From: Fred Johnson <ilovehighshoals@yahoo.comDate: May 24, 2013 10:47:27 PM EDTTo: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.comSubject: The High Shoals Messenger May 2013 from Fred and JohnReply-To: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com
The High Shoals Messenger.
VOL. 2.1. HIGH SHOALS, GA., THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013. NO. 2.
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CORINNE STIVING HONORED AT DOG DAY(Mike Beall, Corinne Stiving, and Michael Prochaska – photo courtesy Lorena de Santa)
Our Fourth Annual Dog Day took place on April 27. It was well-attended, and celebrity judges Corinne Stiving (long-time resident), Michael Prochaska (Oconee Enterprise reporter) and Amy Lawrence (High Shoals Postmaster) visited victory and defeat upon the contest entrants. Mayor Mike Beall used the occasion to surprise Ms. Stiving with the Council's Certificate of Appreciation for her many years of service to our community. If you attended, we may have photos for you – drop us a note.
COMMUNITY YARD SALE A SUCCESS
(by Suzanne Sheldon, DVM)
The first annual North High Shoals yard sale held at North High Shoals Park was a success. We initially had 33 vendors signed up for the event but weather turned against us. The morning started off with light rain that turned to sunshine by 10am. We eventually had about 15 to 20 vendors vying for sales. Sellers found buyers for all different categories of household items: live plants, yard ornaments, furniture, clothing, nic nacs, farm equipment, tools, antiques, toys, and so much more. Booths were also available for lemonade and face painting. Between 7:30am and 12pm, there was a steady influx of buyers. We have much thanks to give to the town for advertising to make this event such a success.
MAY COUNCIL MEETING A BUST
The May Town Council meeting did not have a quorum of Council members. Even so, the mayor was able to complete these items administratively:
1. Renewal of the Occupational Tax Certificate for ETL, LLC, a construction business located at 2401 Ray's Church Road (the Kraeling residence.)
2. Issuance of a Building Permit for an 864 square feet storage building at 2401 Ray's Church Road (the Kraeling residence.)
3. Issuance of a Town proclamation recognizing National Garden Week, June 2 – 8.
Mayor Beall also began the process of setting a Council meeting for the following week to address the Short Term Work Program Resolution. As he explained it, if the Town doesn't adopt one in June it loses all funding.
In attendance were Oconee County Firefighters Lauren Rodriguez, Neil Boss, and Mike Capie. They explained that they were present so they could become more involved in the community. Also present were Mayor Mike Beall, Council Members Violet Dawe and Steve Arnold, Town Clerk Carolyn Pritchett, and residents Horst Klein and John MacKay. Everyone present engaged in a lively discussion of speeding on Hillsboro Road.
STEVE ARNOLD GRADUATES
Council Member Stephen Arnold has graduated from UGA, earning his Masters in Teaching (Work Force Education.) Congratulations Steve!
IN OUR OPINION – BRING BACK THE BUMPS
Since the speed tables on Hillsboro Road were removed, the situation from Rays Church Road to SR 186 has become dangerous. Cars and big trucks routinely fly past City Park at speeds of 55 and 60 mph. All that stands between them and our kids is a chain link fence. It's time to fix this. Please, Council, get some speed bumps back out there ASAP. While they may not be the perfect solution, we've all lived with them in the past. If another solution presents itself, great. But until then, we need the protection the speed bumps offer.
THE HIGH SHOALS MESSENGER. HIGH SHOALS, OCONEE COUNTY, GEORGIA
HISTORY: The High Shoals Messenger was a weekly newspaper first published in 1897 by Ed. N. Center, editor and proprietor. Subscriptions cost 30¢ for 6 months or 50¢ per year, and were mailed out from the High Shoals Post Office. This monthly, electronic newsletter is published by Fred Johnson (ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com) and John MacKay (johnwmackay@gmail.com). © 2013 Fred Johnson and John MacKay.
ADVERTISING: The Messenger will run the business of card of any business with a Town of North High Shoals Occupational License without charge.
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS: Are welcomed if signed; anonymous submissions will be refused.
CONTACT THE MESSENGER: John MacKay - johnwmackay@gmail.com, Fred Johnson – ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com.
