Dawson Style

Snakes Alive, there are snakes on the Dawsonville Square

2006-03-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Paul and Toni Vetrone hold Casper, their 14 feet long Albino Burmese Python. The couple own Snakes Alive, a snake and reptile zoo on the square in Dawsonville.

Toni Vetrone now knows better than to tell her husband Paul anything. Many years ago she told him she wanted an aquarium and a few fish, and before she knew it, the couple’s home was overflowing in fish tanks.

Over the years, the 50 fish tanks evolved into over 60 habitats for snakes, which the couple now houses at Snakes Alive, a zoo on the Dawsonville Square. “As a kid, I always had bugs in jars to show to the neighbor kids,” said Paul. As he grew older so did his love for creatures. He has raised horses, pigs, parrots and even llamas.

But there was something about snakes that “just caught my eye,” he said. He now has over 60 snakes from around the world that range in size from babies to “Casper,” a 14 feet long Albino Burmese Python that weighs over 100 pounds.

“It takes two of us to pick it up,” said Toni, who struggles to get Casper from his extra large tank. The couple adopted Casper a few years back, which is where they find many of their snakes, especially the larger ones.

“They look a lot different when they are young,” said Paul as he holds a 7 feet long red tail boa constrictor. He said as the snakes grow older and become larger, people have tendency to want to get rid of their snakes. That is okay by Paul, because now his assortment of adopted snakes and his own collection of snakes are allowing him to live out one of his dreams while educating the public on the slithering creatures.

“We’ve always wanted to open a facility where we could display the snakes,” said Paul, who has been involved in animal husbandry for over 30 years. There are over 40 species of snakes at Snakes Alive, including cottonmouths, king snakes, copperheads and Diamondback rattlesnakes, in addition to turtles and lizards.

Snakes Alive also offers mobile educational programs such as two upcoming venomous snake classes for Dawson County Emergency Services in April. “You never know what you are going to come across when you walk into a house,” said Paul. “We’ll go over venomous snakes found in Georgia and other parts of the world.”

Birthday parties are also popular events for Snakes Alive to take their snakes on the road. “We have plenty enough snakes to show just about anything they would like us to show,” Paul said. “It’s great for anyone who wants to do something a little different.”

Snakes Alive is located at the corner of Academy Ave. and Highway 9 on the Dawsonville Square. Tours are available by appointment. For more information, call (706) 864-7304.

Look and Taste of Dawson fashion show on March 16 to use ‘real’ models

2006-03-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

All walks of Dawson County life to be represented in show
By Michele Hester

Cathy Satterfield of Coldwater Creek at North Georgia Premium Outlets shows Woman’s Club members Priscilla Taylor and Marge Carey a few brightly colored spring fashions she thinks will be perfect for the Look and Taste of Dawson fashion show.

The setting is an airport as anxious travelers with passports in hands await their flights to unknown destinations. The passengers are of all ages and sizes. Some are dressed for the beach, a cruise or the golf course, while others are decked out in finely tailored suits. Still others parade through the hanger in formal gowns as many feel completely comfortable in their casual attire.

While they all dressed in different ways, the common tread that binds them all is the fact that they are on their way to a planned destination, and at that intended destination, they need to look good.

The Dawson County Woman’s Club typically holds a fashion show every spring. In the past, the fun festivity has taken place at the Dawson County gymnasium, but this year the group of women wanted to take it up a degree or two. “The fashion show has always been cute,” said Judy Baer. “This year, we’re trying to take it one step up into a big event.”

In what the woman’s club hopes will become a much anticipated annual events, the women’s club organized Look and Taste of Dawson with the help of Tom French, general manager of North Georgia Premium Outlets where the event will take place Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. French offered the mall’s Food Pavilion to stage the show, and his assistant Happy Bell, arranged for 16 outlet stores to provide clothing, accessories and shoes for the fashion show.

But this is no ordinary fashion show. Remember, the setting is an airport as travelers of all ages and sizes wait to depart for their destinations. “We have picked all size people, not just size two models coming down the runway, to be in the show,” said Baer. “Everyday, normal Dawson County people from itty, bitty children to mature women and men.”

Baer expects positive show reviews, because she said everyone will know someone walking down the runway. Models will represent all phases of Dawson County life, including civic and social organizations as well as local government, media and area businesses.

Keeping with the idea of a departing plane to destinations unknown, attendees will be given a passport as they enter the show, which will then be stamped as they walk through the “airport” tasting a variety of foods from 17 Dawson County restaurants and caterers.

“Everyone has been so easy to deal with getting this together,” said Baer, “the stores, the restaurants and the models.”

The Dawson County Woman’s Club Look and Taste of Dawson fashion show is Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in the Food Pavilion at North Georgia Premium Outlets. Tickets are on sale now for $20. Baer believes the event will be such a success there will be few, if any, tickets available at the door. All proceeds go to fund the Dawson County Woman’s Club’s many community projects. For more information and tickets, call (706) 216-8310, (706) 265-3868 or (706) 216-3941.

A rush for Gold at Sankys

2006-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Tammy Burden doesn’t honestly expect to win the Georgia Lottery’s grand prize, but she sure has a lot of fun trying.

Burden was one of about 500 people that stopped by Sankys in Dawsonville on Feb. 16 to participate in the Georgia Lottery’s Rush To Win Second-Chance drawing for a chance to be one of 10 winners to split $300 million, the largest prize in Georgia lottery history.

Michelle Grizzle, a cashier at Sankys said the promotion could not have stopped at a better place. “Sankys tickets usually win,” she said. “We have a lot of big winners here.” On Dec. 13, 2004, Sankys sold a $500,000 scratch off ticket. They have also sold numerous scratch-off tickets yielding thousand dollar prizes.

Burden hopes one of the tickets she bought from Sankys will take her closer to fulfilling her dream to win the big prize. Although she does not depend on the lottery to fund her future, she has had good luck in the past. “I bought a scratch-off $2 million ticket and won $1,000,” she said. While she was waiting to cash in her winning ticket, she bought another ticket and won $150. Then she bought 100 more scratch off tickets and won $500. “I’ve been real lucky,” she said.

Georgia’s Rush To Win Second-Chance promotion allows players to trade in their non-winning $300 Million Gold Rush instant ticket during any of the Georgia Lottery’s 135 on-site events being held throughout the state. Entrants complete the back side of the non-winning ticket with their name, address and telephone numbers and drop the ticket off during the on-site events or mail it back to the Georgia Lottery.

On or about April 4, 2006, 10 contestants and 20 alternative contestants will be randomly chosen from among all eligible entries received to participate in the Rush To Win Million-Dollar event.

The 10 contestants will each have a chance to win $1,000,000, payable over 20 equal annual installments of $50,000 each, without interest. Any contestant not winning the Grand Prize will receive a minimum of $1,000 in the form of a consolation prize check.

Charles Free of Dawsonville started buying the $300 Million Gold Rush tickets as soon as the promotion began in January. So far he has won $500 once, $100 a couple of times and several smaller prizes. Although he wins periodically, he knows it is likely he will ever win back as much as he has spent on lottery tickets. “I don’t know how much money I’ve spent on lottery tickets,” he said with a smile. “It’s a lot, but it’s a good time.”

‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’ raises $10,000 for arts council

2006-03-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

There is a reason the Dawson County Arts Council invites the Springer Theatre back to perform again and again. Thursday’s “A Closer walk with Patsy Cline” performance by the award-winning theatre company raised $10,000 for the arts council, $2,000 above the council’s goal.

With close to 300 people in attendance, the spirit of Patsy Cline was alive at the Lakeview Center Feb. 23 as the songs of the late Patsy Cline rang through the event hall. “This was a very big event for us,” said Bowen Center for the Arts director Stacey Leonardt. “Everyone seemed to be having a great time.”

And the joy felt by the audience spread throughout the hall and into the art council’s silent auction, which included items donated by local businesses, community members and council volunteers. “Several of the items went for more than we expected,” said an overjoyed Leonardt. A duck stamp collection donated by Ducks Unlimited was the evening’s most sought after prize with bids topping $500. “The bid started at $200 and sold for $550,” she said. “It was a very successful night for us.”

While raising funds for the Dawson County Arts Council was important for the audience, the main attraction for the evening was the Springer Theatre’s Patsy Cline production. The Springer Theatre performed several songs by legendary Patsy Cline while documenting the rise of the singer who was the first cross-over singer to top both country and pop charts. Katie Deal of Gainesville portrayed Patsy and gave a remarkably believable performance which led to a standing ovation by the audience at the end of the show.

“What a great night,” said Leonardt, who attributes much of the show’s success to the art council’s dedicated members that volunteer their time to make these events so special. Leonardt said the arts council is always looking to increase its membership. For more information on the Dawson County Arts Council, call (706) 216-ARTS.

Prom: A night to remember? Not if you’re waiting ‘til the last minute to order your tux

2006-03-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

For young ladies prom preparation began months ago. The beautiful dress has been bought and taken to the seamstress to ensure the perfect fit. Hair and nail appointments were lined up and limousine reservations were made. Concentration has now turned toward acquiring the perfect tan for their night to remember.

There is one problem though. The young men who these well-prepared young ladies plan to accompany to the prom haven’t given anymore thought to the evening than who they plan to take. Many haven’t gotten that far.

Wendy Canup, owner of Elegant Impressions, a formal wear shop in Dawsonville, said these young men should start planning now. “Remember, it’s prom time all over the states,” she said. “So order your tuxedo as soon as possible to make sure the tuxedo suppliers will have your style in stock. If you wait, there’s a good possibility you won’t get your first tux style choice.”

Elegant Impressions has over 100 tuxedo styles to choose from by many of the most popular men’s wear designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

While formal wear for guys is not nearly as complicated as it is for girls, there are numerous ways to customize a tuxedo and let a young man’s true style and personality show through. In addition to a variety of vest and tie color options, from bubble gum pink to camouflage, accessories like hats, lapel pins and cuff links can go a long way in the style department.

Another new trend is the wing collared shirt with a Windsor tie, rather than a bowtie. “The long tie is very popular right now,” said Canup. Striped ties under solid vests are also fashionable choices.

Recently, Canup noticed a resurfacing prom trend. “Guys are going bolder in their vest and tie color selections this year,” she said. “The past few years basic black and silver have been the most popular. Now guys are going back to the old rules and matching their date’s prom dress color.”

Canup said it is a good idea to choose a tuxedo with your prom date, especially if you want the tie to match her gown, although matching is not exactly necessary. Coordinating can look just as classy.

To save time, Elegant Impressions created a tuxedo page on the boutique’s website, www.bridalsbyei, where tux shoppers can build a tuxedo online, print it out and take it in to the store. “We are sure you will find the perfect, unique look,” Canup said.

With the online service, the fun part of choosing a style can take place whenever the shopper has the time, and when the shopper arrives at Elegant Impressions with their tuxedo choice, “consultants measure you and that’s it.” Canup said. “You’ll be set to look your best at prom.”

Elegant Impressions is located on the second floor of the Dawson 400 Shopping Center across from Regions Bank and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. Beginning mid-March Elegant Impressions will open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to accommodate prom students in creating their prom night to remember.

During the month of March Elegant Impressions is offering $5 off each booked Prom tuxedo rental. For information on pricing, call (706) 265-7494, or visit www.bridalsbyei.com to view other products offered by Elegant Impressions.

