Union Sentinel

Early, advance voting under way for Senate Seat

By Bec ky Landres Sentinel writer — 11/20/2008

Just as most election results are in and elected officials are getting set to serve the citizens, there is still one very important Senate Seat still up for grabs. In the November 4 General Election, no one candidate won by a 50% + 1 that is required for the position. Incumbent, Saxby Chambliss (R) led the pack taking 49.8% of the votes to Jim Martin's (D) 46.8%.

No '09 Tour

11/20/2008

Following the conclusion of a very successful 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T, the Board of Directors of the Tour de Georgia Foundation, Inc., announced today their plans for the future of the Tour.

A look at Owltown

11/20/2008

Travel Highway 129/19 south from the old courthouse square in Blairsville and you will come to the Owltown District of Union County lying around the vicinity of the Experiment Station. It was the last of the fourteen districts of the county.

Tiny Mites and Pee Wees win Super Bowl

11/20/2008

The UC Tiny Mite (8-under, pictured above) and the UC Pee Wee (10-under) teams both won the North Georgia Youth Football Association (N.G.Y.F.A.) Super Bowl this weekend. The UC Tiny Mites came back from a 12-0 deficit in the 3rd quarter against an undefeated Jefferson Dragon team that had allowed only one touchdown all year long and won 19-18 in overtime! The UC Pee Wees beat White County 26-0 to claim their title.

Sponsor a Foster Child for Christmas

11/20/2008

The Foster Children's Christmas Fund program is asking for your help again this year to make the Christmas Holiday special for each child in Foster care in Towns & Union Counties.

Safety Grant awarded to local high schools

11/20/2008

In an effort to involve Georgia students in reducing injury and death to young drivers, the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has awarded a highway safety grant to Mountain Education Center High School, Blairsville, GA to establish a new or enhance an existing SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Chapter.

Open House held concerning Parcel 52

By Bec ky Landres Sentinel writer — 11/20/2008

The proposal to use Parcel 52, just east of Hiawassee on Highway 76, as an electrical substation site has been an on-going issue with residents since the summer. Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation put in their request to use 1.4 acres of this 9 acre parcel for this purpose back in the spring of this year.

UCB supports Anti-Drug Coalition

11/20/2008

The Anti-Drug Coalition is a local organization whose mission is to support an overall safe community by providing information, education and support services to children,

Community Calendar

11/20/2008

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.

Kiwanis Club Yard Sale postponed until Nov. 22

11/20/2008

Due to inclement weather this past Saturday, The Kiwanis Club has rescheduled the Yard Sale to Nov. 22 The Big Yard Sale will be on Saturday, November 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the old funeral home building on Kimsey Street, 1/2 block off Hwy. 19/129.

Union County Arrest Report

11/20/2008

The following is the arrest report for the Union County Jail. This report is from the open records for the period of November 10 to November 17, 2008. The following persons were arrested and charged with offenses, but have not been found guilty.

United Community Bank supports UCMS Holiday Soldier Project

11/20/2008

United Community Bank has teamed with Union County Middle School to make this special project a reality. Starting November 3rd, red-white-and-green holiday-themed banners were hung in the UCMS and United Community Bank lobbies, ready to be filled with signatures, seasonal wishes and inspirational thoughts for our US armed forces overseas.

Georgia Mountains Hospice Honors the Family Caregiver during November

11/20/2008

Georgia Mountains Hospice takes this opportunity to honor the many family caregivers throughout our community during November - National Hospice Month. Caring for a loved at the end of life is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding situations a family member may ever face.

C.R.A.F.T. in Applachia announces Grand Opening

11/20/2008

Janice Taylor has had a vision - and finally that vision is coming to fruition. Friday, November 21, 2008 at 10:00 am is the GRAND OPENING of a retail outlet 1.5 miles east of Blairsville, 1310 Young Harris Highway, across from Mountain Building Supply. C.R.A.F.T. in Appalachia stands for Crafters, Regional Artisans, and Fine Tradesman in Appalachia.

American Cancer Society Volunteers Offer Free Classes

11/20/2008

Pictured are Union County volunteers attending Regional Training last month. In honor of "Breast Cancer Awareness" the volunteers wore pink.

