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The solitary cardinal

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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In an unusual, unexpected encounter, my family and I met Pope Francis before he was pope. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Before Christmas in 2011, my two daughters and I sat silently at the breakfast table, our heads drooping and our eyes downcast.

Heather, my 38-year-old child, was bravely battling the effects of the last rounds of chemotherapy. Her sister, Amy, flew to Florida from her home in Seattle to offer unwavering support and stay through the holidays.

Avery, Heather’s six-year-old daughter, was in school that morning, leaving the three of us staring into our coffee cups. Heather leaned on her arm as if her head couldn’t hold itself up. Her pale face was still beautiful, and the scarf around her head was neatly tied and quite pretty.

The fear and uncertainty between us cast a looming shadow that appeared to block the Florida sun and hope.

“You know what?!” my voice broke the deafening silence. “If we make it through this whole horror intact, I am taking us to Italy! I knew saving those credit card points for years would be helpful to us someday!”

The three of us refilled our coffee and began to envision the possibilities. Amy and Heather, though doubtful, couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of excitement for a dream trip.

Five people boarded a plane bound for Rome on a sunny early spring morning in 2013. The menacing shadow was gone.

We chose to go in March because of Avery’s spring break and to avoid high temperatures and crowds.

We planned to begin our journey in Rome and then explore other parts of Italy. I booked the trip a year in advance and was determined not to let cancer interfere with our plans.

However, then Pope Benedict resigned. The papal conclave was scheduled to occur in Rome on the Monday after our weekend tour of the Vatican. We were set to meet our Italian guide, Maria, in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday morning, March 9, 2013, at 8 a.m.

To say the world descended on Rome is an understatement. People were everywhere.

I stated many times throughout my daughter’s year-long battle with cancer that my faith soared to a new level. I gave God my daughter, trusting Him and His will. Now, her scarves were in a drawer, her eyes always sparkled, and life was returning to normalcy.

St. Peter’s Square is awe-inspiring and enormous. In the center, the Obelisk is supposedly where Roman soldiers crucified the apostle Peter.

We met lovely Maria at the Obelisk. She took a particular interest in telling Avery all she was about to see in a way only an eight-year-old could understand. The crowds had not yet arrived, so the square was reasonably empty.

Since I had visited the Vatican on a previous trip, I stepped a few feet away from the family and turned to look at the scene around us.

The Basilica was behind me, and the Catholic cardinals from around the world were staying in the Vatican apartments to my left. Newly erected media scaffolding surrounded the perimeter of the square. Birds flew in circles above us while workers attached the smokestack to the Sistine Chapel.

Standing in this sacred place, I noticed a lone figure entering St. Peter’s outside the Vatican walls and strolling into the square. I only spotted this man from a distance because of the scarlet red scarf tied at the waist of his vestments and the matching Biretta adorning the top of his head.

I wondered, “Is that a cardinal? If so, what is he doing out here?” My eyes were drawn to him as he approached. He walked diagonally across the square, heading directly toward our family gathered around Maria.

Our family is Protestant, but I sensed something was off for this cardinal to be where he was and doing what he was doing. As he drew nearer, Maria’s eyes widened. She, too, froze in silence.

I expected him to walk around us, but instead, he walked right between us. I touched the sleeve of his Simar and noticed the gold ring on his finger as he bowed his head to us. He smiled while speaking, gazing into my eyes, but I had no idea what he was saying.

As I watched him stroll away, I focused on his hands, the back of his head, and his gait.

“Is that normal?” I asked a stunned Maria.

“No,” she replied. “Maybe this cardinal will be our new Papa!”

During my daughter’s illness, while praying to ease our mighty struggle, my Bible dropped to the floor. It fell open to reveal this red-letter quote: “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the solitary cardinal, assured five touring Protestants that they were well for holding onto their faith amidst suffering. Three days later, this kind man of God would be forever known as “Pope Francis.”

