Calendar

Road to Recovery

Are you a cancer patient? Do you need a ride to and from your treatment sessions? A lack of transportation should not be the reason why cancer patients do not receive the life-saving cancer treatment they need. The American Cancer Society offers their Road to Recovery program to help transport cancer patients to and from their treatment. The Society has a toll-free number that you may call, and an operator will put you in touch with local volunteers that give cancer patients without personal transportation rides to and from their cancer treatment sessions. Give them a call at 1-800- ACS-2345.

Bereavement Support Group

Welcome to a community bereavement support group. A place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

First Thursday of every month

Where: United Community Bank, Community Room, Blairsville, Georgia

When: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

Third Thursday of every month

Where: Bank of Blairsville, Community Room, Blairsville, Georgia

When: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Suzanne Repp, LCSW

The group is presented by Regency Hospice.

It is free of charge. Please call 1-800-577-8791 or 706-896-1251 for any further information.

GWRRA meets

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel's Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00 during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed.

We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us.

For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403

Tri-State Business Women

Formerly known as Business Women of Blairsville, the Tri-State Business Women is an organization of entrepreneurial women in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee who own and operate their own businesses and are a positive force in the community. Their vision and mission is to support one another in continuing success through networking and marketing.

If you are a woman in business in the area, there is a place for you to receive support, gain leads, and spread the word about your practice or business in the area.

Meetings are held every Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at Cook's Restaurant in Blairsville. For more information, please contact Susanne Johnson, President, at 706-781-1678 or Cathy Wheeler at 706-781-1050.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group

Prostate Cancer Support Group- 3rd Monday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at The Cancer Treatment Center Auditorium, 750 Deep South Road, Blairsville.

Blairsville Parkinson's Disease support group

Our group meets at 3 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the conference room of the Union County Public Library. For further information contact Paula Wilde at (706) 745- 6594 or Peter and Helen Schultze at (706) 745- 9171.

The Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association - local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. For more information, contact Jim Olson at 828- 557-2446.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Blairsville group meets every Monday and Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. at the Mountain Presbyterian Church on Hwy. 515. For more information call 706-994-4462.

T.O.P.S.

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) wants you to make your own kind of music meeting place: Church of Christ. Time weigh in 5:00; meeting starts at 5:30. Join in the fun and get in the the music mood. Come and see what it's all about. For more information, call Trisha 706-781-5190, or Sandy at 706-745-1607.

Men's Morning Coffee Group

Regency Hospice announces Men's Morning Coffee Group at Mary Ann's Restaurant.

For men who have a lost spouse, partner, or experienced other losses and would like to share with other men, please join us on Tuesday at 10 a.m. We meet the first and third Tuesday morning of each month.

For more information call Suzanne Repp, Bereavement Counselor at Regency Hospice in Hiawassee, Ga., at 800-577-8791.

Ga. Mtn. Writers Club

We meet 10 a.m. to noon the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church on the Young Harris Highway.

We have no membership dues or elected officers and meet to share our writings and provide helpful criticism, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to each other.

Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a writer - just visit and enjoy listening to readings and discussion. You will be entertained - and maybe acquire a new interest.

Call for information: Larry Casey at 781-6636 or Ellie Dobson at 745-0678.

Attention HAMs and wannabe HAMs

North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public.

For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781- 6665.

Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council

Knights of Columbus, North Georgia Council, monthly meeting is on the second Thursday of the month and meets 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville. All active members are invited to attend the meeting and social hour.

School Prayer Group

On Mondays from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., the Community Room at the Bank of Blairsville is open for Christians willing to join together in earnest prayer for our community's public, private and home schools. Drip in as your schedule permits.

"Pour out your heart like water

before the face of the Lord. Lift

your hands toward Him for the life

of your young children."

Lamentations 2:19 Call Mitzi Brumley at 706-745-9175 for more information.

Winter Storytime

From December until May there is a new time at the Union County Library for Storytime with Linda M. Foster. Each Monday at 12 Noon, all ages are welcome! Please join us starting December 3. Call 706-745-7491 for more information.

New Cancer Support Group

At the United Community Bank in Hayesville, N.C. Patients, families and friends are all welcome to attend. United Community Bank is located at the corner of Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 69. Meeting time is 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The group will meet twice a month (on the 2nd and 4th Mondays). For more information, please call Janet Curns evenings at 828-389-0295.

MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, retired and reserve military and public health service officers are invited to attend.

For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: Jim Ferrell at 828- 835-9203 and in Georgia: Jim Reynolds at 706-379-6601.

Union County Republican Party

Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Library in Blairsville. For more info visit website at www.uniongop.org

Bereavement Support Group- TCF

Bereavement support group for parents that have lost a child. TCF Chapter meets at the Blairsville Library on the fourth Thursday of the month from 7:30- 9:00 p.m. Contact information Kathy Malone 770-826-8052.

