at 5:30 p.m. with worship beginning at 6 p.m.

Food in Atlanta for more than 49 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed refinishing old tractors and cars.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Samples; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Denise Samples of Hoschton and Jon and Rhonda Samples of Gainesville; granddaughters and husbands, Christin and Nathan Lee, Staci and T.J. Oliver and KayLynn Samples, all of Gainesville, and Kelley and Tyler Jackson of Honolulu, Hawaii.; sister, Catherine Samples Cox of Stockbridge; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends he loved including Phil and Linda Ellis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Nancy Ann Shoemake

Died Nov. 26, 2014 Nancy Ann Shoemake, 55, of Cartersville, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014.

Arrangements are being handled by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Highway 53, Hoschton, GA 30548, www. lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.

The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Richard Scott Wade

Died Nov. 30, 2014 Richard Scott Wade, 76, of Jefferson, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014.

Born in Erwin, N.C., he was a son of the late William Otis Wade and Maidre Porter Wade. Mr. Wade loved hunting, fishing and golfing.

He was a retired commercial construction superintendent, and was a member of Pond Fork Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Friend Wade; a daughter; two sons; a stepdaughter; a stepson; a brother and sister; and two uncles.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Knight officiating.

Burial followed in the Pond Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Cindy Lee McNinch Whitlock

Died Nov. 27, 2014 Cindy Lee McNinch Whitlock, 54, of Jefferson, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014.

A retired Registered Nurse. she had worked with Athens Regional Medical Center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Gwinnett Medical Center. She was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Jefferson.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Whitlock; sons, Tony Dalton and Jeremy Dalton, both of Jefferson; stepdaughters, Karee Bull-

ock of Jefferson and Kathi Lynn of Ellaville; a brother; two sisters; and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life service was held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at Maranatha Baptist Church with the Rev. Andy Edwards officiating.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Kathleen Smith Whitlock

Died Nov. 30, 2014 Kathleen Smith Whitlock, 99, of Winder, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014.

Born in Jefferson, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Kent Smith.

She was retired from the poultry industry and was a member of Pond Fork Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by daughters, Barbara Whitlock and Mary Jane Whitlock; sons, Donald Whitlock and Charles Whitlock; sister, Mary Lou Irving; brothers, Jewel Smith, Julius Smith and James Smith; and her husband, Comer L. Whitlock.

Survivors include her daughters, Marion Hardigree and her husband Melvin of Winder, Linda Weaver and her husband Harold of Winder and Joyce Carroll of Commerce; son, James Whitlock and his wife Shirley of Commerce; 14 grandchildren; 29 greatgrandchildren, and six greatgreat-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Pond Fork Baptist Church with the Revs Johnny Knight, M.A. Poole and Scott Lance officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Doug Carroll, Joey Carroll, Danny Whitlock, Ricky Whitlock, Keith Whitlock and Buddy Hardigree as pallbearers.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

Juanita R. Wills

Died Dec. 1, 2014 Juanita R. Wills, 82, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2014.

A native of Winder, she was a daughter of the late Kermit and Anne Brock Rockmore. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Wills.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Scott Wilson, the Rev. Landon Frymire and Jeffery Bell officiating. Burial followed in the Bethabra Baptist Church Cemetery.

Survivors include her children, Lisa Wills and Keith (Barbara) Wills; brother, Ludon Rockmore; sister, Geneva Bennett; and grandchildren, Savannah, Jacqueline and Emily Wills.

Smith Memory Chapel, Winder The Paper, Dec. 4, 2014

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

forum

5A

A carol for all music tastes

Sometime in the next few days, radio stations will start playing Christmas music.

A friend of mine suggested I write a column about recording artists associated with a Christmas song. So, here I go: No one is more identified with a Christmas song than Bing Crosby for “White Christmas.”

It was first performed on his radio show, The Kraft Music Hall, on Christmas Day 1941. The version we hear most often today was recorded in 1947 with Crosby, the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers. The song won an Academy Award in 1942 for the movie “Holiday Inn.” It is the best-selling single of all time with sales in excess of 50 million copies.

Crosby, who died in 1977, never thought his version of the song was that great.

He said, “a jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it successfully.”

By the way, Elvis Presley’s 1957 recording of his song enraged Irving Berlin, who wrote “White Christmas,” calling it “a profane parody of a cherished yuletide standard.”

Berlin had his staff call radio stations and ask them not to play it. They were unsuccessful.

Crosby was also known for his duet with David Bowie, which was one of the last recordings Crosby would make.

“The Little Drummer Boy” with Bowie singing “Peace on Earth” was not released until after Crosby’s death.

Other singers synonymous with songs include: Andy Williams, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” This turned out to be one of his biggest songs. I had the pleasure of hearing him sing it in person a couple of times and it was great. Williams was also known for “The Holiday Season,” another perennial favorite.

Nat “King” Cole is forever associated with “The Christmas Song.” His trademark crooning of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is a fixture.

Harris Blackwood Gene Autry’s recording of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was an accidental hit. It was supposed to be the flip side to Autry’s “Here Comes Santa Claus,” but became the larger hit for the singing cowboy.

Georgia native Brenda Lee is best known for her recording of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Little Miss Dynamite is heard singing it every season.

Another native Georgian, John Berry, had chart success with his recording of “O Holy Night.” By the way, he’ll be in concert in Gainesville on Dec. 18. Tickets are available through Challenged Child and Friends.

Burl Ives is remembered for his rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas.” Sadly, “jolly” is not one of the words used to describe the demeanor of Mr. Ives.

Leroy Anderson and his orchestra are known for “Sleigh Ride,” which Anderson wrote.

My late friend, Ron Evans, told me that Anderson pronounced his name “Luh-Roy,” not the more Southern “Lee-Roy.” I still call him the latter.

Johnny Mathis had a vocal version of “Sleigh Ride,” as did The Ronettes, who had a big production version by current California inmate Phil Spector.

A few years ago, pop stations started playing Christmas music earlier and it resulted in a ratings boost.

It has become the only time you hear some of the artists who truly shaped modern music and actually know what a song really is and how to sing it.

Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville resident whose columns appear weekly.

Letters policy Send letters to editor@clickthepaper.com; fax, 706658-0177; or P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548.

Please include name, hometown and phone number.

Letters should be limited to 300 words on one topic and may be edited.

The Paper will be forwarding submitted Letters to Santa to the North Pole after some Santa letters are published prior to Christmas. Children’s holiday artwork is also welcome.

The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

P.O. Box 430 Hoschton, GA 30548 9924 Davis St., Suite 8, Braselton, GA 30517

Time can’t destroy old memories It was over Sunday dinner that my sister told me what I did not know. A childhood friend, the redheaded, freckle-faced girl with laughing eyes and the brightest sense of humor possible, was sitting vigil with her husband as death crept close.

“The doctors told them this morning that it will be 24 to 48 hours,” she said. He was at a nearby hospital so I turned to Tink.

“As soon as we finish eating, let’s run down there,” I said. “Our families have been through so much together that I want to see her now.”

I won’t go into all that death has stolen from us both or the tears we shed together or the many graves we jointly stood over watching grievously as red dirt clay covered another piece of our hearts.

For once, there were only happy times to share.

It is the memory of those moments that undergird when sorrow threatens to smother us like the fabled heat of Southern summers.

Southerners are always buoyed by a sense of place and the stories that unfold there. For us — the pretty

Ronda Rich redhead girl and me — it was summer Sunday afternoons. She was several years older and while normally our ages would have provided a barrier to any joint memories, her brother was close to my age so we were pulled into a common universe. It was the days of mini-dresses, the kind which my grandmother frowned on mightily, the ones that led her to wonder aloud, “What is this world comin’ to? I ain’t never seen such in all my borne days.

Some are so low at the top and short at the bottom that they almost meet.”

The redhead girl wore them well. She was tall enough, thin enough, curvy enough to wear them admirably. I looked up to her as younger girls sometimes do with those more worldly than themselves. She and

General Manager Norman Baggs Editor LeAnne Akin

on the inner tube and let the flow carry us quickly under the road, then spill us out with a large splashing drop into the swimming hole. We did that for hours while our laughter pierced the thick, honeysuckle-scented summer air.

