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Northeast Georgia Medical Center matches new class of fellows in cardiovascular disease

By
Staff Report
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Pictured, from left, are President of Georgia Heart Institute Dr. Habib Samady; Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program Director Dr. Ugochukwu Egolum; and Vice President of Medical Education for NGHS and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC Dr. John E. Delzell, Jr.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) will be joined by more physicians to care for patients with cardiovascular disease. Six new physicians have matched with NGMC and are joining the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program.

The total now of fellows in heart health is 18. This is the third class of Cardiovascular Disease fellows which continues to complement the commitment of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) to provide exceptional heart care for generations.

Georgia Heart Institute

“The new fellows will work side-by-side with physicians of distinction at the Georgia Heart Institute, as well as collaborate with our current fellows – all to provide excellent care for our patients,” said Ugochukwu Egolum, MD, program director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program.

“As Georgia’s most forward-thinking heart and vascular program, we leverage our exceptional accomplishments in clinical care, research, innovation, and education to train the future leaders of cardiovascular care for our region and beyond.”

To become a board-certified cardiologist, doctors must first complete a residency program in internal medicine before beginning a cardiology fellowship. The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program is a three-year program that offers six fellowship slots per year.

Competitive program

“The pool of applicants gets more competitive each year for this important fellowship,” said John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP vice president of Medical Education for NGHS and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC.

“Our elite faculty is committed to providing an intellectually stimulating environment for clinical learning that includes experiences beyond the clinic, such as research, education, and outreach.”

Cardiovascular disease fellows

NGMC will welcome these fellows on July 1:

  • Moneba Anees, MD – Emory University School of Medicine
  • Teja Chakrala, MD – University of Florida
  • Shivani Mehta, MD – Trinity Health Oakland/Wayne State University Program
  • Toochukwu Okafor, MD – Hartford Healthcare/St. Vincent’s Medical Center
  • Roshni Prakash MD – University of Florida
  • Courtney Wills, MD – University of North Carolina

NGMC is part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, which serves more than one million people across more than 19 counties. The health system has hospitals in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Demorest, and Dahlonega.

My Sister’s Place: restoring hope, one person at a time

By
Nora Almazan
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For 23 years, My Sister’s Place shelter has offered hope to those who need a place to heal and to be showered with God’s love. For those who are houseless, it offers much. Women and children find an avenue to regroup and transition into a healthy and safe lifestyle.

It is a place to restart, restore, and revive. Single women and mothers with children are given a chance to make a better life for their children and themselves.

History

Marty Owens founder of My Sister’s Place, opened it in 2000. Her dream was to open a nurturing home, transportation assistance, nutritious meals, and other necessities for single women and mothers with children. While there, they are provided the tools and resources to help them to be in a better position when they leave than when they arrive.

Executive Director Jennifer Bero and Development Coordinator Angie Brooks from My Sister’s Place.

Over the past year, they have housed 51 women and their children but, unfortunately, have had to turn away 624. The usual stay is 3 months to 6 months. It is solely a home for women and their children.

“I hadn’t been working but a few weeks when a single mom came dancing through the office, her arms lifted high, screaming, ‘I got the job! I did it! I got the job!’ It excited me to be a part of something so much bigger than I could ever imagine,” Angie Brooks, Development Coordinator, talked about the extraordinary feeling of working in this environment.

Christmas donations

The office is filled with wrapped gifts and the anticipation of Christmas morning is mounting. “So many people have helped to make this Christmas memorable for our residence,” Brooks added. Many people adopt one of the families at the residence to ensure each person receives gifts.

Falcon Football Player, Demone Harris, shopping with children at My Sister’s Place at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Gainesville. (Facebook)

Recently, Falcon Football player, Demone Harris, spent the day shopping with resident children at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Gainesville. “He took ten of our children shopping,” Brooks explained. “It meant the world to these families.”

On the day Brooks spoke with Now Habersham, the excitement encircled. It was a moving-out day for one of the residents and everyone was a buzz helping. Many donations had been made such as comforters, kitchen items, towels – things to make a home.

“So many of us do not realize but the server for your table at the restaurant or the receptionist at your dentist’s office could easily be living in her car with several children, trying to save, trying to find a better life,” Brooks commented.

Volunteers

There is always a need for volunteers. Luane Thomson is the Volunteer Coordinator. “We need help answering the phone, working in the Resale Boutique, and so many other ways,” Brooks informed. “Just sorting through all the donations for the Boutique or essentials for a new home or wrapping Christmas gifts can be overwhelming.”