_____

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing 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 long lost Bowie knife

By
Paul "Mike" Sasser
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Paul "Mike" Sasser and Clifford Williams met up at Old Sautee Nacoochee Store. (submitted)

On Christmas 1983, my dad gave me a Bowie Knife made by Western. The blade was inscribed with my name, Paul “Mike” Sasser, and his initials, P.S. He gave it to me so I could hand it down to my son one day. My wife was seven months pregnant with him at the time.

I didn’t know much about the origins of the Bowie knife, but it traces back to the early 19th century in the American South. Its design is often attributed to James Bowie, an American pioneer and soldier, although the exact details remain shrouded in folklore.

The earliest version of the Bowie knife emerged around 1827, following the notorious Sandbar Fight near Natchez, Mississippi, where Bowie’s large, powerful knife gained widespread attention. In those years, single-shot pistols were not reliable and often missed their target, which resulted in a knife fight. The event started the knife’s fame, leading to its rapid acceptance across the frontier. Originally designed as a fighting knife, it quickly became a versatile tool for settler survival, hunting, and bushcraft.

I used the knife for bushcraft; in other words, you could clear brush, chop firewood, or cut a small tree down with it. I carried that knife with me when my buddies and I would go to North Georgia to hunt the Coleman River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in December after regular deer season had closed.

We hunted there from 1981 to 1995, missing only three years. We would backpack all our supplies up the Coleman River Trail and camp near the river. One year, as we packed everything out and back to the truck, I placed the knife on the gear, which was piled high, and we left for home. That was the last time I saw the knife. I was deeply saddened by not having it anymore.

I went out and bought another knife just like it. I told my dad about the loss and my new purchase. He asked if I had it engraved. I told him, “Not yet.”

Fast-forward to 2025. I received a message from Clifford Williams on Messenger this year. It read, “Have you ever hunted in the North Georgia mountains? My dad found a knife years ago, and the name is Paul (Mike) Sasser. I’m just trying to find him. Thank you.”

I couldn’t believe it after all these years. I replied, “Yes, that was me. I lost it on the Coleman River WMA. My dad had it inscribed for me, it’s a Western W 49, overall length is 14 ½ inches”. Then he sent a picture. He replied, “I was with my dad hunting up there and found it in the middle of the dirt road. We had it for many, many years and had it on Facebook years ago and never found anyone. I’ve had it on all the hunting pages and forums.”

We then messaged about meeting up around Helen since he lives nearby, and we were going to Sautee Nacoochee. He then said, “I am just excited I finally found you to return your knife.” My reply “Yes, that is awesome, I have thought about that knife for many years. My dad just passed away last May so thank you so very much.”

We met at the Old Sautee Nacoochee Store, and he told me that he had recently come across the knife in his dad’s basement and decided to try again to find the owner. He sent the message out to 6 Mike Sassers and 3 Paul Sassers, and I finally answered.

He gave me the long-lost Bowie knife, and our wives took some pictures in front of the store. While we were getting to learn a little about each other, I said, “I have something for you.” He started, “Oh no, no! I don’t…” I cut him off (no pun intended). “No, you’ve got to take this knife,” as I was pulling the Bowie knife I bought years ago out of my inside coat pocket. He knew he had no choice in the matter. I think it was an emotional time for both of us.

After narrowing down my hunting records and pictures and Clifford’s memory (he was around 13 years old then), we believe I lost the knife sometime between 1987 and 1989. That’s at least 36, if not 39, years ago.

Everyone I have told this story to thinks the world of Clifford and how honorable he is; there are good people out there.

Thank you, Clifford, for your committed effort to find me after all these years.

This article was written and submitted to Now Habersham by Paul “Mike” Sasser

Soque River Watershed Association gears up for annual Spring Soiree

By
Nora Almazan
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The Soque River, one of Georgia’s most treasured natural resources, is known for its pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) is dedicated to the conservation of the river, its tributaries, and the land that sustains them. With a focus on protecting water quality, supporting sustainable land use, and ensuring the health of the watershed, the Spring Soiree serves as an important fundraiser for the association’s vital work.

