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Showing posts from October 12, 2008

Pictures from the 2008 Oconee County Fall Festival in Watkinsville

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Despite the numerous signs saying no campaigning on Rocket Field, guess which Chairman of the Board of Commissioners chose to ignore this and was glad handing everyone he could? We bought our usual dinosaur bone from the Karwoskis and did the candle melt thing and saw lots of big hair being done. The yard sale seemed to be going well except for lack of yard signs. More photos here and here

Help Barack get out the vote in Georgia

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Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:31:29 -0400 To: danmatt@hotmail.com From: Georgia@BarackObama.com Subject: Help Barack get out the vote in Georgia Obama '08 Dear Dan, It's hard to believe, but Election Day, November 4th, is only 17 days away. That means the final push to turn the page on the last eight years of failed Bush-McCain policies begins right now. Here in Georgia, supporters like you are hard at work giving their time, energy, and passion to spread Barack's message and build this movement for change. And we know that winning Georgia for Barack and Democrats up and down the ballot comes down to what we do in these final two weeks. Sign up now for a volunteer shift and help the Campaign for Change get out the vote. If you don't want to wake up with regrets on November 5th, it's crucial that we turn out every vote right here in the Peach State. That's why the Georgia Campaign for Chang

SPLOST and Ballot Amendments

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: SPLOST and Ballot Amendments Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:06:07 -0400 From: Lee Becker <lbbecker@mindspring.com> Reply-To: lbbecker@mindspring.com To: lbbecker@mindspring.com Dear Friends, While many voters are still focused on the Nov. 4 election, the County is about to launch a campaign to get voters to approve a renewal of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) of 1 cent on the dollar at a special election on March 17, 2009. The first of two public information sessions on the proposed SPLOST renewal will be on Oct. 21, and it will be followed by a second on Nov. 3. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Oconee County Civic Center on Hog Mountain Road. Local Farmland Protection Advocate Russ Page has launched a campaign to get farmland protection included in the SPLOST allocations.

Susanna Capelouto urges folks to listen to GA Gazette tonight to hear her profile of Carving Up Oconee

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Listen to the radio tonight if you can - Georgia Gazette comes on at 7 pm Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.  Subject: FW: Susanna Capelouto urges folks to listen to GA Gazette tonight  Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:02:49 -0400    Hi all. Sorry I've been out of contact with several of you. I was in  Mexico for the week.    Celestea's film is being profiled Georgia Public Radio! See below.    Tony    Susanna Capelouto urges folks to listen to GA Gazette tonight        Tonight on Georgia Gazette,  Our interview on Carving Up Oconee, a film about development in  rural Georgia. It's part of the upcoming Eco Focus Film Festival in  Athens.  The show airs on GPB's statewide radio network at 6 PM. It airs at  7 PM on WUGA in Athens. Always on line at GPB.org/georgiagazette.  Also, if you are not yet a member of GPB, please consider a  contribution during Georgia Gazette to support local stories.  And thanks. > > > > >

Final Farmers Market during the Oconee County Fall Festival

Hi Everyone! We will be part of the Fall Festival this Saturday at our usual spot in front of the Eagle Tavern. This week we are jam packed with fresh, locally grown produce, including shiitake mushrooms. We will have THE most wonderful variety of homemade pies, cookies, brownies, cakes and breads! We also will feature sales and demonstrations of making handmade brooms! The Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen's Association will be selling their famous smoked brisket and slicing some up for sandwiches, so be sure and stop by and see us! This will be our final market of this season, but we will return next spring. Thank you to all the vendors and patrons who have helped make the Farmer's Market a huge success! See you next year! Karl Berg 706-215-7385 www.oconeefarmersmarket.org and http://www.apvoc.com/

Another road not yet built to plan on?: Daniells Bridge Rezone revisted from Lee Becker

Subject: Daniells Bridge Rezone Again Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:17:59 -0400 From: Lee Becker <lbbecker@mindspring.com> Reply-To: lbbecker@mindspring.com To: lbbecker@mindspring.com Dear Friends, A rezone request is back before the Planning Commission (Oct. 20) and the Board of Commissioners (Nov. 4) because the county has decided not to fight a suit filed against it in Oconee Superior Court by owners of land on Daniells Bridge Road who want to build yet another office park. The BOC turned down the rezone request in May of 2007 after more than 400 homeowners in subdivisions on Daniells Bridge Road opposed it. As part of the agreement, the county agreed to bring the rezone request back before the Planning Commission and before the BOC. The rezone is predicated on yet another roadway that does not exist. For details, go to my blog at http://

Miss Gail's opened yesterday in Watkinsville

I am attempting to have lunch there today to let you know how it goes, but here is the preview lunch report from Paul and Diane Boykin's blog .