Wine and art unite in Discover the Arts Wine Tasting

2006-02-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

Blackberry Creek artists to show at Gold Creek
By Michele Hester

Art and wine have shared many stages over the years and will once again unite March 11 when nine award-winning local artists exhibit their work in an art show and wine tasting at Gold Creek Golf Club.

The artists of Blackberry Creek Gallery, all of whom live in Dawson County, have for years played a noticeable role in bringing the arts to the area by incorporating the beauty of North Georgia into many of their works and taken steps to encourage a vibrant artistic community in Dawsonville.

Lindsay Greenwood, Gold Creek Golf Club’s food and beverage manager, said Gold Creek is honored to host the exhibit. “We have a few pieces from the artists on display in our dining room now,” she said. “They are lovely and add certain elegance to the clubhouse. We are really looking forward to the wine tasting and art show.”

Throughout the evening the artists will be in attendance to meet and greet attendees, who will be able to not only experience a resurgence of artistic style but also taste wines from all over the world and right in their own backyard.

Glenn Ulmer, a local wine maker who owns Scarlette’s Batch and Brew in Dawsonville, will feature a variety of Georgia wines which he has developed from locally grown country fruits such as muscadines, or wild grapes.

Wine connoisseurs who prefer wines of the world will have the opportunity to taste from a collection of popular, new wine selections. An assortment of hors d’oeuvres and gourmet cheeses will accompany the wine tasting, and Jeff Adler of Empire Distributing will be available to answer any questions concerning the pairing of wine with foods.

Throughout the evening of wine tasting and art enjoyment, the talented and tranquil sounds of Joe Forrey will fill the room. A celebrated pianist, Forrey has performed across the country to sell out crowds, including performances at the Pentagon and at both the Democratic and Republican National clubs.

Gold Creek’s Discover the Arts Wine Tasting is Saturday, March 11 from 6 – 9 p.m. The cost is $22 per person and includes the art exhibit, wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Reservations are not required; however, due to the service of alcohol, the event is limited to those 21 years of age and older.

Gold Creek Golf Club is located at 1 Gold Creek Drive in Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 265-2700.

Discover the Arts Wine Tasting will include works from the Blackberry Creek artists of Dawson County.
Cheri Burchard is a widely traveled artist and interior designer. A post-impressionist colorist, Burchard’s use of high-keyed color is her response to the inner life of her subject.

Betty Beasley’s cold cast bronze sculptures are from the heart. She recently won Best of Show at the Georgia Marble Festival and also received the People’s Choice award.

Fay Bohlayer has ridden and drawn horses since she was five. She has produced a long series of humorous hunt-scene watercolors for the American Academy of Equine Artists of which she is a Full Member.

Cathy Ehrler's bold watercolors and her classic oils are influenced by the old masters. As a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and a Member of Excellence with the Atlanta Artists Center she has added many awards to her portfolio.

Lifelong artist Pat Maloney specializes in painting with watercolor and acrylic mediums. Traveling around the world, she developed a love for travel and for painting people in their native costumes as well as local architecture.

Catherine Pichon's landscapes, still life and floral paintings are inspired by her native Appalachian Mountains. Her works are in watercolor, acrylic, and oil pastel but watercolor is her favorite medium.

Susanne Newell is a retired art teacher turned full time artist. Newell works primarily in plein aire with her inspiration coming from the beautiful north Georgia Mountains.

Mary Ann Cox Sheehy’s favorite subjects are people and pets. She attained the status of Juried Member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta. Sheehy works in oil, pastel and watercolor and also paints landscapes and still life.

Dru Stowers has felt the desire to paint and draw since an early age. Stowers enjoys painting a variety of subject matter in different media. A particular favorite is pastel, both in the studio and out of doors.

To see works by the Blackberry Creek artists showing at Gold Creek’s Discover the Arts Wine Tasting, go to www.blackberrycreekgallery.com.

Stone family named Dawson County Farm Family of 2005

2006-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

What exactly does it take to be named Dawson County’s Farm Family of the Year? Should the Farm Family of the Year have the largest farm, grow the best tasting corn, raise the leanest cattle or produce to highest quality poultry?

According to the directors of the Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District, the group that annually recognizes the county’s Farm Family of the Year, the answer to each question is a decisive “no.”

The Dawson County 2005 Farm Family of the Year was awarded to Keith and Karen Stone, not only for the hard work they endure keeping up a poultry farm but also for Keith’s utmost commitment to the Dawson County farming community.

Every job Keith has had since he was in middle school has involved farming. His grandfather owned a dairy farm in Middle Georgia, and in eighth grade he took a part time position at a dairy farm in Forsyth County where he milked cows. “Farming is in my blood,” he said.

Later, he enrolled at the University of Georgia to major in none other than Animal and Dairy Science. After graduation, he headed south and found himself working for a rather popular Georgian Sonny Purdue at Houston Fertilizer and Grain.

Eventually, Keith got the chance to move back to Gainesville and was delighted when Farm Bureau Insurance offered him a job. “I had always been affiliated with Farm Bureau all my life,” he said.

Farm Bureau’s grassroots involvement in helping farmers maintain a better rural lifestyle was exactly the mindset Keith sought and accepted the job immediately. Keith has been at the Dawson County Farm Bureau since 1997 and enjoys his work immensely.

He said his commitment to the farmers in the county is one of the reasons he and Karen were honored as Farm Family of the Year. “At Farm Bureau, we speak for the farmers,” he said. “If farmers don’t have a voice, they are going to get legislated out of the business.”

Keith said that cannot happen. “There are not very many fulltime farmers still in the county,” he said.

The majority of farmers in the county are poultry farmers, like Keith and Karen, who have two pullet chicken houses. Keith wakes up before dawn every morning to tend to their chickens. He then rushes off to Farm Bureau where he deals with local farmers on a daily basis, while Karen, who grew up in Tuscaloosa, Ala. and was not a farmer before marrying Keith over seventeen years ago, completes the daily tasks that go along with poultry farming.

“I leave a lot undone,” Keith said. “Karen is really who does it all and takes care of everything. All I do is feed them.”

While Keith and Karen own the farm, their granddaughter Annie is actually who runs the farm. “She’s named all the cows and goats and pig,” Keith said.

Keith said there is nothing he enjoys more than spending time with Annie on the farm and looks forward to sharing his love for farming with his younger grandchildren. “It’s not what you take or make out of your life. It’s what you leave behind,” he said.

Youth music fundraiser to be held at Lakeview Center

2006-02-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester
Photos submitted

For more than two decades, Dr. Arvin Scott has taught and inspired fans and students across the globe. The award-winning performer, composer, author, educator and community leader will bring the drum’s spirit to Dawsonville Feb. 24 as The Lakeview Center welcomes “Beat the Drum”, a fundraiser for the community-based Drumming for Success program.

Founded in 1997 by Scott, who has performed with Widespread Panic and many other notable artists, Drumming for Success is a non-profit music education program designed to provide a positive and fun-filled environment that fosters achievement, creativity and self-esteem. The program teaches methods of drumming while also encouraging youth to move to life’s rhythm.

Scott said Drumming for Success makes a difference in the lives of youths through positive role modeling and spreads they joy of drumming throughout the community and Southeast.

Drumming for Success, which originated in Athens where Scott teaches African, Caribbean and Brazilian hand drumming at the University of Georgia School of Music, has received numerous accolades for providing motivational programs which inspire and reward academic achievement and encourages success in life.

“This program affirms a lesson I learned long ago,” said Scott, “that drumming can transform a bad day into a good day, a good day into a great day, and an at-risk life into a successful lifetime. It is a source of joy and passion for me and those whose lives the program touches.”

Throughout the year, Scott and a group of professional drummers, which often includes Widespread Panic’s Domingo “Sonny” Ortiz, travel across the southeast promoting Drumming for Success with “Beat the Drum”.

“Beat the Drum” is an evening of professional drum performances followed by a drum circle where Dr. Scott will instruct attendees on various drumming methods.
Lakeview Center’s Mike Sears organized the event and is looking forward to seeing how Drumming for Success could potentially encourage a more visible local music scene in Dawsonville. He would love to see more bands pop up in this area and believes the younger children are exposed to the art of music the more likely they are to continue appreciating it as adults.

Admission to “Beat the Drum” is $7. The show begins at 8 p.m. and is open to all ages.

Everyone is invited to bring an instrument and “drum until your hands fall off” or just sit back and enjoy the magical rhythms of the night.

Tickets still available for ‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’

2006-02-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Tickets are still available for what has been called one of the hottest stage shows in North America. “A Closer walk with Patsy Cline” written by Dean Regan and produced by Springer Theatre on Tour and the Springer Opera House promises to be a performance Dawsonville will not soon forget.

The award-winning musical reveals the emotional depth and range of Cline who defined the term “crossover hit” by dominating country, blues, pop and gospels charts simultaneously in the 1950s and 1960s. The show also traces the star’s footsteps from her early honky-tonk days through her rise at the Grand Ole Opry and triumphs at Carnegie Hall and Las Vegas.

Georgia powerhouse singer and actress Katie Deal portrays Patsy in the production and is backed by a band of singers and musicians that truly bring the Patsy Cline story alive.

Springer Theatre on Tour has performed for Dawsonville in the past when they brought “Lewis Grizzard in his Own Words” in 2005.

“They know how to put on a professional performance,” said Bowen Center for the Arts director Stacey Leonardt. “That’s why we chose them.”

The Dawson County Arts Council will present “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Center located at 2057 Dawson Forest Road.

Silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for dinner and the performance are $50. Performance only tickets are $20. Reservations are required; seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Call (706) 216-2787 for reservations or for additional information.

Bowen Center welcomes local wood turner Doug King

2006-02-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Local wood tuner Doug King displays a few of his favorite works of art at the Bowen Center for the Arts. King’s Artwork in the Round Woodturning Exhibit will be on display through February.

The rural art of wood turning is resurfacing at the Bowen Center for the Arts throughout the month of February as the center honors the work of local wood turner Doug King.

Although King says he not a professional artist, his collection of handcrafted wood bowls and ornaments draws a crowd of enthusiasts into the center at each showing. “We’ve shown his work here before,” said Stacey Leonardt, Bowen Center for the Arts Director. “Wood turning is actually still very popular in this area and across the south.”

Woodturning is a form of woodworking that is used to create wooden objects such as bowls or table legs on a lathe, a machine tool which spins a block of material, in this case wood, so that when abrasive, cutting or deformation tools are applied to the block, it can be shaped to produce an object with rotational symmetry.

Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking in that the wood is moving while a relatively stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. Many intricate shapes and designs can be made by turning wood.

King, a custom furniture craftsman by trait, learned woodturning in high school. “I took woodshop because I didn’t want to take any real courses,” he said. That rebellion turned into artistry and King soon learned to create bowls with his hands and a wood lathe. “I began with bowls because they were relatively easy,” he said. Later he advanced to creating ornaments, boxes and cylindrical, vase-like pieces, which he said are quite possibly the most difficult to work with.

King is very much an advocate for preserving the natural heritage of woodturning and uses only wood he finds locally when houses are cleared for development. He takes the seasoned wood and creates his art which is often based on Native and rural Americana. “The wood in itself is beautiful,” he said. And the beautiful works of art he creates is stunning, although he still claims he is not a professional artist.

“Some artists, painters, look at woodturning as crafting, not art,” King said. “I say, if I like it then it’s art. If someone else likes it, that’s good too.”

