I would like to personally thank Chief Weems and Fox 5 for stepping up to the plate with Wes Geddings name and I think he should be banished from any and all contact with youth sports or children.
Coach allegedly tells Little Leaguer to punch teammate - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA: In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billion
Jerry Gonzalez will be addressing the Oconee County Democratic Committee June 20 at Ashford on Main, 7 South Main Street, Watkinsville
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Jerry Gonzalez, GALEO" jerry@galeo.orgDate: May 20, 2013 1:09:40 PM EDTSubject: Press Statement: GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA: In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billionReply-To: jerry@galeo.org
GALEO applauds Center for American Progress Report on Economic Impact of Passing Immigration Reform for GA
In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP
will be $44.1 billionPress Statement
Atlanta, GA - May 20, 2013 -Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO, released the following statement regarding the Center for American Progress report on the economic benefits to Georgia of passing bipartisan immigration reform:
"The State of Georgia can see real economic benefits by the passage of bipartisan immigration reform. Our Congressional delegation should study the economic impact seriously in order to generate economic stimulus for our state and move towards finally fixing our broken immigration system.
We look forward to working with our entire Georgia Congressional delegation and urge them all to move towards a workable and bipartisan solution on immigration reform."###
From Center for American ProgressFor Immediate Release
May 17, 2013Contact
Crystal Patterson, 202.478.6350, cpatterson@americanprogress.orgCAP State-by-State Analysis Finds Economic Gains When Undocumented Immigrants Are Granted CitizenshipWashington, D.C. - A new report released today by the Center for American Progress found that comprehensive immigration reform, such as the proposed legislation recently filed by the Senate's bipartisan "Gang of 8," will lead to significant economic gains for numerous states, including states with the highest undocumented immigrant populations. The report, "National and State-by-State Economic Benefits of Immigration Reform," outlines how granting undocumented immigrants access to both legal status and earned citizenship will boost states' economic growth, earnings, tax revenues, and job creation-improving the lives of all Americans.The report, a follow-up to CAP's March 2013 report tracking national economic gains resulting from immigration reform, calculates the economic benefits of 24 states that contain roughly 88 percent of the United States' undocumented immigrants. Across all of these states, the economic gains are significant. In California, for example, where approximately 2.5 million undocumented immigrants currently reside, immigration reform would lead to a $125.5 billion increase in the gross state product, or GSP, over a 10-year period. Furthermore, the state would see an additional $5.3 billion in tax revenues over a 10-year span and 18,200 new jobs created annually.The state-by-state analysis also revealed:
- All of the 24 states included in this study would experience a 10-year cumulative increase in GSP-ranging from $510 million to $144.6 billion-once immigration reform is enacted.
- All 24 states would earn additional tax revenues exceeding $200 million over a 10-year period, while 10 of the states' additional tax revenues will surpass $1.3 billion.
- Cumulatively, immigration reform will create an average 107,100 jobs annually in the 24 states included in this analysis.
With roughly 11.1 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, providing these individuals legal status and a pathway to citizenship will yield significant economic benefits not just at the federal level but also within the states. The sooner we grant legal status and provide a pathway to citizenship to undocumented immigrants, the sooner all Americans will be able to reap these benefits.To speak with an expert on this topic, contact Crystal Patterson cpatterson@americanprogress.org or 202.478.6350.
The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe that Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure that our national policies reflect these values. We work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is "of the people, by the people, and for the people."How Immigration Reform Will Help Georgia's EconomyIMMIGRATION REFORM IN GEORGIA - JUST THE NUMBERSPassing S. 744 will help Georgia's economy over 10 years by adding:
- $44.1 Billion increase in GSP (Gross State Product)
- $26.1 Billion increase in wages for state residents
- 6,400 new jobs - annually
- $2.4 Billion in additional taxes from immigrants
BACKGROUND:On April 16, 2013, the Senate's "Gang of 8"-a bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators-filed the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013". At the core of the bill is a provision that will provide a pathway to earned legalization and citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America. The pathway to citizenship for these aspiring Americans will be neither short nor easy. Under the provisions of the bill, most undocumented immigrants will have to wait 10 years before they can apply for legal permanent residency-a green card. In addition, most will not be eligible for citizenship until at least 13 years after the bill is enacted. Despite this long process, there are significant economic benefits to the U.S. economy and to all Americans when unauthorized immigrants acquire provisional legal status.IMMIGRATION REFORM HELPS THE ECONOMY: Opponents of reform falsely suggest that immigration reform will create a drain on the economy and hurt workers. In reality, immigrants help grow the economy and improve the economic standing of ALL workers, both immigrants and the native-born. Earning legal status and citizenship enables undocumented immigrants to produce and earn significantly more. These resulting productivity and wage gains ripple through the economy because immigrants are not just workers-they are also taxpayers and consumers. This consumption boosts business sales, expands the economy, generates new jobs, and increases the earnings of all Americans.IMMIGRATION REFORM IN GEORGIA: Georgia will experience significant economic growth if immigration reform is passed. A new report from the Center for American Progress estimates the increases over 10 years in gross state product (GSP) as well as earnings, taxes, and jobs for these states if the Senate Gang of 8's bill is enacted in 2013.