Brad Coppedge, SRWA Board President, said, “The Spring Soiree is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it generates about 20% of our annual revenue. This year promises to be the best event yet!”

SRWA will host the evening on Saturday, April 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the North Georgia Technical College Industrial Technology Event Center, located at 1500 GA-197 North in Clarkesville. An open cash bar and appetizers table opens the evening, followed by an elegant dining experience, dessert, and guest speaker Mike Watts. He is a best-selling Fly-Fishing author. A grand live auction with $12,000 in raffle prizes will top off the evening.

The Soque River Watershed Association’s work is essential to ensuring that the river remains a thriving, healthy ecosystem for wildlife and a sustainable resource for the local community. As the population grows and the pressures on natural resources increase, the SRWA’s efforts to advocate for clean water, protect habitat, and educate the public have never been more important.

“We originated in 1998, which puts us going on our 27th year of existence,” Coppedge added. “I’m very proud of this organization’s survival success.”

The Spring Soiree offers an opportunity to not only enjoy a wonderful evening but to also contribute to the critical mission of protecting the Soque River. By supporting this event, attendees are directly helping to fund important conservation programs, such as stream monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education initiatives that benefit both the local ecosystem and the people who rely on the river for recreation, agriculture, and industry.

Tickets are available for purchase for $75.00 per person at www.soque.org.

This North Georgia inn is the perfect escape for relaxation and comfort

By
Carly McCurry
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The beautiful Southern Seasons Inn in Clarkesville, GA (The Southern Seasons Inn)

The first time I saw The Southern Seasons Inn, I was—unintentionally—breaking the law. Following my GPS, I mistakenly turned the wrong way down a one-way street and sought refuge in a brick-paved courtyard.

Bathed in the golden summer sun, the inn instantly reminded me of Anne of Green Gables—a perfect blend of farmhouse simplicity and the understated luxury of Southern wealth. As I circled back, I took in the sweeping veranda adorned with delicate gingerbread trim, as intricate as lace doilies. Its exterior, the soft hue of freshly skimmed buttermilk, was complemented by deep phthalo green shutters and floor-to-ceiling windows framed in crisp white. I half-expected to see a freckled redhead orphan in an apron bustling about. Instead, I spotted a poised woman in a sundress, effortlessly lounging on the porch—an unintentional embellishment that further enhanced the storybook setting.

When I returned home, I looked up the inn and found a constellation of glowing reviews. My background in history prompted me to research the story behind the clearly historic building.

A historic setting with modern appeal

Photo of the original property before renovation. (Photo By Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD – Own work,
CC BY-SA 3.0)

Built in 1901, the Southern Seasons Inn, located at 120 Asbury Street in Clarkesville, GA, originally belonged to the prominent Asbury family, who owned a hardware store in downtown Clarkesville. Designed in the Plantation Plains style, the home earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Now, in 2025, the Henry Asbury House seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary comfort, offering a curated guest experience that sets it apart from the increasingly impersonal world of short-term rentals. With only five rooms, each carefully designed to reflect the home’s storied past while offering modern amenities, Southern Seasons Inn provides an intimacy and attention to detail that Airbnb cannot replicate.

More than a stay: A true hospitality experience

The rise of Airbnb has shifted the landscape of travel accommodations, offering convenience and variety. But in doing so, it has sacrificed the very essence of hospitality. At Southern Seasons Inn, every guest is personally welcomed by owners Kevin and MaLisa McOmber, who view their role not as landlords but as stewards of an experience. Unlike Airbnb hosts, who often remain faceless behind automated check-in codes, Kevin and MaLisa engage with guests, offering concierge services that cater to individual needs and interests.

