Vernon Edward “Buddy” Martin, age 82, of Atlanta, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015.
Vernon Edward “Buddy” Martin
HCHS senior critically injured in wreck
A Habersham Central High School senior remains in the hospital after being critically injured in an automobile accident.
18-year old Taylor Brown was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville following the wreck.
The accident happened around 3:30pm Tuesday.
According to State Troopers Brown was traveling south on Highway 365 near the Old Cleveland Road overpass when she suddenly left the roadway and collided with a bridge support.
Brown is the second HCHS senior to be critically injured in a wreck this school year. On October 20, 2014, 18-year old Lindsey Brown (no known relation) was injured when her pick-up left the road while traveling north on Highway 365 near Belton Bridge Road in Hall County. She spent one month in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Clarkesville fire clean-up underway
Video of the fire that swept through downtown Clarkesville on March 5, 2014. This video was captured by Clarkesville resident Mark Watson.
Today marks the end of the first week of clean up in downtown Clarkesville. Crews are clearing out the debris from inside the burned out historic buildings on the east side of the Square.
The buildings burned in a fire on March 5, 2014.
The City of Clarkesville contracted with the local construction firm of Blake Rainwater and Associates to clean up and shore up the buildings.
Parking downtown is at a premium as a dumpster now fills many of the spaces on the east side of town. Work is expected to continue through the end of March; the contractor has sixty days to complete the project.
Click photos to enlarge
Reception for Japanese artist Jan. 22
Demorest, GA – The Piedmont College Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art will host a reception for Ohi Toshio, one of the Japanese ceramics artists whose work is featured in a current show at the Demorest museum.
The reception and gallery talk by Ohi will be held from 5–7 p.m., Jan. 22. The event is free and everyone is invited.
The world-traveling exhibit of Japanese studio ceramics is ending a two-month stay at the museum and will be on display through Jan. 31. The museum is located at 567 Georgia Street, Demorest, and hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact MSMA director Daniel White at 706-894-4201.
Ohi Toshio inherited an artistic tradition that dates back to 1666, when the first Ohi potter began crafting ceramic works for the tea ceremony. Ohi is the eleventh generation of this historic lineage. A native of Kanazawa, he earned a master’s degree in fine art from Boston University and has taught and lectured around the world.
The show is titled “Japanese Pottery: The Rising Generations from Traditional Japanese Kilns” and features 70 pieces from the collection of the Japan Foundation, representing more than 30 of the top ceramic artists of Japan.
Ruth Marchbanks
Ruth Marchbanks, age 89, of Clarkesville, Georgia formerly of Lula, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015 following an extended illness.
Guy Joseph Payne
Guy Joseph Payne, age 99, of Homer, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015.
HB 1 dies; fight for Ava continues
It was a disappointment. A letdown. At first, it felt like a betrayal. On the eve of the current legislative session Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) announced Peake’s signature bill HB 1, which would have legalized medical cannabis oil in Georgia, was effectively dead.
That was then. This is now.
After a week of contemplating the governor’s stand – he will offer immunity from prosecution to those who bring cannabis oil from other state’s into Georgia but will not support growing it and processing it here – Sarabeth Fowler of Clarkesville says she feels a little differently now. “We’ll just continue to educate and seek support for the bill next year.”
Fowler and her 8-year old daughter Ava have spent much of the past year on the front lines of the fight to legalize cannabis oil in Georgia. Ava suffers from seizures and, after having exhausted most of her medical options, the oil now represents her best hope. Fighting for Ava
While Gov. Deal is not yet willing to fully commit on the issue, a majority of Georgians say they support it. A recent poll by the Atlanta Journal Constitution shows 84% of registered voters in Georgia support the legalization of cannabis oil.
So what does this all mean for the Fowlers? “For me and Ava it will mean that we will have to seek the oil out of state,” Fowler says. That’s a tough call for someone like Fowler who’s a self-avowed ‘rule follower.’ Federal law prohibits the interstate transport of marijuana-based medicines such as cannabis oil, so, although patients may be allowed to use it in Georgia, they still have to find a way to get it here. “There is a company out of Colorado that is looking at shipping the oil soon to state’s that have immunity,” Fowler says, “So, since Deal is saying he’s going to sign an immunity only bill that would mean that, if that company does start shipping, we will receive it that way.” If not, their only other option is to, “go out of state to get it and bring it back home ourselves.”