CONTACT THE TOWN: Town Hall, 108 Jefferson Road, POB 129, High Shoals, GA 30645 / 706.769.4289 / www.northhighshoals.org.CONTACT THE COUNCIL: Mike Beall – nhsmayor.beall@gmail.com; Jason Wisniewski – wisniewskijm@gmail.com; Steve Holzman - steve_holzman@yahoo.com or 706.769.2819; David Lawrence - papalawrence@bellsouth.net; Stephen Arnold – stephen1160@bellsouth.net; Violet Dawe – 706.769.7805.© 2013 Fred Johnson and John MacKay.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
The High Shoals Messenger May 2013 from Fred & John
Friday, May 24, 2013
The Pastures of Rose Creek: This Week's Harvest
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsDate: Fri, 24 May 2013 17:00:48 -0400
Subject: The Pastures of Rose Creek: This Week's Harvest
From: pastures1051@gmail.com
Hope the week finds you well! Come on out to the market tomorrow for the Children's Workshop all about water and irrigation. Kids can make their own water gauge and take it home to try it out!
Also, read on to discover how you may enjoy the great outdoors while also helping out your local farmer with some good ole' fashioned "work for the soul" - or what we like to refer to as "weed therapy."
Weed Warriors
Calling all farmers and farmers at heart! We are in need of some bonafide weed warriors! As the weather warms up the weeds and pests are quickly advancing and we need to rally the troops!
It's not all about hard work in the sun - John always says there are two kinds of work - the kind that depletes you and the kind that restores you. And gardening is certainly of the restorative kind. Especially when done in the cool of the morning or evening - with the peace and quiet of the garden surrounding you - working close to the cool, moist soil.
And there are many programs out there to prove the healing nature of garden work! NPR just recently did a story on garden therapy for veterans, the elderly, and children with disabilities. And once you're in there it's not hard to discover why it's so gratifying and healing.
But, if peace and quiet is not what you're looking for - and ya just want to let out some aggression...come on out and have it at with the encroaching thistles. It's a fun way to spend a morning with us roaming around the pastures in the big blue ford & radio bumpin'!
So - any which way you like - come help US help YOU guarantee your farm fresh veggies come to you chemical free and as healthy as possible! Give me, Dana, a call, email or text if you're interested! (575) 613-2029
what we got...
- produce & such...
- Squash
- Arugula
- Romaine
- some Beets (2 kinds - 1 better for the greens, the other is better for the beet!)
- Carrots
- Kale
- Eggs - pasture raised
- Pottery from Bradford Pottery
* A note on eggs: Our eggs have become increasingly popular! And although they have finished their molting cycle, they are in very high demand! We would like to continue to offer pre-ordered dozens - but this will be on a first come, first serve basis. Let us know via email if you'd like to reserve any - we'll let you know if we can comply.
- baked goods...
- Homemade soft pretzels!
- sugar cookies (decorated and sold by some very talented kiddos!)
For the love of community and all thing farming...
Your local farmers,
Will, John & Dana...and Matt and Francie too!
The Pastures of Rose Creek, LLC
1051 Rose Creek Drive
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706.254.9391
575.613.2029
1051 Rose Creek Drive
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706.254.9391
575.613.2029
Freedom of speech versus Freedom to grieve
So the comments have continued to trickle in about the various posts I have written about the suicide of a 14 year old Oconee County High School youth in the past week. One person even went so far as to threaten me with be "criminally liable" in his poorly written tirade. I decided not to lend credence to their cause by publishing their comments. The entire community is very sad about the death of this young person, I think we can agree with that. But does not threatening me perpetuate this vicious cycle? What good will come by removing the supposedly offending posts? Will it make the process of healing speed up for the parents? Will it give some degree of satisfaction to those who seem to be a little too offended? So here it my compromise: I will change the post to strike through which is like this if I get a majority of comments in favor of doing so by the end of the Memorial Day weekend. It seems apologies and further posts have not been enough to assuage the anger of some few professional mourners our there. But you have to sign your name to the comments, be it either "keep it" or "fine" or "strike through" - no UNKNOWN or anonymous comments will be accepted, and only those commenting to this post. I think counting my Facebook and home phone messages I have had a grand total of five comments complaining, which is hardly a mandate, but I am willing to listen to the voice of the people here in Oconee County. But I would ask, at this point, what difference will it make one way or the other?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
June 20th Oconee County Democratic Committee meeting location
Jerry Gonzalez of Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials will be giving a brief nonpartisan talk to the multi county gathering at 7 South Main Street in Watkinsville
This week's market
Memorial Day Weekend produce
Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 10:19:52 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: this week's market
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsDate: Thu, 23 May 2013 10:19:52 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: this week's market
Market Manager
www.oconeefarmersmarket.org (currently being updated)
--- On Thu, 5/23/13, Oconee Farmers Market oconeefm@yahoo.com wrote:
|
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
So to those who complain about my posts about suicide
I have a wonderful, creative, and brilliant ADHD teen age son diagnosed as bipolar and depressed. I have to take time off work to go to mental health professionals on a semi weekly basis. I struggle with my own health problems. I am not revealing this to get your sympathy, but instead to attempt to foster some understanding of the stigma. To let you know that private schools around here would rather kick kids out than to deal with the issues some times. To ignore issues and innuendo is to continue to bury your head in the sand. We need to come together as a community to show our kids that live is indeed worth living. Sorry to make some people angry but suicide is a gutless and spineless way to attempt to (not) deal with your problems. I am not wanting to make parents of those we have lost feel guilty about their children and their cowardly decision to die, but instead issue a clarion call to the next couple of families facing this crisis to get help. We need to explore every rumor and idle gossip before it's too late. When the local newspaper has a policy of not calling a suicide a suicide, then someone else needs to shout as loudly as possibly to wake up those who choose only to grieve and not make any changes.