- In Georgia, the 10-year cumulative increase in GSP will be $44.1 billion.
- The increase in the earnings of state residents will be $26.1 billion
- Immigration reform will create an average of an additional 6,400 jobs annually.
- In addition to these significant gains, undocumented immigrants themselves will experience significant increases in their income and pay more taxes to their states. In Georgia, over the 10-year period they will earn $21.8 billion more and pay an additional $2.4 billion in state and local taxes on these increased earnings.
Learn more here: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/report/2013/05/17/63295/national-and-state-by-state-economic-benefits-of-immigration-reform/
About Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)
GALEO's mission is to increase civic engagement and leadership of the Latino/Hispanic community across Georgia.
CORE BELIEFS: Inclusive, Non-Partisan, Diversity, Responsive
Website:
Become a fan of GALEO on www.facebook.com/GALEO.org
Tuesday Market reminder
It looked crowded last Tuesday
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:48:38 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Tuesday Market reminder!
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsDate: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:48:38 -0700
From: oconeefm@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Tuesday Market reminder!
Market Manager
www.oconeefarmersmarket.org (currently being updated)
--- On Mon, 5/20/13, Oconee Farmers Market <oconeefm@yahoo.com> wrote:
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Posting from the parents of Ryan King (thanks to Saskia Thompson for sharing)
Ryan's parents shared this post today:
Dear friends of Ryan,
This is a message from his heartbroken Mom and Dad. Today is one of the worst days of of our lives. We will have a ceremony to say goodbye to our sweet baby boy. Reading through your posts, almost everyone talks about how much Ryan smiled and joked around. This is what makes this tragedy so much worse. He was full of love and laughter. We called him our"island child" because he was so easy going and never seemed to worry about anything. He was so generous and quick to tell us he loved us. He loved animals, especially his two dogs Shorty and Bayley. He was one of the best sons a mother could ask for. He always treated us with respect and love. He was so, so, full of love. It will seem impossible to be without him here.
This message is now for all of you. If you want to honor Ryan, then promise to NEVER think there is a problem that can not be fixed. Everything can be worked out someway...everything. Never solve anything on your own. We just found out that Ryan panicked thinking he had made a terrible choice over a common teen pressure. His life ended for NO reason. There is nothing that Ryan could have done that would have made us no longer love him or help him. He just made an irrational decision. All he had to do is come hug us and tell us he had a problem. We could have worked through anything. Please know that that you to can work through anything. Just talk to your family, friends, teachers, or preachers. Most of all, look out for each other. Do not pressure each other for things you are not ready for. If you are truly a friend, then want the best for each other. It is time to honor Ryan's life by how you move forward in your own life. May our sweet baby rest in peace. We love him m ore than mere words could ever convey. Our life will never be the same.
Today you can say good-bye to Ryan at 6-8, at Lord and Stephens West on Jimmy Daniels Rd.
Thanks again for your kind words, he loved many of you. I hope you will find peace too. I know he is smiling down on each of you.
Ryan's parents
Monday, May 20, 2013
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
What an embarrassment to anyone who has ever played in Bogart, to Oconee County Little League and all those involved. The approving coach needs a lifetime ban at the very minimum
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
Bogart Little Leaguer knocked out when punched at coach's urging
Oconee Dems Book group location change
Sincerely,
Dan MatthewsTo: oconee@yahoogroups.com; moor7709@bellsouth.net
CC: agkefalas@charter.net; mcdougaldd@yahoo.com
From: pat_jerryads@bellsouth.net
Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:54:11 -0400
Subject: RE: [oconee] Book group location change
Thanks, Pat, will pass this along. Would love to hear this discussion. Piccolo's is the best! Pat A.