Doug King’s Artwork in the Round Woodturning Exhibit will be on display through February at the Bowen Center for the Arts. King will also be in attendance during the center’s Friday, Feb. 17 showing from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information, contact the Dawson County Arts Council at (706) 216-ARTS.

Dawson County celebrates 10 years of survivorship and kicks off Relay for Life 2006

2006-02-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Hannah Johnson holds a candle during Dawson County’s Relay for Life 2006 celebration kickoff Jan. 30.

Hannah Johnson loves the word survivor. During Relay for Life’s 2006 kickoff celebration Jan. 30, Johnson stood up before a group of both survivor’s and their supporters in celebration of the work the American Cancer Society and Dawson County Relay for Life has done for her and thousands of others.

“I’m actually from Forsyth County,” said Johnson, who for the last seven years has fought a battle with Hodgkin’s disease. “I’ve lived there for about 12 years, but my grandparents, aunts and cousins live here. When it came to deciding where to participate in Relay for Life, it wasn’t a very hard choice to come up here.”

She said the care, commitment and dedication Dawson County has given to her family and the contributions she received from people she did not even know through community fundraisers created a very special place in her heart for Dawsonville. “We had chicken plate fund-raiser dinners in my aunt’s store’s parking lot and people would make $300 donations for their chicken plates,” Johnson said. “You see so many people who helped that you want to give back.”

Johnson could not participate in last year’s Dawson County Relay for Life. Instead, she spent six months in a Houston hospital receiving a bone marrow transplant.

Although Relay for Life was taking place back home, the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life were with her in Houston, helping her find lodging and directing her to organizations that would take in patients from outside the area. They also directed her to organizations that would reimburse her for her prescription costs.

Johnson has been home for about six months now and is taking her title as a survivor to the next level. “With survivorship, comes responsibility,” she wrote in Relay for Life’s 2006 brochure. “The Relay for Life is a wonderful way for me to give back.”
Johnson is on this year’s Relay for Life committee and is currently working to update the website with more information that will help with organizing teams, keeping meeting schedules and fund-raising efforts.

The American Cancer Society is the number one not for profit research organization in the world, and according to Rena Pendley, Dawson County’s American Cancer Society representative, “We have played a major role in every cancer advance in the last 50 years.” Research made possible by the American Cancer Society has decreased cancer mortality by 50 percent and prevented almost 5 million deaths, reduced cancer by 25 percent and prevented nearly 6 million diagnoses, and measurably improved the quality of life for thousands of people with cancer. “We do this with service and support,” said Pendley. “Volunteers are essential.”

Relay for Life is a celebration of both cancer survivorship and community spirit. Last year, Dawson County Relay for Life teams spent months preparing for the overnight relay and festivities. Teams are currently forming for this year’s event which will take place from 7 p.m. Friday, June 2 – 7 a.m. Saturday, June 3 at the Dawson County Park and Rec track.

Eleven teams have already signed up to Celebrate 10 Years of Survivorship in Dawson County, and to commemorate ten years of Relay for Life involvement, each team will choose their own team theme. “Be as creative as you want,” said Pendley. “This is going to be the best Relay for Life Dawson County has seen.”

There are also numerous Relay for Life committee openings. For volunteer opportunities or to register a Relay for Life team, contact Rena Pendley at (770) 297-1176.

Gold Creek to hold Pro-Am golf tournament May 18

2006-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Gold Creek Golf Club’s head Professional Joan Delk probably knows Gold Creek better than any other golfer around. She will welcome 36 teams to Gold Creek to compete in Gold Creek’s Inaugural Pro-Am tournament May 18.

Have you always wanted to play a round of golf with a true professional? Gold Creek Golf Club is bringing you that chance in Gold Creek’s Inaugural Pro-Am Invitational May 18.

Some of Georgia’s top professional golfers will compete alongside amateurs in one of the largest one-day Pro-Am tournaments in Georgia.

With a $10,000 professional prize pool, the field will be limited to the first 36 teams to register and held in two flights. The professionals will compete against one another in stroke play format, while amateurs will play a modified best ball format using 50 percent of their total handicap.

The first four low net amateur teams will win awards. Professional will win cuts from the $10,000 purse. In order to qualify for the invitational, Georgia professionals will assemble a three men amateur team.

Gold Creek Golf Club originally opened as an 18-hole layout in 1995 and was named by Golf Digest as Georgia’s Best New Course. Over the years, nine more holes were added to create a 27-hole experience that will offer new excitement each time played.

When other North Georgia courses experienced damaged and diseased greens, Gold Creek’s rolling greens were saved and welcome the club’s first Pro-Am tournament. “It should be pretty exciting,” said Managing member Bob Tablak. “The tournament has the largest Pro-Am purse in Georgia.”

The Inaugural Gold Creek Pro-Am Invitation will be held Thursday, May 18 with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The cost is $185 per amateur and $100 per Professional. Box lunches are included with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to follow at Gold Creek Golf Club’s Eureka Café. For more information, call Carrie Dean at (706) 265-2700, extension 142.

An unforgettable, romantic Valentine surprise

2006-02-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Finding the perfect Valentine’s gift is never easy. Valentine’s Day is set aside each year to devote all of your love and attention to your sweetheart. So what is the perfect gift that shows your special Valentine they are the most important person in your life?

A box of chocolates is nice, but that’s not original. You can buy chocolates at the grocery store. Chocolates primarily say you remembered that Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day.

A cute stuffed animal that says ‘I Luv U’ is cute, if you want to make your daughter laugh; however, cuddly bears are not the most appropriate ways of telling your Valentine that he or she is the most important person in your life.

Instead, try a dozen roses hand delivered to your Valentine’s office. You say that’s not original either? Wait until he or she opens the attached card and finds an invitation to spend a romantic Valentine’s evening, or weekend, alone together.

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort has a romantic Valentine’s weekend escape your special Valentine will remember for many years to come. The romance begins Friday, Feb. 10 with champagne or sparkling cider as guests arrive to long-stemmed roses and a delicious box of gourmet chocolates.

The romance continues with a candle-lit dinner and full southern-style breakfast Saturday morning. After spending Saturday taking in the resort’s amenities, including the full service on site day spa, enjoy a cozy Prime Rib dinner featuring the fabulous vocal sounds of Gina Grate and her husband Danny on keyboard. Commemorate the special weekend with the release of Grate’s latest CD entitled “It Ain’t Over Til I Sing” which will make its debut Valentine’s weekend at Forrest Hills.

With Valentine’s weekend just around the corner, reservations are limited. The resort’s private cabins are booked; however, the resort’s luxurious bi-level suites will make this the romantic Valentine’s weekend you were hoping you would find for your special Valentine. For reservation, call (706) 864-6456.

With Valentine’s Day falling on Tuesday this year, many celebrations to honor the day are being planned for the weekend before. But Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14 and the idea of celebrating the day that is designated to honor the one you love on another day is not as special to some. Therefore, Valentine’s Day at Gold Creek Golf Club will be on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Dress as formal or as casual as you’d like for Gold Creek’s Valentine’s celebration of love and life. Enjoy four courses of the club’s finest cuisine as you and your Valentine sip sparkling champagne and dance the night away in a cozy, yet classic Valentine locale.

Gold Creek Golf Club is a semi-private club that was voted by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Places to Play” in Atlanta. The 12,000 square foot clubhouse features a formal dining room for parties, weddings and events and a casual elegant dining facility, Eureka Café. Within the Dawsonville City Limits, Gold Creek promises a memorable Valentine’s Day for you special Valentine.
For reservations, call (706) 265-2700, extension 197.

For a romantic evening with your special someone, The Lakeview Center has planned a night of dinner and dancing for Saturday, Feb. 11.

Admission for the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance is $100 per couple and includes dinner catered by Perfect Gatherings Catering and dancing the night away with Atlanta’s premier party band, The Neons, who also performed during the Lakeview Center’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Valentine’s Dinner and Dance is from 7 – 11 p.m. and should be a romantic evening with the one you love. Romantic tables for two will be set up for a candlelit Valentine’s dinner which includes Beef Wellington, Chicken Florentine roulades, seasonal and tropical fresh fruit, chilled seafood cocktails served in wine glasses and assorted sweets such as tuxedo dipped strawberries and parfaits served in champagne flutes. Champagne to toast the evening will be available.

Dress is semi-formal, but formal attire is more than welcome. A photographer will be available to commemorate the occasion.

A limited number of tickets are available now at The Lakeview Center or by calling (706) 216-1022.

Special sweets for your Valentine

2006-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate fudge, chocolate covered cherries, dipped chocolate. The world’s favorite delicacy comes in many shapes and sizes, and with the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, finding a special Valentine’s Day gift for the ones you love is top priority.

But why is chocolate the gift we give for Valentine’s Day? Opening a box of chocolates might not be as romantic as finding a diamond ring in a glass of champagne or as exciting as opening an envelope with Super Bowl tickets inside it, but it shouldn’t be. That’s the beauty of chocolate. For just a few dollars, chocolate can show your Valentine how much you care.

Although there is not a chocolate shop in Dawsonville, here are a few nearby alternatives to giving that red, ruffled box of chocolates.

During the month of February, Cold Stone Creamery offers cakes for couples. The Perfect Pair ice cream cake is designed especially to share with the one you love. Cold Stone is making a very special cake combination that allows couples to choose which ice cream flavors they would like together in miniature duo cakes that are then created for the couples. Perfect Pair cakes are $14.99.

Ice cream lovers over the age of 18 can also go to Cold Stone Creamery’s website, www.coldstonecreamery.com and vote for the ice cream flavors they would most like to see “married” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Each vote casts returns the opportunity to be placed in a drawing to win a romantic Hawaiian getaway for two.

For a Valentine’s treat that will almost melt in your sweetheart’s mouth, take the scenic drive to Dahlonega’s The Fudge Factory. There is nothing quite like arriving in downtown Dahlonega and smelling exquisite Fudge Factory treats. With fudge that tastes as good as grandmother once made and hand-made truffles that look like they were imported from France, The Fudge Factory is the perfect stop for a customized Valentine box of chocolates.

For a unique chocolate treat, Sweet Petals Candy Shoppe in the Main Street Market in Downtown Gainesville creates personalized fudge hearts. With these special gifts, you could be a romantic or as creative as you’d like and be sure that your Valentine will receive a gift from your heart. At any given moment, Sweet Petals Candy Shoppe is also full of delightful smells of tasty chocolate treats ranging from over 50 flavors of butter cream fudge to dozens of hand-shaped truffles and almost anything that could be dipped in chocolate.

Chocolate Facts:
• Over $1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day each year
• Chocolate does not promote tooth decay. The proteins and minerals may actually protect tooth enamel
• Chocolate does not cause acne
• A 1.5 ounce serving of milk chocolate is about 200 calories
• Chocolate is poisonous and can even be lethal to dogs and other pets
• Studies have shown that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer
• Chocolate has been used as an appetite suppressant
• Pope Pius V considered cocoa liquid so vile tasting that he declared the drinking of it would not break the communion fast
• Chocolate has offered been referred to as an aphrodisiac

Harlem Ambassadors to compete against Dawsonville Shooting Stars March 7

2006-02-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Ladè Majic coaches the Harlem Ambassadors, a professional entertainment basketball team with a positive message.

They’ve traveled around the world entertaining millions with their fast action plays, trick shots, hilarious antics and spectacular basketball skills. On March 7, the internationally acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors basketball team will bring their entertaining comedy to Dawson County when they compete in a full on hoops game against the Dawsonville Shooting Stars.