Executive Director, Jennifer Bero, has been with My Sister’s Place for over two years. Under her guidance, the house currently has 13 beds and can accommodate 13 to 17 women and children.

Fundraiser

The Annual Gala and Silent Auction is January 23, 2024, at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, Georgia. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. It is an evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate the work being done by My Sister’s Place to restore those who find themselves homeless.

If you are interested in attending and helping this incredible organization, visit the website at my-sisters-place.org/events

The support of the community helps to create sanctuary and healing for women and children, providing not just shelter but also educational and employment support for their families.

Location

My Sister’s Place of Gainesville, Inc. is located at 2480 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Unit 4
Gainesville, GA  30501. To contact the office, please call 479-531-0160 or
770-532-5111 x 103. You can also email Brooks at [email protected].

Christmas morning fire leaves Hall County family homeless

By
Joy Purcell
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A two-story residence burns before dawn Christmas morning in the Lamplighter Cove Road area southwest of Gainesville, Georgia. (Hall County Fire Rescue photo)

An early morning fire on Christmas morning destroyed a Hall County home, leaving two adults and a child homeless.

Around 2 a.m. Monday, Dec. 25, Hall County Fire Rescue responded to the 3500 block of Lamplighter Cove Road for reports of a residential fire. Firefighters arrived to find the two-story home fully engulfed in flames.

The family safely exited the home before firefighters arrived. Crews used hand lines and aerial operations to extinguish the flames.

Fire personnel contacted the American Red Cross to assist the displaced family. The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

This is the second family to be burned out of their home over this Christmas holiday weekend.

On Saturday, Dec. 23, one person was airlifted to the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta after the single-wide mobile home they were in went up in flames.

Take Christmas to 2024

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

I don’t know about you, but there is a bit of dread as we head to 2024. Since 2020, I feel we have remained in a 48-month-long election cycle.  To say I am tired of political rancor and turbulence is quite an understatement. Vying for power is quite ugly and brings out the worst in most people. Then often, the “worst” filters down to the rest of us becoming followers of bad behavior.

Congressmen are leaving Congress; people are electing not to vote or to care. “I give up!” they say instead of “Let me try giving and doing more to help!” The bad behavior is winning and creating more bullies.

Some people applaud hate-filled rants and crave retribution. “Let’s punish the world!” becomes a mantra instead of “Let’s encourage the world by our example!”

Now, do you, too, dread 2024?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  God didn’t give up or not care, did he? He sent his son to teach us how kindness, humility, and love bring us closer to Him.  Christ taught us not to be afraid of death and to honor His Father in all that we do. And he didn’t mean just on Christmas or Easter or on any given Sunday.

I am constantly amazed at how folks can dismiss the teachings Christ brought to us when involves politics.  It is as if our chosen candidates or political party preferences come before the words of God. How does it become the “right” way in our minds when it is clearly the opposite of what we were taught? How do we dismiss godliness when God is still alive and well in our midst?

How does America win when we accept rude, intimidating, self-righteous behavior? Maybe God needs to win in 2024. And the only way He can is by us being godlier every day in all aspects of our lives.

Christ was born in a lowly stable to show us that a king can rise from humble beginnings.  Jesus died as a villain to some, but again he rose from the trials and tribulations of the hate placed upon him. Folks just couldn’t see who He was through their political blindness and allegiance to their leaders. So, what has changed in 2023 years?

Politics is not the answer to our problems, nor is a congressperson or a president. The answer to our various problems is to find solutions with respectful compromise and better attitudes among our leaders as well as ourselves. When we put our Savior in the middle of the conversation, we become stewards of His words. And those who care must never give up or give in. Christ sure didn’t, even as he suffered all the slings and arrows thrown at Him. He merely uttered, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  They didn’t, but we do now.

We know better than those who tormented Christ below the cross. The difference is that we know Christ lived on after his death. He walked out of a tomb and showed the world the scars of living, yet his spirit remained and is with us now. If only we believe that to be true.

That’s how we revive hope and dignity in 2024. That is how we will be the light of the world and help the generations that follow us. Instead of using the adage, “I am behaving badly because I want to create a better America for my children!”  why not say instead, “I want my behavior to reflect the words of my savior and then America will be a better place for my children.”

The glory God showed to us on that Christmas night long ago should never become secondary to anything we do or are.  If you think about it, there has been no greater leader than the child born in the stable. There has never been a more significant influence on Earth than Christ. And he wasn’t elected by the people but instead, he was chosen by God to lead the people home.