From: oconee@yahoogroups.com [mailto:oconee@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Pat Priest
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 3:48 PM
To: Oconee County Democrats
Subject: [oconee] Book group location change
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 3:48 PM
To: Oconee County Democrats
Subject: [oconee] Book group location change
Tlaloc in Watkinsville has closed, so we're moving our book group
meetings back to Piccolo's in that same shopping center.
Join us on Wednesday the 29th to discuss the thought-provoking book
"Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" by Rachel Maddow.
There is a LOT to talk (and worry!) about.
The discussion begins promptly at 7, but several of us arrive at 6:30 to
order dinner and chat about goings-on in the state and world.
Read on!
Pat Priest,
Member, Oconee Democrats
meetings back to Piccolo's in that same shopping center.
Join us on Wednesday the 29th to discuss the thought-provoking book
"Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" by Rachel Maddow.
There is a LOT to talk (and worry!) about.
The discussion begins promptly at 7, but several of us arrive at 6:30 to
order dinner and chat about goings-on in the state and world.
Read on!
Pat Priest,
Member, Oconee Democrats
__._,_.___
Chamber gig in Oconee available until filled
Oconee County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Manager – Full Time
The Oconee Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the position of Chamber Manager. This position is a full time, salaried position meeting a 40 hour per week schedule.
Benefits associated with this position include paid holidays and vacation as outlined in the chamber personnel manual. Knowledge of Quick books, Constant Contact, Excel and general office administration and procedures required. Must be able to multi task and provide positive, professional assistance and information to the public and chamber membership.
Duties to include: Assistance with AR and AP, Coordination of chamber events, Administration of chamber database / software, and membership.
Applications can be mailed to:
Oconee Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Chairman
PO Box 749
Watkinsville, GA, 30677
Or emailed to:
Tom Odom – todom@oconeechamber.org
No Phone Calls, please.
Background and reference checks before hiring.
Postion will be open until filled.
Chamber Manager – Full Time
The Oconee Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the position of Chamber Manager. This position is a full time, salaried position meeting a 40 hour per week schedule.
Benefits associated with this position include paid holidays and vacation as outlined in the chamber personnel manual. Knowledge of Quick books, Constant Contact, Excel and general office administration and procedures required. Must be able to multi task and provide positive, professional assistance and information to the public and chamber membership.
Duties to include: Assistance with AR and AP, Coordination of chamber events, Administration of chamber database / software, and membership.
Applications can be mailed to:
Oconee Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Chairman
PO Box 749
Watkinsville, GA, 30677
Or emailed to:
Tom Odom – todom@oconeechamber.org
No Phone Calls, please.
Background and reference checks before hiring.
Postion will be open until filled.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
Although I am reasonably certain I could not have afforded the suggested donation, it would have been nice to at least been notified of the possibly of going to Arthur Blank's house. I shall root for the Falcons more from now on.
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
President Obama speaks at Atlanta fundraiser
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Pastures of Rose Creek: This Week's Harvest
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note® II
-------- Original message --------
From: Pastures Rose Creek;pastures1051@gmail.com
Date: 05/17/2013 5:57 PM (GMT-05:00)
To:
Subject: The Pastures of Rose Creek: This Week's Harvest
Well, hello again, folks! Happy Friday to all! As I write the email this week, I sit in the cool of the farm house porch - letting the delicious breeze carry over the intoxicating scent of the Carolina Jasmine bordering the garden...
My only wish is that you all are getting the chance to enjoy this marvelous, outside afternoon too. That...and maybe a hammock and cup of iced jasmine tea with honey.
Well, back to the email...thank you all again so much for the enormous support of the opening of Bradford Pottery AND also a big thank you to all those who came out and attended the very first TUESDAY Oconee Farmers Market at the Watkinsville First Christian Church.
And if you didn't make it out to the Tuesday Market - have no fear! - we'll be in front of the courthouse tomorrow along with a slew of other vendors offering everything from greens, to desserts, to live plants, to soaps and handcrafted jewelry...you name - our market's got it!
Read on to discover just what our table will have...along with an extra special surprise...arugula blossoms!
Flower Power!
Arugula blossoms - delicately piquant, a little sweet..maybe even a little nutty in flavor. Who would ever guess that those lovely, cream white, cross-shaped blossoms are the anticipated burden of most farmers existence?