“I don’t just run it heads to beds,” MaLisa explains. “When someone books a reservation, I learn their reason for coming, their dietary restrictions, and what kind of experience they’re looking for.” This hands-on approach fosters a sense of connection and community, something increasingly absent in the self-service model of Airbnb.

The guest kitchen at The Southern Seasons Inn. (Carly McCurry/TheCuteNorthGeorgian.com)

Moreover, the interior of The Southern Season’s Inn is nothing short of exquisite. Here, there is no soulless modernity, no commercial carpet, no corporate lobby chairs. Yet, it also avoids the musty antiquity of floral valances and overcrowded tchotchkes often found in traditional bed-and-breakfasts.

The design is timeless—high ceilings, wide hallways, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with a soft natural light. Real flowers adorn the smooth wooden tables, their delicate fragrance mingling with the gentle strains of music that float in and throughout the house. The thoughtfully spaced rooms ensure privacy, while carefully planned nooks, hidden balconies, and secluded alcoves offer perfect settings for intimate conversations and quiet moments of reflection.

Beyond the walls, two honest-to-goodness southern verandas provide several cozy pockets for private seating, ideal for a quiet morning with family or an intimate evening with a spouse, as the inn is exclusively for guests 21 and older. As night falls, a rock feature visible in the glow of a cascade of string lights casts a warm ambiance, creating a restful retreat beneath a vast, star-strewn sky. The distant thrum of cicadas hums through the air, the perfect background noise as one leans in their chair, a glass of wine in hand.

The inn advantage: Service, security, and atmosphere

Unlike Airbnb rentals, which can be unpredictable in terms of cleanliness and upkeep, Southern Seasons Inn guarantees consistency and high standards. MaLisa personally oversees every aspect of the inn, from housekeeping to much of the landscaping, ensuring that each room meets an exacting level of cleanliness and comfort.

Guests enjoy Egyptian cotton sheets, plush robes, and a gourmet multi-course breakfast served in the dining room, all included in their stay. Thus, if you never leave the property, you will still enjoy an upscale and restful vacation.

Then, there is the matter of security. Airbnb has faced increasing scrutiny over hidden fees, last-minute cancellations, and safety concerns. Stories of guests arriving to find unclean spaces, missing amenities, or even fraudulent listings have become common. In contrast, an established inn like Southern Seasons offers peace of mind with no surprise charges, no extensive chores, and a professional approach to hospitality that prioritizes guest safety and satisfaction.

A community asset, not a strain

One of the sitting rooms at the Southern Seasons Inn in Clarkesville, North Georgia (Carly McCurry/TheCuteNorthGeorgian.com)

The growing presence of Airbnb has raised concerns in small towns like Clarkesville, where short-term rentals often drive up housing costs and erode community ties. In contrast, traditional inns contribute to the local economy without displacing residents.

“The town embraced us from the beginning,” MaLisa says. “Clarkesville didn’t have a downtown lodging option before we opened, so we’ve been able to fill a real need.”

Unlike many Airbnbs, which operate in residential neighborhoods with little oversight, Southern Seasons Inn is a purpose-driven establishment. It fosters tourism without disrupting the fabric of the community. The inn also serves as a hub for local partnerships, directing guests to area businesses, from wineries to hiking trails, ensuring that tourism dollars remain in Clarkesville rather than flowing to absentee Airbnb hosts.

The future of travel: A return to authenticity

As the short-term rental market faces increasing regulations and community pushback, travelers are reconsidering the value of traditional inns and bed-and-breakfasts. What was once dismissed as outdated is now recognized for what it always was: an intentional, elevated experience designed for genuine hospitality.

At Southern Seasons Inn, guests can set the rhythm of their stay—whether exploring the Appalachian foothills, visiting nearby vineyards, or simply unwinding on the veranda with a cup of tea. They are not just passing through; they are welcomed as part of a story that began in 1901 and continues to unfold today.