On that summer day when I made my way through the winding hospital corridors to find the room where death was circling like a ravenous buzzard, I traveled back in time to happier summer Sunday afternoons.

Her still-pretty red hair was disheveled, strands falling into eyes that were not laughing. I hugged her and she held my hand tightly as if trying to hold onto the happiness we had once known in such abundance.

“It’s a long way from those summer Sundays spent at the swimming hole,” I whispered quietly.

But really, it’s not. Because it’s still a tie that binds ever so tightly.

Ronda Rich is the best-selling author of several books.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.rondarich.com. Her column appears weekly.

Carl Sanders — a great man, Ga. giant On my “To Do” list was a reminder to call former Gov. Carl Sanders and see if he had any thoughts on how to get the field at Sanford Stadium named for the University of Georgia’s former coach and athletic director Vince Dooley. I knew he would like the idea and perhaps could jerk a few chains I seem to have been unable to rattle thus far.

In addition, I wanted to visit with him and talk politics, one of our mutually favorite subjects. I made it a point to go see him a couple of times a year at his office.

Each visit was a treasure.

There was no one I admired more than Gov. Sanders, who died Nov. 15 at the age of 89.

The morning after we lost our oldest grandson, the first call I received was from the governor. (By the way, he was and always will be “The Governor” to me.) He had recently lost a grandson roughly the same age. He knew the pain we were experiencing and wanted to share some private thoughts

Dick Yarbrough with me. I will never forget that call or the man who made it.

He was an avid reader of this space along with his wife, Betty. I have a number of notes he had written over the years commending me on something I had said in a column. Then there were the times I would pick up the phone and hear his longtime assistant Doris Barnes say, “The governor would like to speak to you,” and he would tell me in real time.

On one occasion, a newspaper chose not to print one of my columns because my thin-skinned target had gone to the publisher and had wheedled him into not running it. Ms. Sanders called the governor to inform him

my column was missing from the paper. He in turn called me to find out why. I told him. He was not happy.

Gov. Sanders wanted the publisher’s phone number in order to register a strong protest on Ms. Sanders and his behalf. I suggested we let it ride. Publishers can get cranky, too, and being chewed out by Carl Sanders for not running my column was one way to ensure that Ms. Sanders might never see it again — if he got my drift.

The governor reluctantly agreed. I hung up the phone thinking, “Whoa. Did I just give Carl Sanders some political advice?”

I loved his stories about the characters who dotted Georgia’s political landscape in his day, except he would always end with the same admonition, “Of course, you can’t print that.”

What a shame. You would have loved the stories — particularly the one about the mule.

I asked Gov. Sanders once how he would like to be remembered. “I would like to

letter to the editor Make donations directly to Barrow County Food Pantry

www.clickthepaper.com

Publisher Charlotte Atkins

her family lived up the road from my grandmother’s on a sprawling farm that called for hard work from sun-up to long after sun-down. Compared to my grandparents who lived in a tiny house with a tin roof and no bathroom, it seemed prosperous.

But kids really don’t pass much mind to such lack of prosperity or abundance of it when there are ghost stories to be told in the hayloft of the barn, playhouses to be laid-off with river rocks or a deep, refreshing swimming hole beckoning in the heat of summer.

The swimming hole.

Those are the best memories.

The river pooled into a place that was deep enough to jump from the bank, to splash, to dunk, to swim.

Even now I can feel the coolness of the clear water that started as a mere spring somewhere way up in the mountains. Under the road ran a six-foot high pipe which carried water from the river on the other side into our swimming hole. Carefully, we’d each grab an old inner tube and, bare-footed, negotiate the ridges of the pipe to the river’s side. We sat down

The wonderful people of Barrow County have supported our Barrow County Food Pantry with donations of non-perishable items for decades, and too often, we don’t take the time to say “thank you,” but we would like to do that now. For over 30 years, the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries has run this facility with tens of thousands of cans donated, and tens of thousands of cans given to our neighbors who are in desperate need of food.

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas

season approaches, we hope everyone will take the time to realize how fortunate our county is to have a large network of people and churches who work tirelessly to keep those donations coming in, and see that the folks who need that food get it.

However, in the past few months, we have seen food drives by groups from out-of-county who have diverted significant amounts of food to their counties. While I am sure they are donating it to folks who need it in their counties, it has really hurt the Barrow County Food Pantry, leaving us with very empty shelves. So, when you donate food throughout the year, we ask that you check to see if it is going directly

be known as a good governor who did good things and made this a better state as a result,” he said.

Carl Sanders’ lasting legacy will be in having navigated Georgia through the civil rights turbulence of the 1960s while other governors across the South were posturing in schoolhouse doors and defying the U.S. Supreme Court. A lot of racists pushed him hard to resist integration, but he would not.

Why did he do what other Southern governors were unwilling to do? “I took an oath to uphold the law,” he said, “not break it.”

The best way to judge a person’s life is to determine whether or not he left the world better than he found it. Carl Sanders did. He was a great man. I am honored to have known him. I will miss him.

Dick Yarbrough is a North Georgia resident. His column appears periodically in The Paper.

to the Barrow County Food Pantry. If you hear that it’s going to a regional food bank and will then be sent back to Barrow County, please know that it won’t. You may take the food directly to The Barrow County Food Pantry at 41 E. Candler St., Winder between 4:30-5 Monday through Friday, or leave it next door at The Clothes Closet & Thrift Shop between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you have a large donation that needs to be picked up, please call Al Brown at 770868-7269.

Thank you again, Board of Directors, Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministries Inc. Gwen Hill, president

6A

The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

CMYK Thursday, December 4, 2014

Sports

B

Season Over: Dragons fall to Titans in quarterfinals OT thriller

BY CHARLES PHELPS

cphelps@clickthepaper.com

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Dragons run at its second state championship in three seasons ended last Friday at Jefferson Memorial Stadium.

In a battle two undefeated 12-0 teams, the Blessed Trinity Titans knocked off the Dragons 28-21 in overtime in the Class AAA quarterfinals.

It was in the quarterfinals of the 2012 season where Jefferson needed triple overtime to defeat Fitzgerald en route to the championship.

Blessed Trinity quarterback Conor Davis found Patrick Jasinski for the 15-yard goahead score on the first play of overtime to break the 21-21 tie.

The Dragons’ offense attempted four straight passes in its lone overtime possession, but fell short as the ball found the turf on fourth-and-5 to end the game.

“It’s solemn,” Jefferson head coach Ben Hall said. “This is the first time we’ve had to experience this (feeling) this year. I’m proud of the way the team played tonight.

“We lost to a fine football team and it took extra football to determine the winner. At the end, they just made the play and we didn’t…

But, tonight, we are going to celebrate what these seniors have offered us over the last four years. Our young kids are resilient and they will recover.”

Jefferson (12-1) was led by senior quarterback Evan Shirreffs’ 214 passing yards and two touchdowns. He connected with senior Rodney Carr eight times for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

T.J. Skelton caught five passes 83 yards.

Running back Sammy Williams rushed for

55 yards and one score.

Davis passed for 113 yards and three touchdowns for Blessed Trinity (13-0). Jasinski hauled in five catches for 41 yards and the go-ahead score.

Junior Matthew Higgins caught five passes for 67 yards and two first-half touchdowns.

Running back Milton Shelton scored the Titans’ other touchdown and rushed for a game-high 129 yards.

The Titans’ defense blocked a go-ahead 30-yard field goal with 6:04 left in regulation, forced a turnover on downs when Jefferson failed to convert fourth-and-3 with 37 seconds left in regulation and forced a punt all before the game-winning stop in overtime.

“They put us in a bind all night,” Blessed Trinity head coach Tim McFarlin said. “It was a numbers and matchup problem, but it makes you better down the road.

“I was proud of our kids for hanging tough down there…It was a quarterfinal game. It was two really good football teams and we were the ones who were fortunate to come out on top tonight.”

Blessed Trinity plays Washington County in the semifinals.

Jefferson started the game with a 12-play drive but failed to get points as the Titans’ defense forced a punt The Dragons’ defense held the Titans’ offense to a three-and-out on its opening possession, but the offense failed to take advantage, allowing a sack and committing an illegal forward pass as part of its own three-and-out series.