Let’s not forget as we head into 2024 to take Christmas with us each day, to honor the Savior through our actions, and to remember that power lies only in the beautiful hands of God.

_____

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.

The Meaning of Christmas

By
Nora Almazan
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Habersham EMC displays this life-sized nativity outside its Clarkesville headquarters each year, reminding passersby of the true meaning of Christmas.(NowHabersham.com)

She was my mother’s mother,  and I loved her more than I had words to express. The way she carefully cut a long string of paper dolls out of newspaper; always had black licorice in a red jar on her kitchen counter; played “skip, skip, skip to my lou” on the piano; and loved Jesus with every ounce of her entire body.

I called her Mama Dolly. Everyone did. She was a writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, a kindergarten teacher, and a florist, and when she told stories, everyone listened. Even now as I type these words, I hear her voice somewhere deep within. Mama Dolly knew how to just be. Just be calm. Just be at peace. Just live the way one should live when Jesus is the center of her world.

Her son was born on Christmas Day in 1930. Christmas always had a unique feel to it for her. This is probably my favorite story which she often told me about the true meaning of Christmas…

The Truth Behind Christmas

People often search for the meaning of Christmas – something beyond the birthday – something deep inside that makes them feel a part of the story. Is it through songs that we find the warmth we long to have? Is it gifts – giving or receiving that should bring joy? Candles? Maybe it’s Christmas cookies and pies? Dinners? Trees? Lights? Parties? Santa? Maybe, just maybe, it is something so much more…

The shepherds knew the true meaning.

Luke 2:8-12, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

This message came to a group of shepherds watching over sheep. We don’t grasp the significance, but shepherds were considered lowly people. They were dirty and smelly because they lived outside for long periods. Historically, a shepherd would not be considered a reliable witness to anyone. Uneducated, poor, disrespected, of little value or stature in society – yet, they were chosen by God to be the first to hear of the birth of Jesus – the King of kings, the Lord of lords. The shepherds were special and significant to the story because they were the keepers of the sacrificial lambs. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had been born.  The shepherds knew the meaning of Christmas – it is for everyone. 

The animals knew the true meaning

The donkey that transported pregnant Mary to Bethlehem curled up under the star as the human mother brought the Savior into the world. There could have been an ox, a cow, sheep who arrived with the shepherds. We don’t know exactly how many animals were there, but they shared their stable with the One who came to deliver us – to save us – to love us.  The animals knew the meaning of Christmas – it is to share what is given to you. 

Mary and Joseph knew the true meaning

Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

The enormity of the weight Mary carried – unmarried, pregnant. The law allowed Joseph to have her stoned to death. Her parents, Joseph’s parents – who would believe such a story? Yet, she chose to serve the Lord. She confidently said, “Whatever you have for me Lord, I will do. No matter the cost. I will do it.”

And Joseph, the man to whom she was engaged to be married, loved her – believed her – accepted her – faithfully walked beside her and protected her.

Matthew 1:20-25, “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

As they held the son of God, born to Mary, in a stable, under a star, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to be willing to live the plan God has for you. 

The Wisemen knew the true meaning

Travelers, stargazers, students of the cosmos… Matthew 2:9-11, “…and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

These men – 3 of them – followed a star they knew the meaning behind. They brought Him treasures because He was a King. And even when they found Him in a dirty manger, it didn’t change their view of Who He was. Imagine that. They rejoiced with great joy because they knew, that they knew, that they knew Who He was. The Wisemen knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is believing no matter what. 

The Angels knew the true meaning

Luke 2:13, “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the Heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”

I can imagine the moment God signaled to the Angels it was time. The skies were alive for He was coming – the plan – the purpose – all at that moment revealed. The sounds of their voices resonating through the night sky – “Glory to God in the highest. Praise His Holy Name” For Jesus came to save us from the enemy of our soul. He came to give us hope, peace, and eternity. Hear the angels’ voices, shouting their praises – and as the sky filled with angels, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to glorify God. 

Merry Christmas to all our Now Habersham readers. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts today and stay with you throughout the coming year.

NGCF awards $429K in grants to boost North Georgia nonprofits

By
Staff Report
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NGCF executives and board members join representatives of the 47 nonprofits the organization funded this year.

The North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) played Santa Claus a little early this year. The organization distributed $429,922 in grants to 47 nonprofits to fund programs and services benefiting North Georgians.