Rep. Peake offered a bill similar to HB 1 in the House last year. The Senate tied its passage to a measure requiring insurance companies to cover autism and the political wrangling killed both bills on the last day of the session.
Despite this latest setback, Peake remains optimistic and defiant, “I’m at the point in my life, and so passionate and convinced that this works for these families that maybe it’s time for a little civil disobedience,” Peake publicly stated. “Maybe it’s time for someone to push the envelope by breaking the law, federal law and bringing the oil back here to Georgia.”
The hope is that families such as the Fowlers will not have to go to such extremes.
Peake says he and his supporters are considering all of their options.
“We’re working on several options: One is shipping, and we’re working very diligently, and hopefully will have an announcement very soon about that; another one is access from another state; another option is asking the governor to ask for an exemption from the DEA.”
“I have trust and faith that he’ll get it figured out for us,” Fowler says.
She admits, “The politics can be very frustrating but there is a part of me that appreciates it. There are so many of us who have strong opinions one way or another, so, thank goodness there are people out there who can study it and listen to many different sides. It’s got to be hard.”
Fowler says she would rather have the legislation written correctly than to have it rushed through and get tied up in the courts. “Legal troubles could have delayed it for years,” she says. “Instead,” she says with hope and resolve in her voice, “we’ll just keep on fighting and keep on educating the public and be much more prepared to get this done next year.”
Segers receives NGTC’s Rick Perkins Award
Pamela Segers (left) receives her plaque from NGTC President Dr. Gail Thaxton.
North Georgia Technical College’s Criminal Justice Program coordinator and instructor Pamela Segers is this year’s recipient of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education. She was selected from among a group of nominees chosen by NGTC faculty and staff.
Ms. Segers, a resident of Clarkesville, joined the family of North Georgia Technical College in 2010. She serves as Instructor and Program Coordinator for the Criminal Justice program. With a career that includes law enforcement and corporate security, Ms. Segers often shares her invaluable expertise in staff development sessions for faculty and staff.
Pamela received a plaque and was presented with an award made possible by donations from the Blairsville Rotary and the Clarkesville Kiwanis organizations. On hand to make the presentation were Blairsville Rotarian Joseph Goble and Clarkesville Kiwanis representative Barbara Kesler.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this faculty. There is no doubt that the students are why we do this. They are an inspiration to us every day,” Pam stated as she received her award.
“Pamela exemplifies the outstanding reputation our instructors have achieved here at North Georgia Tech,” said NGTC President Dr. Gail Thaxton. “She is an inspiration to her students, and she will represent her college and her faculty well in the coming competitions. We’re all very proud of Pam.”
Others instructors nominated this year include: Jason Smith, Welding Instructor; Charles Hill, Emergency Medical Services Instructor and Program Director; Gail Berry, Medical Assisting Instructor and Program Director on the Blairsville Campus; Stacie Bohannon, Medical Assisting Instructor and Program Director on the Clarkesville Campus; Allyson Smith, English Instructor on the Clarkesville Campus; and Dorothy Hansen, English Instructor on the Blairsville Campus.
“We are proud of each of these instructors and the excellence in teaching that they represent,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathie Ivester. “The commitment and passion our instructors have for their students is amazing; they all exemplify an outstanding level of professionalism and enthusiasm for technical education.”
Segers will represent NGTC at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education competition in the spring.
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991, and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the award was renamed in honor and memory of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence prior to his untimely death.
For more information on programs of study at North Georgia Technical College, visit www.northgatech.edu or contact 706-754-7700.
Anderson receives Service Above Self Award
Baldwin Elementary School computer lab and PE parapro Amanda Anderson is this month’s recipient of the Habersham County School System’s Service Above Self Award. The award is sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club and recognizes classified school employees who go “above and beyond” their job responsibilities. In nominating Anderson, Alexandria Noggle wrote:
“Amanda is such a team player and wants to be as supportive as possible for teachers, students, and staff. Her official job is paraprofessional, but we regard her as a TEACHER in the computer lab during specials classes. The rest of the time, between classes, and after school she runs progress and data reports for every teacher, is the contact person between teachers and Pearson, has been involved in research to support the implementation of SuccessMaker, and is the tech support person when either lab has a problem.