The Titans’ offense found life on its second possession going 74 yards in 11 plays, capped

Doug Chellew The Paper

The Blessed Trinity Titans’ defense jumps on a Jefferson fumble during the Dragons’ 28-21 overtime loss in the quarterfinals of the Class AAA state playoffs.

See dragons, 2B

All-Star Performers

Bennett, Reed represent Heritage Academy volleyball in GICAA All-Star game

BY CHARLES PHELPS

: compete and possibly win the respected region they are a part of, and if they are good enough in the region, then they will have a There are several goals that any high shot at competing for a state championship. school sports team and players want to acBut, there’s also a third element that helps complish every year. make a year special for players, that’s recogiOne: have players grow as young men and nition from opposing coaches and players as women as they learn life lessons through one of the best in the sport. the competitive sport they compete in. Two For two Heritage Academy volleyball players, they were recognized amongst their peers as not only two of the best region players, but two of Georgia’s elite volleyball players.

Seniors Rebekah Bennett and Katie Reed were selected and played in the first ever Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association’s (GICAA) All-Star Volleyball Game as part of the North All-Stars team.

Bennett played middle attacker, or middle hitter, while Reed, the Crusaders’ team captain, made the team as an outside hitter.

The game took place on Nov. 8 in Stockbridge.

“I was very excited (to get selected),” Bennett said. “I tried not to get my hopes up just in case I didn’t get picked. So, it was a wonderful surprise.”

The Crusaders finished the 2014 season 18-8 and racked up a second-place finish in the GICAA Division 2 East Regional Tournament.

“I was very glad Katie was with For The Paper me at All-Stars,” said Bennett, whose played volleyball for four Rebekah Bennett, Heritage Academy senior cphelps@clickthepaper.com

Tigers survive sloppy performance in quarterfinals

BY KYLE FUNDERBURK

sports@clickthepaper.com

COMMERCE – If the final score is all that matters, one could say that the Commerce Tigers had a great game last Friday.

But, it isn’t always that simple.

Despite four lost fumbles and a very tough game offensively, the Tigers found a way to beat Calhoun County, 10-0, to advance to the semifinals of the Class A-public state playoffs, where they will play Irwin County in Ocilla.

The Tigers’ (10-2) defense helped save the offense, recovering four fumbles of its own and gave the offense the ball inside Calhoun County territory six times.

The Cougars also helped out by committing seven penalties for 60 yards.

“I knew coming off of that win last week, when all of our players were on an emotional high, we told them that, ‘The greatest danger

that we will face this week would be ourselves,’ and that turned out to be the case tonight,” Commerce head coach Michael Brown said.

“We weren’t mentally ready to play on offense with fumbles, misreads running the options, but I think our defense played well. We found a way to win and that’s all that matters.”

All of the Tigers’ points came in the second quarter. The first score was a short touchdown run by quarterback Caleb Brooks, after a Calhoun County punt went only 10 yards.

The second score was a 40-yard field goal by Andres Salgado as time expired to end the first half.

The game could have been worse. The Tigers began the game with a kickoff return to the Cougars’ 45-yard line, but running back Will Thomas was stopped short on fourth-and-5, and the Cou-

See tigers, 2B

years. “It was difficult at first with a whole opportunity of playing in the game. new lineup (of players) and not knowing how A few days passed, she explained, when the other girls played. she received a text from a teammate letting “Katie and I were in the same rotations and her know she would be playing in the game that helped knowing that she was right there and not watching. to back me up.”

“I was like, ‘OK, awesome. That’s excitAlong with the All-Star selection, Bennett ing,’” Reed said about receiving the news. “I was selected to the All-Region and All-State team. She said it made her senior season See volleyball, 2B “special” receiving the awards, but it was not her effort alone that helped her achieve them, she explained.

“I worked hard and Coach (Jason Padilla) stuck with me and it paid off,” she said. “I am so grateful to my team for being incredible and supporting me.

“If it wasn’t for them, especially my setter, Lauren Grinstead, I would never have received any of these awards. I’m so thankful God placed me at Heritage with such magnificent girls and a fantastic coach.”

For Reed, being nominated for the team was exciting because of the quality teams her squad competed against throughout the season and all of the “excellent” players that made up those teams, she said.

She also didn’t think she would make the actual team because she was chosen as an alternate and didn’t expect anyone to miss the game for any reason.

For The Paper She said she prayed about the Katie Reed, Heritage Academy senior

Hawks fall to Norcross in tip-off finale, Clark receives medal for good play

BY COLIN HUBBARD

sports@clickthepaper.com

JEFFERSON — The Mill Creek Hawks found themselves only one game away from winning the Tabo’s Tip-Off Tournament at Jefferson High School last Saturday night when they laced up with region foe Norcross.

After not winning a game in last year’s tournament, this was a big game for the Hawks.

The game did not pan out how they would have liked as the Blue Devils ran away with the victory, 97-64.

The Hawks managed to seize the lead on the game’s opening score by Christian Mancillas. It was their only lead of the contest.

The Hawks managed to hang with Norcross through the first six minutes only down by four, on two key 3-pointers by Davion Clark. By the end of the first quarter, they trailed 21-16.

However, the Hawks had a disastrous start the second quarter, missing the first nine shots en route to a 13-0 Norcross run.

They finished the quarter going 4-for-15 and Colin Hubbard The Paper found themselves down by 13 at the half, 45-32.

Mill Creek’s Davion Clark after the Hawks’ second-place finish in the Tabo’s Tip-Off Tournament in Jefferson. Clark was See hawks, 2B awarded a medal for his outstanding play in the tournament.

LOCAL sports

local sports

local golf

Jackson County Hall of Fame nominations

Sports action this weekend

Golf tournament at Reunion CC

Jackson County athletic director Adam Lindsey will be accepting Hall of Fame nominations for the 2015 class of the Jackson County Comprehensive High School Athletics Hall of Fame until Jan. 1, 2015. E-mail nomination forms to alindsey@jackson.k12.ga.us. For more information on the by-laws/eligibility requirements for nominees and committee members, visit jcpantherathletics.com and click the Hall of Fame tab.

The Commerce Tigers’ football team travels to Irwin County on Friday for a semifinal matchup in the Class A-public state playoffs. The Jackson County Panthers’ wrestling team host The Panther Invitational on Friday and Saturday. The Mill Creek wrestling squad will be competing in the Walton Duals. The Hawks’swim team is also in action at the Bill Clody Invitational.

East Jackson basketball host North Oconee High School on Friday.

Reunion Country Club hosts its “4 sticks and a ball” golf tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Teams will be made up of four players. Each player will be allowed four clubs and will play from the forward tees. Players will be designated as A, B or C players based upon handicaps. All four scores will be used. For more information, contact 770-967-8300.

2B

sports

The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

Jefferson Wrestling Preview

DRAGONS

Continued from 1B

Dragons getting ready for another stellar run

BY CHARLES PHELPS

cphelps@clickthepaper.com

JEFFERSON — What is it that motivates a squad to excel and peak just in time for a championship every season?

Is it harder to find motivation to win after winning has become the norm?

For the Jefferson Dragons’ wrestling program, these questions will be put to the test.

The Dragons, winners of the Traditional State Championship every season since 2001 and Team Dual Wrestling Championship every season since 2002, are primed and ready to go for a new season.

“We’ll see how long it keeps going,” head coach Doug Thurmond said. “It has been a nice ride.”

Thurmond says repeating as champion is motivating enough to coach his squad to be the best they can be.

And, the wrestlers’ motivation: not being the squad that breaks the championship chain.

“They don’t want to be remembered as the team that broke it. They’re motivated in that sense,” he explained. “And, another big motivator is these are different kids.

“We have a good group of freshmen that are coming in and they want to be on a state championship team. That’s what they’ve been shooting for, hoping it happens ever since they’ve been involved in our wrestling program. It’s new to them,” he continued.

“A lot of the upper classmen don’t want to be the one to break it, but also, they want to try and win it four times, their four years (at Jefferson).”

They have a lot of guys returning and it’s hard to say who guys will be to lookout for will be, Thurmond said.

Two are back from injury: senior Ben

Kelly and junior Mitchel McGhee.

“Both of them are two very good wrestlers,” Thurmond said.

