Community council campaign launched

The 90,000 "Partners in Service" Campaign of the Community Council of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center was begun with a Kickoff Breakfast at the GMRE Center for Union and Towns Counties campaign volunteers on September 14. Over fifty people were in attendance. The intensive phase of the campaign is being conducted over a seven-week period.

The Union County campaign organization consists of Chairman Andy Williams; Vice Chairman: Marty Godfrey, Michelle Rowe, Rusty Royston and Kurtis Underwood; Steering Committee Members: Wendy Adwell, Jane Baer, Tammy Collins Holly Ellison Barry Garrett, Tony Hamby, Greg Langston, Sarah Lehning, Jim McAfee, Louis McTaggart, Bill Moshier, Keith Rainwater, Bob

Ramay, Cinda Ramay, Darrin Sparks, William Stone, Jay Stubblefield, Carol Sullivan, Glenda Taylor, Melinda Weldon and Denise Windham.

Speaking at the kickoff meeting were Andy Williams who presided; Dr. John Kay, Professor Emeritus, Young Harris; Joe Garner, Superintendent, GMRE Center; Lamar Paris, Union County Commissioner; Lou Ann Bleakley, Chairman, Community Council; Peg Schneider, Education Committee; Clare Johnston, Outreach Committee; Bob Ramay, Preservation Committee; Dr. Jerry Arkin, Assistant Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia; and John Mays, campaign Director. "We are delighted to have

such a great group of business and civic volunteers working in the campaign. The Community Council is helping to improve the quality of life in the region through its programs and projects. It is serving an impressive number of students and adults in Union County, Towns County and other adjoining areas. This effort is worthy of our time and financial support," said Williams.

The Community Council has the three emphases of educational enrichment experiences for students, outreach programs for adults and preservation projects important to preserving our rich mountain heritage. In the 2005-06 academic year ending June 30, the Council served 2,100 students, 1,200 of them from Union County, 750 adults and pursued six preservation projects.