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.

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.

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.

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.

Downtown Development Authority of Blairsville

Public Notice of meeting date changes. The Downtown Development Authority of Blairsville has changed the date of the remaining board meetings for 2008. They will hold the monthly board meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month starting May 1, 2008. There will not be a board meeting the month of April. The scheduled meeting dates are May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4. All meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Development Authority office, 100 Hospital St. (Hunt-Martin St.), Blairsville, GA 30512.

2008 Summer Tennis Camps Dates Announced!

Camp 1: June 16-19 Camp 2: July 28-31

Both camps are intended for players of ALL levels and will include instruction, games, match play, and more! Kids will be instructed by Coach Alli Hillman, along with the help of collegiate tennis players. Each camp will last from 8:30am-12:30pm, Mon-Thur. Camps will be held at Young Harris College. For more information or to receive a registration form, contact Alli Hillman at 706-897-6103 or email ahillman@yhc.edu.

Meet the Author

Public service announcement community calendar Moss Memorial Library Happenings Meet the Author Ferrol Sams Saturday, April 19th, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hayeville First United Methodist Church Gathering Place.

Teen Night at Union County Public Library

Union County Public Library, a branch of the Mountain Regional Library System, will be hosting Teen Night on Friday, April 18, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The library will be showing an "enchanted" movie about a fairytale princess who is sent to our world by an evil queen and meets a modern day knight. There will be pizza, popcorn and soda for refreshments. Space is limited to the first 20 teens. Parents need to come by the library by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008 to sign up and take a permission slip home for Teen Night. All teens must present their permission slip on Teen Night to gain entry to the library. The age range is 11 years- 18 years.

Watch for more information about the Summer Reading Program in the next few weeks. For more information about Teen Night or other children's programs at Union County Public Library, call 706-745-7491. The library is located at 194 Hospital Street and is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9-5, Tuesday & Thursday 9- 6 and Saturday 10-2.

NGTC Announces Spring Golf Tournament at Sky Valley

The North Georgia Technical College Foundation will host the 2008 Golf and Good Times Tournament at Sky Valley Resort and Golf Course in Rabun County. The date is set for Wednesday, April 23, 2008 and will begin at noon. Proceeds from this fundraiser support student scholarships and campus life. For more information, or to play in the tournament, contact Judy at 706-754- 7714. Living With Grief®: Children and Adolescents

The public is invited to the Free 2008 National Bereavement Teleconference, Wednesday, April 16th from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Travis E. Green Conference Room at Murphy Medical Center.

The Teleconference will focus on the experience of grieving children and adolescents and the ways that hospice professionals, teachers and school administrators, grief counselors, funeral directors, and parents can best support these populations as they cope with loss and grief.

For more information and registration information please contact Arnaldo Lugo at Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice at 828- 389-6311. Continuing education credits are available for professionals.

Divine 3

Day of Grace Baptist Church of Blairsville, Ga., invites everyone to attend the Divine 3 singing Sunday April 20, 2008 @ 11 a.m. We hope you will come enjoy the blessing. Directions: From the square in Blairsville, take Pat Harlalson Dr. Turn right onto Sawmill Rd. Church will be on the left. For more information please contact Pastor, Jeremy Henderson at 706-897-0493.

In honor of Dr. George Gowder

A day in Honor of Dr. George Gowder has been declared by our County Commissioner on April 19, 2008 to be celebrated at United Community Bank in the Brackett Room at 3 p.m. All family, friends and acquaintances are welcome to attend.

Old Union Baptist Revival

Old Union Baptist Church is hosting a revival Sunday, April 20 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and April 21- 23 at 7:00 pm. Speaking at this revival will be Rev. Rick Hunter. Rev. Rick is serving as missions service corps personnel in Lynch KY.

Hear Rev. Rick On issues that are important to the revival of the church. We will glorify God in the highest in song and prayer. As we give thanks to God for the saving grace of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. He Lives and sits at the right hand of God!

For those who want more information on Rev Rick Hunter's Mission, there will be a meeting Saturday April 19 at 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall Where Rev Rick will give a talk.

More information can be had as it develops at www.oldunionchurch.org.

Mountain High Hikers Schedule

Mountain High Hikers schedule tow hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia.

Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Democratic Party meeting

The Democratic Party of Union County will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 17 at the Senior Center in Blairsville. There will be a covered dish supper at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The featured speaker will be Mickey Cummings, County Agent, and he will be discussing agricultural and environmental issues concerning our county. All are welcome. Please contact Nelson Thomas at 706-835-5203 for additional information.