For those seeking more than just a place to sleep, for those who crave history, connection, and a true sense of place, the choice is clear. A stay at an inn like Southern Seasons is not just better than Airbnb—it is an entirely different experience altogether, one that reminds us why hospitality matters in the first place.

Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Her work appears on NowHabersham.com in partnership with Now Network News.

Time change safety tips

By
Staff Report
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It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to ‘spring forward’ by moving your clocks up one hour before you go to bed on Saturday. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

As Georgians prepare for the time change, state officials urge caution regarding fire safety and driving.

Change you batteries

When you change your clocks, state fire officials encourage you to change the batteries in smoke detectors and fire alarms. Changing them out with the time change is a good way to remember to do this all-important task twice a year to ensure detectors and alarms are properly working.

It’s a simple task that could save your life.

Drowsy drivers beware

Another potentially lifesaving step is to use extra caution when driving and walking.

A study from the University of Colorado Boulder has found that the time shift is linked to an increase in accidents and fatalities, largely due to sleep deprivation and reduced morning visibility.

The time change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to drowsy driving, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness behind the wheel. Research shows that losing even one hour of sleep can significantly affect focus and decision-making, making driving—particularly in the early morning and late-night hours—more dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.

Additionally, the delayed sunrise in the morning reduces road visibility, making it harder to see pedestrians walking, jogging, or biking, especially in residential areas, crosswalks, and school zones.

Dangers of sleepiness

The dangers of sleepiness and decreased visibility during daylight saving are not to be taken lightly. According to estimates from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have increased at nearly seven times the rate of U.S. population growth (7%). In Georgia specifically:

    • Pedestrian deaths have risen by more than 50% over the past decade.
    • From 2007 to 2024, 3,943 pedestrians were killed in Georgia.
    • Over 80% of pedestrian fatalities occur outside of crosswalks.
    • Between 2014 and 2023, 44% of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia involved distracted drivers.
    • A vehicle traveling at 40 mph has a 90% chance of killing a pedestrian it strikes.

To help reduce crashes, the Georgia Department of Transportation encourages drivers and pedestrians to be well rested, exercise extreme caution — especially in school zones, wear highly visible clothing when walking, and stay aware of their surroundings.

Man arrested after motorcycle chase Saturday morning

By
Brian Wellmeier
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(NowGeorgia.com)

A high-speed motorcycle chase ended with the arrest of a suspect Saturday morning, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Before the pursuit, Franklin County deputies were on patrol along Highway 106 in the Red Hill area on Saturday, March 8, in response to several complaints about motorcycles speeding in the area.

Around 9:00 a.m., authorities say deputies spotted a white motorcycle traveling without a tag and attempted a traffic stop before the suspect – now identified as Chad James Willis – allegedly fled northbound on I-85. 

The chase continued at high speeds until Willis exited at mile marker 173 and turned left onto Highway 17, according to police.

Willis allegedly entered a nearby driveway and fled on foot after laying the motorcycle down in a field before he was apprehended by officers.

Willis was subsequently transported to the Franklin County Detention Center and is facing charges related to the pursuit.

A fond farewell to Stan Kendall: Hazel Grove Elementary’s beloved custodian

By
Nora Almazan
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Hazel Grove Elementary School says goodbye to their beloved custodian. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

It was an interview like no other. I found it hard to speak as I watched children come into the room, eager to talk to a man they have come to rely on and love. Stan Kendall, the custodian at Hazel Grove Elementary, is retiring on Friday, March 7, and his departure marks the end of an era for the school.

Stan is loved for his stickers and kindness by the students of Hazel Grove. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

No matter who I spoke with, the words were the same: Stan is loved by everyone at Hazel Grove Elementary.

Rhonda Gray, the Nutrition Manager, shared just how much Stan means to the school: “Stan the Man is the best thing that has happened to Hazel Grove Elementary. He loves everyone and will do anything for you. I will miss him tremendously.”