And with the opportunity to compete against professional basketball players comes to town, true basketball fans take notice. “We have about 18 men signed up to play already,” said the Chamber’s Vice President of Tourism Marty Williams, who organized the event as a chamber fundraiser.

Thad Burgess, Dawson County High School head boys’ basketball coach, will coach the Dawsonville Shooting Stars.

Williams said the game is a definite must see. “One of our players holds the basketball points records for Dawson County High School. It should be a real good time,” he said. “The Harlem Ambassadors are supposed to be just as good as the Globetrotters.”

The Harlem Ambassadors may be similar to the Globetrotters, but a bit a magic sets them apart from, as the Ambassadors say, “your grandfather’s basketball show.” The team is coached not by a 7’ 4” man who once played professionally but found his calling in entertainment basketball.

On the contrary, the Harlem Ambassador’s coach is Ladè Majic, a celebrated woman basketball player and coach who speaks both French and English, grew up in Jersey, played college ball at Missouri and holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology. These stats alone make her the ideal person to deliver the Ambassadors message. “We’ve always stressed the importance of education,” Majic said. “We don’t have hypocrites on this team who tell kids to stay in school and get their degrees. We don’t say ‘Do as we say.’ We say “Do as we do.” Each player is also drug-free certified by the team.

The Ambassadors perform over 200 shows a year to packed gymnasiums. “This is going to be a great event for the whole family,” Williams said. “We’ll have a concession stand with hot dogs and hamburgers, so no one will have to worry about having dinner that night. And we’ll have a couple of quarters of real basketball and a couple of quarters of pure fun.”

The Chamber is still assembling sponsors and volunteers for the event, which Williams is sure, will be one of the best shows in town this year. Volunteers will each receive a t-shirt for their help and “a big thank you from the Chamber,” Williams said.

Sponsors will receive their name or company name announced during the game, two complementary tickets and their name or company mane on a banner in the gymnasium.
For more information on being a part of the Dawsonville Shooting Stars team, contact Will Wade at (678) 776-5395. For volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, contact Marty Williams at (706) 265-6278.

Harlem Ambassadors vs. Dawsonville Shooting Stars
A Basketball Show
March 7, 2006, 7 p.m.
Dawson County High School Gym
$10 General Admission
$8 Students and Senior Citizens
Children under 4 – FREE
(Save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce)

2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic to be held April 10

2006-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Elena with tournament organizers Papa John Freeland and Mama Julie Goodrow in a miniature golf cart donated at last year’s Elena Golf Classic.

Before moving to Dawson County just a few years ago, Larry Freeland was a loyal volunteer at community events and could always be counted on if someone needed him.
Freeland is still involved in many community activities. In November, he stood as Master of Ceremonies for Dawson County’s Inaugural Veteran’s Day Parade and Celebration. He tries to keep himself involved, but since his granddaughter Elena was born, his devotion has shifted a bit.

Elena Goodrow, who celebrated her 23 month birthday on Feb. 3, is her Papa’s pride and joy. Her eyes sparkle when she’s around and his life is different because of this tiny angel. Elena was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a life threatening genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the U.S. A startling 12 million Americans are symptom less carriers of the defective gene that can cause CF.

People with Cystic Fibrosis suffer from chronic and often fatal lung infections and have difficulty digesting food. “At some point in their life, everyone with CF will experience lung and digestive problems,” said Freeland. “Right now Elena is having a hard time with digestion. Getting her to put on weight and keep it on is a problem we’re facing now.”

With the birth of Elena, Freeland began working to raise awareness for CF and also raise money for research, which in recent years has made enormous steps in treating the CF symptoms. Freeland wants Elena and the more than 30,000 other Americans suffering with the disease to live long and healthy lives.

Last year, Freeland and Elena’s mother, Julie Goodrow, organized the Inaugural Elena Golf Classic at Chestatee Golf Club. The event boasted 53 sponsorships, 107 golfers, over 20 volunteers, thousands of dollars in prize donations and yielded a check for $27,000 for Cystic Fibrosis. “We were tickled to death it went so well last year,” said Freeland. The family was humbled by the level of participation and support the Elena Golf Classic received in the name of such a worthy cause.

Freeland knows this year’s tournament set for April 10 will be even more of a success. “Our goal this year is to raise more than $30,000,” he said. “We’re confident we can do that.”

Freeland says players can feel confident knowing that 92 percent of every dollar donated is used to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s vital research programs. Donations ensure children with CF will live longer and see improvement in their quality of life. When the CFF was founded five decades ago, children with CF were not expected to see their first day of school.

Today, more than 40 percent of the CF population is over the age of 18, with the average life expectancy now at 35.5 years. Freeland said everyday researchers move closer to finding a cure for Elena and her peers, but more funding is needed to make it a reality.

A single player participation in the 2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic is $175, a team of two is $325 and a team of four is $650. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and a raffle ticket good toward thousands of dollars in prizes.

Hole sponsorships are also available for $200 and include a display at the clubhouse and a hole, as well as inserts in gift packs. Platinum sponsorships for $850 include hole sponsorship and registration for team of four golfers.

For more information on the 2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic at Chestatee Golf, call Larry Freeland at(706) 216-4911. A registration form is also available online at www.elenagolfclassic.com.

Dad returns home from seeing Marine son in Iraq

2006-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Ben Mathes spent a week with his son 1st Lt. Adam Mathes as an embedded reporter in Adam’s Marine Company in Iraq. During a welcome home celebration Jan. 29 at Grace Presbyterian Church in downtown Dawsonville, Ben recalled his adventure.

The trip was long. The conditions were poor. The weather was cold. But for Ben Mathes, he could not have been blessed with a more enjoyable journey.

Mathes, a feature personality on KLOVE online radio, spent a week with his son’s Marine Company as an embedded reporter in Northern Iraq. Ben arrived home to Dawsonville just over a week ago safe and sound with a truly amazing story of his adventure.

He told the story during a “Welcome Home” party on Jan. 29 at Grace Presbyterian Church in downtown Dawsonville. Ben’s wife Mickie Mathes organized the celebration and began the evening with a harp prelude before she joined the Dawson Community Chorale as they performed a collection of patriotic ensembles to memorialize the event.

Then accomplished storyteller Ben took center stage to give his account of his time with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine, K Company in Iraq. The church grew quiet as Ben recalled the initial conversation he had with son 1st Lt. Adam Mathes, who as Ben tells the story, had a crazy idea that he join him in Iraq.

Ben had never considered the idea and was not very interested in going to Iraq. Still, at Adam’s request, he called his radio network and asked if he could go. The network agreed and got the ball rolling with the media command in Florida. “I told them I wanted to go be embedded with my kid, in my kid’s company,” Ben said. “Wherever they are.”

Adam’s company is stationed in Haditha along the Euphrates River where the roads that lead from Mosul and Syria meet. “All the bad guys come down those roads,” Ben said. And it was in Haditha where Ben got a first hand look at his son in action as the second in command of his company. “We are so proud of these Marine and the work they are doing here in Iraq.”
To commemorate his time with Adam and Company K, Ben and his traveling partner, Chris Price on Dunwoody, documented the excursion in a high definition DVD he plans to forward to the American news organizations.

The video records all aspects of day to day Marine life. From patrolling for insurgents through the dead of night guided by night vision lenses, to a briefing session which takes place before each mission and even finding a filled propane tank, used for car bombs, in the back seat of a deserted car, Ben said the Marines were always prepared and never let their guards down.

As serious as the situation in Haditha is, Ben said the Marine’s moral was above anything he has ever seen. In one scene during the filming, the Marines are preparing for a mission as the camera roles. The soldiers take their high powered rifles and break into song, simulating guitars with the rifles. They jokingly sing that they wished “there was some way out of here” but laugh at their camaraderie. “Moral is not a problem here,” Ben said.

Throughout the video, the soldiers signify their appreciation for American support with thanks. They thank America for supporting their work. They thank KLOVE radio for allowing Ben to see his son in Iraq enabling him to tell his story to other parents with children serving across the world who could live the experience through him.

And over and over again they thank the Dawson County Woman’s Club for the cakes and care packages they sent, which according to one soldier, inspires the Marines to do great things.

Originally published Feb. 1, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

School board wants county to reconsider rejected school land proposal

2006-02-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

When Dawson County School Superintendent Michael Lupo went before the county board of commissioners with a proposal to purchase 30 acres for a new elementary school, he expected to have to negotiate the purchase price. He never anticipated an outright rejection.

The land in question is approximately 30 acres on Dawson Forest Road, owned by Etowah Water & Sewer Authority and leased by Dawson County. The land is located next to Riverview Middle School.

“We’ve been in discussions since June,” he said. “We need to get this going. It takes between 12 and 18 months to build a new school.”

Lupo said there is only about a six month window left open for the school board to acquire the land needed for the new school’s 2008 anticipated opening date. “Land acquisition is probably one of the most challenging tasks for schools,” he said. “We’re running out of time.”

With the proximity to the middle school and nearby land the school board purchased for a new high school, Lupo said, “This is the ideal location for a new elementary school.” As ideal as the tract of land is for the new school, the school board is not willing to pay the land’s $43,000 per acre appraised value.

Instead, the board petitioned on Jan. 19 to purchase the land from the county, offering to pay $10,000 an acre of the property costs more than $1 million to develop, or $12,000 per acre if the property costs less than $1 million to develop.

Lupo said the cost to develop the land should be more than $1 million and could cost as much as $3 million due to the land’s topography. “It’s covered with rocks that we’ll have to remove,” he said. The sewage capacity is not adequate for such a large establishment. The school board is willing to spend the money to have the rock removed for the school and the addition of sufficient sewage capabilities.

The school board had the same problems when Riverview Middle School was built. “We installed a lift station to Etowah Water & Sewer specifications,” Lupo said. “We had no choice. We invested a lot. If we buy this land, we’ll continue to do so.” He said the more important issue is allocating for the students that moving into the area.

Board of Education chairman Will Wade said, “Our county is one of the fastest growing in the nation. We have to be prepared to provide for our future students as well as our current students.”

Dawson County Schools registered more than 200 new students in 2005. Wade said the number will grow higher over the next few years. He compared the county’s growth to squaring a number mathematically. “Exponentially, within a few years, we could be adding 500 new students per year,” he said. “We want to make sure we do the best for the children.”

The school board does not believe paying $43,000 per acre is best for the students. The money would be better spent in providing classroom space to provide the best learning environment, Wade said.

While Georgia law prevents county government from selling land below the appraised value to private citizens or development groups, other county entities may purchase the land below the appraised rate.

District 3 Commissioner Jim King said he could not support selling the land at a discount three times what it is worth. Selling the land at fair market value, he said, would help the county recover from the huge debt it suffers by spending $384,000 annually on interest payments for the county’s 1,200 acres near the new Rock Creek Park. The 30 acres needed by the school board for the new elementary school is included in these payments.

School Board Chairman Wade said he can appreciate the county’s situation. “They have a debt of almost $4.3 million, but we’re both tax generated entities. We’re only looking at 3 percent of the whole acreage,” he said.

Wade said he would like for the county to reconsider the school board’s offer as a government entity and the only government entity that “has paid any money toward that property,” therefore, being “the only entity that has helped reduce the debt.”

Wade said the school board is open to any discussion with the county concerning the land. “If they would come to our meetings, we’d let them have the floor,” he said. “Our desire is to work together on the best interest of the county. We’re all in this together. We don’t need to lose sight of that.”