What we can do
1. Stop blaming the messenger.
2. ADDRESS THE GARBAGE
3. ask why
4. Remind everyone life is worth living.
5. STOP TRYING TO MAKE EXCUSES
6. remember that we all feel pain
7. Lock up all firearms
8. Don't hide behind a parents anguish to silence much needed conversation, healing and dialog
9. Quit assigning blame
10. Don't be so anxious to become a righteous martyr when that's the last thing needed at this point
Coach allegedly tells Little Leaguer to punch teammate - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
I would like to personally thank Chief Weems and Fox 5 for stepping up to the plate with Wes Geddings name and I think he should be banished from any and all contact with youth sports or children.
Coach allegedly tells Little Leaguer to punch teammate - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
Coach allegedly tells Little Leaguer to punch teammate - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA: In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billion
Jerry Gonzalez will be addressing the Oconee County Democratic Committee June 20 at Ashford on Main, 7 South Main Street, Watkinsville
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Jerry Gonzalez, GALEO" jerry@galeo.orgDate: May 20, 2013 1:09:40 PM EDTSubject: Press Statement: GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA: In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billionReply-To: jerry@galeo.org
GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA
In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP
will be $44.1 billionPress Statement
Atlanta, GA - May 20, 2013 -Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO, released the following statement regarding the Center for American Progress report on the economic benefits to Georgia of passing bipartisan immigration reform:
"The State of Georgia can see real economic benefits by the passage of bipartisan immigration reform. Our Congressional delegation should study the economic impact seriously in order to generate economic stimulus for our state and move towards finally fixing our broken immigration system.
We look forward to working with our entire Georgia Congressional delegation and urge them all to move towards a workable and bipartisan solution on immigration reform."###
From Center for American ProgressFor Immediate Release
May 17, 2013Contact
Crystal Patterson, 202.478.6350, cpatterson@americanprogress.orgCAP State-by-State Analysis Finds Economic Gains When Undocumented Immigrants Are Granted CitizenshipWashington, D.C. - A new report released today by the Center for American Progress found that comprehensive immigration reform, such as the proposed legislation recently filed by the Senate's bipartisan "Gang of 8," will lead to significant economic gains for numerous states, including states with the highest undocumented immigrant populations. The report, "National and State-by-State Economic Benefits of Immigration Reform," outlines how granting undocumented immigrants access to both legal status and earned citizenship will boost states' economic growth, earnings, tax revenues, and job creation-improving the lives of all Americans.The report, a follow-up to CAP's March 2013 report tracking national economic gains resulting from immigration reform, calculates the economic benefits of 24 states that contain roughly 88 percent of the United States' undocumented immigrants. Across all of these states, the economic gains are significant. In California, for example, where approximately 2.5 million undocumented immigrants currently reside, immigration reform would lead to a $125.5 billion increase in the gross state product, or GSP, over a 10-year period. Furthermore, the state would see an additional $5.3 billion in tax revenues over a 10-year span and 18,200 new jobs created annually.The state-by-state analysis also revealed:
- All of the 24 states included in this study would experience a 10-year cumulative increase in GSP-ranging from $510 million to $144.6 billion-once immigration reform is enacted.