During his years at Hazel Grove, Stan was known for always bringing big smiles, encouragement, and a friendly face to the students. “I never knew what some kids might be dealing with at home,” he said. “I always tried to be that person who made them smile when they walked in the school.”

Stan knows every child’s name and loves when they share what they are doing each day with him. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

Stan’s signature touch was his stickers. He would give children a sticker throughout the day, and in return, the students often gave him pictures, which he proudly displayed on the school’s trash cans.

“Stan was a Godsend to Hazel Grove,” said Dr. Tim Goss, Principal of Hazel Grove. “I like to say you can replace positions, but you can’t replace people. That is the case with Mr. Stan.”

It’s clear how much Stan loves children and how deeply he cares about making a difference in their lives. “School is hard enough for kids,” he reflected. “I didn’t like school growing up. This job has given me an opportunity to help make kids enjoy coming to school.”

Students made special pictures and cards for him. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

Stan has been married to his wife for over 40 years and plans to use his retirement to recover from a disc injury that affects his neck and arm.

While I spoke to many staff members at Hazel Grove, the most significant comments came from the ones Stan has impacted the most—the students.

Charlotte, a student at Hazel Grove, said, “Mr. Stan is super nice. And he gives out heart stickers.”

Katarina shared how much she likes Mr. Stan’s decorated trash cans and recalled, “This year Mr. Stan has given me over a half a paper of stickers plus five more.”

“Everybody loves Mr. Stan,” said Carter.

As I walked through the halls of Hazel Grove, it was clear that Stan knew every student’s name and something special about each of them.

According to students, Mr. Stan is kind to everyone. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

Saying goodbye is never easy. Like most people, we all have someone we remember fondly from our elementary school days.

For the students of Hazel Grove, Mr. Stan will be forever imprinted on their hearts. And, it’s clear that they will always be imprinted on his as well.

 

 

Habersham schools’ new safety alert system testing now complete

By
Brian Wellmeier
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The Centegix badge alert system is being installed to enhance safety in White County's six public schools. (Centegix promotional video screengrab)

Habersham’s School System is a step closer to making campuses safer across the county.

Centegix, a wearable remote alert system for school staff, has seen successful test runs throughout the month, according to officials.

As part of the system, in the event of a medical or security emergency, a badge carried by all faculty members could notify authorities, identify the location of a potential threat and lockdown a school campus within seconds under Centegix.

“Chief (Murray) Kogod and the team began testing those systems at the school with our first responders this week,” incoming superintendent Patrick Franklin said Thursday. “We’re working through that, and when that is complete and everything is up and running and been tested, then we will move to the training piece. That will be in the next few weeks.”

Around $189,800 will be allocated from Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds to install Centegix across all campuses countywide.

The move to enhance school security was approved in October by Habersham County’s Board of Education.

Annual fees for maintenance, wireless backup and updates for all Habersham schools would be just over $106,000.

Franklin said in October that the need for Centegix already had been identified and planned for 2025, before a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School had occurred.

“The Habersham County School System met with Centegix in early August – before the tragedy in Apalachee – regarding information gathering and pricing for implementation of the safety platform in all Habersham County schools,” Franklin said. “We are always looking for additional programs that can enhance current measures in place related to school safety.”

The system, credited with saving lives during the Sept. 4 tragedy at Apalachee, was also approved by White County’s School System last year.

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia is breaking ground on House #81

By
Nora Almazan
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Taylor Guilloud – Art Teacher at Demorest Elementary School, holds 2x4 students decorated for framing the new Habitat Home. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

On Saturday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia will break ground on House #81 located at 300 Rockford Creek Road, Clarkesville, GA.

“We are excited about starting on House #81. This home is for a single mom with 2 children and will be next to Houses #79 and #80,” Brian Young, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, said.

