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FEATURES PAGE 3B | THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012
Jackson and Hall hosting Relay For Life June 1-2 It’s time for Relay For Life in Jackson County this weekend — June 1-2. It is also Relay time in Hall County with the event taking place at Road Atlanta in Braselton. (See more on Page 6B.) Remember that it isn’t too late to get involved and support those who have survived from cancer, those who have cancer and for those who have loved ones with Farah cancer. Bohannon This Columnist event is a great way to fundraise and hopefully find a cure for this debilitating disease. Luckily there are several of these events that occur in our community, including the event that will take place this weekend at East Jackson Comprehensive High School starting at 7 p.m. Victoria Patrick, community manager for the American Cancer Society, says she is excited to share that there are 333 participants, 30 teams and $54,613 raised so far. This number can still rise until this weekend, we just need your help, says Patrick. So far, the top teams consist of Wayne Farms with $8,714 raised, St, Paul’s Baptist Church which has raised $4,851 and Mission Possible with $3,358. Other groups include Ring Container Technologies, JHS Varsity Cheerleaders, Commerce School System, Holly Springs UMC and several others. So far, so good! Anyone can help by simply donating online by visiting the Relay for Life website, searching for the location of the event and clicking on “donate to event” on the right hand side of the screen. Congratulations to the top participants for this event — C.D. Kidd, who has raised $2,261, Annie Hughey with $1,271 and Gail Banks with $1,106. Every dollar counts! As always, there will be several fun games and activities for the teams and participants. There will also be several different food options as well as entertainment for all ages. The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. followed by the survivor lap at 7:15 p.m. The special luminaria ceremony will take place at 9:30 p.m. For those who aren’t familiar with this ceremony, each luminaria bag represents a person whose life has been affected by cancer. Each one is personalized with a name, photo, message by a Relay for Life participant or supporter in memory or honor of someone. Luminarias line the track, illuminating the environment and the mood softens as everyone remembers their loved ones who have struggled with cancer. If you’re interested, Victoria Patrick says, “It is never too late to join a team. We’ve had successful teams join just two weeks before the event. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to join, volunteering the day of the event is absolutely wonderful.” Even if you aren’t able to attend the event, you can donate. Relay For Life takes any amount — big or small — and it is all for a great cause. Please visit www.relayforlife.org for more information. You can also get more information about relaying and fundraising in Jackson County by visiting http:// main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?pg=entry&fr_id=39847 The Paper will also provide a follow up story about Jackson County Relay for Life, so stay tuned! Farah Bohannon is a freelance writer living in Winder. She loves to utilize her writing and marketing skills with inspiring stories. Reach her at farah.bohannon@gmail.com
Scott Rogers Regional staff
Ceil Jarrett has lent a collection of family heirlooms to the Crawford Long Museum for an exhibit “The Threads of the Civil War.” Jarrett’s family history is forever linked with Memorial Day celebrations in Jefferson. Her great, grandfather, Miles Jefferson Patrick, was one of the town’s first volunteer soldiers for the Confederate Army.
The threads of time
Crawford W. Long Museum displays clothing, artifacts from Civil War era By BRANDEE A. THOMAS Regional staff
Scott Rogers Regional staff
A pair Civil-War era women’s shoes are on display in the Crawford Long Museum in Jefferson.
It is likely Mary Jane Merk Patrick wiped away a few tears as she said goodbye to her husband. Even in her sadness, the 27-year-old bride probably felt a bit of pride knowing that Miles Jefferson Patrick was one of the first native sons to leave Jefferson as a volunteer to fight in the Civil War. Who knows what tender words were exchanged between the two or what displays of affection were shared? This generation can only speculate that he may have placed a loving hand on her pregnant belly before he walked away. What they said and did is fodder for the imagination, but one thing is known: The 28-year-old soldier never made it back home. He died in 1862 in Yorktown, Va., leaving Merk Patrick, who’d given birth to his five children, a widow. As was customary in the antebellum south, Merk Patrick donned “widow’s weeds” for several years after her husband’s death. The “weeds” were the all-black attire worn by widows following the death of their husbands. One of her mourning outfits is on display at the Crawford W. Long Museum in Jefferson as a part of “The Threads of the Civil War” exhibit. “Women didn’t work much back then, so after her husband died, she and her children lived with various family members,” said Ceil Jarrett, who is their great-great-granddaughter. “They moved around from family to family. I think that’s pretty pitiful.” Jarrett served as a consultant for the project, which will run through Oct. 31 at the museum located at 28 College St. in Jefferson. “Women were expected to be in mourning for two or three years,” Jarrett said.
See THREADS, page 4B
Summer signs: Vacation Bible School time School is out for the summer and many families look for a return to school – if only for a week of Vacation Bible School. Across Jackson and surrounding counties, churches are offering Vacation Bible School and camp opportunities that can expose young people to new friends, including Jesus Christ. Here is a listing of a number of summer offerings:
hosting its Vacation Bible School kickoff with registration at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Vacation Bible School will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 4-8 for ages 3 through sixth graders with the theme “Sky: Everything is Possible with God.” Madison Street Baptist is located at 188 Madison St., in Commerce. Call 706-335-6358.
Marantha Baptist Church is continuing Vacation Bible School through June 1 from 6:30-9 p.m. with the theme Rainforest Adventure for Pre-K through fifth grade. A youth bazaar is being held for sixth through 12th grade. The church is located at 65 Ebenezer Church Road, Jefferson.
Walnut Fork Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School, themed Amazing Wonders Aviation, on June 4-8 from 5:458:15 p.m. with dinner provided for ages 3 through fifth grade. Call 706-654-3904 or visit www.walnutforkbc.org
Maysville Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School from 6:30-9 p.m. on June 10-14 for children from age 4 through fifth graders. Register online at www.maysvillebaptist.net
Victory Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday with a 5:30-8 p.m. event for ages 4-12. The remainder of the Vacation Bible School will be from 5:45-8 p.m. on June 4-7. The church is located at 4030 Danielsville Road, Athens. Email prissysue04321@ yahoo.com
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Abundant Life Fellowship Church is hosting Vacation Bible School from 6:308:30 p.m. June 4-8 for ages 3 through teens. “Adventures on Promise Island” is the theme. Food, fun and Bible lessons will be offered with a Friday night filled with special activities. Abundant Life Fellowship is located on Arcade Park Road. Call 706-543-0913. sss
Faith Baptist Church in Jefferson is hosting Vacation Bible School from 6:158:45 p.m. on June 4-8. The theme is Bug Zone. Pre-registration was held May 26. Dr. Keith D. Cubb is the pastor. Call 706367-8554. sss
Maysville United Methodist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School from 6:30-9 p.m. June 4-8 with the theme as “AdvenSee BIBLE SCHOOL, page 4B