Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s service award recipients are pictured (left to right): Steve Gabrels, Chris Martin, Gail Welborn, Joe Morrison, Angie Pitts, Rob Rowland, Rito Aguilar, Tim Smith, Janet Wilbanks, Portia Hill, George Fry, Toni Crane, Jason Rothell, Carolyn Helton, Deborah Whelchel, Jeff Dorsey. Not pictured: Chris Chapman, Jeff Ferguson, Wanda Moody, Matt Ward
Experience leads Lions basketball
Demorest, GA – Despite 14 of the Lions 17 players being underclassmen, the Piedmont College Men’s Basketball team enters the 2014-15 season with a surprising amount of experience. All five starters from the end of last season return to the hardwood including the three leading scorers from the 2013-14 campaign.
Head Coach Greg Neeley returns for his second season at the helm of the Lions and felt that the beginning to his career at Piedmont was a strong start. “We set the tone for what we are going to be about as a program,” Neeley stated. “I’m really proud of how we set our foundation and now that those things are in place I think we can really focus on being as good as we can be on the basketball side.”
Those five returning starters are Chase England, Jordyn Propst, Brian Edwards, Jessie Jenkins and Peyton Luken with all but Jenkins entering their sophomore season at PC. Though they might still be considered underclassmen, Neeley says they are serving as leaders on this team.
“We can tell an added sense of maturity this season,” Neeley said. “Those guys know what to expect and that’s something we did not have last year. I think that’s been reflected in their work ethic every day.”
Those players helped lead the Lions to a 9-16 season in 2013-14 and finished just one spot outside of the USA South conference tournament. This season, Piedmont was selected to finish 9th in the league but Neeley knows it will take better than that to advance to the tourney.
“Our hope is to finish somewhere in the top eight and most importantly be playing our best basketball at the end of February,” Neeley said. “I don’t think there’s a big difference between finishing first and eighth. The top eight teams make the tournament and when you’re in, you’re in. Then you’ve just got to try and win three games in a row.”
Contributing to the youth of this sqaud are six freshmen that have been added to the mix including a few who may see early playing time to fill needs on the court. Justin Vallejo, a 6′ 6″ forward, is expected to contribute as a presence around the rim and proved his worth leading the team in rebounds with 5 in the exhibition against Mercer.
“All six of those guys [freshmen] have been great,” Neeley stated. “Their work ethic has been good. They are gym rat guys, which is something that we value, and we have been impressed.”
The Lions will be put to the test beginning the year taking on Division I Presbyterian on the road in Clinton, S.C. Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. on the Big South Network.
For more information on the Piedmont men’s basketball program, follow Piedmont on Twitter (@PiedmontLions), like theLions on Facebook (facebook.com/PiedmontCollegeLions), or sign up for the Lions’ Roar text-messaging score & news alerts through the “All-Access” pulldown menu on the main page at PiedmontLions.com.
‘Empty Bowls’ fills bowls
Piedmont College art professor Brian Hitselberger, left, presents a donation of $2,000 to Jeff Hudgens, director of the Cornelia Soup Kitchen, surrounded by many of the Piedmont freshmen who helped raise money through a recent “Empty Bowls” event.
Give a smile for Christmas
Want to give a child a smile this Christmas? Here’s one way you can.
Habersham Family Dental in Cornelia will provide three lucky children with free dental work this Christmas. The children must be nominated by their school teachers. Nominations are being accepted now through the end of this month. Nominations must be received no later than midnight Sunday, November 30.
Teacher nominations should focus on why their student deserves a brand new smile for Christmas. What sets them apart? What makes them extra special? Dr. Patrick McShane and his staff want to know.
Habersham Family Dental Marketing Coordinator Kaley Stephens says, “We would like to give these makeovers to children whose parents are not otherwise able to afford dental treatment. This is a way for our office to give back to the community and make a difference in a child’s life.”
You may email your nominations to Habersham Family Dental at contactus@habershamfamilydental.com or mail your nominations to:
Habersham Family Dental
603 Clarkesville Street
Cornelia, GA 30532
Teachers, please include your contact information with your entries so that Habersham Family Dental may contact you if your candidate is chosen. There will be three children chosen; one elementary school student, one middle school student and one high school student. The winners will be announced on Friday, December 5.
The teachers of the selected children will be contacted. Treatment options may include cosmetic makeover, orthodontics, or general dentistry.
For more information click here for flyer or visit Habersham Family Dental online.