Kelly won a state championship in 201213 and McGhee was undefeated last year before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Senior and two-time state champion Chase Piperato returns for the Dragons, as does sophomore and defending champion Caleb Little.

He said he never answers the question of will they or will they not win another state championship, but they are preparing as if they are going to accomplish that feat.

“Whatever they do is up to them,” he exclaimed.

He also said it is going to be hard to figure out where everybody falls weight wise, especially for the returners who have been on the football field since the summer.

He’s always concerned when beginning a new season from a rapport standpoint, though most of the competitors get along real good, he said.

And, he’s also concerned about injuries.

“Those things can happen and sometimes they come in a snowball effect,” he said. “Those are the things, as a coach, you have to worry about.

“There’s nothing you can do about them, but needless to say, you’re going to worry about them whether you want too or not.

You try to put it out of your mind. And, you can say, ‘There’s nothing I can do about that,’ but you still have that in the back of your mind.”

Jefferson began the season on Wednesday at Central Gwinnett High School and will compete in The Panthers Invitational at Jackson County on Friday and Saturday.

by Shelton’s 1-yard touchdown run to give Blessed Trinity a 7-0 lead four seconds into the second quarter.

Jefferson responded with a six-play, 74yard drive of its own, propelled by Shirreffs to Skelton for 48 yards. Williams tied the game with a 13-yard touchdown run.

Jefferson then attempted a surprise onside kick, but failed to recover it giving the Titans’ offense a short field to play with. After converting a fourth-and-inches, Davis connected with Higgins for a 30-yard touchdown strike, giving Blessed Trinity a 14-7 lead with 8:21 left until halftime.

On the Titans’ next possession, they were forced to punt, but a 15-yard roughing the kicker penalty against Jefferson gave the Titans’ offense new life. They converted fourth-and-6 when Davis found Higgins for

nine yards.

Two plays later, the duo struck again, this time on a 22-yard touchdown strike, giving Blessed Trinity a 21-7 lead with 2:35 left until halftime.

Jefferson responded quickly as Shirreffs found Carr three times in six plays including a 41-yard touchdown strike to cut the deficit to 21-14 headed into halftime.

The duo connected again in the third quarter as Carr tied the game at 21-21 after hauling in a 22-yard touchdown pass with 3:58 left in the quarter.

The Dragons’ defense forced the Titans to punt four straight times to open the second half and senior Trent Sorrells came up with an interception during the scoreless fourth quarter to give Jefferson its last shot at winning the game in regulation.

But, the offense failed to convert the turnover into points.

“It has been a good season. It hurts right now, but we are going to celebrate these seniors tonight,” Hall said.

Doug Chellew The Paper

Jefferson’s Rodney Carr eludes a Blessed Trinity defender during the Dragons’ 28-21 overtime loss last Friday in the Class AAA quarterfinals.

TIGERS

Continued from 1B

Charles Phelps The Paper

Jefferson wrestling head coach Doug Thurmond shows his team a proper technique during a recent practice. The Dragons began the year on Wednesday and compete in The Panther Invitational at Jackson County Comprehensive High School on Friday and Saturday.

HAWKS

Continued from 1B The Hawks came out flat yet again in the third quarter, attempting 20 shots, but made just five, and went 0-for-5 from three-point range in the quarter as well.

Norcross piled on 26 points.

Davion Clark, Chase Cochran and Charles Botchway managed the team’s lone 10 points in the third, shooting 5-for-10 as a trio. The rest of the team went 0-for-10.

Headed into the fourth, Norcross led the Hawks 71-48, and didn’t look back.

The Blue Devils dropped another 26

VOLLEYBALL Continued from 1B

was freaking out.”

One of the things she enjoyed about the experience was getting to know the other players.

She said it was completely “different to see the girls outside of competition.

“They have a sensitive side. We got to hear the stories about what each school is like…It was just really cool to hear where all the other girls were coming from and hear about their future plans,” she said.

She added building rapport in a short period with

I want to give credit to Jefferson High School.

They put on a great tournament every year. points in the quarter to Mill Creek’s nine.

The lone bright spot for the Hawks was Clark, who went 8-for-14 from the field and added five rebounds. He also was awarded a medal for his outstanding play in the tournament.

“We (Mill Creek) have a long way to go,” Mill Creek head coach Chad Rogers said. “We have to learn how to talk

new players was difficult, but also fun and helped to push her outside of her comfort zone.

She didn’t take the honor of playing with her teammate, Bennett, for granted.

“What I love Rebekah is she is always humble,” Reed said. “If she made a block or had an amazing hit, she would celebrate, but she wouldn’t praise herself.

“She would be like, ‘Next play. Let’s do this again.’ If I got a hit, or if somebody else got a hit, she would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re so good.

Good job. Keep it up.’ It was nice to see how humble she was and the fact she knew she was good, but she wasn’t

gars took over on downs.

The Tigers’ next possession began on the 32-yard line, but a Brooks fumble gave the ball back to Calhoun County.

After Cole Chancey stole the ball from a Calhoun County wide receiver, Grant Mayberry fumbled the ball away inside the 5-yard line to cap off the Tigers’ missed opportunities in the first quarter.

Commerce controlled the

more as a team, especially on defense.

“I was not pleased with that in this game. We also need to work on our spots on defense and where we need to set up our players. We are a good team, and we need to score inside more. Our whole key is to keep getting better throughout the season so we can perform well in the region,” he continued.

“I want to give credit to Jefferson High School. They put on a great tournament every year. Outstanding job by everyone involved. We played three teams, but took a step back tonight. We got a lot of guys playing time, so we have to go to work Monday and fix a lot of things. Things will change around here come Monday.”

going to make everybody else know she was good,” Reed continued. “She did it through her play. She didn’t do it through speaking or her talk. I feel that was a testimony for her to show everybody, ‘I might be good, but what I care about most is shining the light of Christ before anything else.’”

Bennett also had high praise for her captain, saying, “Katie is an amazing volleyball player and person in general. She did a great job as captain by pushing us and keeping the whole team going.”

Reed added the award was a “dream come true” to cap off her career at Heri-

tage Academy.

“So, for this to happen, it was a confirmation that I gave my best this year. I can look back and say, ‘You know what, I don’t have any regrets. I gave it my all in every game I played.’”

ball for much of the third quarter with a drive that began at its own 9-yard line, but stalled near midfield after a false start penalty on a would be fourth-and-3 attempt.

The Commerce running game was far from its usual numbers. Brooks ran for 66 yards on 15 carries. Will Thomas added 52 yards on 14 carries.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We have to get our kids refocused, humble and hungry,” Brown said.

We’ve got a lot of work to do. We have to get our kids refocused, humble and hungry.

Commerce head coach Michael Brown

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CMYK Thursday, December 4, 2014

features HOLIDAY TIME HAPPENINGS Library offering ornament decorating event Dec. 5 The Braselton Library will hold a children’s ornament decorating program at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in the Braselton Municipal Building.

Thanks to the generous support of Higher Grounds Coffee House and Friends of the Braselton-West Jackson Library, there is no charge to attend this event in which children will decorate Christmas ornaments from House of Clay.

There is a strict limitation of 100 children who can be accommodated at this event.

In order to receive an ornament to decorate, each child must be preregistered to attend. The sign-up list is at the librarian’s desk in the Braselton Library. The list is filling up fast, so don’t delay in going to the library to register your child for one of the most popular, fun events the library offers.

‘Santa Claus lives! Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’ production by W-BCT is slated for this weekend Get into the holiday spirit and come see the Christmas play at the Winder Cultural Arts Center this weekend.

“Santa Lives! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. This family-friendly play is presented by the WinderBarrow Community Theatre, and a part of the proceeds from the show will be donated to the Barrow County Family Connection to help provide Christmas gifts for needy children in the area.

Come and join the fun at the show and bring your children, grandchildren, neighborhood children and children of all ages. After the show is over, you will be invited to a reception to meet the cast of the show.

Bring your camera since Santa Claus will be there to greet the children and talk to them.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. Children ages 12 and younger are only $5 each. Ages 13 and older are $10 each. Tickets can be purchased by phone at the Winder Customer Care Center at 770-867-3106 (event ticket sales) or at Pam Veader’s State Farm Insurance Office at 41 S. Center St., in Winder (770-867-1679).