Kiwanis Support GMREC's Community Council

11/20/2008

Joe Garner, Superintendent of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center is shown accepting a $500.00 check from Kiwanis President Sonny Mahan and President Elect Jimmy Nichols. The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is pleased to support the Council's Education for Youth Projects, as well as their Plant Preservation & Education Projects and Ethno Botanical Garden.

Gospel Tones Quartet

11/20/2008

L-R: Philip Sampson, Stanley Raxter, James Paul, Dorothy Sampson and Ulysses Sampson. The Gospel Tones Quartet will be singing on Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church in Blairsville. For more information, please call 706-835-5874.

Dollars and Sense

By David Uffington — 11/20/2008

Stretching every dollar in the family budget isn't enough now. Finding spare change, a few cents at a time, among the household expenses has become a necessity for many folks.

Moments in Time

11/20/2008

• On Nov. 21, 1783, Jean- François Pilatre de Rozier and François Laurent make the first untethered hot-air balloon flight, flying 5 1/2 miles over Paris in about 25 minutes. On Sept. 19, brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfiers had sent a sheep, a rooster and a duck aloft in one of their balloons in a prelude to the first manned flight.

'A History of Women in the Military' presented at Nov. DAR meeting

11/20/2008

Old Unicoi Trail chapter member Commander Mary Ann Foster, USSN Ret., spoke on "A History of Women in the Military" at the November 8th meeting of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

United Community Bank's 'Our School Bank' off to another successful start

11/20/2008

Every year, United Community Bank conducts 'Our School Bank," a program composed of fifth graders from Union County Elementary School.

UCB supports Red Ribbon Week

11/20/2008

Sharon Arnold with United Community Bank is pictured here, at left, presenting a check to Eva Garmon with Safe & Drug Free Schools. This donation was used for purchasing silicone bracelets for Red Ribbon Week, October 20th - October 24th. Safe & Drug Free Schools is dedicated to teach primary and elementary schools teachers and staff about how to keep youngsters drug free.

Towns County Students Participate in Career Shadowing Day

By: Austin Arrowood, FBLA Officer — 11/20/2008

On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, thirty-two members of FBLA participated in Career Shadowing Day. Eight local businesses volunteered their time to allow students to shadow them as they ensue with an average day in their profession. This serves as encouragement for students to see firsthand how the skills being learned in school transfers to the work environment.

Winterize outdoor pipes now, before they freeze

By Robert N. Brewer, Jr. Extension Tips — 11/20/2008

A few precautions now can save a lot of time, money and even water later. Depending on where you live in drought-stricken Georgia, it may have been a while since you've been allowed to water your lawn. But don't forget about your irrigation system or leave it unprotected this winter. A few precautions now can save a lot of time, money and even water later.

Cold Facts

11/20/2008

Lots of us feed and water our pets but then we forget about shelter. But, with cold weather approaching, we need to think about sheltering our "outdoor" dogs and cats.

River Cane's Richly Woven History

by Zoe Schumaker, Preservation Committee — 11/20/2008

As the leaves fall from the trees and the autumn wildflowers wane, a distinctive bamboo becomes visible alongside many of our rivers and creeks. Giant river cane (Arundinaria gigantea) or the more common, smaller switch cane variety (Arundinaria gigantea tecta) is a unique and interesting grass with historical and current day significance.

Sun Star Customs Offers Chance To Win FREE ORIGINAL Painting

11/20/2008

Register to win a "FREE" original mountain landscape acrylic painting, framed and valued at $600.00 by featured artist Rob Saville at Sun Star Customs, 148 N. Main St. in Timberlake Village. Drawing will be held November 29th.

Love Light Tree

11/20/2008

Chatuge Regional Hospital Auxiliary will host their annual Love Light Tree Ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm in the Chatuge Regional Hospital Lobby. What better way to warm the heart of someone you care about or honor the memory of a family member or loved one than making a contribution to the Love Light Tree.