NHMS soars high on Veterans Day
The memories of last week’s Veterans Day celebrations in Habersham County still linger within the halls of schools and hearts of those who attended. Public ceremonies were held at all three Habersham middle schools. Here is an article about the celebration at North Habersham written and photographed by the school’s media specialist Chastity Adams.
North Habersham hosted a Veteran’s Day program on November 11, 2014 to honor the service of Habersham County veterans. The celebration included performances by school band and chorus programs. In addition, special performers, Wyatt Turner (vocals and guitar), Argen Hicks (guitar), and Mike Johnson (banjo) performed “No More than a Name on a Wall,” and students performed the “Honor Flight Rap.”
Part of the commemoration included students Tristan Greer, Sarabeth Gant, and Emmy McGee reading original poems wrote to honor veterans.
The program highlighted the Honor Flight organization. Dave and Anita Smith of Conyers spoke about Honor Flight. Honor Flight, a non-profit organization, honors veteran’s by sending them to Washington, DC to visit various memorials. During this years’ program, Ms. Linda Camp presented Honor Flight with the schools donation of $3500. North Habersham begin actively collecting donations to send veteran’s through Honor Flight during the 2013 Veteran’s Day program. Since that time, students, faculty, and community members have donated approximately $6000 to the organization, sponsoring around 12 veterans for the Washington trip.
The program concluded by honoring Ms. Linda Camp for her work with Honor Flight, and the oldest and youngest veteran with a gift basket.
All where honored to hear the Dr. Emery Warnock play “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes to end the celebration.
Following the program, guest and students enjoyed a balloon release. A reception for veterans concluded the day.
But God has promised rain
1 Kings 18:1, “After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ‘Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.’ 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab.”
There is a severe famine in Samaria because the king, Ahab, has followed the god, Baal, instead of the commandments of the Lord. But today…will be different. Elijah instructs Ahab to assemble the prophets of Baal and Asherah and meet him on Mount Carmel. He tells the people of Israel it is time they choose a side or opinion. “If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is god, follow him.” There is quite a humorous show down between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah challenges them to “Call on the name of your god” to light a sacrificial fire. After hours of dancing and chanting, the prophets cannot call down fire and it is Elijah’s turn. He actually prepares his sacrifice, pours water all over the wood, calls upon the Lord, and the Lord sets the sacrifice on fire. The people fall prostrate on the ground before the Lord; Elijah orders the prophets to be slaughtered. An exciting day for the prophet, Elijah, I would say, but there is still the issue of rain…
“‘Go and look toward the sea,’ he told his servant. And he went up and looked.’
The famine in Samaria has been horrific. People have died. Livestock is starving to death. There is no vegetation. But God has promised rain, today, and Elijah knows it.
When the servant returns, he tells Elijah, “‘There is nothing there,’ he said.”
How many of you at this point would think, “Well, I guess I heard God wrong”? Some of you might pray again, “Lord, you said if I met up with Ahab you would send rain. Where’s the rain? Can you send it please? I don’t want to look like a fool.”
Seven times Elijah sent his servant back to the sea to look for rain and each time he would return, “Nothing.” Elijah continued to pray. Elijah continued to believe. Elijah continued to hope. On the seventh time, the servant returned and reported, “‘ A cloud as small as a man’s hand is riding from the sea.'”
“So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.'”
Some of us need a taste of what Elijah had.
“Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.”
Do not doubt what God has promised you. Delays will occur. Waiting is required. When we persistently pray and believe in our God, results will come. When you see the smallest of signs, such as a cloud the size of man’s hand, let that reassure you, your answer is on the way.
SHMS shares freedom’s light with veterans
The memories of last week’s Veterans Day celebrations in Habersham County still linger within the halls of schools and hearts of those who attended. Public ceremonies were held at all three Habersham middle schools. Here is an article about the celebration at South Habersham written by the school’s media specialist Heather Bogue.
American Flags, letters, poems, and drawings in red, white, and blue adorned the halls of South Habersham Middle School on Monday, Nov. 10, as the school community joined together to honor local veterans’ service to our country.
Veterans were warmly welcomed to the school’s annual student-led event, which took place in the SHMS gym. They were escorted into the ceremony by students Nolberto Chastain, Colby Jones, Tarin Westbrook, and Mann King as the band played a rousing rendition of “American Fantasy.”
The Habersham Central High School ROTC Color Guard presented the national Colors followed by the chorus and band performing “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Pledge to the Flag was led by Mya Sedwick and signed by Jaque Ramirez and Alexis Canup.