For more information about the show, see the website at www.winderbarrowtheatre.org.

Step back into a old-time holiday in Heritage Village at Hurricane Shoals On Saturday, Dec. 13, you will have an opportunity to see how early generations and pioneer forefathers might have celebrated the Christmas season.

The Tumbling Waters Society of Jackson County and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department are joining together to open Heritage Village at Hurricane Shoals Park for one day to “return us to a time that was…”

Mark your calendars for 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, to enjoy all the activities that will be taking place.

You can also plan to return from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a lighted walk or hayride around the village and park.

The heritage village will be decorated with period Christmas decorations and there will be some “ol’ timey” activities taking place.

Choirs will be singing Christmas carols, school children will be presenting programs, children can enjoy cookie decorating activities, knitters will be making secret Christmas presents, children can enjoy making Christmas decorations to hang on one of the many Christmas trees that will be in the village area and families can enjoy a hayride through the park on a hay wagon being pulled by an exciting new technology called “a tractor.”

All the events will be educational and entertaining for the whole family. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Santa is going to make a special visit to the village to hear all the Christmas wish lists from the children.

Bring your camera, dress in period attire if you wish, make some beautiful Christmas pictures with your family and make memories as you enjoy….”a return to a time that was.”

3B

TREE PICKIN’ & TRIMMIN’ TIME Visiting Christmas tree farms becomes family tradition

By Kristen Oliver

Regional staff

Kathy Cooper’s son Tyler leaves for the mountains about 6 a.m. to cut down trees.

The Cooper family, including dad John and daughter Lindsey, operate Cooper’s Tree Farm in Braselton.

Area Christmas tree farms are quite a family affair. Cooper’s Tree Farm and The Kinsey Family Farm are two area Christmas tree farms that have seen a great deal of growth since their inception.

“Our farm has been in business for 30 years,” Kathy Cooper said. “My husband bought it in 1975 and planted the trees. By about 1980, he was selling trees, and it’s just grown into all this.”

The Kinsey Family Farm is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, according to co-owner Andy Kinsey.

“We started out as a very small Christmas tree operation and in the last 10 years, we’ve turned into a very large Christmas tree operation,” Kinsey said. “We’re trying to be a place for families to come and just do the family thing.”

Kinsey said his family avoids anything commercial on the farm to focus on family.

Guests can walk around, take a hayride and feed cows, goats and geese.

“You can roast marshmallows and make s’mores and basically just focus on your family for a little while,” Kinsey said.

Both tree farms grow Leyland cypress and Carolina sapphire trees, and they sell Fraser firs. Kathy Cooper and Kinsey said the firs are by far the most popular tree.

Kristen Oliver Regional staff

Andy Kinsey, co-owner of The Kinsey Family Farm in Gainesville, helps customers Sunday as they select a Christmas tree. (Below) A Cooper’s Tree Farm employee bags a tree in Braselton for a customer to take home.

Kathy Cooper said this year has already been busy on the farm. The first weekend after Thanksgiving saw hundreds of people ready to purchase a tree.

“It’s a fun thing but it’s very tiring,” she said.

“It’s all really family and friends so we have a good time doing it, but it can wear you out, too.”

Kinsey said the farm is a family affair, something he runs with his brother Kelly, their wives and their parents. He used to be a

teacher, and most of his employees at the farm are his former students.

They work hard through the holiday season to make sure a visit to the farm is enjoyable for everyone in the family.

“It’s just become a huge tradition for people,” Andy Kinsey said. “With every tree purchased, you get a pewter ornament. This year, being our 10-year anniversary, it’s a really special one. Everyone will have to come here to find out what it is.”

Georgia grown trees are in the spotlight

By Maggie Dudacek

University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

“They’re the traditional tree that I think most people grew up with,” Kathy Cooper said.

“And it’s just a good tree.”

Kinsey described the Fraser fir as a “beautiful, deep green tree that fills in very nicely and is amazingly fragrant.”

Unfortunately for North Georgia residents and tree farmers, Fraser firs only grow in altitudes above 4,500 feet.

“We have to go to North Carolina to pick up the Frasers because they don’t grow here,” Kathy Cooper said. “We try to get small loads regularly and keep the lot fresh.”

The Kinsey farm also sells Blue ice trees and Norway spruce, which can be planted at the end of the season.

Kinsey said trends in Christmas tree shapes change from person to person. Some people want short and full trees, while others want tall and slim.

“It’s fun that way,” he said. “People a lot of times go, ‘Now which tree is which kind?’ and I like explaining that they’re all the same kind but they have a lot of individual variations, just like we do.”

Both farms also sell locally made wreaths, roping, baskets or mailbox swag. The Coopers sell candles and mistletoe, and the Kinseys sell food inside the barn, including pumpkin rolls, red velvet rolls, breads, jams and more.

“There are all kinds of jams and jellies,” Kinsey said. “There’s frog jam and traffic jam and bear jam — all sorts of weird stuff. It’s just weird, fun, farm-experience stuff.”

For more than 500 years, people have brought trees into their homes to decorate for the holiday season. While some families choose artificial and pre-lit trees, plenty of people still want the real thing.

Since 2010, the value of Georgia’s Christmas tree crop has increased by about $2 million, to about $10.18 million, according to the 2013 University of Georgia Farm Gate Value Report released this fall.

Georgia-grown Christmas trees not only make a big impact on the state’s economy, they help families make lasting holiday memories.

“It’s more than just buying a tree; it’s getting people out to the farm and getting to know the farmers” said Kent Wolfe, director for the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “It creates more of a memory that you get there with your family.”

“To see the kids come out and run through the trees and select that tree, it really brings a lot of joy,” added Greg Smith, owner of 7 G’s Farm, a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm located in Nicholson.

Whether your family wants a fir, cypress or cedar tree, and whether it’s fresh cut or from the local super-store, there are a few things you can do to make sure this year’s Christmas tree stays healthy and safe throughout the holiday season.

If you decide to cut your own tree, go to a tree farm. The farmers will be more than happy to help you in choosing the perfect tree for you and your family.

“Typically, each farm will let you come in, select your tree and harvest the tree.

We’ll assist you if you need assistance,” Smith said. “When you harvest a tree at a choose-and-cut farm, you know when it was cut.” Remember the height of your ceiling. There should be at least one foot between the ceiling and your tree’s highest point. Test the freshness of your tree.

The needles should be firmly attached, and very few should fall off when the tree is shaken. Make sure that the tree’s trunk is straight and at least 6 to 8 inches long.

This ensures that the tree can be safely stabilized in the tree stand. For pre-cut trees, place a fresh cut along the base of the tree before placing it into the stand to help keep it fresh.

Before you bring the tree inside, check for any insects or other animals that may be hiding in the tree to avoid any unwanted visitors this holiday season. Until it is time for your tree to be decorated, keep it sheltered but from away from sources of direct heat. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

“Water is a key item when you do a choose-and-cut tree. When you get it home, get it directly in water. These trees will typically drink up to 2 gallons a day,” Smith said. Water, water and more water. Not only does watering keep your tree fresh and standing tall, but it keeps it from becoming a fire hazard. Enjoy your beautiful tree, and have a happy and safe holiday season with your loved ones.

In addition to being a Georgia Christmas tree advocate, Smith is the state coordinator for the Trees for Troops program, which provides live Christmas trees to armed forces service members and their families stationed domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.treesfortroops.org/dnn/ Home.aspx .

Marine recruit arrives at Parris Island

By LEANNE AKIN

lakin@clickthepaper.com

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Griffin Lawson is pursuing his dream of military life –hopeful to become “One of the Few. The Proud. Marines.”

Since middle school, Griffin Lawson has had his eye on the target: He wants to serve in the United States armed forces. This week, the Mill Creek High School graduate who played football, will begin wearing a new uniform.

On Monday, he reported to begin his journey – to be part of the best, the United States Marine Corps. When he arrived at Parris Island, he had two forms of ID and the clothes on his back – and the prayers of family and friends.

“You must be 100 percent focused and then give 110 percent more,” he said.