Traffic at Epps Bridge Centre thanks to Lee Becker

Traffic At Epps Bridge Centre from Lee Becker on Vimeo .

ginger's-obama-sign

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ginger's-obama-sign Originally uploaded by ivy_windchaser What the neighborhood vandals do not have the capacity to realize

POWELL CALLS ON MCDONALD TO SIGN OPEN DOOR PLEDGE

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Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. From: George@JimPowellforGAPSC.com To: Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 15, 2008: POWELL CALLS ON MCDONALD TO SIGN OPEN DOOR PLEDGE Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:34:28 -0400   For Immediate Release: October 15, 2008 Contact:         George P. Birchby, Campaign Manager                         678-644-8355 (Mobile)                         George@JimPowellforGAPSC.com     Powell calls on McDonald to sign Open Door Pledge   HIAWASSEE, GA: Jim Powell, Democratic Candidate for the Public Service Commission, calls on his opponent, Lauren McDonald, to join him in pledging to the voters that if elected the candidate would not participate in any closed door communications with representatives or lobbyist of the utility companies regulated by the Public Service Commission.  Georgia is one of only a handful of states that allow Public Service Commissioners to hold ex-parte discussions with utility company repres

FW: Jim Powell for Public Service Commission Update

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Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. From: George@JimPowellforGAPSC.com To: George@JimPowellforGAPSC.com CC: friendsandfamily@list.jimpowellforgapsc.com; countychairs@list.jimpowellforgapsc.com Subject: Jim Powell for Public Service Commission Update Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:41:41 -0400 Jim Powell Campaign Update 10/16/2008   This has been another great week for the Jim Powell Campaign for Georgia Public Service Commission.   On Wednesday, Jim earned the endorsement of the state's largest newspaper, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The endorsement editorial, "Powell's Priority is YOUR Wallet," accurately described Jim's commitment to stand up for consumers, as opposed to his opponent, Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, who was voted off the PSC by Georgia voters six years ago.   "Powell is experienced and knowledgeable on energy issues, having retired as a U.S. Department of Energy executive. Just as important, he will br

Oconee Board of Education update from Rich Clark on the revelation of the asked for resignation of Supt. Dohrmann

Subject: Oconee Board of Education Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:28:09 -0700 (PDT) From: Rich Clark <clark4boe@yahoo.com> To: clark4boe@yahoo.com , richclark32@yahoo.com I suspect that many of you read the news in today's ABH about the dismissal of former superintendent Tom Dohrmann ( http://onlineathens.com/stories/101508/new_344131695.shtml ).  I believe that the article raises more questions than it answers, including "Is it permissible for our elected officials to willfully mislead the public?" If elected, I want to be a good Board member and support the decisions of the Board when reached by reasoned discussion, but not at the cost of deceiving the public that has elected me.  There is something to be said for openness and transparency in government; at a minimum, it is better to say nothing than to equivocate.  That is

"Carving Up Oconee" screenings at UGA Film Festival Oct 25-26

From: Celestea Sharp < celesteasharp@nyc.rr.com > Date: Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 10:40 PM Subject: "Carving Up Oconee" screenings at UGA Film Festival Oct 25-26 To: lowellsdad@gmail.com Hi Dan, I have seen and appreciated your mention of my film on your blog, and I wanted to be sure that you knew that "Carving Up Oconee" will be screened twice at the upcoming UGA EcoFocus Film Festival at Ciné in downtown Athens: -- on Saturday, October 25, at 3:00 pm (panel discussion with Courtney Gale, Tony Glenn, and    Michael Reuter afterwards) and -- -- on Sunday, October 26, at 8:15 pm (Q and A will follow the film, and several film personalities    will be present). I'm hoping that the film will spark some good discussions among the audience about issues important to Oconee County residents. More information about the film and the filmmaker and crew, as well as the main characters of the film, can be found on the film website at www.carvingupoconee.c