During its latest grant cycle, NGCF awarded amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000 to support work in the areas of health, human services, education, and community improvement. Generous contributions from donors funded the grants.

“We [NGCF] have been running this program for 24 years. The first year, we awarded $10,000; so, to see where we are now is incredible,” said Margaux Dolenc, a Senior Director at the Foundation.

The Community Grants, combined with the $107,000 in Opportunity Grants NGCF awarded earlier this year, amount to more than a half-million dollars in grants the foundation has distributed this year.

NGCF recently held a celebration recognizing this year’s recipients and the counties they serve. They include:

  • Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter – Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Bald Ridge Lodge Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Hall
  • BMore Learning – Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Inc. – Forsyth, Habersham, Hall
  • CASA Of Forsyth County, Inc. – Forsyth
  • Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy – Forsyth
  • Edmondson Telford Center for Children – Dawson, Hall
  • Enotah CASA, Inc. – Lumpkin, Towns, Union, White
  • Family Promise of Forsyth County – Dawson, Forsyth
  • First Impressions Clothing Ministry, Inc. – Habersham, Rabun, Stephens
  • Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, White
  • Forsyth County Public Library – Forsyth
  • Gateway Domestic Violence Center – Hall
  • Good News at Noon – Hall
  • Good News Clinics – Hall
  • Hall-Dawson CASA Program, Inc. – Dawson, Hall
  • Hispanic Alliance GA – Banks, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin
  • Humane Society of Northeast Georgia – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Joshua’s Voice, Inc. – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, White
  • Junior Achievement of Georgia, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin
  • Kids Cubed, dba Waymark Banks – Dawson, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, Pickens, White
  • Mentor Me North Georgia, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Hall
  • My Sister’s Place – Banks, Forsyth, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Stephens, White
  • Myers Elementary School / Hall County Board of Education – Hall
  • Path United – Hall
  • Rape Response, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, White
  • Richard’s Kids, Inc. – Rabun
  • Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, Inc. – Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Sisu of Georgia Inc. – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, White
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Michael Conference – Gainesville Hall
  • St Luke’s St Vincent de Paul Conference – Lumpkin
  • Teacher Reuse Exchange – Dawson, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens
  • The Craddock Center for Child and Family Enrichment – Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Towns, Union

Anyone interested in making a difference in North Georgia by supporting nonprofit organizations may donate to the NGCF Community Fund. For more information, contact the Foundation at (770) 535-7880 or visit www.ngcf.org.

When Love Came Down

By
Now Habersham
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The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Iron Claw

By
Justin Hall
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“The Iron Claw” tackles a sports genre that is criminally underrated and a story that is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking. The world of professional wrestling is a very polarizing sport to portray on screen. When it’s done right, we get great films like Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” with Mickey Rourke, as well as the insightful documentary “Beyond the Mat.” “The Iron Claw” can take its rightful place with those two efforts.

Based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, writer/director Sean Durkin crafts a film that has as much to say about the nature of family as it does about taking bumps in the ring.

A beefed-up Zac Efron stars as Kevin von Erich who has a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler. The family is located in Dallas, Texas, and Kevin is joined by his three brothers: Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons). We learn of a fourth brother Jack Jr. who died at five years old.

Kevin believes that there is a von Erich family curse after the family changed their names instead of keeping their namesake Adkisson. Kevin’s feelings about being in the wrestling industry are further complicated when he sees his father Fritz (Holt McCallany) is pushing the brothers too hard, especially Mike, who has zero ambitions of embracing the squared circle.

Kevin is able to find solace once he starts dating a girl named Pam (Lily James). Their relationship is a sweet and nuanced diversion from the in-ring action and soon they’re married and want to start a family. Kevin’s other feminine presence in his life is his mother, Doris (Maura Tierney). He tries to confide in her about their father’s treatment, but she shrugs it off by telling him, “Baby, that’s what your brothers are for.”

The movie wonderfully recreates the aura of the ’70s and ’80s in the world of wrestling in Dallas and we get to see the brothers compete in some highly exuberant matches against the likes of Bruiser Brody and the Fabulous Freebirds. Fans of the era will appreciate the vibes and attention to detail in making the atmosphere and sound of professional wrestling seem authentic.