On Jan. 26, the board of commissioners during a work session agreed to place the land sell on the commissioner’s agenda to be voted on during the Feb. 2 commissioner’s meeting. They will also vote to allow the Dawson County Development Authority to conduct the sell. In order to sell the land, it must remain in auction for 30 days and must receive competitive bids. The land may not be sold below the appraised price except in the case of another county government entity. A formal vote to sell must take place.

Commission Chairman Mike Berg said the land the school board desires is only a small portion of the land being discussed. “These discussions have been going on since 2004,” he said.
Berg said when new discussion concerning the land surfaced, he suggested to the commissioners it was time to get the Development Authority and Etowah Water & Sewer Authority involved. Both authorities have, according to Berg, had development inquiries on the land since 2004.

Originally published Feb. 1, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Early detection can combat silent sight thief glaucoma

2006-02-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

There are more than 65 million suspected cases of glaucoma across the globe with more than 3 million adult cases reported in United States alone. Many more Americans have the disease but do not even know it.

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S., has often been referred to as “a silent sight thief” because it slowly takes away vision usually without the patient realizing their sight is deteriorating.

“Glaucoma is a silent disease you are not going to feel,” said Dr. Joyce Nations, owner and optometrists at Dawson Eye Group. “By the time you realize you’re having problems, it’s usually too late.”

Nations explains, “Glaucoma deals with peripheral vision. As time goes by, patients lose more and more of their peripheral vision. Once the peripheral vision is damaged, you can’t get it back.”

To raise awareness of the disease, Prevent Blindness America (PBA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving sight, joined other leading eye care groups and designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month.

The groups emphasize annual vision. Although anyone can be at risk for glaucoma, the highest risk factors focus on age. “The number of cases has been up in the past few years,” said Nations. She believes the increase in cases is due baby boomers coming of high risk age. “Those 60 and older are at the highest risk,” said Nations, who can conduct exams for glaucoma during the yearly vision checkups.

While age factors high, race is another important factor in developing glaucoma. “African Americans over the age of 40 are also at risk,” Nations said.

According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in African Americans than in Caucasians. African Americans are also four times more likely to go blind from the disease. Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma after age 60 than any other group.

Originally published Feb. 1, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Take 'A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline'

2006-02-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

It’s not everyday that award-winning musical theatre comes to Dawsonville, but when it does, you’d be “Crazy” to miss “A Closer Walk with Pasty Cline.”

After hundreds of sell-out performances on the American tour and an award-winning run in Branson, Missouri, one of the hottest stage shows in North America rolls into Dawsonville February 23 when the Dawson County Arts Council presents the musical theatre sensation “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.”

Written by Dean Regan and produced by Springer Theatre on Tour and the Springer Opera House, the musical reveals the emotional depth and range of a singer who defined the term “crossover hit” by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Tracing the late star’s footsteps, the show takes us from her early honky-tonk days and radio fame through her rise at the Grand Ole Opry and triumphs at Carnegie Hall and Las Vegas.
“A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is one of the warmest, happiest shows any theatre is ever likely to present,” said Springer artistic director Paul R. Pierce. “I’ve seen people swear up and down that they don’t like country music and then head straight for the record store after they’ve seen ‘Patsy.’”

Georgia powerhouse singer and actress Katie Deal, daughter of Congressman Nathan Deal of Cumming, portrays Patsy in “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.” Katie, who studied theatre while attending Piedmont College in Demorest, has performed “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” at Allenberry Playhouse in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania and Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tennessee and is delighted to be touring with this wonderful tribute to one of America’s greatest performers. “I hope I do this song justice,” Katie said to quote Patsy.

Backed up by a band of singers and musicians, Katie as Patsy sings twenty-one of Patsy’s greatest hits including “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “She’s Got You,” “Seven Lonely Days” and the title song “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

“This is the same group that performed Lewis Grizzard in his Own Words for us,” said Stacey Leonardt, Bowen Center for the Arts director. She said the group knows how to put on a true theatrical spectacular.

Throughout the show Patsy interacts with Little Big Man, a disc jockey from her hometown in Winchester, Va. and a host of outrageous stand-up comics that serve as warm-up acts for her concerts and radio shows.

From Patsy’s signature blue and white fringed Grand Ole Opry outfit to the glimmering sequined gown worn for her Carnegie Hall appearance, the audience is also treated to a stunning array of elaborate show costumes. These costumes are designed to do more than decorate the stage and the actress. They help tell the story of Patsy’s career, life and untimely death at the young age of thirty.

“A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” will be performed February 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Center located at 2057 Dawson Forest Road. Silent Auction, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets for dinner and the performance are $50. Performance only tickets are $20.
Reservations are required; seating will be first come first serve basis. Call (706) 216-2787 for reservations or for additional information.

Originally published Feb. 1, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

HDTV households expected to reach 52 million by 2009

2006-01-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Courtesy Bright House Network

HDTV has been getting a lot of attention for a few years now. The idea of having a sharper, wider picture, more like that of a movie screen than a television set, is so compelling that an estimated 15.5 million households around the world are watching high-definition programming.

High-tech market research indicates the rate of growth of HDTV households will continue to be strong over the next several years, forecasting numbers to reach 52 million by 2009.

HDTV has lifelike pictures and digital sound. The higher resolution produces clarity like that from a picture tube. Films in HDTV retain their original width and enhance the home theater experience. The image from HDTV is like seeing more of the football field or a scenic panorama.

Rumors have serviced that HDTV is so crisp and clear that celebrities have barked at the phenomena, fearing their fans will suddenly be able to see their flaws and imperfections on the screen. Those celebrities with self-esteem problems might need to consider other lines of work, since HDTV is still in its infant stages and all forms of technology evolve, allowing for even clearer and crisper programming.

To broadcast HDTV, the only equipment needed is an HD enabled unit. Standard television sets do not generate the image quality of HD.

There are three ways of receiving HDTV broadcasts: cable, over-the-air and satellite. If your local cable provider currently supports HDTV then you can receive those signals from them. Pricing and the number of channels they carry depends on where you live. You will need to get a HD decoder box from the cable company to watch these signals.

Over-the-air means setting up an antenna and receiving those channels from local broadcast towers. If you live in a large metropolitan area then chances are good that you can already receive free HDTV over the air. You will need to get a separate decoder box to watch these signals and in many cases will have to mess around with the setup a bit before everything is running smoothly.

Almost anyone can receive HDTV via a satellite company and all satellite companies currently carry high definition channels. You will need to get a special HD decoder from the satellite company to watch these signals and you usually will have to pay a small price increase for this service as well.

WSB-TV led the industry in committing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the station would sign-on digital television in 1998. The station hit its target date in April 1998 becoming the first station in Georgia, and among a handful in the nation, to lead the industry into the digital age of television and the enhanced quality of high definition broadcasting.

Channel 2 in Atlanta again entered broadcast record books when the “Salute 2 America” parade became the first local live telecast in HDTV in July 2004. Since that date, others have followed suit adding digital programming.

Local channels may vary when it comes to ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, but the networks that currently support high definition are: ESPN-HD, HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, DiscoveryHD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Pay-Per-View HD, and more are coming soon.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Local embedded reporter to tell of Iraq experience

2006-01-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

The father who put his life and limb on the line to visit his Marine son in Iraq is on his way back home to Dawsonville.

Ben Mathes, a radio personality and founder of Rivers of the World Ministries, was allowed to travel to Iraq and join his son’s Marine Company as an embedded reporter representing KLOVE, a faith based online radio station.

“He’s actually on his way back home now,” said his wife Mickie Mathes. “And he has loved every minute if it.”

A great story teller, Ben will be home within a week with all his tales of Iraq and the Marines. Many of these stories will be about the soldiers and the unparallel job they are performing under the most intense situations. “They are just amazing,” Ben reported.

Ben went on a number of operations with the Marines including a ‘Knock and Talk’ mission, where soldiers late at night knocked on doors hoping to find insurgents or other illegal activity. “It’s like they go in saying ‘The Marines are here and in charge,’” Ben said in a live broadcast from Iraq on KLOVE. “These young men are absolutely fearless.”

There will be a gathering of friends, family and supporters at Grace Presbyterian Church Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. to welcome Ben home. The Dawson Chorale will perform patriotic songs, and Ben will share his experiences in Iraq.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Sheriff’s office employee loses battle with cancer

2006-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

The sudden death of Sandra “Sandy” Perry on Jan. 3 stunned the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office where she had worked as an administrative assistant in the patrol division for over a year.

“We knew she was very sick,” said Patrol Division Commander Capt. Greg Rowan. “But it just came so sudden.”

Perry, 58, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and is described as a fighter by her friends and coworkers, had battled the fatal disease, winning the fight in the past. “But this time, cancer won,” said Kathy Stover in a memorial letter she sent out to those who knew Perry but were unaware of her passing.

News of her death surprised everyone in the department, because as sick as she was, “she never showed in pity for herself,” said Capt. Rowan. “She was such a strong woman.”

Rowan remembers that everyday Perry would ask him how his mother-in-law, who is also diagnosed with cancer, was doing. “She had so much courage for someone in as much pain as she was,” Rowan said. “You couldn’t help but admire her.”

Rowan was actually the first in the department to learn of his friend’s death. “The last day she worked was around the first of December,” Rowan recalled. “And I could tell she was feeling bad that day.”

A few weeks went by, and Perry’s daughter called Rowan saying she wanted to come by his office to talk to him about her mother. “Instead of coming in, she called saying Sandy had passed away,” Rowan said. “I just regret that we didn’t know how serious it was. I’d like to have seen her.”

The family did not hold a formal service for Perry, but a gathering took place in the patrol division on the day the officers received the news. “Nobody had any inkling she was going to pass away so suddenly,” Rowan said. “All the officers came in on Wednesday and reminisced in her office. You talk about it and remember the good things. That’s the way we do things here in the department, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to get through it.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sandy Perry.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Still haven’t paid those property taxes? Save time pay them online

2006-01-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

If you’ve put off paying your property taxes that were due Dec. 20, don’t rush out the door just yet. Save time by paying them online.

Since the Dawson County Tax Commissioner’s office began accepting property tax payments online in 1994, the staff’s work has gotten a bit easier. In the program’s second year, more than $200,000 in property taxes has been paid online through the county’s simple procedure. “It’s working out pretty well,” said Tax Commissioner Linda Townley. She expects in access of $300,000 will be brought in through the online service before the year is complete.

She said the program went pretty well during the first year also. “When the state came out, they were very impressed and said we had a good amount for out first year,” Townley said.
She believes as time goes by and more property owners find out they can save time by paying online, more people will take advantage of the online service. “Anytime you can save a little time, it’s good,” she said.

As is common with new technology, there is at least one downside to the online service, which Townley would like to warn property owners. Paying online requires a 2.8 percent conversion fee that is charged by the credit card companies. “The county just can’t absorb that,” she said. She is looking into other companies that might not charge as much.

Other than the fee, Townley said the program is very positive for the growing county, but in order to keep it in place, she said property owners must take advantage of the service. “Hall County was set up to pay property taxes online but stopped,” Townley said, “because they didn’t have enough people using it.”

Since October when property tax statements were sent out, 132 people have paid their property taxes online. Townley said the number is a good start, but “compared to all the mortgages in the county” there’s a way to go.