"Carving Up Oconee" screenings at UGA Film Festival Oct 25-26

From: Celestea Sharp < celesteasharp@nyc.rr.com > Date: Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 10:40 PM Subject: "Carving Up Oconee" screenings at UGA Film Festival Oct 25-26 To: Hi Dan, I have seen and appreciated your mention of my film on your blog, and I wanted to be sure that you knew that "Carving Up Oconee" will be screened twice at the upcoming UGA EcoFocus Film Festival at Ciné in downtown Athens: -- on Saturday, October 25, at 3:00 pm (panel discussion with Courtney Gale, Tony Glenn, and    Michael Reuter afterwards) and -- -- on Sunday, October 26, at 8:15 pm (Q and A will follow the film, and several film personalities    will be present). I'm hoping that the film will spark some good discussions among the audience about issues important to Oconee County residents. More information about the film and the filmmaker and crew, as well as the main characters of the film, can be found on the film website at www.carvingupoconee.com . I will be presen

3 Items of interest - two tours of Ag Center, Audacity of Hope and chance to be in newspaper with one word signs

Pat Priest hits a three-run home run out of the park for the Oconee County Democratic Committee! Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.  To: oconee@yahoogroups.com    Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:42:13 -0400  Subject: [oconee] 3 Items of interest    I'm sorry about the stolen signs. It's very galling!    Three quick items/reminders right now!    1. Book challenge tomorrow!  2. Public tour of ag facility -- two chances!  3. A chance to speak your mind -- in the Athens Banner-Herald!      Thanks for reading! Contact me if you need more information.    Pat Priest    1. The second part of the book challenge takes place tomorrow at 6 at  Five Points Deli on Epps Bridge Parkway. We'll be discussing Senator  Obama's autobiography "The Audacity of Hope" in a lively discussion  moderated by Dr. Sarah Bell. She was wonderful last month when we  discussed McCain's book; come join us -- even if you haven't had a  chance to finish or read the book! We

When you can advance vote for the Joe Walter - Luke Bishop race

Advance and Absentee voting for the City of Watkinsville will be held at Watkinsville City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday starting Tuesday, October 14, 2008 through Friday, October 31, 2008. Voting for the City of Watkinsville on Election Day (November 4, 2008) will be held at the Watkinsivlle Community Center for Watkinsville West voters and held at the Oconee County Government Annex building for Watkinsville East voters. Voting for the City Election is held separately from the County/National Election. If you have any questions regarding the City of Watkinsville election, please contact Julie Sanders @ 706-769-5161. Thank you.

Saturday: Act for Health Care in Athens

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Come demonstrate for Health Care Saturday Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:22:46 -0400 From: alerts@truemajority.org To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: Saturday: Act for Health Care in Athens TrueMajority.org Dear Dan, You and I know that the time is now for an American solution that will secure our families' health and a healthy economy. This Saturday, October 18th, Health Care for America Now volunteers across the country are reaching out to hear from people everywhere about the biggest economic crisis facing families: skyrocketing health care costs. Our friends at GA Urban Rural Summit have organized this day of action Saturday in Athens. We will be talking to neighbors about our campaign to win a guarantee of quality, aff

Thanks! for Help With phone banking 7pm Tues Oct 14 and another plea for Thursday evening, October 16th, 2008

 Proof positive that we can effect change here in Oconee County and beyond for Barack Obama.   -------------- From: Carl McGrath <carlmcgrath@yahoo.com> Subject: Thanks! for Heeelp! With phone banking 7pm Tues Oct 14 Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:56:40 +0000 We did it!  By Noon today we will complete the 450 GOTV phone calls we were given.  Thanks to all who showed up last night and helped with this.  This is huge!  The people we called, and the ones we will be contacting in the remaining 20 days, are first time and sporadic voters.  These are the voters who overwhelmingly vote for Obama.  Why is it important for them to hear from us?  Because they are new to, and typically unfamiliar with, voting procedures like early voting, voting location, photo ID requirements, etc.  Because we contact them, many of these citizens will vote who otherwise would not.  This is one of the main reasons campaigns are won/lost in the final days.  Also, we must not rely on political po

More on stolen signs and a description of the suspect

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At least we have a witness. I would suggest calling the non-emergency number 706-769-5665 of the Oconee County Sheriff's Department if you live outside Watkinsville or the Watkinsville Police Department 706-7697891 if the thefts continue. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: becky@beckyvaughn.org Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:18:32 -0400 Subject: [oconee] Fwd: stolen signs Just to let you know about another one: Becky -- I see that you are the chair of the Oconee County Democratic Party so I am emailing you to see if you can help me out.  I live on Hwy 78 between Mars Hill Rd and Hwy 53.  Yesterday, some jerk pulled up in front of our house and ripped up our Democratic yard signs, threw them in his truck, and roared off.  I checked with DOT to make sure it was not road mainenance pulling up all signs that might be in the right of way -- it wasn't.  Just a vandal. I hate to let such tactics be rewarded.