When flower heads start to appear spiring out of your beautiful bed of greens - one may curse nature under his or her breath...or, maybe you take a more zen approach of quiet acceptance.
Either way - it's a natural process - often referred to as "bolting" and usually happens at the end of the plant's season - as the weather becomes too warm for those cool weather greens. However, this year a few of our lovelies have started to bolt early - mostly due to the push-pull of the hot-cold freaky weather we've had - putting stress on our delicate greens.
And once those flower heads appear - you know - the plant is done for...the greens too bitter and tough for harvesting. The only thing left to do is to tear out the bed and make space for something new or allow the flowers to seed out and gather a new start for next years garden.
OR...you can pluck those lovely flowers and find a new, more creative use for them.
Now, I have had squash blossoms before...and as good as they are, you sacrifice the fruiting of the veggie when you pluck their blossoms. It never occurred to me that other blossoms are also edible and even extend the use of the plant!
Just yesterday as I was surveying the garden and looking despairingly at a patch of newly bolting arugula - I had the strangest notion. It was as if the flowers were whispering in the wind...EAT ME... (And no - I had not just sampled the mushroom popping up in between the garden beds).
A quick google later and I discovered that many bolting blossoms, including arugula, are in fact edible and not poisonous at all, as I somehow feared. In fact, they are considered a delicacy and are in high demand in foodie circles.
So...tomorrow at our stand - pick some up and add a burst of summery blossom to your plate! Their delicate, verdant appeal will add provocative charm to any dish you conjure up!
Add to the top of your first summer-grilled steak, sprinkle over a cold, summery soup, add to your favorite sandwich for a mellow arugula flavor! They are especially good over the top of egg dishes - scrambled, quiche, frittatas, and more!
the recipe...
Bacon and Cheddar Frittata with Arugula Blossoms ...
- serves 4
- 8 farm fresh EGGS from the Pastures of Rose Creek
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 lb fresh arugula leaves from the Pastures of Rose Creek of course!
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- arugula flowers for garnish (get em at our table!)
- A cast iron skillet works best for this, but any pan that can go from stove top to oven will work too
method...
- Preheat oven to 450
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove from heat and allow bacon to cool and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble bacon into 1/4 in pieces.
- Reserve about 2 tbsp bacon fat, add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly translucent
- Turn off the heat and add arugula leaves - stir with a wooden spoon about 1 minute or until leaves are wilted.
- In a bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs until light and frothy. Add the milk and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and sprinkle the bacon pieces in as well. Stir to evenly distribute ingredients. This is the only time you will stir the mixture.
- Turn the heat back on to medium and leave for about 5 minutes or until the egg begins to set. Do NOT stir!
- Add the grated cheese - sprinkling it evenly across the top. Then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
**If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can pour the egg mixture into a baking dish and add the cooked onions, spinach and bacon as well as the grated cheese, and just bake the frittata in that dish. If you do it this way, add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time and check to make sure the egg is fully cooked before serving.
what we got...
- produce & such...
- Arugula...NOT from the bolting patch
- Arugula Blossoms...FROM the bolting patch :)
- Romaine
- some Beets (2 kinds - 1 better for the greens, the other is better for the beet!)
- Carrots
- Kale
- Eggs - pasture raised
- Pottery from Bradford Pottery
- AND......
THE FIRST SQUASH OF THE SEASON!!! (come early to get yours!)
* A note on eggs: Our eggs have become increasingly popular! And although they have finished their molting cycle, they are in very high demand! We would like to continue to offer pre-ordered dozens - but this will be on a first come, first serve basis. Let us know via email if you'd like to reserve any - we'll let you know if we can comply.
- baked goods...
- Apple Cinnamon Tarts
- Bourbon- Pecan Tarts
more from the market...
Click the link below to discover what else the Market offers tomorrow and a blog about the Tuesday Market and featured vendor, Mr. Pasta & Il Gelato!!
Phew! That was a big one this week!
For the love of community and all thing farming...
Your local farmers,
Will, John & Dana...and Matt and Francie too!
The Pastures of Rose Creek, LLC
1051 Rose Creek Drive
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706.254.9391
575.613.2029
1051 Rose Creek Drive
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706.254.9391
575.613.2029
Why do Republicans think it is OK to ignore campaign sign laws and...
.....To completely ignore all laws regarding campaign signs freeways in the right of ways when it is not even close to an election?