For more information on paying your property taxes online, visit the online site at http://dawsoncounty.paycountytaxes.com. Have your bill number or map & parcel number ready and follow the easy instructions. When you are prompted for the N.O.D. (not on digest), ignore the prompt. Townley said the N.O.D. is not necessary to view or pay your taxes.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Clement officially takes reins as Dawson County Clerk

2006-01-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

For close to a year Tammy Clement has worked for Dawson County, first in a part-time position in the finance department before accepting a second temporary position as Interim County Clerk for the board of commissioners.

As of early January Clement has erased her pro tem status since agreeing to accept the county clerk position on a full time basis, replacing JoAnne Dack, who decided not to return after taking a family leave of absence in August.

Originally from Missouri, Clement moved to Dawsonville five years ago when her husband’s company transferred him to their Cumming location. Before the move, Clement was employed by the University of Missouri at Columbia in parking and transportation services where she, as she tells it, was not one of the most popular people on campus. “I accepted and processed parking ticket fees and fines,” she said. She later moved to Arkansas and worked in accounting at an equipment rental business.

Upon moving to Dawsonville, Clement spent almost four years as a stay at home mother for her three daughters, but when the youngest was ready for pre-school, Clement decided she was ready to re-enter the corporate world. “I enjoyed being at home, but I missed the workforce,” she said.

With her bookkeeping and accounting skills, Clement went to work for Dawson County’s Finance Director Lowayne Craig on a part-time basis so she could still be home in the afternoon for her children.

When Clement was given the offer to fill in for Dack, she was hesitant. Her background was in finance, not government. “I really had no idea what the board of commissioners dealt with,” she said. She also did not know shorthand like Dack who had stacks of books outlining shortcuts to transcribing the commissioner meetings, an integral part of the clerk’s job. “But Mike Berg told me not to worry about it. I have a voice recorder we use to record the minutes, so I don’t even need the shorthand,” Clement said.

Clement is pleased with her progression into county government and the knowledge she has gained over the last six months. She is now a natural for minute taking. She knows where to find the records she needs or knows who to ask for help. Although she is still learning the codes and ordinances, she expects she’ll never learn everything. “Everyday is new,” she said. “I learn something new everyday.”

Education for a county clerk is ongoing, and clerks must be certified within two years. Clement will begin her certification training in February in Athens at Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia and is very excited for the opportunity to serve Dawson County. “This is very exciting for me,” she said.

Clement’s ratification as County Clerk took place during the Board of Commissioner’s January 19 regular meeting.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga. May not be reprinted without permission.

Peach Brandy Cottage to open in spring

2006-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Built in 1930, Peach Brandy Cottage at one time housed a moonshine operation in a secret room because of the home’s easy access to Highway 9, the original “Thunder Road” to Atlanta. For the last seven months, the house has undergone an elaborate renovation transforming the historic home into one of North Georgia’s premier wedding locales.

When Caroline Christie purchased the Gilleland home in Dawsonville’s historic district over twenty years ago, she knew she would one day do something absolutely amazing with the house.

Today, the beautiful home that was built by Boyd and Sally Gilleland in 1930 at the height of Prohibition is undergoing a remarkable renovation which will transform the historic home into a venue beautiful enough to hold the most elaborate of weddings and affairs.

Now suitably named Peach Brandy Cottage in honor of a hidden, secret room where moonshine, or peach brandy, was made, the historic home sits on six acres along Highway 9, the original “Thunder Road” in the heart of downtown.

The perfect locale for weddings and other memorable affairs, once complete Peach Brandy Cottage will feature a beautiful lake setting with gazebo and hillside amphitheatre with seating for 300 and a banquet barn with indoor seating for up to 300 overlooking the main garden and lake, in addition the main cottage which can comfortably accommodate 150 guests. “The gazebo is going to be so beautiful,” said Christie. “It’s big enough for an entire orchestra.”

And the banquet barn with 30 feet ceilings, gorgeous view of the lake and Celtic stone to look like an old Irish castle mimics the craftsmanship of both the gazebo and historic home. Christie is currently working with landscape designers to create the most beautiful garden full of romantic flowers and trees that blossom throughout the year. “We found a crepe myrtle species that blooms for 120 days,” she said.

Christie believes you only have one chance to have a perfect wedding, and Peach Brandy Cottage can make that happen by offering stress free Complete Wedding packages. “Just bring the gown and the groom” is a motto on the cottage’s website. Peach Brandy Cottage can be booked by the hour and couples provide their own team of vendors. All of our packages include a Wedding Day Coordinator to keep the event on schedule so the bride and groom are free to enjoy their friends and family on their most special of days.

“Not to brag,” Christie said, “but people are telling us our facility will be in competition with the Tate House for brides choosing where to have their weddings.”

The renovations which began last summer are optimistically, according to Christie, to be completed by March 1. “That’s with our fingers crossed and a lot of hoping,” she said. “We’re waiting on our occupancy certificate.”

As soon as the renovations are complete, Peach Brandy Cottage will immediately start booking weddings other special events. “We expect to have a really busy season, especially in summer and fall.”

For more information on Peach Brandy Cottage, visit the website at www. peachbrandycottage.com, or call (770) 490-3833.

Originally published Jan. 25, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga. Material cannot be reprinted without authorization.

Lakeview Center announces Valentine’s Dinner and Dance

2006-01-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Every February across the nation, cards, candy, jewelry and other gifts are exchanged between loved ones and friends in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Although history tells us the special day honors a martyr saint who was killed while helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, Valentine’s is now all about romance.

For a romantic evening with your special someone, The Lakeview Center has planned a night of dinner and dancing for Saturday, Feb. 11. After the success of the center’s elaborate New Year’s Eve celebration, the owners knew a Valentine’s party would be perfect.

“Everyone just had so much fun New Year’s Eve,” said Jessica Gaines of The Lakeview Center. “I don’t think everyone was expecting all they got that night.”

Admission for the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance is $100 per couple and includes dinner catered by Perfect Gatherings Catering and dancing the night away with Atlanta’s premier party band, The Neons, who also performed during the New Year’s Eve celebration. “The Neons were so good New Year’s,” Gaines said. “They kept the party going all night. There was never a time when people were not out on the dance floor and having fun.”

But Gaines said she doesn’t expect the same exuberance guests were feeling on New Year’s Eve. The Valentine’s Dinner and Dance is from 7 – 11 p.m. and should be a bit cozier with less of a party atmosphere and more of a romantic evening with the one you love. Smaller, romantic tables will be set up for a candlelit Valentine’s dinner.

Champagne to toast the evening will be available, as well as a cash bar. Dress is semi-formal, but formal attire is more than welcome. A photographer will be available to commemorate the occasion.

A limited number of tickets are available now at The Lakeview Center or by calling (706) 216-1022.

Originally published Jan. 18, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Starbucks opens in Kroger

2006-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Lytle Reynolds serves coffee at Starbucks in Dawsonville Kroger. Starbucks opened in December.
Brian and Halle McDaniel enjoy cups of Starbucks iced coffees.

There is not much more enjoyable than a cup of hot java on a cold afternoon, and with Starbucks opening inside Kroger, having that perfect cup of coffee just got a whole lot easier.

Starbucks, the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, opened in Dawsonville in mid-December with record sales, according to Kroger manager Jay Walker. “We’re the second highest volume Starbucks in the Kroger store Starbucks division,” he said proudly.

Starbucks in Kroger is a division of the larger chain of specialty coffee shops, although Kroger actually employees the staff and pays Starbucks dividends on what is sold.

Cassie Brazington began working in Starbucks even before the first cup of coffee was served. She worked in customer service at Kroger and thought the coffee shop would be a nice step up. Not much of a hot coffee drinker and not at all what one would call a “coffee snob” Brazington could now probably even teach the biggest coffee connoisseur a thing or two about the tasty beverage.

Before serving her first cup, Brazington had to go through a series of classes; equivalent to what a bartender endures learning the trait in school. “They are certified by Starbucks,” Walker said. Brazington still gets a bit nervous preparing the specialty drinks, but the anxiety has started to fade. “It’s a lot of fun,” she said adding a layer of frothy, steaming milk to Starbucks’ signature white chocolate mocha.

The job gets easier everyday since Barzington is beginning to recognize many of her repeat customers. “We know what some people are going to order when they walk up to the counter,” she said.

Robert Hart works at nearby KFC. He is one of the Starbucks’ regulars, coming in about once a day since the coffee shop opened. But like Brazington, Hart is not really a coffee drinker either. Instead, his passion is for Starbucks Hot Apple Cider or the strawberries and crème frappachino. “I like anything with strawberries,” he said.

Although the menu only offers one strawberry drink, Starbucks has a variety of specialty drinks, both hot and cold, in assortment of flavors.

Halle and Brian McDaniel, coffee lovers from Forsyth County, decided to go for a drive, check out the new coffee shop and try one of Starbucks’ iced coffee drinks. “It’s nice to have a Starbucks here,” Brian said.

Starbucks is open everyday from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Originally published Jan. 18, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Friday night BINGO at Municipal Complex has record turnout

2006-01-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Libby Hulsey plays BINGO at the American Legion Post 247 every Friday night. She brings her coffee and her snacks and spends Friday night with other serious players who hope to take home one of seven cash BINGO prizes ranging from $50 - $500. American Legion Post 247 BINGO proceeds benefit two local baseball teams and two youths in pre-Olympic Air Rifle shooting competitions. They also send one young man and one young woman to Boys and Girls programs at Georgia Southern University every summer.

The first game of the evening doesn’t start for another half hour, but still, The Speed Shop at Dawsonville’s Municipal Complex is almost packed to capacity as anxious hopefuls wait for Friday night BINGO to begin.

Every person in the crowd of close to 100 players hopes to walk away at the end of the night with one of the cash prizes. The reality that only seven players will actually win does little to detour the turnout.

“This is probably the biggest crowd we’ve had so far,” said Mike Kenney, American Legion Post 247 adjutant. “Moving the operation to the Municipal Complex has really been good for us.”
Post 247 has held weekly BINGO games for about the last five years in various venues across the county. Dawsonville’s recent growth led the group to begin looking for a new, permanent facility where they can hold their monthly meetings and stage the elaborate weekly BINGO operation so many attend regularly.

Although Kenney says some of the regular BINGO players, who travel county to county in BINGO circuits, find Post 247’s BINGO to be lacking compared to more advanced operations in larger towns, Post 247 has gone to great levels to create a true BINGO experience. “It took about three months for all of us to get fingerprinted and approved by the GBI,” said Commander Don Drury. “But we’re all legit.”

Walking into the new arena, eyes are immediately drawn to the large BINGO ball displayed on color television screens throughout the room. The regulars know that number is the next to be called. Drury warns, “Don’t call out a BINGO until after I have called the number. I know you see it, but I ain’t going to take a BINGO until the number has been called.”

He also directs the crowd’s attention to the BINGO boards hanging from the ceiling to demonstrate that each number called will be displayed for anyone who misses a called number.
The time is 7:02 p.m., and the players are ready to start the game even though there are players still waiting in line to pay for their BINGO books. One woman with flowing silver hair calls out, “Come on. Let’s go!”

The first number is finally called, and the room grows quiet. The only sound is the popping of BINGO balls as they churn in the electronic BINGO machine. The second number is called, then the third and fourth. After several more numbers are called and players are sitting on the edge of their seats thinking they are just one number away from winning, Jim Perdue, a first time player, looks down at his card and surprisingly realizes he has the evening’s first BINGO.
“I’ve always been lucky,” he said as he counted the $50 prize money.