- All 24 states would earn additional tax revenues exceeding $200 million over a 10-year period, while 10 of the states' additional tax revenues will surpass $1.3 billion.
- Cumulatively, immigration reform will create an average 107,100 jobs annually in the 24 states included in this analysis.
With roughly 11.1 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, providing these individuals legal status and a pathway to citizenship will yield significant economic benefits not just at the federal level but also within the states. The sooner we grant legal status and provide a pathway to citizenship to undocumented immigrants, the sooner all Americans will be able to reap these benefits.To speak with an expert on this topic, contact Crystal Patterson cpatterson@americanprogress.org or 202.478.6350.
The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe that Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure that our national policies reflect these values. We work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is "of the people, by the people, and for the people."How Immigration Reform Will Help Georgia's EconomyIMMIGRATION REFORM IN GEORGIA - JUST THE NUMBERSPassing S. 744 will help Georgia's economy over 10 years by adding:
- $44.1 Billion increase in GSP (Gross State Product)
- $26.1 Billion increase in wages for state residents
- 6,400 new jobs - annually
- $2.4 Billion in additional taxes from immigrants
BACKGROUND:On April 16, 2013, the Senate's "Gang of 8"-a bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators-filed the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013". At the core of the bill is a provision that will provide a pathway to earned legalization and citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America. The pathway to citizenship for these aspiring Americans will be neither short nor easy. Under the provisions of the bill, most undocumented immigrants will have to wait 10 years before they can apply for legal permanent residency-a green card. In addition, most will not be eligible for citizenship until at least 13 years after the bill is enacted. Despite this long process, there are significant economic benefits to the U.S. economy and to all Americans when unauthorized immigrants acquire provisional legal status.IMMIGRATION REFORM HELPS THE ECONOMY: Opponents of reform falsely suggest that immigration reform will create a drain on the economy and hurt workers. In reality, immigrants help grow the economy and improve the economic standing of ALL workers, both immigrants and the native-born. Earning legal status and citizenship enables undocumented immigrants to produce and earn significantly more. These resulting productivity and wage gains ripple through the economy because immigrants are not just workers-they are also taxpayers and consumers. This consumption boosts business sales, expands the economy, generates new jobs, and increases the earnings of all Americans.IMMIGRATION REFORM IN GEORGIA: Georgia will experience significant economic growth if immigration reform is passed. A new report from the Center for American Progress estimates the increases over 10 years in gross state product (GSP) as well as earnings, taxes, and jobs for these states if the Senate Gang of 8's bill is enacted in 2013.
- In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billion.
- The increase in the earnings of state residents will be $26.1 billion
- Immigration reform will create an average of an additional 6,400 jobs annually.
- In addition to these significant gains, undocumented immigrants themselves will experience significant increases in their income and pay more taxes to their states. In Georgia, over the 10-year period they will earn $21.8 billion more and pay an additional $2.4 billion in state and local taxes on these increased earnings.
Learn more here: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/report/2013/05/17/63295/national-and-state-by-state-economic-benefits-of-immigration-reform/
About Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)
GALEO's mission is to increase civic engagement and leadership of the Latino/Hispanic community across Georgia.
CORE BELIEFS: Inclusive, Non-Partisan, Diversity, Responsive
Website:
Become a fan of GALEO on www.facebook.com/GALEO.org
Tuesday Market reminder
It looked crowded last Tuesday
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:48:38 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Tuesday Market reminder!
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsDate: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:48:38 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Tuesday Market reminder!
Market Manager
www.oconeefarmersmarket.org (currently being updated)
--- On Mon, 5/20/13, Oconee Farmers Market <oconeefm@yahoo.com> wrote:
|
Posting from the parents of Ryan King (thanks to Saskia Thompson for sharing)
Ryan's parents shared this post today:
Dear friends of Ryan,
This is a message from his heartbroken Mom and Dad. Today is one of the worst days of of our lives. We will have a ceremony to say goodbye to our sweet baby boy. Reading through your posts, almost everyone talks about how much Ryan smiled and joked around. This is what makes this tragedy so much worse. He was full of love and laughter. We called him our"island child" because he was so easy going and never seemed to worry about anything. He was so generous and quick to tell us he loved us. He loved animals, especially his two dogs Shorty and Bayley. He was one of the best sons a mother could ask for. He always treated us with respect and love. He was so, so, full of love. It will seem impossible to be without him here.