After the opening events, students Jonah Free and Rachel Smith extended a warm welcome to the program.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students wearing red, white, and blue lined the stands. The chorus beautifully performed “Song for the Unsung Hero” leading into the reading of students’ letters, poems, and essays for our veterans.
Eighth grade students Nevaja Brown and Nancy Mora shared the letters they had written expressing gratitude for the many sacrifices our Veterans have made. Seventh grade students Erika Phapakdy and Grace Ward presented their Veterans Day poems. Sixth grade students Avery Smith and Ellis Wallace read their essays and both described veterans as heroes. A common theme among all of the writings was the importance of honoring those who sacrifice for our freedom and truly appreciating these sacrifices.
Jonah Free presented the recognition of Vietnam veterans followed by the band’s performance of “March of the Armed Forces”.
Breckyn Kennedy and Lauren Nelson began our tribute section with an introduction of the importance our students place on not only learning about the history of our nation, but also understanding it to the fullest. Their introduction segued into a video of a compilation of SHMS students expressing their definition of a soldier, why they are grateful for their service, and personalized “thank yous” to our veterans. Following the video, Nelson sang “This Little Light of Mine” signifying that while one light may not seem like much, it’s contribution to the bigger goal can make a colossal impact on the world around them. As Nelson sang, the student body began raising their glow sticks, forming a red, white, and blue pattern that encircled the veterans. The glow sticks were a student body tribute to our veterans, signifying the impact that individuals can make when joining together.
The theme “Thank you for being our light of freedom in a world of darkness” is based on the hope each soldier has brought not only to our country, but also to our world.
Concluding the ceremony was a moment of silence followed by TAPS performed by Alejandro Flores and Zach Buckindail.
On their way to the reception in the Media Center, each veteran was given a handwritten and illustrated card from a student with the theme written on it attached to a glow stick as a commemorative token of our thanks. Veterans and their families were served a brunch catered by The Food Factory in Cornelia.
SHMS would like to thank The Torch Staff, Jaemor Farms, and the SHMS faculty and staff for their contributions. South Habersham Middle School was very honored to thank our veterans for serving our country!
Traffic help a phone call away
If you’re looking to avoid traffic congestion or experience trouble while traveling Georgia’s roads this holiday season the Georgia Department of Transportation reminds you that help is just a phone call away.
Motorists can access real-time, statewide, route-specific information on accidents, road work, traffic and weather conditions through its free phone service, Georgia 511.
By dialing 511, callers also can transfer to operators 24 hours a day to report incidents or request assistance.
The system can be used to access transit providers, major airports, rideshare organizations, tourism information and 511 systems in surrounding states. Additionally, 511 is available online.
For more information about 511, visit 511ga.org. For more information on Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov.
DOT suspends work during holiday
GAINESVILLE, GA – So that Georgians and those motorists passing through our state can easily arrive at their Thanksgiving holiday destinations, the Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures on Interstates and major state routes beginning at 5 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, and extending until 10 p.m., Sunday, November 30.
The Department reminds travelers to exercise caution nonetheless as heavy holiday traffic is expected throughout the state. Crews may still be working and heavy equipment may remain staged in close proximity to highways and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures remain in place. Also, incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.
“Historically, there are about 3,000 accidents on Georgia roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period,” Georgia DOT District Engineer Brent Cook explained. “On average, more than a dozen people die and a thousand more are injured. This is supposed to be a holiday for grateful contemplation and festive family gatherings, not tragedy. Please be very careful and do not drive distracted or while impaired.”
BOE to begin search for new coach
The Habersham County Board of Education is expected to begin moving forward with a search to replace outgoing Habersham Central High School head football coach Michael Pollock. Pollock resigned from his coaching job last Thursday. School Superintendent Matthew Cooper will formally submit Pollock’s resignation letter to the board during a called meeting tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Pollock led the HCHS Raider football program for the past two seasons. The team posted an overall losing record of 1-21 during his tenure.
Board of Education member Patsy Taylor says the primary purpose of tomorrow’s meeting is to bring the board up to date on Pollock’s resignation and to get the board’s input on the search for his successor.
Pollock told Now Habersham last week that he is actively pursuing other coaching opportunities. In the meantime, he says he’ll continue to teach at HCHS. Pollock’s teaching contract ends in May. He has left the door open for the possibility of an early exit. Taylor says, “I wish Coach Pollock well as he moves forward.”