Realtors and Sheriff's Office host Santa

11/20/2008

The Towns County Sheriff's Department and RE/MAX Hiawassee Realty gave back to the community this past Saturday and had a great time doing it. Over 100 children had their pictures taken with Santa Clause and were fingerprinted by the Sheriff's office. Hightower Creek Clydesdales had their big boy, Beauty, towing Santa's sleigh giving rides around the parking lot. Canned food and cash were collected for the Towns County Food Pantry. RE/MAX Hiawassee Realty and the Towns County Sheriff's Office are hoping to make this an annual community event.

Young Harris College Donates Proceeds From Annual Yard Sale to S.A.F.E.

11/20/2008

S.A.F.E. Executive Director Kathie Hollis receives a check for over $1,650 from Young Harris College. The proceeds were raised through the 5th Annual YHC Yard Sale held in October. SAFE will use the money for special Christmas sponsorships for their clients. (Pictured from left: Wanda Martin, YHC Assistant Director - Financial Aid; Kathie Hollis, Executive Director - SAFE; Linda Adams, YHC Director of Financial Aid; and Merrie Heins, YHC Financial Aid Counselor.

2008 Holiday Tour of Homes Sponsored by the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society

11/20/2008

The Scionti home is located in the cozy neighborhood of Collett Woods off Junaluska Road. It is a cottage style home with an Old World ambience. Owners Jeno and Robin and their children moved in after construction was completed in June of 2007. The home lies upon two acres of lovely wooded land and natural surroundings.

Republican Column

Kevin Harris — 11/20/2008

Thanks to each of you that attended the North Georgia Rally at Poole's BBQ this weekend. It was great to have Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Saxby Chambliss, State GOP Chair Sue Everhart, PSC candidate Lauren McDonald, and a host of state and local officials in our area once again.

My Take

By TOM MCKEVITT — 11/20/2008

Poor Sarah! Folks have been impalin' Alaska's governor since she entered from stage right. First, she struck fear in the hearts of men, and more so in women; those who hated everything for which the Sarah Palin stands.

Letters

11/20/2008

To the Editor: Tough times for Detroit. So Georgians have a hard(?) decision to make on December 2nd. I recently spoke with a Washington aide to Senator Chambliss. Senator Chambliss will not support an automotive bail out. That means that a vote for Senator Chambliss could potentially put the "Big Three" in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Political Cartoon

11/20/2008

Dr. Sheri Rosenthal to Speak at Unity Church

11/20/2008

Sunday November 23, Dr. Sheri Rosenthal, a Master Toltec Teacher trained by don Miguel Ruiz, the author of "The Four Agreements®" will be our guest speaker. Approximately a decade ago, Dr. Rosenthal went through a challenging time in her life.

Cuban Missionary to speak at the Rock

11/20/2008

Rev. Armando Roca, a Cuban native and missionary to that island country, will be speaking at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 20 at the Rock Church. Rev. Roca was baptized in the name of Jesus by Missionary James Ball before the Communist takeover in Cuba. He has lived in America for many years now, but never lost his burden for the Cuban people that he left behind.

DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays seminar scheduled

11/20/2008

"DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays" is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. The seminar will be held on Tuesday evening, December 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Child care will be provided. There's no charge for this event.

Margaret Joseph Branch

11/20/2008

Mrs. Margaret Joseph Branch, 86, of County Line Rd., Young Harris, Ga., died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at her home following an extended illness. Mrs. Branch was born July 14, 1922 in DeSota, Wis., the daughter of the late James Harold Joseph and the late Nona M. Hayden Joseph. She had retired as an R.N. working for several years at hospitals and doctors offices.

Don Victor MaHaffey

11/20/2008

Mr. Don Victor MaHaffey, 64, of MaHaffey Place, Blairsville, Ga., died Sunday, Nov.16, 2008 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mr. MaHaffey was born Feb. 23, 1944 in Union County, Ga., the son of the late Plomar MaHaffey and the late Lannie Self MaHaffey. He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM.

Kenneth Irwin Cable

11/20/2008

Mr. Kenneth Irwin Cable, 75, of 1055 Main St., Young Harris, Ga., died Thursday Nov.13,2008 at his home following an extended illness.Mr.Cable was born on April 4,1933 in Canton,OH.,the son of the late John Thomas Cable and the late Thelma Fay Puett Cable. Kenneth loved square dancing.He was preceded in death by a brother,John Cable.Mr.Cable was of the Baptist faith.