Free Tax Prep and EFiling

Once again this year you will be able to get your Federal and State Income Tax returns prepared and e-filed for free. Even though the program is sponsored by AARP, and there is an emphasis on those over 60, tax payers of all ages are eligible. Simply bring in all of your tax related documents, Social Security card(s), picture ID(s) and tax return(s) from last year, if available. Tax payers will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointments will be taken. We will be able to assist most tax payers, unless there are some very complex issues such as rental income, farm income, K-1 investments, commercial business and a few others.

We will be preparing returns in Hiawassee and in Blairsville. The location in Hiawassee will be the Hiawassee United Methodist Church and will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Monday, beginning on February 4 and continuing through April 14. In Blairsville, the location will be the Jury Assembly Room on the lower level of the new Union County Courthouse, and will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday from February 5 through March 6. Beginning March 11, the location in Blairsville will move to the Cadence Bank Community Room and will continue each Tuesday and Thursday through April 15.

Sessions fill quickly, so get in line early to ensure getting a slot on that day's schedule. For more information call George Schwane at 706-745-0694.

Narcotics Anonymous Weekly Meetings List

Mondays - 7 p.m. 12-Step meeting at Union County Annex Building located at 71 Hospital Street. This is an open meeting. Union County Anti-Drug Coalition

Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Towns County Avita Community Partners. Meet at 1100 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris, Ga.

Tuesdays - 7 p.m. Discussion meeting at Union County Annex Building & New Hope Counseling at 71 Hospital St.

Wednesdays - 6 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Avita Community Partners. 41 Hospital St., Suite 100, Blairsville.

Fridays - 8 p.m. Open discussion meeting at Union County Annex & New Hope Counseling, 71 Hospital St.

All the meetings are open & anyone can attend. For more information regarding any of these meetings, please call 706-897- 9775, 706-896-6263 or 706-745- 4066.

Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobb's Mill Restaurant in Blairsville at 12:00 Noon each Monday. Come join in the fun with us. For more information, contact President Charlie Krick at (706)781-6793.

Bagpipe Instruction

The Appalachian Saint Andrew's Pipes and Drums bagpipe band is offering free instruction to all who want to learn how to play the Great Highland Bagpipe or learn Regimental Drumming. The band meets each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Parish Hall of Saint Clare's Episcopal Church for instruction and practice. For further information, please call 706-835-9071 or 706-745-3526.

Trash and Treasure Sale" - Donations Wanted

The Friends of Union County Library are planning the second annual "Trash and Treasure Sale." The success of this sale depends on the generosity of community donations. All proceeds of the Trash and Treasure sale will benefit Union County Library.

Donations will be accepted at Union County Library, April 28, 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. However, we will not be able to accept clothing donations. Tax deduction receipts will be available for the items donated.

The Trash and Treasure sale will be held at Union County Library on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. For more information, please call 706-781-6088 or 706-745- 9360.

Methodist Perspectives Classes

If you are new to Methodism or want to find out more about the denomination or refresh yourself on church practices, please join us at Confidence Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome! Classes will continue April 13, 20, 27 at 10 a.m. at the fellowship hall. Call Pastor John Vogeley to register at 706- 400-8452. We are located at Hwy. 325, one quarter mile north of the Shell station off of Hwy. 515.

Motorcycle Event

Brasstown Valley Resort's Relay for Life team will be hosting the 2nd Annual Relay for Life Poker Run on Sunday, April 13. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Brasstown Valley Stables parking lot, located just off the main resort entrance. Riders will leave at 1:45 p.m. and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. There will be a $25 donation for one poker hand and a $10 donation for each additional hand. Prizes will be awarded for best and worst hand. Refreshments will be served following the approximate 80 mile ride; there will be a revised route and we hope to break our previous record of 72 bikes. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. For further information, please contact Abby at 706-379-4613 or by email at abby.weaver@brasstownvalley.co m. Registration is requested but not required.

Business Expo

The Tri-State Business Women, a non-profit organization composed of female business owners in this area, is sponsoring a Business Expo at North Georgia Technical College (Blairsville campus) on Saturday, May 17. This Expo will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will showcase businesses from all over this area. Admission to this event will be free to the public.

If you are interested in having a booth at the Expo, please contact Cathy Wheeler at The Vacuum Store at 706-781-1050. Exhibitors are encouraged to pass out information, collect lead lists, give away door prizes and even sell products. Booths are $100, which includes tables and chairs, electricity and an extensive advertising campaign advertising your presence there. The money raised from this project will go toward funding guest speakers and education seminars for small businesses in this area.

Tri-State Singles Club "40 & Over"

13 new members came to the last meeting of the Tri-State Singles. If you are single, and looking for a chance to meet some new friends, this is your chance.

The next meeting is Friday, April 18, 2008 at the Ranger Community Center. Starting time is 6 p.m. Frankie Beal will be present to give Line Dancing Lessons... Come on out and join us.

Mix and Single, with Line Dancing.

For more information call Sherry at 828-361-7541 or Jim at 828-494-4160.