What will you say on November 5th (the day after the election)?

Dan ( danjmatt@bellsouth.net ) has forwarded an email to you as a web page. To view click on or copy this link into your browsers address bar http://www.Swiftpage5.com/PCPOWERUSER.Bobby/C081015074300/SpeAsAPage.aspx?Addr=danjmatt@bellsouth.net The original email was a message from Media@BobbySaxon.com. If you do not want forwards of future e-mails from this list, copy to your browser or click on this link to Opt-Out. http://www.Swiftpage5.com/SpeSupIt.aspx?Org=&Group=&Page=PCPOWERUSER.Bobby&Addr=oconeedemo.crats@blogger.com

What will you say on November 5th (the day after the election)?

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 Please consider donating some Major Coin to to Major Saxon - From: "Bobby Saxon for Congress" <Media@BobbySaxon.com> To: Subject: What will you say on November 5th (the day after the election)? Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:06:30 +0000 SwiftPageEmail Three weeks from today is the DAY AFTER the election.  What will you say that morning when you read the paper or watch the news?   1.  I can't believe Bobby came that close.  If only I had done more.   2.  Wow, Bobby put up a great fight.  He could have won if I had helped (more).   3.  On no, we're stuck with Mr. Broun for another two years.   Do you want more of the same partisan extremist agenda?  Do you want Veterans, Teachers, Children, Farmers and the Elderly to continue to be neglected?  Do you want bipartisan representation fo

Olbermann asks McCain to suspend campaign to at least control the violent elements incited at the GOP rallies

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC news offers an accurate portrayal of the manner with which John McCain and Sarah Palin have whipped their followers into a blood thirsty frenzy which will only be satisfied with the head of Barack Obama on a platter. Please watch and heed.

What Democrats need NOW for Election Day

Subject: FW: What Democrats need NOW for Election Day!!! Resent-Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:10:09 -0700 (PDT) Resent-From: ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:09:54 -0400 From: karen solheim <ksolheim@hotmail.com> To: ccdc@clarkedemocrats.com <ccdc@clarkedemocrats.com> , ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com <ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com> References: <967766.68716.qm@web53404.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Dear CCDC members and friends,   Please read the email below from Gwen O'Looney about what you can do NOW to help to ensure success in the upcoming election. Please reply directly to Gwen with your response:   gweniolooney@yahoo.com Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communication Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:21:09 -0700 From: gweniolooney@yahoo.com Subject: Wha

Oconee County Board of Education candidate & UGA Pollster Prof. Rich Clark talks to Athens Area Democrats 4 days after the election Sat., Nov. 8th

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Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. From: ksolheim@hotmail.com To: ccdc@clarkedemocrats.com; ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com Subject: FW: Athens Area Democrats--Nov 8. Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:30:47 -0400 Dear CCDC members and friends,   Please see the information below concerning the next Athens Area Democrats meeting on Saturday, November 8. Looks like a great (and timely) program! Remember to buy your tickets by November 3.  See end of email below for details about purchasing.   Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications   From: anitabarney@charter.net To: ksolheim@hotmail.com Subject: Advertising and List serv Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:47:20 -0400 THIS BREAKFAST IS RIGHT AFTER THE ELECTION AND THE ASSESSMENT OF THE POLLS SHOULD BE INTERESTING! BUFFET BREAKFAST ATHENS AREA DEMOCRATS 9:00AM – NOV 8, 2008 TRUMPS – WASHINGTON & JACKSON  ST. TOPIC:  A POST ELECTION ASSESSMENT OF PRE-ELECTION POLLING SPEAKER:  DR. RICH CLARK,  Ph.D. in

Rich Clark and Tom Breedlove debate the issues

Athens Banner-Herald reporter Adam Thompson was one of the two dozen brave souls to wait until the end of the evening for the debate for the sole contested Oconee County Board of Education race. Here is his assessment.

Of violence, hatred and greed

So how many chants of "Kill Him" are we going to tolerate before we say enough? Why has promoting political assassination suddenly become acceptable? Why are people not going to jail for these crimes? Can't we all just get along?