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia

Sweat equity

As required, families must contribute “sweat equity” in their home and the homes of others. “This particular family has already contributed 130 hours in homes #79 and #80. It is truly the definition of neighbor helping neighbor,” Young added.

It is a long-standing tradition that when a Habitat Home is built, messages are written on the 2x4s making up the frame of the home. And, often, art work is included with these messages.

Two elementary schools participated

For House #81, two elementary schools, Demorest Elementary in Habersham County and Jack P. Nix Elementary School in White County, were asked to participate in writing messages on 2x4s which will be used in framing the house.

Fifth Grade students of Demorest Elementary in Habersham County display the 2x4s they created. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

Taylor Guilloud – Art Teacher at Demorest Elementary School, loved the idea, and having her students participate meant a great deal to her.

“Each grade has been drawing and writing messages of well-wishes for the new home and the family that will live there,” Guilloud said.

“It has given me the opportunity to talk about how we help in our community and to give the students the idea that their words and spirit will be with this house.”

Jack P. Nix Elementary student paints special message for Habitat Home #81.

A way to learn community

Jack P. Nix Elementary’s students have enjoyed the project. Katie DeFoor, Art Teacher for K-5th grade at Jack P. Nix expressed gratitude for being asked by Habitat for Humanity, and she hopes to be able to contribute again.

“Our students were very eager to discuss the purpose of Habitat Homes and to know that their efforts would impact a local family. We used our paints and positive thoughts and filled up several pieces of lumber with words and images that represent love, kindness, and a sense of ‘home’.” DeFoor added.

“Having opportunities like this is priceless, because by being a part of painting these boards, we can show kids that they have the ability to help and be a part of the community in a positive way.”

Ground breaking ceremony

Also, the home where their art work and messages will be displayed will be a part of Habitat’s annual Women Build event. This gives many people from the White & Habersham Communities the ability to see the beautiful art work of the students as they participate in building the house.

2x4s designed by students at Jack P. Nix Elementary School in White County. (Katie DeFoor/Jack P. Nix Elementary School)

The event will be a bringing together of community as the home owners from Houses #79 and #80 plan to be there for the ground breaking of the newest home – House #81. You will not want to miss being a part of this beautiful tradition and helping celebrate the ground breaking of Habitat for Humanity’s newest home. Children who participated in decorating the 2x4s might want to come with their family and witness the Ground Breaking Ceremony for House #81.

RELATED: Women Build 2025 at Habitat for Humanity of NEGA

SBA moving offices out of 6 so-called ‘sanctuary cities,’ including Atlanta

By
Staff Report
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Former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler speaks during her Senate confirmation hearing for SBA administrator on Jan. 29, 2025. (livestream image)

The Small Business Administration has announced plans to move six of its regional offices out of so-called sanctuary cities, saying it wants to be in places that “better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law.”

The offices being moved are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle.

SBA Administrator and former Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler didn’t say where the offices will be moving but said the new locations will be “less costly” and “more accessible,” according to the Associated Press.

The move comes as the Trump administration has cracked down on cities that have adopted immigrant-friendly policies, sometimes called “sanctuary cities.” There is no legal definition for sanctuary cities, but such policies typically restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials. Courts have ruled that such laws are legal.

The announcement came on March 7, a day after four Democratic mayors were taken to task by Republican lawmakers over their sanctuary city policies. Lawmakers said they will prosecute local officials and claimed sanctuary city policies put Americans at risk.

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier rebuffed Loeffler’s claims. He told FOX 5 News that Georgia’s capital city cannot be a sanctuary city because state law bans such policies.

“The livelihoods of small business owners shouldn’t be jeopardized by billionaires like Kelly Loeffler and Elon Musk who are far removed from experiencing the struggles of owning and operating a small business,” said Dozier. “Black-owned businesses are especially vulnerable as they have historically been underfunded and underserved and removing a federal resource from a city with a significant Black business community exacerbates these disparities rather than addressing them.”