Tomorrow’s called Board of Education meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. in the board room at the county school board office located at 132 West Stanford Mill Road in Clarkesville.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Habersham County Board of Education is Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at Cornelia Elementary School.
For a schedule of local school board meetings click here.
Vehicular-homicide case moves forward
The vehicular-homicide case against a Cornelia woman charged in connection with a fatal motorcycle wreck in October is moving forward.
A preliminary hearing for 64-year old Ruby Marshall was to have been held this morning to determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed with prosecuting the case against her. A Hall County Magistrate Court spokeswoman says their office received paperwork late Friday afternoon notifying them that the hearing was canceled and the case has been sent on to Hall County Superior Court.
Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh confirms his office is now handling the case. He says he can’t comment further because it’s pending litigation.
Marshall is charged in the death of 47-year old Jerald Freeman. Freeman was killed in a motorcycle wreck on Pea Ridge Road while returning home from a trip to Florida on Oct. 7. Georgia State Patrol investigators say Marshall allegedly crossed over the center lane and forced Freeman off the road. He ran down an embankment and was thrown from his bike. Freeman died of a broken neck. His body was discovered the next day in a ravine less than two miles from his home.
Investigators say Marshall did not stop or render aid. She was arrested by state troopers on Oct. 30 in Dahlonega. Marshall was released from the Hall County Jail on Nov. 7 on $20,100 bond.
Marshall is charged with first-degree vehicular-homicide, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and failure to stop at the scene of an accident. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.
Jerald Freeman was the owner of About Time Tree Service in Cornelia and also worked as a skydiving instructor in Atlanta. He was a 1985 graduate of Habersham Central High School in Mt. Airy and a 1987 graduate of Truett McConnell College in Cleveland.
The Unwelcome Stranger
Loretta Dalton is a life-long resident of Habersham County and a teacher in the public school system. She and her husband Anthony live in Baldwin. The Dalton’s son Jonathan committed suicide when he was 18.
The little girl hoped that today would be one of those special days: a day when, if she was good enough or quiet enough or helped enough, her daddy wouldn’t be sad. She hoped today was one of those days that her daddy would let her ride along with him and stop at the old store with the wooden floors; a day when she would see her daddy smile as they took the long way home.
As time passed, the little girl found it harder and harder to be good enough or quiet enough or help enough. Her world took on a darker hue of grey each passing year. Was she to blame?
What she didn’t know was that an unwelcome stranger was really to blame for the grey in her world; a stranger that lurked silently in her home affecting every aspect of her family’s life. No one knew very much about the stranger, especially how to make him go away.
The stranger lived unchanged among her family for years although his power seemed to ebb and flow. No one ever talked about him or discussed his power. The house seemed to hold its breath when company would come hoping the stranger would stay hidden among the walls or perhaps locked in a closet until the guests were gone.
As the girl grew, she finally met the stranger and found it harder and harder to keep him away from her. Hadn’t his purpose always been to accompany her daddy? Why had he suddenly decided to get to know her? She soon learned the stranger’s name and spent a lifetime trying to escape his influence.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness describes depression as a “serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, mood and physical health.” It is truly an unwelcome stranger.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Depression isn’t a weakness or something you can ‘snap out’ of, yet one-half of those affected never seek treatment.”
Although depression and other mental illnesses are disorders of the brain and not a result of personal weakness or poor-upbringing, countless mentally ill patients and their families routinely find themselves on the opposite side of a pointed judgmental finger. No one ever tells the parents of a diabetic child that perhaps if they had been stricter their child’s pancreas wouldn’t be diseased. Because of the stigma of mental illness, many suffer in silence and hope the stranger goes away, but he hardly ever leaves on his own.
In the book of John 9:1-5, Jesus and His disciples come upon a man who was born blind. The disciples questioned Jesus about to whom the blame should be placed. The disciples asked Jesus if the man’s blindness was caused by his or his parent’s sins. Jesus quickly told them that they were asking the wrong question and focusing on the wrong thing. Jesus told them the man’s blindness had nothing to do with his sins, or the sins of his parents but that the power of God might be seen at work in him.
Depression is just one of many mental illnesses that affect those we love, live near and work with everyday. As a community we can be the hands and hearts of change. We can be slow to judge and quick to help. We can ask the right questions. We can focus on the right things. We can pray for God’s power to be shown in the lives of those who suffer everyday. We can help make the unwelcome stranger go away.