Political Yard Sign Vandalism continues unabated in both Oconee and Walton counties for Democratic candidates including Sherry Jackson, Barack Obama

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More examples of neighborhood hoodlums or perhaps something more sinister (such as an organized effort by the GOP?)Heard that some Sherry Jackson's signs in both Oconee and Walton counties have gone missing as well. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: berger1950@yahoo.com Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:25:09 -0700 Subject: [oconee] Political Yard Sign Vandalism This occurred in the Keeneland Sub-division.  It was an Obama sign.  I serve as the Homeowner Association Secretary and it was my sign that was removed.  I sent the following e-mail (about 50 homes in the sub-division) .    Is anyone else having this problem?  Was there a rash of this in the past day or two in other areas or is it possible it was limited to my neighborhood?   Dale Wetzelberger   ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Just an FYI. I'm sure it was someone from outside the su

Chaos grows on North High Shoals council

No, the Mayor Jeff Thomas did not resign at last night's meeting. He apparently did ask the city attorney what the best time would be during the Monday. City Council member B.J. Ivie did offer his resignation in an apparent attempt at some sort of de-certification due to a lack of quorum. Council member Steve Holzman is working on posting audio of the fractious session. Expect more soon from him at Small Town Politics - North High Shoals soon. Expect Fred Johnston and Violet Dawe to do something to try and mitigate these circumstances. North High Shoals is nothing if not entertaining. Here is where the tape recorded audio is. This is not official minutes.

Disappointingly small turnout for Monday candidates forum

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Maybe two dozen people came out to the Oconee County Library on Columbus Day night for a candidates forum featuring the people vying to represent Oconee County in public office November 4th. Sherry Jackson and Bill Cowsert took questions from the audience for the District 46 State Senate race while Rick Clark and Tom Breedlove took questions in the Board of Education race. Tom Leach took questions in the Board of Commissioners chair race without opposition of incumbent G. Melvin Davis.

Heeelp! With phone banking 7pm Tuesday, October 14

Subject: Heeelp! With phone banking 7pm Tues Oct 14 Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:02:27 -0700 (PDT) From: Carl McGrath <carlmcgrath@yahoo.com&; gt; All,   We need everybody tomorrow night!!!  Please come if you can, and bring someone with you.   WHAT: Phone Banking for GOTV - Get-Out-The-Vote WHEN: Tomorrow night 7pm Tues Oct 14th WHERE: The Sanctuary, on 2nd St. & Barnett Shoals Rd., Watkinsville DIRECTIONS: From Main St. take Barnett Shoals 2 blocks, turn left on 2nd and park. Enter the Sanctuary at the covered entry on 2nd St. BRING: Your cell phone and a copy of the attached script for leaving voice messages (There is a blank space for the amount of early votes. Currently it's near 300,000!!!).   Barb will provide phone lists and scripts for use with people who answer their phone. C

You're Invited by Oconee County Obama folks to road trip to Greene County for GOTV efforts

Subject: You're Invited! Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:57:29 -0400 From: Carl McGrath <carlmcgrath@yahoo.com> To: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5qgw --- This is one of two all-day GOTV events we are doing in Greensboro. The other one will be on Election Day Nov 4th. Please arrange to devote one or both of these days because we need a lot of feet on the ground and/or cell phones in hand to turn this battleground state BLUE! Go Obama!!! Carl

Fwd: POLITICAL SIGN VANDALISM

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This sent into me by a reader I presume ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: William Sapp Date: Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 9:57 PM Subject: POLITICAL SIGN VANDALISM I live at the edge of Athens-Clarke County with a long Belmont Road frontage.  I've been engaged in a political sign war with vandals or perhaps just one vandal with a penchant for stealing Obama signs by the score.  Usually this slimy vandal(s) strikes in the dead of night...I must have replaced 20 signs!  Rarely signs disappear in broad daylight.  Are these anti-American types so stupid that they don't realize when they see twice as many signs reappear after they've struck that the candidate is benefiting more from their vandalism than ever?  I've spent around $100 just to keep up with him..but  by now I've had it.  I've resorted to  night stakeouts with flash digital camera, air horn, and cell phone poised to call the cops.  Are these thieves unaware of the First Amendment, do they only respe

We need your help for the Oconee County Democratic committe yard sale = needs for the yard sale Saturday morning

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Please assist with any donation of sawhorses, card tables, counter tops or other portable tables. We can come pick up and return. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: bonanzagirl@hotmail.com Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:06:33 +0000 Subject: [oconee] needs for the yard sale Hi Everyone, We did get a bunch of items in yesterday and the porch is covered, but we need more. If you have any heavy or large items, let me know. I will see if any of the people with trucks could help you. I know Sarajane has some furniture she needs picked up. Please let me know if any would be willing to help her. We need tables. Becky had got some countertops we can use but someone needs to get them. We would need sawhorses to put them on. I know Diana has some, but we would need another pair. Tables are slim at the moment, and we desperately need more. Volunteers are needed to work setting up