However, when the movie takes its dark turn, it’s completely unapologetic about the fates of David, who died of a ruptured intestine, Mike, who overdoses on pills after being forced to compete, and Kerry, who suffers a motorcycle accident that leaves his foot amputated and then his subsequent suicide. These sequences don’t pull any punches about the harshness of this industry and the expectations placed on the brothers to not only realize their father’s dream but also to find a sense of peace and lives of their own.

Durkin’s treatment is one that is faithful to showcasing the era and the personalities involved, but even more so, “The Iron Claw” shows a family’s willingness to honor a tradition of excellence, however jaded and misguided those attempts may be.

Zac Efron, in particular, is the centerpiece of the film as a man who is portrayed as someone who is fierce in the ring but sensitive and soulful outside of it. His physical transformation is unquestionably impressive, but thankfully it’s a performance that is anchored by expressions and insights that are totally convincing and keep us invested throughout. Even though we know the tragic outcomes, we are empathetic to Kevin as he sorts his way in and out of the wrestling world and wants to do and be a better person. It’s a career highlight.

“The Iron Claw” may not convert those who view wrestling as a joke or fake, but it encapsulates a family dynamic that is as intense and dramatically engaging as any professional wrestling match.

This movie earns the 1-2-3 pin as one of the year’s best films.

Grade: A

(Rated R for language, suicide, some sexuality and drug use.)

Alvin Hatcher

By
Now Habersham
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Alvin Hatcher, age 77, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, with his family by his side.

Mr. Hatcher was born March 30, 1946, in Gainesville to the late Ransom Elder & Cassie Bell Underwood Hatcher. He lived his entire life in Hall County, having retired from the City of Gainesville. After retirement, he owned & operated his own construction business called Al’s Construction Company. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Brunice, Eunice, Iris, Cathy & Elaine; brothers, Paul, Frankie, Ricky & Larry; mother-in-law & father-in-law, John & Geraldine Sailers; sister-in-law, Sandra Caruana; brother-in-law, Johnny Sailers.

Left to cherish sweet memories, wife, Brenda; daughter, Pam; grandson, Matthew; brother, Dr. James B. (Betty) Hatcher; sister-in-law, Barbara; son-in-law, Joel; sister-in-law, Gail (Randy) White; a number of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the funeral home. Funeral services honoring Alvin will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Ward’s Chapel, with Dr. James B. Hatcher officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest.

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Alvin Hatcher.

Edna Katherine Monroe Dailey

By
Now Habersham
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Edna Katherine Monroe Dailey, age 87, of Cornelia, Georgia, went to be with her husband on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Mrs. Dailey was born on December 4, 1936, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Charles Henry Monroe, Sr. and Lois Winifred Coley Monroe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Lawrence Wendell Dailey, Sr.; brothers, Charles Henry Monroe, Jr.; William Monroe, Joseph Monroe, and John Monroe; and great-grandson, Peyton Davis.

Edna dedicated her life to raising a beautiful family as a devoted stay-at-home mom. She poured her heart into nurturing and guiding her six children, instilling in them values of love, compassion, and resilience. Edna was not only a dedicated mother but a woman of many talents and passions. An avid reader, cross-stitcher, and seamstress, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her hands crafted warmth and beauty, leaving behind a legacy of intricate stitches and handmade creations that will be treasured by her family for generations to come.

Her greatest joy, however, was found in the laughter and joy of her grandchildren, who affectionately knew her by various endearing names— “Grandma,” “Grandmama,” “Gigi,” and “Grandmum.” Edna went above and beyond to create lasting memories for her grandchildren, especially during holidays and the cherished “Grandparents Party.” Her dedication to family events was a testament to her unwavering love and commitment. Edna was a woman of faith, a devoted member of the Cornelia United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher for First and Second Grade Children for several years. Her spiritual journey was marked by compassion, kindness, and a deep connection to her faith.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Wendell and Andrea Dailey, of Clarkesville; Karen Waller, of Cornelia; Felicia Cooper, of Conyers; Kathryn and Stan Partin, of Griffin; Keith and Kimberli Dailey, of Alto; Charles Dailey, of Cornelia; Jimmy Waller, of Cornelia; brothers, Jimmy Monroe, of Savannah; Robert Monroe, of Texas; sister, Judy Monroe Jones, of Virginia; fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the funeral home prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Raiders, Lady Raiders basketball teams split results at White County

By
Zack Myers
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Habersham Central High School senior Brannon Gaines (4) pulls off a circus shot and draws a foul late in the fourth quarter in a 59-49 win over White County in Cleveland on Dec. 22, 2023. (Zack Myers/NowHabersham.com)

Habersham Central High School’s basketball teams left Cleveland with a split decision Friday night as the boys team won by 10 following a lopsided loss for the girls.