This message is now for all of you. If you want to honor Ryan, then promise to NEVER think there is a problem that can not be fixed. Everything can be worked out someway...everything. Never solve anything on your own. We just found out that Ryan panicked thinking he had made a terrible choice over a common teen pressure. His life ended for NO reason. There is nothing that Ryan could have done that would have made us no longer love him or help him. He just made an irrational decision. All he had to do is come hug us and tell us he had a problem. We could have worked through anything. Please know that that you to can work through anything. Just talk to your family, friends, teachers, or preachers. Most of all, look out for each other. Do not pressure each other for things you are not ready for. If you are truly a friend, then want the best for each other. It is time to honor Ryan's life by how you move forward in your own life. May our sweet baby rest in peace. We love him m ore than mere words could ever convey. Our life will never be the same.
Today you can say good-bye to Ryan at 6-8, at Lord and Stephens West on Jimmy Daniels Rd.
Thanks again for your kind words, he loved many of you. I hope you will find peace too. I know he is smiling down on each of you.
Ryan's parents
Monday, May 20, 2013
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
What an embarrassment to anyone who has ever played in Bogart, to Oconee County Little League and all those involved. The approving coach needs a lifetime ban at the very minimum
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
Oconee Dems Book group location change
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsTo: oconee@yahoogroups.com; moor7709@bellsouth.net
CC: agkefalas@charter.net; mcdougaldd@yahoo.com
From: pat_jerryads@bellsouth.net
Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:54:11 -0400
Subject: RE: [oconee] Book group location change
Thanks, Pat, will pass this along. Would love to hear this discussion. Piccolo's is the best! Pat A.
From: oconee@yahoogroups.com [mailto:oconee@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Pat Priest
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 3:48 PM
To: Oconee County Democrats
Subject: [oconee] Book group location change
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 3:48 PM
To: Oconee County Democrats
Subject: [oconee] Book group location change
Tlaloc in Watkinsville has closed, so we're moving our book group
meetings back to Piccolo's in that same shopping center.
Join us on Wednesday the 29th to discuss the thought-provoking book
"Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" by Rachel Maddow.
There is a LOT to talk (and worry!) about.
The discussion begins promptly at 7, but several of us arrive at 6:30 to
order dinner and chat about goings-on in the state and world.
Read on!
Pat Priest,
Member, Oconee Democrats
meetings back to Piccolo's in that same shopping center.
Join us on Wednesday the 29th to discuss the thought-provoking book
"Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" by Rachel Maddow.
There is a LOT to talk (and worry!) about.
The discussion begins promptly at 7, but several of us arrive at 6:30 to
order dinner and chat about goings-on in the state and world.
Read on!
Pat Priest,
Member, Oconee Democrats
__._,_.___
Chamber gig in Oconee available until filled
Oconee County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Manager – Full Time
The Oconee Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the position of Chamber Manager. This position is a full time, salaried position meeting a 40 hour per week schedule.
Benefits associated with this position include paid holidays and vacation as outlined in the chamber personnel manual. Knowledge of Quick books, Constant Contact, Excel and general office administration and procedures required. Must be able to multi task and provide positive, professional assistance and information to the public and chamber membership.
Duties to include: Assistance with AR and AP, Coordination of chamber events, Administration of chamber database / software, and membership.
Applications can be mailed to:
Oconee Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Chairman
PO Box 749
Watkinsville, GA, 30677
Or emailed to:
Tom Odom – todom@oconeechamber.org
No Phone Calls, please.
Background and reference checks before hiring.
Postion will be open until filled.
Chamber Manager – Full Time
The Oconee Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the position of Chamber Manager. This position is a full time, salaried position meeting a 40 hour per week schedule.
Benefits associated with this position include paid holidays and vacation as outlined in the chamber personnel manual. Knowledge of Quick books, Constant Contact, Excel and general office administration and procedures required. Must be able to multi task and provide positive, professional assistance and information to the public and chamber membership.
Duties to include: Assistance with AR and AP, Coordination of chamber events, Administration of chamber database / software, and membership.
Applications can be mailed to:
Oconee Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Chairman
PO Box 749
Watkinsville, GA, 30677
Or emailed to:
Tom Odom – todom@oconeechamber.org
No Phone Calls, please.
Background and reference checks before hiring.
Postion will be open until filled.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
Although I am reasonably certain I could not have afforded the suggested donation, it would have been nice to at least been notified of the possibly of going to Arthur Blank's house. I shall root for the Falcons more from now on.
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
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