She is generally ALWAYS available. You can text her questions, e-mail her, grab her in the hall, whatever. She is here at 7:30 and will stay as long as needed often volunteering to help with fundraisers, PTO, Parent Involvement, as well as getting donations, arranging deliveries or going to pick up supplies. She’s a “go-to” person when we need something.
Not only does Amanda volunteer for so many “extra” tasks that benefit the school after hours, she is a huge contributor within her lab. She comes in during preplanning to decorate and set up goals and expectations for the students. Each year she has changed the theme. This year’s theme is space, and she has created and cut out a space ship for EVERY student in our school.
She stores students personal ear buds for both labs, keeps the room clean by wiping down computers with Lysol and vacuuming as needed. She’ll teach a mini-lesson if students are consistently struggling on one skill.
She looks at the student records each week and awards students for numerous goals throughout the week. She rewards students with special treats as they meet and exceed expectations as well as giving them certificates when they reach specific goals.
She’s the teacher that is not paid to be a teacher.
Outside of computer lab, she is the back-up PE teacher, classroom monitor when a teacher has an emergency, she is the “deliverer” of parents during special afterschool events, she LEAD a Parent Involvement night! This year and every year she has “adopted” a child for the Christmas season and spends generously on a paraprofessional salary.
We are so grateful to have her and so honored that she will go above and beyond what is expected of her. Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t feel appreciated for all that she does, and WE want her to know that she is RESPECTED, LOVED, and VALUED at our school.”
It’s people such as Anderson who, through their service and dedication, remind us of just how many hard-working, conscientious and compassionate employees we have working in our local school system. Thank you, Amanda Anderson, for reminding us of that and for supporting our students and educators through your valuable work.
You are making a positive difference in our schools and in our community. We thank you and congratulate you on a job well done!
Schildbach receives Extra Mile Award
Hazel Grove Elementary School kindergarten teacher Debbie Schildbach is the recipient of this month’s Extra Mile Award from the Habersham County School System. The award recognizes certified employees who go “above and beyond” their job responsibilities. In her nomination letter, Schildbach’s principal Misty Turpin says the 37-year veteran educator does just that:
“Debbie Schildbach goes the extra mile in so many ways that it is difficult to narrow down. She brings daily enthusiasm, passion and energy to ensure every student has the same opportunities to learn. This past summer, Ms. Schildbach coordinated with parents and teachers to open the library so that students could continue to check out books. She also met with a family of a student with special needs during the summer in order to develop a relationship with the child and help her become familiar with school routines.
Ms. Schildbach is constantly looking for creative and exciting ways to motivate students and her classroom is always brimming with active learning. She often comes to school on Friday with her dog, Socks, who listens to children read. Ms. Schildbach does not allow the word “can’t” to be used in her classroom. She believes in each and every student and, in return, they believe in themselves and consistently meet or exceed grade level performance standards.
Last year, a parent brought her child to school late and said her child was not feeling well but she could not get her to stop crying about missing her teacher. Ms. Schildbach met the child in the hallway with a greeting, smile and hug and this mother said, ‘Tell her thank you for caring for my child as if she were her own, my child loves her teacher.’
This is Ms. Schildbach’s 37th year as a classroom teacher, with many of those years spent teaching Kindergarten. She exemplifies devotion to teaching and is very deserving of the Extra Mile Award.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Thank you, Debbie Schildbach, for your nearly four decades of devotion to Habersham County’s school children. Thank you for going the extra mile to insure that every child you teach has a chance to dream, believe and achieve. Their future is your legacy.
Congratulations on a career well spent, a job well done and an award well-deserved!
Vera Tanksley Ansley
Vera Tanksley Ansley, age 78, of Reidsville, N.C. went to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Annie Penn Hospital.
Clarkesville DQ closed for renovation
Out with the old, in with the new. That’s the recurring theme of Dairy Queen these days. The popular fast food chain in Habersham is undergoing yet another major store remodeling. The Clarkesville DQ closed this week just weeks after the newly renovated DQ in Cornelia reopened its doors.