He has the support of his family and the community. In August, his parents, James and Carla Lawson, owners of Lawson Funeral Home, hosted a belated high school graduation and encouragement celebration at the Hoschton Depot. Well-wishers came to the event to congratulate him on his decision to pursue a military career.

In preparation, physical fitness has been high on his to-do list for the rigors of Marine Corps boot camp. For much of the summer and fall, Lawson was running three miles a day and tackling push-ups and pull-ups. In addition to individual workouts, he also took part in PT with other recruits and became the leader of the platoon at the recruiting station. He has lost 30 pounds and is toned up to be ready for what is ahead.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Lawson said he is looking forward to qualifying on the rifle range. “I want to save the taxpayers some money on the rifle range by being a good shot,” he said.

Lawson calls himself a hard worker and a leader and he said is prepared to be trained to be distinguished as one of the best the nation has among its protectors.

Military service was an example set by a grandfather and an uncle who served in the Navy, a cousin in the Army and another cousin who served in the Marine Corps and then the Army.

See more at ClickThePaper.com

4B

features

The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Braselton Farmers Market.

The Braselton Farmers Market continues on Fridays.

Located on Harrison Street in the town’s historic downtown, the market hours will now be 2-5 p.m. on Fridays through Dec. 19 with the exception Nov. 28. Vendors will be participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. Visit www.downtownbraselton.com.

County Habitat for Humanity is hosting a No Show Gala fundraiser on Nov. 31. This imaginery event is being held for a great cause. Donations can be made payable to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 424, Jefferson, GA 30549. Call 706-336-0061. For every $25 you donate, your name will be included in a drawing for prizes.

Christmas celebration.

The Hoschton Women’s Civic Club will be hosting its annual Christmas event for area children on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Hoschton Depot. Santa Claus will be on hand for the 10 a.m. to noon event. Kids will get a free photo made with Santa and also get a ssurprise.

Holiday open house. The Olive Branch is hosting a holiday open house drop-in from 2- 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.

Owners Rocky and Kathy Stone and their staff invite the community to stop in and visit their personal care home for a tour.

No Show Gala. Jackson

Wrestling event to benefit Sheriffs Youth Homes. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is

hosting a professional wrestling event on Saturday, Dec. 13, to benefit the children in the Georgia Sheriffs Youth Homes. The Jackson County Comprehensive High School is the site of “Justice in Jackson” with the doors opening at 7 p.m. and bell time at 8.Bring the family out to enjoy an evening with wrestling legends like Nikita Koloff “the Russian Nightmare,” Buff “The Stuff” Bagwell, “Big Poppa Pump” Scott and Rick Steiner and a few other Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling superstars. Tickets are available at Beef “O” Brady’s and Jackson County Comprehensive High School and will also be available at the door. General admission is $10 and the ringside seats are $20. Learn more information about the Georgia Sheriffs’Youth Homes, visit www.georgiasheriffsyouth. com. Call 706-367-8718.

Run for Reading is Saturday The Braselton 8K and 2K Run for Reading is this Saturday, Dec. 6.

The 2K will begin at 8:30 a.m. while the 8K runners will take off at 9. All registration fees will directly benefit the Braselton Library.

The library uses the money for children’s programs, equipment and much more. Registration is now $25 for the 8K and $18 for the 2K. All registered runners will receive a Braselton 8K long-sleeved shirt.

The 8K course will begin at the corner of Harrison and Frances streets and follows a clockwise loop through the town. The first two miles are relatively flat while the third and fourth miles have rolling hills, so be prepared for a challenge. The 2K course will be out and back starting at the corner of Harrison and Henry Street. Runners will head west

down Henry Street, around the curve to Piedmont Street, and then to the turnaround point on Braselton Industrial Boulevard.

Runners and spectators will be able to view live results at the race with a mobile device,.

8K awards will be given to the top overall male and female, top male and female masters (40+), grandmasters (50+), and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. The 2K awards will go to the top three overall male and female, and the first 100 finishers will receive a finisher’s award. Previous awards can be viewed by clicking www. runnersfit.com/awards.html.

Sponsors include Runner’s Fit and Howard Hardaway State Farm Insurance.

Visit www.runnersfit.com/braselton-8k. html or call the race director at 706-967-9755.

12/13/14: A wedding date to be well remembered

By FARAH BOHANNON

fbohannon@clickthepaper.com

Both Gwinnett and Jackson counties are recognizing couples who wish to marry on Dec. 13, 2014, meaning their wedding anniversary would always be 12/13/14.

It is a special date not just because of the order of the month, day and year, but it will likely always be remembered by both spouses as well as their friends and loved ones. This is the same for couples who have married on 11/12/13, 10/11/12 and so on. All wedding dates are important, but these are special.

Jackson County Probate Judge Sherry Moore says that she would not normally officiate a wedding ceremony on a Saturday, but she has been willing to do so on her regularly-scheduled day off to unite Jackson County residents in matrimony. She has one ceremony planned for Dec. 13 that will occur at Hurricane Shoals Park.

“I do not normally do wedding ceremonies on Saturdays,” said Moore. “However, due to the special date on Dec. 13, I do have one planned that I am excited about.”

Gwinnett County is celebrating as well with a mass wedding ceremony on Dec. 13 at Pinkneyville Park in Norcross. Judge Christopher Ballar and Chief Magistrate

Kristina Hammer Blum are saying that it would be even more special for couples to tie the knot at 10:11 a.m. on 12/13/14. Couples must obtain a marriage license prior to the wedding day and must bring the original documentation as well as valid identification to the park that day.

Licenses can be obtained by calling the Probate Court at 770-822-8250. Each couple may invite up to four people to attend the ceremony with them. The reception is

optional. It will be $12 per person and includes light refreshments and champagne flutes.

12/13/14 will be a special day in history for those deciding to wed — whether it is a quick ceremony at a park or a giant wedding with all the bells and whistles. It is a date that is difficult to forget. This is the last year that this type of date can happen, so a celebration is in order, according to these probate judges.

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Grant and Smart team up for Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style!

Family Connection is fundraising partner Jeff Grant’s goal in life is to serve the Lord – even if that means learning how to dance and performing before 300 people at this year’s Dancing with the Stars – Jackson County Style!

The president and cofounder of iServe Ministries, he oversees the distribution of more than 70,000 pounds of free food to needy families each month. Jeff says he loves his family, the Florida Gators and his Lord. And now he will indeed “do a joyful dance” to support Jackson County Family Connection. Dancing with the Stars _ Jackson County Style contesPaige Smart is the dance tant Jeff Grant and professional dancer Paige Smart will ”pro” who will help him be competing for Jackson County Family Connection. achieve this goal.

You can support Jeff and the Jackson County Paige is an 18-year-old homeschooled senior who and Paige by “voting” for Arts Council. For more inhas been dancing for about them. One dollar equals formation on how to vote 10 years. While she loves to one vote and the money and purchase tickets, go to sing and act, dancing is her they raise will be split 50- www.jacksoncountygaarts. passion. She has performed 50 with Family Connection com in four musicals with Cornerstone Productions, three with the Jefferson Community Theater and five with Broadway Arts Center.

Paige thanks her family, directors and teachers for preparing her to dance – and teach others.

Jeff and Paige are partnering with Jackson County Family Connection, an agency that serves as a local decision-making body dedicated to strengthening families. The non-profit’s goals include supporting healthy children, school readiness and We’re located in the Historic Gas Station in success, self-sufficient Downtown Braselton, (Inside Kristi’s Country Store) families and strong Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm communities.

For 108 Brassie Lane • Braselton, Georgia Like us on Facebook more information on how you can help, go to for Future Events! www.jcfamilyconneckristiscountrystore kristiscountrystore@gmail.com tion.com

Dashing Through the Snow With My Growler In Tow!

BRASELTON FILLIN’ STATION

706-824-9917

CMYK 5B

The Paper | Thursday, December 4, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Sisterinlawzilla’ lays down the law on gifts to daughter Dear Carolyn: My brother’s wife has created a lot of tension in our family right from the start.

She is very opinionated and says exactly what is on her mind. She has openly told us only her family matters and nobody else. She has told us she does not want us to buy anything for their 5-year-old daughter.

She wants us to give her the money so she can buy all the gifts, and we can choose something from the gifts and then give it to our niece.