Apologies for speculation
I'm sorry if my speculation about the suicide of Ryan King has upset anyone. It was not my intention to do so. I hope we can start the healing instead of the blaming.
We must do a better job protecting our children - at school, at home, at church, EVERYWHERE
I did not know Ryan King, but have been moved by the reaction in the community to his senseless suicide. I cannot prescribe the perfect remedy to make sure this will never happen again, but I do think we can take a few steps toward preventing future tragedies involving our young people.
1. PAY ATTENTION
It is easy to look back at this young man's life and see apparent warning signs that were ignored. Chatter amongst the younger set indicates five previous threats or attempts in this particular instance. Give our children the care they need instead of another pill designed to make them numb to the world.
2. GET HELP
There are plenty of mental health and psychological professionals in the area, and try to get appointment as soon as possible. It is almost as if there needs to be a Nuci's Space (a free or reduced cost facility for musicians in Athens for those without insurance) for our children.
3. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Let kids know they are important and can make a difference. Listen to their concerns. Address their needs. Let them know they are loved and responded to. Do not ignore or belittle or dismiss them or their problems.
4. LET MENTAL HEALTH PROS IN THE SCHOOLS
This is not a cure all or way to hold the hands of every students. I hope it is a way to find out if our kids are in trouble. Talk to them on their level. Read the social media. Make going to a shrink as common as it would be to go to the doc in the box.
5. CARVE TIME OUT FOR OUR KIDS
We may not be able to hire staff psychologists for North Oconee High School, but it seems that is where it is needed. We need to build on the momentum that has organically grown out of the tragedy of this child's suicide.
6. RETHINK OUR APPROACH TO ADD/ADHD
The manner with which we choose to try to make problems go away with a pill no longer works. We cannot apply a cookie-cutter approach to every child's education concerns whether in public or private school, or even at home. Do not automatically penalize children by removing athletic activities when sometimes that.
I am not a professional in this area. I only know what has and has not worked in my situation. I can only hope no more kids commit suicide in this or any community. Nothing I say or do is going to cure all situations, but let us work together to try to prevent any future tragedies.
1. PAY ATTENTION
It is easy to look back at this young man's life and see apparent warning signs that were ignored. Chatter amongst the younger set indicates five previous threats or attempts in this particular instance. Give our children the care they need instead of another pill designed to make them numb to the world.
2. GET HELP
There are plenty of mental health and psychological professionals in the area, and try to get appointment as soon as possible. It is almost as if there needs to be a Nuci's Space (a free or reduced cost facility for musicians in Athens for those without insurance) for our children.
3. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Let kids know they are important and can make a difference. Listen to their concerns. Address their needs. Let them know they are loved and responded to. Do not ignore or belittle or dismiss them or their problems.
4. LET MENTAL HEALTH PROS IN THE SCHOOLS
This is not a cure all or way to hold the hands of every students. I hope it is a way to find out if our kids are in trouble. Talk to them on their level. Read the social media. Make going to a shrink as common as it would be to go to the doc in the box.
5. CARVE TIME OUT FOR OUR KIDS
We may not be able to hire staff psychologists for North Oconee High School, but it seems that is where it is needed. We need to build on the momentum that has organically grown out of the tragedy of this child's suicide.
6. RETHINK OUR APPROACH TO ADD/ADHD
The manner with which we choose to try to make problems go away with a pill no longer works. We cannot apply a cookie-cutter approach to every child's education concerns whether in public or private school, or even at home. Do not automatically penalize children by removing athletic activities when sometimes that.
I am not a professional in this area. I only know what has and has not worked in my situation. I can only hope no more kids commit suicide in this or any community. Nothing I say or do is going to cure all situations, but let us work together to try to prevent any future tragedies.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Survey shocker: Sen. Jason Carter polls ahead of Gov. Nathan Deal
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note® II
-------- Original message --------
From: "Bryan Long, Better Georgia" <bryan@bettergeorgia.com>
Date: 05/15/2013 12:20 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: danjmatt@bellsouth.net
Subject: Survey shocker: Sen. Jason Carter polls ahead of Gov. Nathan Deal
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Oconee County High School Student dies by apparent suicide
Teenage suicide is particularly painful to a community to swallow, and specially in the manner this was done, ostensibly on the telephone with a parent and friend listening. .
Oconee County High School Student Dies
Oconee County High School Student Dies
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