Dozier added that Atlanta generates a “significant portion of Georgia’s GDP” and “small businesses are the backbone of that success. Weakening SBA support in Atlanta weakens Georgia’s economy as a whole. Let’s get folks to work. We’re tired of the politics.”

The SBA, created in 1953, provides resources and support for small businesses, including counseling, training, and helping businesses apply for loans. The agency played a major role in distributing pandemic relief aid for small businesses.

Every state has at least one SBA district office; larger states like California and Texas have several.

In a separate announcement, Loeffler said SBA loans would no longer be available to businesses whose owners “in whole or in part” are not U.S. citizens. The agency told the AP that more information on that policy would be released in the coming days.

The SBA does not directly distribute loans except in cases of disaster. The agency works with lenders to distribute loans to small businesses with better rates than traditional loans.

Kindergarten Registration dates for Stephens County School System

By
Nora Almazan
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NowHabersham.com

It’s time for Kindergarten Registration in the Stephens County School System for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Stephens County School System will host two in-person kindergarten registration dates at Big A Elementary School, 289 Sorrells Road, Eastanollee, GA from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, and from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025.

The process for Kindergarten Registration is as follows:

Step 1: Beginning March 3, 2025, you can click here and complete the online registration.

Step 2: Review the list of required documentation on the website and gather the required documentation.

Step 3: Bring the required documentation and the kindergarten student to one of the in-person registration dates above. Drop in during these times; you do not have to have an appointment. Students will complete the school readiness assessment during the in-person registration.

A free T-shirt will be given to 2025-26 kindergarten students while supplies last. For more information, call SCSS Central Enrollment at (706) 886-9415 or email [email protected].

Sautee Nacoochee Center searching for talent for ‘A Midsummers Night’s Dream’

By
Nora Almazan
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SOLfest Days of Play (2024) illustrate the kind of interaction folks might have as part of the Sautee Nacoochee Center's talent inventory. (Photo submitted by SNC)

The Sautee Nacoochee Center announces an open call for performers, designers, technicians, and artists of all ages and backgrounds to join in the June production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

According to SNC’s Marketing and Development Coordinator, Jennie Inglis, talent inventories will be held this month to assess the interests and skills of those interested in participating.

The first session will be held on March 15 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Center Theatre at 283 GA-255, Sautee Nacoochee, GA. The second talent inventory is from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 29 in the Sautee Nacoochee Center Community Hall.

A place for you

Whether you’re interested in performing on stage or assisting behind the scenes, Inglis says there’s a place for you in this production.

The talent inventories will offer a taste of the creative process, featuring activities such as games, movement, acting, singing, organizing, and even constructing sets and environments. Inglis says that everyone who is eager to participate and can commit their time will find a role that suits their talents and interests.

SOLfest will play out across several locations on the Sautee Nacoochee Center campus. (Photo submitted by SNC)

The June production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will serve as the centerpiece of the inaugural SOLfest – Sautee Outdoors Live Festival, a groundbreaking celebration of performance, creativity, and intergenerational collaboration. This festival will invite community members from all walks of life to contribute to a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that honors Sautee Nacoochee’s rich history of performance and creativity.

A unique production

This immersive, community-driven festival promises to be a unique production. The play will be staged in various locations across the Sautee Nacoochee Center campus, moving with each scene to create an engaging environment for both performers and the audience. Throughout the process, participants will be able to learn from internationally recognized artists, working alongside professionals in a space that fosters creativity and artistic growth.

The June performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will also mark a milestone for the Sautee Nacoochee Center, celebrating the 35th anniversary of its performing arts program. The festival will pay homage to the center’s first production in 1990, bringing a fresh reimagining of this classic play to life.

Rehearsals and production

Rehearsals will begin in late April and continue through June, with performances scheduled for June 20-22, 2025.

For more information, contact Jenna Scaramuzzo at [email protected] or call 706-878-3300 ext. 303.

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