I asked her if she could tell me what our niece likes and we would go out and buy something of that sort.

But she said no to that. She would rather we don’t buy anything at all.

My niece and I went to the mall the other day to shop for others, and I bought her a shirt she picked out.

My sister-in-law took the shirt off her and put it on a chair and said they wouldn’t take it home.

Carolyn Hax I also bought her a stuffed animal. My sister-in-law told me she already has 20 shirts and she gets a lot of things from friends and she doesn’t need any more shirts or stuffed animals.

I don’t see my niece that much because we don’t live in the same country, so it was fun to spend time with her and treat her to something. My sister-inlaw’s family always asks her before they buy anything for her daughter.

I would ask before I buy something bigger, but a shirt or a stuffed animal or a book? What gives? We all are at a loss for what to do. — E.

It’s not complicated: Don’t buy gifts for your niece.

There are obviously problems with this scenario — your sister-in-law sounds controlling and difficult at best — but murkiness is not one of them. She is saying exactly what is on her mind!

Agree with it, disagree with it, that’s your prerogative, but it’s not your place to hammer in interpretations where no room has been left for them.

Are the limits she’s setting excessive? Yes. But I’ll grant that for one reason only: because the excellent cause of limiting a 5-year-old to 20 shirts is sometimes trumped by the even better cause of kindness.

Taking an aunt’s gift from a very little girl is meanness that swallows the cause.

That said, I’d like to shout this over the groaning of an earth laden with stuff: If you can’t find an alternate way to bond with your niece than

buying her stuff, then that’s on you.

And I include the rest of your “we” in that.

Which brings me to the broader answer here.

Tension does not emerge fully formed in the body of one opinionated woman.

Tension forms when opinionated hits a wall of we-don’t-like-your-opinionso-change-it-to-one-we-like.

Should you all cave to her every demand?

Obviously not; I’m not saying the mule-iest mule always wins.

You don’t even have to like her.

But since she’s apparently setting terms just for her immediate family, the answer that’s pragmatic and boundary-friendly is just respect those terms, simply and cleanly, for what they are.

Certainly you can get creative about ways to show your affection for your niece without adding stuff

WORKING IT OUT

to her life, like writing her poems or giving her family photos. If Sisterinlawzilla rejects those gifts, then we can talk.

Top suggestion: Choose not to take Zilla or her rules or her opinions personally.

That means overriding the little animal reflex that equates “having different ways” to “rejecting my ways.”

Play along when it makes sense to, as with gifts; give her wide berth when your values dictate; and push back only when health and safety insist.

And, why not: Look for the good in her, too. If nothing else, you have the (yes) luxury of knowing exactly where you and she stand.

Dear Carolyn: I was very close to one of my three siblings until close to our mother’s death 10 years ago.

He had power of attorney and, at one point, ignored my vote on an important

health issue concerning my mom.

I wrote him a letter that was quite harsh, and we haven’t spoken since.

I’m about to retire and am looking at life a little bit differently, so am considering trying to rebuild that relationship. What are your thoughts? Is this a wise thing to do, and, if so, how would I best go about this? — State of Confusion You don’t need to agree with his handling of the health issue, just recognize now, with distance, that he acted in good faith.

If you believe that, then say that, and apologize for lashing out and for letting (presumably) the stress and grief overtake you.

Succeed or fail, it’s worth trying. Good luck.

Chat with Carolyn online at noon each Friday at www. washingtonpost.com.

What do you like about your paper? Send an email to editor@clickthepaper.com, call 706-658-2683, or send a letter to The Paper, P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548.

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Oakwood - 24 hr Child Care available in my home. Mon thru Sat. Lic’d & Ref 1 child $20 a day, 2 children $30 a day 770-536-0558

Firewood FIREWOOD FOR SALE $100 pick-up; load.

678-936-1380 FIREWOOD- Seasoned oak. Cut & split. Free Delivery. 470-208-9530; 678-978-0645 lve msg; 678-622-1477 lve msg

Handyman Man Maid Handyman “I’m already there so why not repair!”

Cleaning & correcting your home one room at a time. 770-882-8002

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Primary duties include developing new business while working to meet and exceed monthly sales quotas.

A working knowledge of Excel software, advertising layout and design is helpful, but more important is your desire to help our clients succeed. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with good driving record are required.

Must have good written and verbal communication skills with external and internal customers, with a strong customer service/satisfaction drive. Need these skill sets to succeed: commitment, attention to detail, organization, teamwork, and ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.

Applicants should be experienced in online advertising, familiar with interpreting and explaining metric data, comfortable with softwares and technology, capable of sharing their knowledge with others and excited about selling one of the best news Web sites in the state.

We offer a competitive salary & bonus plan as well as comprehensive benefits package.

Dental Hiring EXPERIENCED DENTAL TECHNICIANS, all departments call E&R Dental Lab 770-534-9090

Stuff *Antiques/Collectibles *Appliances *Auctions *Bicycles *Building Supplies *Cemetery Lots For Sale *Christmas Trees *Coins & Jewelry *Computers *Furniture *Guns *Heavy Equipment *Household Items *Lawn Equipment *Livestock *Misc. For Sale *Musical Instruments *Office Equipment *Pets & Supplies

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Acreage for Sale Business for Sale Business Property for Sale Condominiums for Sale Farms & Farm Land House for Sale - Hall House For Sale - Surrounding Investment Property Lake Home for Sale Lake Property for Sale Lots for Sale Mobile Homes for Sale Mountain Property Real Estate Wanted Surrounding Counties Vacation Property

Homes - Rental Apartments - Furnished Apartments - Unfurnished Business Property For Rent Condominiums for Rent Duplexes For Rent Houses for Rent - Furnished Houses for Rent - Unfurnished Lake Home for Rent Mobile Homes for Rent *Roommates Wanted Rooms for Rent Vacation Property for Rent *Wanted to Rent

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*All Terrain Vehicles *Antique Cars/Trucks *Auto Parts *Auto & Trucks Wanted *Autos for Sale *Four Wheel Drives *Import Cars *Motorcycles *Sport-Utility Vehicles *Tractor Trailers *Trucks *Vans

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The Paper Thursday, December 4, 2014

Email your resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to: hr@ gainesvilletimes.com No phone calls please.

EOE/M/H

Seeking INSIDE SALES PROFESSIONAL with catering/ hospitality exp in the bridal industry to join team at Award Winning Venue Carl House. Must be a “driven closer” highly motivated toward success goals. Great $ growth potential. Work includes some nights and weekends. For more info, email resume & 3 ref to: manager.hr7@ gmail. com. Serious, driven, applicants only.

Medical Registered Nurse The Center for Pediatrics at The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. is recruiting a full time Registered Nurse for their clinical care team to include facilitating clinical staff operations. Previous supervisory and Pediatrics experience is preferred.

Obesity Solutions is recruiting a full time Front Office Supervisor.

Previous supervisory experience required.

Surgical or Bariatric experience preferred.

We are expanding our employment opportunities for Registered Nurses in all areas. We have a variety of work schedules to include day, evening and weekends.

The Longstreet Clinic, P.C. is one of the largest private medical practices in North Georgia. With over 600 employees, we offer competitive compensation and generous benefits.

Our employees have the opportunity to flourish in a supportive, collaborative environment that embraces compassionate evidence-based standards of care.

Please visit our website at: www. longstreet clinic.com to apply. Click on the Careers tab to review the employment opportunities and to submit your application.

Misc. Help Wanted Painter required to sand, touch up and paint service bodies, flat beds etc. competitive salary and benefits. email resume to commtruckequip@ gmail.com

Position for on-site IT resolution.

A person interested in computer customization, security risk assessment and compliance with all the government guidelines of HIPAA, Meaningful use and Affordable care act. Medical experience a plus. Send resume to: enorton@aaacg.com

Office/Clerical Full Time CSR/Admin Position 3-5yrs exp, Order Entry, Billing, A/R, Payroll.

Must be flexible to work 8:00am-5:00pm or 10:00am to 7:00pm shifts. Resume w/salary history: vblair@shasta beverages.com Jackson Hewitt is hiring Tax Preparers, Free training, type 25wpm, some college preferred, call 770-718-1844, jobs in Buford, Oakwood, Cleveland, Gainesville Cornelia, Dahlonega, Winder.