Over the next three hours, the hope to win mounted as four more $50 prizes and one $100 prize were awarded to players who squealed BINGO loud enough to break glass when their numbers were called.

Then once again, the room was quiet. The last game of the evening, the Jackpot, was worth $500. Winning the Jackpot meant covering an entire Bingo board, and as luck would have it, two players BINGO’ed at exactly the same time, having to split the grand prize.Libby Hulsey was not one of the evening’s winners, but that is okay, she said. She won once before, and she will be back next Friday with hope that she may win then.

For more information on American Legion Post 247 or their BINGO operation, contact Mike Kenney at (706) 265-3260. Bingo is open to everyone; however, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to be able to win cash prizes.

American Legion Post 247 BINGO
The Speed Shop at Dawsonville Municipal Complex
7 p.m. Fridays
BINGO book prices start at $10

Originally published Jan. 11, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

January is National Eye Care Month

2006-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Haley Smith performs tests on DaNae Swanson's eyes before Swanson’s annual eye exam.

DeNae Swanson knew it was time to get new contact lenses. A few months had passed since her last visit with an eye doctor, and she didn’t want to wait any longer, knowing the damage that can be caused by wearing old lenses.

When Swanson discovered January to be National Eye Care and Glaucoma Awareness Month, she was pleased with her decision.

Swanson started wearing glasses when she was around 13 years old, a time in a child’s life when changes take place, including changes in the eyes, according to Swanson’s optometrist Suzanne Kimmons. “Kids go through some huge growth spurts at the middle school and junior high levels,” said Kimmons, who owns the super trendy eyewear shop Spec-takular Boutique in Dawsonville.

She said this age group, beginning at around fifth grade, begins to notice they are having a harder time trying to see the board or participating in sports.

Elementary school students undergo eye screenings at school annually, although performed by school nurses and untrained volunteers, and Kimmons believes the schools are doing a great job catching some of the problems. “If they can’t see they can’t learn,” she said.

However, often times the kids who do not pass the screenings could just “be having a bad day,” she said.

The good part about the elementary schools screenings is that they catch many sight problems that need to be dealt with by an eye doctor. “About 80 percent of the children that are referred to doctors need glasses,” Kimmons said.

Kimmons believes the screenings need to be lifted to another level and brought into the higher grades. Her children attend school at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville where she performs eye screenings on all students from kindergarten through high school.

Legislation is also being considered that would require all children to have an eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist before they enter kindergarten. “That’s really what is needed,” said Joyce Nations, optometrist and owner of Dawson Eye Group. “So much of our learning comes from our vision.”

Children can begin having eye exams when they are around six months old. Nations suggests having a child’s eyes examined again at three years and at five, before they enter school. “After that, they should have their eyes checked every year,” she said.

Many people put off going to the eye doctor, because they can’t stand the thought of having to wear glasses. But eye wear has come a long way since the thick glass lenses and heavy metal or plastic rims of yesterday.

Today’s eye wear choices are as varied as the clothing styles we choose everyday with the latest trends in eye wear focusing on fashion. “Your glasses are a part of your image,” said Dr. Kimmons, who travels to locals such as Las Vegas and New York to find the most fashionable frames in the business for her patients. “I look for the more European looking styles,” she said. “They are so far ahead of us in fashion.”

Spec-takular Boutique, as the name suggests, is a boutique designed to display the fashion of eye wear. Merchandise is placed throughout the store according to color or style rather than name brand. Brightly colored frames in reds, greens and purples are paired with coordinating accessories like jewelry, scarves and hand bags. “We have glasses that when people are walking through town, they are stopped and asked where they got their glasses,” said Kimmons. “They stand out.”

Another current trend in eye wear is frameless, or drill-mount glasses. “People usually either want one extreme or the other,” Kimmons said. “They want to be noticed, or they want the drill-mount, which with an anti-reflective lens, you can hardly tell they are wearing glasses.”

Many children make excuses not to wear their glasses, because they are not happy with they way they look in them. And parents often refuse to purchase more expensive frames the child would be more comfortable wearing, because children are active and could break them easily.

Now there is a special line of frames that can be bent in half without breaking designed especially for active individuals. “These are great for kids,” said Pamela Peele, Dawson Eye Group’s optician. “They are not going to break, and they look great.”

Originally published Jan. 11, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Bowen Center for the Arts showcases local folk art exhibit

2006-01-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photos: Folk art by local artists will be on display at the Bowen Center for the Arts through January. Here, artwork borrowed from Ann Anderson created by her father Ford E. Phillips is on display in the gallery. Phillips was an art teacher at Dawson County High School and taught ceramics in the same room that his artwork is currently on display.
The works of Alinda, Sweet Tater and Coyote Cody, three generations of folk artists, are also on display at the Bowen Center for the Arts through January.

In a way, art is everything we see and everything we do. Art comes from within and is a visual expression of an idea, insight, feeling or experience. Artists take their experiences and create wonderful works of art to share them with others.

Every month the Bowen Center for the Arts presents gallery showings from a variety of genres to both educate and expose the community to these artists’ experiences. Over the last few months, the artists have taken us to far away lands in times of war, to mountainous terrains covered by wild flowers and to nearby natural wonders that we could experience again for the first time through other’s eyes.

The artists come from far and wide, each bringing with them a new way of looking at the world. Some are professionally trained. Many have developed their skills over the years, while others rely entirely on established traditions of style, theme and craftsmanship.

The latter are known as Folk Artists, and the Bowen Center of the Art’s January exhibit, is dedicated to them and their ideas, insights, feelings and experiences.

Around Back at Rocky’s Place, a folk art gallery located in Dawsonville and a member of the Dawson Arts Council, gathered local art work to display at the Bowen Center through the month of January. The art ranges from paintings to pottery and also includes fine wood-carvings, created by Georgia artists.

Although many of the artists are from Dawson County, some of the artists’ names may not be familiar. Folk artists typically use unconventional names such as Cornbread, Grandmother, Blacktop, Sweet Tater and Coyote Cody, all of whom and many others are currently displaying their works in the Bowen’s exhibit.

One name that many will surely recognize is Ford E. Phillips. A native to Dawson County, Phillips coached basketball at Dawson County High School where the gymnasium is named for the man who touched many young lives, both on the court and in the classroom. In addition to coaching, Phillips was also Dawson County High School’s art teacher for many years and taught art in the same room where his art is now on display.

“It’s really a privilege to have some of his works here,” said Gallery director Stacey Leonhardt.
A talented ceramics artist, two of Phillips’ ceramic pieces are on display in the exhibit – a carved pitcher created in approximately 1975 and a hand painted in 14 karat gold ceramic vase in the dogwood motive, which won first place in a Tennessee ceramics show. The winning ribbon still adorns the vase. A still life on canvas is also on display.

“We have a lot of very talented artists,” said Leonhardt. “Most of them are from this area.”

The Bowen Center for the Arts is open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday noon – 4 p.m. The center is located at 334 Highway 9 North in the Old Rock School. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public.

Originally published Jan. 11, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Library youth programs going strong

2006-01-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Naomi Bernholt, 6, is a regular participant at Dawson County Library youth functions like the Dec. 17 Gingerbread House Workshop she attended with her parents.

The scent of sugar plums and gingerbread filled the air at the Dawson County Library Dec. 17 as groups of young carpenters constructed their own sweet treat houses.

In two separate events, the library welcomed children to take part in what is becoming an annual event. “It’s really hard to go wrong when you give kids a bunch of free candy, cookies and icing and say ‘have fun!’” said Sara McGhee, director of youth services at the library, who along with Dena Crowder organized the event.

Kroger donated the delicious icing that topped the gingerbread houses like blankets of snow, while the Friends of the Library made a donation of $200 to purchase the candy and tasty adornments.

Special events like the Gingerbread House Workshop go on throughout the year at the library and attract a diverse group of participants. Naomi Bernholt, 6, is home schooled by her parents who are delighted Naomi has a place she can go to learn new things and be around other children. Naomi even recognized a few children from previous events during the Gingerbread House Workshop. “This is a really fun day,” said Naomi, as she licks the icing from her small fingers.

Madison Hancock, 10, agrees. She and her sister and brother attend many of the library’s workshops and special events. “This is so much fun,” said Madison, who celebrated her birthday on Dec. 25. “We’re always doing something fun here.”

Desiree and Kyle Ulmer spent their morning helping the younger children create their masterpieces to take home with them. Desiree and Kyle are volunteers on the library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a group of teen volunteers who spend a great deal of their time making the library a better place for teen and youth visitors through participation in events, book suggestions and contributing to a monthly newsletter. The group meets every other week and plays an important role in library affairs and the community. They also get the first crack at the newest books coming into the library which makes Desiree, an avid reader who is now reading a few books concurrently, very happy.

The library offers a variety of programs for children and teens and recently added a second position in youth services. Dena Crowder joined the staff in September after volunteering at the library while her children were younger. He children are all in school now and what better place than to spend her time than the library’s youth department. “Kids just have wonderful imaginations,” she said. “And seeing their personalities and imaginations come out at these events is great. We have some really great kids in the community.”

January Youth Events
Lapsit for children 2 years of age and under - Thursdays 11 a.m.
These 15 – 20 minute programs consist of songs, rhymes and simple stories. Promote learning, playing and development of language and motor skills while meeting other parents with young children.

Toddler Time for children ages 2 – 3 – Tuesdays 11 a.m.
Thirty minutes of fun by sharing books and songs that support weekly themes. Toddler tailored crafts and movement activities are presented.

Preschool Story Time for ages 4 – 5 – Wednesdays 11 a.m.
Similar to Toddler Time but with activities and stories for 4 – 5 year old children. Weekly themes consist of Friends, Teddy Bears, Snowmen and Valentine’s.

Bookworms is open to kids in fourth – sixth grade and meets from 4 – 5:30 p.m. monthly.
The group reads the same book then meets monthly to discuss their reading. Upcoming meetings are Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 14, April 11 and May 9.

For a complete listing of upcoming library events, visit their website at www.chesateelibrary.org.

Originally published Jan. 4, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Women’s Club ships cakes to Marines in Iraq

2006-01-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

The holidays can be especially hard times for those serving in the military, thousands of miles away from home, missing the holiday gatherings and all the delicious holiday foods.

The Dawson County Women’s Club recognized that many soldiers become more homesick during the holidays and wanted to do something special for the men and women serving the country during such a special time of year. Women’s Club member Ann Bosworth came across a chocolate cake recipe dating back to the Vietnam War era that families could bake and send to their soldiers oversees.

An alternative to the fruit cake, which many soldiers in the past received in the mail from their families, the chocolate cake, if packaged correctly, can withstand the heat, pressure and elements associated with shipping oversees.

The Women’s Club printed and distributed the recipe to members and across the community encouraging the support of a Marine Company of over 200 soldiers stationed in Iraq.

Mickie Mathes, whose son Adam is 2nd in command of the company, heads the Women’s Club international affairs committee and is thrilled with the response from the entire community. “All together, we shipped over 100 cakes,” she said. “Adam said they were saving all the cakes to have a huge holiday dinner.”

Easy Chocolate Cake for Our Marines in Iraq
1 stick butter
16 oz. Hershey Chocolate syrup
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Disposable aluminum pan for shipping

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and chocolate syrup and vanilla. Blend in flour and baking powder. Pour into well greased 8” pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes or till toothpick shows done. Cool completely. The cake serves six Marines.