Valerie Jean Douglas

11/20/2008

Mrs. Valerie Jean Douglas, 41, of El Paso, Texas, formerly of Atlanta, Ga., died suddenly at her home. Mrs. Douglas was born Feb. 14, 1967 in Atlanta, Ga., the daughter of Charles Ed Higgins and JoAnn Hunter Higgins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Douglas in 2005. Mrs. Douglas was of the Baptist faith.

Clarence "Gene" McDougal Esther Faye McDougal

11/20/2008

Clarence Eugene McDougal, affectionately known as Gene and Pawpaw, 68, and his wife, Esther Faye McDougal, affectionately known as Faye and Mawmaw, 67, of Hiawassee, Ga., and Old Town, Fla., died Wednesday, November 5, 2008 in Lowndes County, Ga., from injuries they sustained in an automobile accident.

Ronald Eugene Kasserman

11/20/2008

Mr. Ronald Eugene Kasserman, 67, of Back To Nature Trail, Suches, Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at his home following a brief illness. Mr. Kasserman was born Dec. 21, 1940 in Lake Worth, Fla., the son of the late Eugene Kasserman and the late Irene Peake Kasserman. Ronald had lived in Suches for the past 20 years. He loved motorcycles and NASCAR racing. Mr.

Christmas Show at Peacock Playhouse

11/20/2008

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, plan to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Peacock Playhouse in Hayesville, N.C. The show, which is a Christmas classic, runs December 11-14. The play tells how the six notorious Herdman children find the true meaning of Christmas after bullying their way into the annual church pageant of the birth of baby Jesus.

Castaway Critters

11/20/2008

Butch (dog) : Butch is a young adult male. He is extremely friendly- loves kids and other dogs. He is a smart fellow and would be easy to train. Butch was found skinny, hungry and alone on the road, he's healthy and hopes to be in his forever home for the holidays. He has been neutered and has had his vaccinations. Please call Shannon to meet Butch at 706-745- 3601.

Recipes from here and there…

By JANIE HOLBROOK — 11/20/2008

Get ready for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert! This recipe I coaxed out of my first cousin, Gloria Buice in Cumming, Ga. Having eaten some of this cheesecake several times I can attest to its goodness. It is yummy enough to eat before the turkey and dressing or instead of turkey and dressing!!

Your Health Matters

by Claudia Parks — 11/20/2008

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill.

Horoscopes

11/20/2008

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although your energy level is high, be careful not to commit to too many projects at this time. You'll do better focusing on just a few tasks rather than spreading yourself too thin. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your heart might be leading you in one direction, but pay attention to your keen Bovine intellect.

2008-2009 Cotillion season focus on manners with friends, family

11/20/2008

Mrs. Janice M. Walters-Taylor, newly appointed director of the Local Southern Appalachian Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions, taught the first official class of the 2008-2009 Cotillion season on September 16, 2008 at All Saints Lutheran Church located on Hwy 515 East of Blairsville.

Mistletoe Market and Sugar Plum Tearoom's Arts and Crafts Show

11/20/2008

The leaves have turned and fallen. The days are chilly and the nights are cold. Halloween has come and gone. Thoughts now turn to preparing for the holidays and shopping for the perfect gifts for family and friends. Mistletoe Market and Sugar Plum Tearoom, an arts and crafts show held the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the ideal place to do your holiday shopping.

Light Up Blue Ridge

11/20/2008

Usher in the holidays with "Light Up Blue Ridge," a beloved annual holiday event held in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta. "Light Up Blue Ridge" will feature sounds of the season as the mountains come alive through downtown entertainers, shops, boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and restaurants.

Nunsense Sisters to join McElvis

11/20/2008

Whatever your desires are for an Elvis Show, Vegasstyle to very simple, American Sing-A-Gram, Inc., McELVIS and Priscilla can provide it for you! If your corporate event demands a full, 5-piece live band, a quartet of background vocalists, a Vegas- style light show, concert hall sound equipment and exquisite Elvis entertainment, we can provide it!