Professional WRITER with web expertise Poultry Times based in Gainesville, GA. is seeking an editorial employee for our biweekly national newspaper as well as our daily updated website who can provide creativity in writing and design.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field, prior publication is a plus.

Poultry Times uses InDesign and Microsoft Word software.

To apply send cover letter, resume and/or page design samples to dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com or P.O. Box 1338, Gainesville, GA 30503

Trades DIESEL MECHANIC

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Competitive Pay full-time opportunity Excellent Full Benefits starting at $30 per week Experience Required cdl a plus but not req New Location Coming Soon! Brand New Facility

text MECH to 51893 for info 877-976-9930 www.aimntls.com/30

*Requires payment in advance.

ELECTRICIANS & HELPERS Must have min 5yrs verifiable exp., tools, speak English & valid Driver’s Lic. . Call Mon thru Fri, 9-4pm.

770-535-5544 MACHINIST Leading engineering firm specializing in automation and integrations systems seeking to fill two Machinist positions for their second shift.

Candidates should have some form of formal training from a technical school or equal experience as a machinist. Must possess good work ethic and be willing to work overtime as needed.

Please send resume to recruit@mesheng.com Check out MESH at www.mesheng.com

Truck Drivers New Route! Gainesville, GA to Laredo, TX. Company Drivers and Owner Operators wanted. Off 2 days per week. Ideal candidate will live 50 miles along route. Call 855-891-0354 pamjobs.com

Stuff Appliances WASHER & DRYER Kenmore. Exc Cond. $250. 770-983-1507 Washer/Dryers Stoves & Refrig.

Mattresses.

Refrig $125-$550.

Washers/Dryers from $125. Stoves $125. We do Appliance & Service Calls! 678-714-0493

Furniture 3 pc Reclining Living Room Set, Leather $1350/obo. 678778-0196 BED Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set-NEW-still in plastic. $200 706-347-4814 Can Deliver Roll-top Desk- Oak. Paid: $1800; Asking $795; Ne w Country Cupboards $199, Sofas & many Antiques, Furniture & Decor.

5239 Hwy 129, Clermont, GA 770-9833636

Misc. For Sale

Pets & Supplies ABANDONED CAT needs home. Beautiful, sleek, black, long legs, tail & body. Absolute lover. 678-350-5535

Electronic Reclining Wheel Chair- Exc Cond. $3750/obo. Wine Making Equipt. Carboy, bottle corker, many extras. $175; Steel Utility Trlr 4x6, Exc Cond. $425; Canon 706-693-4520

DACHSHUND Puppies, $225. Pets only. Ready Dec. 20th. Call or text Kim 706-968-9165.

FIREPLACE INSERT, 32” wide, 25” high, $250.

Call 706-778-8074

FREE KITTENS. 1 black & white male, 1 solid black male, 8 wks old, litter box trained, very cute. 770-868-7284

Good condition model trains for sale. Lionel O27 sets and extras including additional cars, track, and power.

Also N gauge equipment including locomotives, cars, power, and professionally designed and constructed layout.

Best offer. Call 678-943-8022 PIERCE’S PINE STRAW - Open Daily 8am-4pm.

Weather permitting .

We will Not Be Undersold.

Quality For Quality!

1507 Martin Luther King Blvd., Gainesville, GA Across from The Tire Barn. We have Grade #1 for $3.25 per bale picked up. $3.50 bale delivered. New fallen Slash. Long needle avail. 678-617-0403 678-677-6352

LAB Puppies, AKC papers, $450. Ready Dec. 20th. Call or text Kim 706-968-9165

Sporting Equipment HOME EXERCISE GYM 10 stations, 50 body building exercise applications. Made by “Body Solid, Inc.” 83” H X 61” L X 69”W Like New! $525 770-654-6237

Yard Sale Moving Sale- Fri & Sat, 8-1pm. 114 Addenbrooke Way, Hoschton, GA 30548 Furn, toys, clothing, mower, Etc MOVING/DOWNSIZING SALE 350 River Chase, Hoschton, GA. Fri & Sat, Dec. 5 & 6, 2014, 8am-4pm. Household items, clothes, decor, Cash only!

Homes-Rentals

SET OF COMPTON’S ENCYCLOPEDIAS; Cookbooks; Porcelain Dolls; Cookie Jars, Model Cars, Jenny Lind Baby Bed & High chair; Several other misc. items. Good Christmas Gifts. 678-346-6106 USED TIN 12ftx2ft, 5V Tin and 11ftx2ft. Also 2 sets of Barn Doors & Barn Poles.

Used Lumber 1x8, 2x4 & 2x6 678-997-9437

Musical Instruments Give your family music this Christmas!

Upright piano and upholstered bench.

Excellent condition. $2490. Please call 770-967-4270 or email mrsbumpass@ bellsouth.net.

ApartmentsUnfurnished

MYRTLE TERRACES Senior Independent Living Community 1bdrm from $660 2 bdrm from $765 Certain age & income restrictions apply!

Water, trash and electric included in rent Call today for more info 770-538-0928 $ Check Us Out $ Spring Valley 1BR/1BA $600 up 2BR/2BA $750 up Furnished Unit 1BR/1BA $1100/mo Short Term Available Brandon Place 2BR/2BA $700 Townhome 2/1-1/2 $725 Jacky Mathis 678-779-2687

Cedar Springs- 2BR. $725; 1BR $580 770-287-1456 callapartments.com Oakwood - 2/1.5, yard very safe, H/A $690$740. 678-357-5044

Duplexes For Rent 2/1 Duplex- Oakwood, Updated. $695/mo 678-878-6710 Pine Forest- Oakwood 2BR/1BA $730/mo. 770287-1456 callapartments.com

Houses For RentUnfurnished Apts/Homes. General Property Mgmt.

770-287-1456 www. callapartments.com

Mobile Homes For Rent 2BR/1.5BA, Lula. $110/ wk + $300 dep.

No pets. 706-654-0958 Gainesville, S/N Hall 1-3BR $85 & up, per wk No app fee 1 week free 770-534-7596

Rooms For Rent Efficiencies $115/wk & up, includes utils/ cable. 770-539-2938

Recreation Boats & Marine 26’x26’ dock with 19’x10’ single slip vinyl clad floats wired for electric 40’ gangway all in good condition Oakwood location $2500 Call 678-696-5158

Autos For Sale 2007 Town & Country Signature series, one owner, vanilla with grey leather, sunroof, stow & go seats, all power, CD/DVD/Satellite radio, 72000 miles. KBB value $9177, asking $8200.

Call Will. 770-654-2356.

BUICK 2004 LeSabre.

Leath seats, sunrf, 96k.

Very Good Cond. $5200.

770-534-4922 FORD 2007 Focus. SE. 4cyl, 33mpg. leath seats.

No damaqe. Nice! $4700 obo. 770-289-9093 NISSAN 1999 Altima GXE, 5 spd; looks & runs great; new clutch; Gold, AC, 189k miles, $2,500 obo. Call 706-865-2818

Import Cars 2009 BMW 550i Fully Loaded! 69K miles $28,500 Maintained to perfection call 727 458-0603 KIA 2011 Optima EX. wht pearl, Loaded.

34k mi. $16,000.

706-973-0613 MAZDA 2001- 626.

Every thing works!

Nice Cond. $4250.

706-693-4520 NISSAN 2013 370Z Coupe. Blk, MSRP $37,413. Showrm Cond.

2000 miles. Priced below market at $26,500. 770535-9912 TOYOTA 1993 Camry.

Low miles. Satellite radio sys, Michelin’s . $2500.

706-949-4688

Trucks CHEVY 2003 Silverado 2500 HD, auto, gas, high miles. $3200/obo. 678316-3492

Antique Cars/Trucks

DODGE 2008 Ram Big Horn , 1500 Quad cab.

43,500 mi. Loaded.

Exc Co nd.. Garaged. $17,500. 706-318-2812

CHEVY 1978 El Camino.

Clean, 64k orig miles.

Leather seats, $7000.

770-781-3708

FORD 1968 F-100. 360 . 8 cyl. Runs but needs some work. $1300/obo Matt, 770-536-0558

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