BOYS: HABERSHAM CENTRAL 59, WHITE COUNTY 49

It wasn’t the prettiest win, especially for coach Tommy Yancey, but it was another tally in the win column for the Raiders (8-2).

HCHS came out of the halftime break to put up 24 points in the third quarter after scoring 25 in the first two quarters combined.

“I thought we played well at times. I just don’t think we came out with any kind of energy,” Yancey said. “We didn’t play consistently with any sense of urgency all night. That falls on me, it’s my fault. I’ve got to make sure they’re more engaged in the game.

“We’re lucky to get out of here with a win, the way we played tonight.”

The free throw line was beneficial for the Raiders in the final period, hitting 6-of-11 attempts from the stripe, as the Warriors (3-10) were in foul trouble late.

Juniors Josiah McCurry and Justus Gober led HCHS with 13 points each. Sophomore Judge Wilbanks tacked on 12 and senior Brannon Gaines had 11.

Senior Noah Futch was the only White County player in double-digits. He finished with 10.

The Raiders will play a handful of games over the Christmas and New Year’s break before coming back home on Jan. 3 to play Shiloh High in a region game.

Between Friday night and Jan. 3, the mission is clear from Yancey.

“We’ve got to play better. Got to play better. Have to play better. Everywhere. We’ve got to play better.”

GIRLS: WHITE COUNTY 77, HABERSHAM CENTRAL 33

The Lady Raiders (2-7) were in for a tough night against the hot-handed Lady Warriors (12-1).

White County forced turnovers and turned those into points most of the night. They also owned the rebounding game throughout the contest.

“They’re a good basketball team and they’re a really good shooting team,” said HCHS Head Coach Bill Bradley.

Junior Emma Lightsey netted 33 points on the night while hitting seven 3-pointers for the Lady Warriors. Senior Zoe Burkett followed with 24, including six 3-pointers. 

The two combined to hit all but one of the shots sunk from beyond the arc for White County.

For the Lady Raiders, senior Kyia Barrett led the way with 18 points.

After getting a technical foul late in the game, Bradley joked that he had 33-percent of the team’s fouls in the contest. He said that comes down to competing on the floor.

“We just played four quarters of basketball and my goal before the game was to go compete,” Bradley said. “My dad, who coached 50 years of basketball, always told me, ‘If you play four quarters of basketball, you should average 2.7 fouls per game,’ because you’re going to play. If you’re competing, that’s why they give you five, right?

“I’ve got kids in that dressing room that played four quarters of basketball and didn’t commit a foul,” he continued. “We played a fourth quarter of basketball down 40-something points and did not commit a foul in the fourth quarter. We played the second quarter down 20 points, did not commit a foul.”

The Lady Raiders committed just one foul in the first half, which came on the Lady Warriors’ first points of the game. Bradley said that was a bad foul to give because it wasn’t competing for the ball.

Bradley said he thinks his team can figure a few things out over the next week or so before coming back to begin region play after the new year begins.

The varsity girls are scheduled to tip off against Shiloh at 6 p.m., with the varsity boys to follow, on Jan. 3 in Mt. Airy.

Jimmy Echols

By
Now Habersham
-

Jimmy A. Echols, age 87, of Alto, Georgia, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Mr. Echols was born on December 18, 1936, in Hall County, Georgia, to the late George Duncan and Vernie Smith Echols. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Valvoreth Morrison Echols.

Mr. Echols was a very active member and Deacon of Enon Baptist Church for over 65 years. He, along with his wife, Valvoreth, founded Jaemor Farms in 1981, where he was very passionate about serving the community day in and day out for over 40 years. Jimmy was proud of his family, his farm, and his faith in Jesus and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known as “Pop” to his grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Bruce Jackson, of Alto; son, Tim Echols, of Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Jarl and Beth Echols, of Alto; Judah and Kelly Echols, of Alto; Jonathan and Denise Echols, of Gillsville; sister and brother-in-law, Janice Echols Dale and Bob, of Alto; sister, JoAnn Echols Brock, of Lula; twenty grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren with the fortieth great-grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Enon Baptist Church.

Mr. Echols will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the church for those who wish to pay their respect outside of the visiting hours with family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Enon Baptist Church, with Rev. Leon Miller and Rev. Jeff Worley officiating. officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Ricky Elrod officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

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