Young Harris College Guitar Ensemble Concert

11/20/2008

The Young Harris College Guitar Ensemble will present an evening of music composed by Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos on Thursday, November 20. Vila-Lobos is considered the most significant Brazilian composer. He has written many different types of work but is best know for his guitar compositions. The concert will feature a special guest deaf guitarist.

Inaugural Dance Concert is November 22

11/20/2008

The Fusion Dance Company of Brasstown Dance Center is proud to announce that their inaugural concert will be presented on Saturday, November 22 in the Clegg Fine Arts Center at Young Harris College. You will have two opportunities to experience this entertaining show. There will be a matinee performance at 2pm and an evening performance at 7pm.

Folk School Fireside Sale

11/20/2008

John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale Sunday, December 7, 2008, 10 am to 5 pm at John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC Shop for handmade items made by local and regional craftspeople as you stroll through our beautifully decorated Keith House and Davidson Hall. Call 1-800- FOLK-SCH or 828-837- 2775 for more information or visit www.folkschool.org.

The Kitchen Diva

By Angela Shelf Medearis — 11/20/2008

My first Thanksgiving dinner as a teenaged bride married to a native Texan was a culture shock that stands out in my memory to this day. There were a lot of things about my newly adopted state and my new relatives that I simply didn't understand.

Readings at Folk School

11/20/2008

Two North Carolina writers to read at John C. Campbell Folk School Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, of Greenville, turned a passion for poetry and a desire to stay home with her children into a successful career as an author. Her books include, A New Mother's Thoughts , A Mother of Sons,Dancing with My Daughter and She of the Rib: Women Unwrapped.

Cooking with Barbara

By Barbara Walker-Huff — 11/20/2008

While traveling in Scotland, we stayed in a Bed & Breakfast in Edinburgh. The hostess served us some delicious bars which she called Scotties, along with a hot pot of tea. She said her mother made them years before and claimed she made up the recipe. She willingly gave me the recipe. I came across it not long ago and made some.

Hocus-Focus

11/20/2008

Strange But True

By Samantha Weaver — 11/20/2008

• If you're like most people, the length of your footprint is approximately 15 percent of your height. • Those who study such matters claim that Queen Elizabeth I was rather fond of playing practical jokes on her courtiers.

Now Here's a Tip

By JoAnn Derson — 11/20/2008

• "My husband has a large family that lives quite a distance away. We are visiting them for the first time with our two young children. To keep the kids from feeling overwhelmed (and to brush up myself), I created a photo look book of the family members we are likely to be around.

Towns County Real Estate Transactions Oct. 14 to 17, 2008

11/20/2008

My Bella, Inc (Kenneth J Mantovani, Jr) sold to John D Stephens 0.24 acres on Hwy 75 North near Alltel Office for $310,000. Lisa M Astin deeded to Earl Stacey White 1.10 acres on northside of Owl Creek Rd in Bud Walt Rd area.

Gardening Tips for November

ByRobert N. Brewer, Jr. Extension Tips — 11/20/2008

Annuals & Perennials Plant Lenten Rose, peonies, violas, snapdragons, dianthus and spring bulbs. Fertilize previously planted spring flowering bulbs and pansies. Top dress perennial beds with 1 to 2 inches of compost. Keep away from crowns of plants.

Holiday Meal Tips: Lose Extra Fat, Salt, Sugar

ByNorma Flanagan Tips for 4-H and Youth — 11/20/2008

Heavily-laden holiday tables don't have to bust your gut. Traditional holiday meals with plenty of vegetables put Georgians a step ahead of their neighbors to the north. Vegetables free of extras like butter, breadcrumbs and heavy creams could help Georgians stay healthy.

Upward Indoor Soccer Registration

11/20/2008

Register online at www.houseofprayerblairsville. com Early registration for the Upward Indoor Soccer League for children grades K-6 will remain open through December 4 for a reduced fee of $60. The fee will be $70 thereafter through the registration deadline of January 2.

NASCAR This Week

11/20/2008