Vendors needed for Spring Festival

Sell your crafts, antiques, garage sale items and more; Saturday, May 24th (Memorial Day Saturday) in the parking lots of Blue Ridge Methodist Church, downtown Blue Ridge (across from the park). 10x12 booth for $50+10%.

Space is limited so call today! Contact: Pat Hanson at 706-632- 8102 or e-mail: mphanson@tds.net for more info.

Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild

Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild, Inc (MRACG) meets the second Tuesday of each month at ArtWorks Artisan Centre. ArtWorks is located at 308 Big Sky Drive (behind the Holiday Inn), Hiawassee. Refreshments are served at 6:00 pm and the meeting begins at 6:30 pm. The next meeting will be held on April 8th. If you would like to learn more about the guild, we invite you to the next meeting as our guest.

Contact us at 706-896-0932 or mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.co m or visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org

Amateur Radio License Examination

The North Georgia Tri-State Amateur Radio Club will be holding Amateur Radio Examination Test Session the 1st Saturday of the month (next exam is April 5th) at the Union County Senior Center, Located at 474 Meeks Avenue adjacent to the North Georgia Technical College off of Hwy 515 in Blairsville.

Prospective examinees should bring a legal picture identification, copy of existing Amateur Radio License and test fee. New Prospective applicants who are not currently licensed need only have a legal picture identification and test fee.

The ARRL VEC Test Fee for 2008 is $14.00 cash. Retests of the same element failed at the same test session will require payment of an additional test fee.

Pre-registration is recommended to assure the opportunity of testing and seating at test session. Walk-in candidates will be tested as time and materials allow. To pre-register for testing, contact the VE Liaison via telephone or email listed below.

Any questions regarding this examination session may be directed to Volunteer Examination Liaison Bob Woodstock (W4JRW) at (706) 745-4477 or e-mail at w4jrw@arrl.net.

Special Invitation Horse Show

The Union County Saddle Club will be holding the Special Invitation Show on Saturday, April 5, 2008 starting at 10:00 a.m. This is an annual event held twice a year for handicap children and adults so they may get the experience of being around horses and getting to take a ride around the arena and maybe even take a horse drawn buggy ride. All members of the Saddle Club and anyone else interested are asked to come out and help and bring your gentle horse for this event. Lunch will be served to the participants and workers. If you need further information, please call Lonnie Marcus, Club President at 706- 379-3810, Art Miller, Show Chairman at 706-435-8298 or visit the website at www.unioncountysaddleclub. org

AARP Safe Driving Course

The Senior Circle of Blue Ridge, Ga., is sponsoring an AARP Safe Driving course on April 16 (Wednesday) and April 18 (Friday) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Class will be held in the activities room of the Senior Circle located in Blue Ridge at 4112 East First Street. Class cost is $10 per person; to register, please call the Senior Circle office at 706-632-5488. Revival at The Church of the Nazarene

Blairsville Church of the Nazarene will be holding revival services April 16-20 with Rev. Russell Coffey of Cleveland, Tenn. Rev. Coffey is a tenured evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene, and has preached all over the world with many years of ministry experience. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Anchor Point Foundation, Inc., of Cleveland, Tenn., which is a ministry for addiction rehabilitation.

Music will be provided by Stan Shepherd of Dublin, GA, formerly of the Promise Quartet.

All are welcomed and encouraged to attend. You will be glad you did! Services will begin each night at 6:30 p.m.; 10:50 a.m. on Sunday morning, and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday night. The church is located on the 129/76 By-Pass (Glenn Gooch By- Pass). Contact pastor Danny Bohler for more information, or if you have any questions. (706) 994- 4550.

NARFE Meeting

The Brasstown Bald chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at Grinds & Glazes Restaurant on Hwy. 515 in Blairsville on Tuesday, April 8th starting at 11:45.

All current and retired federal employees, their spouses or survivors, are urged to take part in the meeting. NARFE is a nonpartisan organization established to protect the earned rights and benefits of retired and active federal workers.

To find out more about NARFE, come to the meeting or contact Eileen at 706-781-3946 eileenorlnd@aol.com or George at 706-745-7286.

Youngstown Baptist Church

Youngstown Baptist Church welcomes spiritual gospel singers, the Parables on Sunday, April 13 at 6 pm. Please join us and enjoy this special service! Hwy 129 N. on the right across from Heritage Propane. Everyone is welcome!

The Blairsville Cruisers...Cruise-In on the Square

The first Cruise-In of the year will be held this Saturday, April 5, 2008. The Cruise-In will be on the courthouse square in Blairsville at 4:00 p.m. until dark. All are welcome to attend the Cruise-In. We will be giving a people's choice award each month; the award this month will be given to a best Ford vehicle.

Also Music, Prizes, 50/50 Drawing, Open Bluegrass Jam and People's Choice Trophy. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. Registration is free and enters you to win prizes. For more info: 706-897-2501 or www.blairsvillecruisers.com Please come out and join us for a fun filled afternoon.