Baking tips: Bake in heavy 8” pan (not in the disposable aluminum pan) and put on top of a cookie sheet in case it spills over. After cake is cool, run knife around edges to loosen and dump whole cake on top of large sheet of saran wrap. Wrap well and place in the aluminum cake pan and wrap well once more. For added security, wrap again with bubble wrap. Be sure to include a note saying you are mailing on behalf of the Dawson County Women’s Club and mail to:
Company XO or 1st Lt. Adam Mathes
3rd. Bn. 1st MAR, K Co
UIC 40230
FPO AP 96426-0230

Mailing tips: The Women’s Club of Dawson County suggests mailing the cake in the UPS flat rate box (11x 8 ½ x 5 ½) for a set price of $7.70 and include customs forms.

Originally published Jan. 4, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Father goes to Iraq as an embedded journalist in Marine son’s company

2006-01-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Photo: Ben Mathes, with his wife Mickie, displays some of the required equipment he had to purchase prior to boarding the plane to Iraq where he will join his son’s Marine Company as a reporter.

Ben Mathes is getting a special, belated Christmas present this year. He gets to see his son, 1st Lt. Adam Mathes, a United States Marine stationed in Iraq, but Adam has not received orders that he is coming home. On the contrary, Ben, a Presbyterian minister and spiritual radio personality, is on his way to Iraq as an embedded reporter with Adam’s company.

“One day Adam just said he had a wild idea for me to come out and see him,” said Ben. An encouraging public speaker and missionary that has for the last 27 years traveled around the world ministering to the poor, sick and helpless in river basin countries through his non-profit organization Rivers of the World (ROW), Ben too thought it was a wild idea, but got to work immediately hoping to see if he could make his son’s wish come true.

Within a few hours, the broadcasting company that airs Ben’s daily talks, KLOVE online radio, was in touch with the Marine’s media command and soon Ben received the go ahead. He left Jan. 2 for three weeks in Iraq where he will broadcast daily back to KLOVE’s website via special satellites that will first be picked up in France then onto the U.S. “I’m pretty amazed we get to do this.”

Adam was also pretty surprised when Ben contacted him through MotoMail, a unique communication system the Marines use that enables parents of Marines to send electronic messages to their sons or daughters and have them hand delivered, usually within 48 hours rather the normal two to three week mailing period, saying he was on his way. “He couldn’t believe I pulled it off,” Ben said.

During Ben’s daily live broadcasts, KLOVE listeners and website viewers will be able to hear and see the Marines at work. “The broadcasts will focus on the positive and encouraging aspects of the war,” said Ben, who, prior to leaving for Iraq, had no formal military training. “I really haven’t got a clue what we’re going to experience,” he said.

Ben looks at this adventure like he looks at his international health development explorations with ROW. He has trekked through The Congo and jungles of Vietnam and sailed ships down rivers to be met with ammunition to help those in need. That’s his job, and he knows seeing his son Adam face similar danger will be difficult, but that is the career path Adam chose, too. “You have to take yourself out of these situations,” Ben said. “Look at it through a camera lens and know that you are there to do what you came to do. You may see the worst things in the world, but you can’t think that way. You’re there to do a job. You can’t think about what could happen.”

But Ben’s not worried about anything happening to him, and his wife Mickie learned long ago to stop worrying. “He’s in the best hands with Adam,” she said.

Ben added, “Between the Lord and Adam, I ought to be okay.”

Originally published Jan. 4, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

Make those New Year’s resolutions New Year’s goals

2006-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

Three days into January 2006. How are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you’re like most people, the first few days have gone fine. It’s the next few months that you’re really going to have to work on.

Research shows that about 75 percent of resolutions made on New Year’s Day are maintained past the first week. After two weeks, the number decreases to about 71 percent. After a month, 64 percent of resolutions are still going strong. But by the middle of the year, over half of the resolutions made in January are long forgotten.

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back to the ancient Babylonians, who followed a strong moral code that insisted what you did on the first day of the year had a profound effect on the coming year.

The Babylonians believed making amends to past troubles brought future prosperity. That is still a widespread idea when resolutions are made each New Year. Although the Babylonians focused their determinations on tasks such as returning borrowed farm equipment, today’s resolutions are more aligned toward ways to make ourselves better, often in health, but also in finance, career and family.

Losing ten pounds, vowing to stop smoking and exercising more are popular resolutions. Last year the top resolutions involved weight loss, said licensed counselor Kathy Howell. “This year scientific studies show people are more concerned with their finances,” she said.

Career and time management resolutions are also widespread. Finding a new job or getting promotions are often desired goals. Getting published and starting a new business are also popular objectives. Finding the time for personal interest, hobbies, continued education and family are other top desires of those making resolutions.

But making the resolutions is the easy part. Making them stick requires work, patience, stamina and a real desire to succeed.

Since resolutions are often thrown out after a short time and setting goals has such positive connotations, begin the New Year by altering the entire phrase to New Year’s Goals. Changing the entire mindset could be the initial push you need to fulfill your desires.

Next, take the time to write down your New Year’s Goals. “It’s been proven that when you write things down, eternal changes begin to take place,” said Howell. “And if you can see and understand the process, you can get through it better.”

One way to accomplish this is by using a journal, something you can keep with you throughout the year. Pen the goals you hope to accomplish over the coming year in steps.

Also include a time line for completing the tasks. Howell said the most common mistake made when creating a goal list is being unrealistic. “They don’t allow themselves the proper time frame,” she said. Wanting to lose 15 pounds is realistic, but losing 25 pounds in two months may not be. Howell also stresses the importance of including in your journal how you hope to achieve these goals. Consider how your life may change once you implement your desires and plan for those occurrences.

After a few weeks, look back on your progress. See how you’ve done, and if you’re happy, reward yourself. “Rewards are a great encouragement,” said Howell. Just don’t be upset if your goals have yet to be reached to you fullest potential. Life changing events are a commitment and take time. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can everyday and soon the progress will start to show.

Experts say that it takes 21 days for a new activity to become habit and six months to become part of a personality. After six months you may be so accustomed to the new you, it will be time to set new goals. Who said New Year’s resolutions have to be made in January?

Originally published Jan. 4, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Ga.

The etiquette of thank-you notes

2006-01-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

There are many excuses that explain why you didn’t have time to send those holiday greeting cards that are acceptable. However, if you are looking for acceptable excuses to justifying not sending thank-you notes after the holidays, there’s not a lot of sympathy.

Thank-you notes, while they may seem trivial and unimportant, are one of the few semblances that prove we live in a caring and compassionate society made up of people who want to make others happy. You may not have loved the violet sweater Aunt Edna sent to you for Christmas, but Aunt Edna did, otherwise she would not have gone through the trouble of sending it to you in the first place.

So take a few minutes and acknowledge the effort Aunt Edna put into your gift with a few short sentences expressing your gratitude.

The Emily Post Institute, an online guide to manners and etiquette, says all gifts should be acknowledged with a note, unless they are opened in the presence of the gift giver. A nice, sincere verbal thank you is then in order. Keep in mind, older generations were taught the importance of hand-written thank-you notes and will respect the gesture of a lovely hand-written note.

In the case of thank-you notes, ‘Hand-written’ is the key word. Although our lives today are filled with electronic gadgets and gizmos designed to make our lives easier and run more efficiently, thank you notes should still be hand-written and mailed in actual envelope, not virtual or electronic packaging. Hand-written notes can also reflect the mood the writer is in as well as lend an emotional touch that could not be achieved through email. Also, it’s important to write thank-you notes as soon as possible to show you really appreciated the gift or thought involved.

Make a list of all the people to whom you should send thank-you notes. Next to each name, jot down what the person gave you and give a brief description of the gift, such as warm, wool sweater instead of tacky, itchy sweater. Try to come up with positive adjectives to describe the gifts. When your list is complete, begin your thank-you notes.

No household should be without a nice assortment of stationary, which are perfect for thank-you notes, as well as letters and invitations.

Start the short letter by expressing your appreciation for the thoughtful gift. “Thank you so much for the beautiful photo album,” or “Thank you so much for the lovely, wool sweater.”
Next mention the gift’s usefulness. “It’s perfect for the collection of landscape photos I made while John and I vacationed in Nebraska,” or “I plan to wear it when we go skiing next week. It will be perfect in the brisk, Colorado Mountains.”

End by expressing hope to visit or talk soon. “I’m looking forward to seeing you at the party for Janie next month. I’ll be sure to bring the photo album with my landscape photography to show you. Thanks so much for such a thoughtful gift,” or “I hope you will be able to attend Bobby’s birthday party. We’re really looking forward to seeing you. He really loves the sweater you sent him also. Thanks so much for thinking about us.”

Originally published Jan. 4, 2006 by Dawson Community News, Dawsonville, Georgia.

New shop owners to lead downtown revitalization

2006-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

By Michele Hester

After numerous reports of businesses closing around the town square, Dawsonville is suddenly seeing a resurgence of activity within the city limits.

The revival began earlier this year when Brenda Lee, a real estate broker, and her sister Kay Harris discovered the old city hall building was vacant. Lee, a developer who has for a long time wanted to see the downtown area revived, spotted the building and instantly knew it would be perfect for her next investment property.

She and Harris had planned to open a shop, possibly to sell fine jewelry at discounted prices, along Ga. 400 in the county, but quickly changed their minds when the city hall building caught their eyes. “Brenda is really concerned with restoring downtown,” said Harris, who is learning from her sister about real estate investing. “There may not be as much traffic here as along 400, but it’s a perfect spot, and we’d love to see the town revived.”

The sisters plan to lead the way for others who would also like to see the area renewed. They put their plan into action in early November when they started working on refurbishing the old building, located next to the “Old Jail” which currently houses the Chamber of Commerce and visitor’s center. Just over two weeks ago, the team saw their first returns on the endeavor when Paper Moon, an eclectic shop combining old and new gifts and collectibles, opened in what is now being called the Dawsonville Emporium.

The unique shop offers a variety of new gifts, antiques and collectibles, as well as fine jewelry, fashion accessories, home décor and works of art by local crafters and artisans.

“We also create custom window treatments, faux painting and gift baskets,” said Harris, who has years of retail experience, having a similar shop back home in Missouri from where she moved just over a year ago. “The jewelry shop was our first idea, but Paper Moon allows us to do so much more.”

With antique jute boxes and windup Edison phonographs that actually work and restored, fully functional pocket watches dating back to the early 1900s alongside fashionable handbags, collectibles and custom furnishings, Paper Moon is sure to please almost everyone who walks through the door. “We’re working on getting more items in for men,” said Harris.

But the statistics say men buy while women shop, so the majority of the store is ideally for women, with decorative hats, fashion jewelry and home décor. Harris said once spring arrives, a courtyard for afternoon tea parties, special meetings and luncheons would be available, complete with water fountains and bistro type tables. “Dawsonville is such a neat place with a great history, and we’d like the town be as great as it can be,” said Harris. She said the Dawsonville Emporium is a good start.

Within the next few weeks, the Emporium will continue to expand when Summit North Georgia Realty, which is currently interviewing agents, opens its office, and again early in 2006 when a professional office service, offering mail, copy and fax services in addition to computers for public use, opens in the building.

Paper Moon at the Dawsonville Emporium is located in downtown Dawsonville at 66 Highway 53 west and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, call (706) 265-2421.

Originally published by Dawson Community News Jan. 4, 2006.