Oconee County, GA Politics

Please attend this important forum the day after my 47th birthday. Thank you and carry on. From: Pat Priest Date: January 24, 2010 12:18:57 PM EST Subject: Health Care Reform Forum The Oconee County Democrats' Health Care Reform Forum The Oconee County Democrats and a local political action committee called "Pull the Plug on Paul Broun, Jr." are co-sponsoring a Health Care Reform Forum at 7 PM Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at the Oconee County Library (1080 Experiment Station Road in Watkinsville, Georgia). Panelists at this free, public forum include Dr. Neal Priest, a local emergency physician (and Oconee County resident); Dr. Fazal Khan, a professor at UGA's School of Law who specializes in health care policy matters and holds both a medical and law degree; and Teresa Duncan, a health insurance billing specialist. Whatever the fate of the proposed legislation on that date, the panelists are knowledgeable and passionate about health care reform and will dis...

Golfing and the historical society Hi,             I'm sure you have seen some of the beginning publicity about the Nationwide Golf Tour Athens Classic competition that will be played at the UGA golf course April 26 th -May 2.  The Oconee County Historical Society has signed up to participate in their Tickets Fore Charity program.  That means if you purchase a weekly grounds pass for $25.00 the entire amount will be given to the historical society.  Our signs for the buildings at Heritage Park project and our dreams for getting the Central School House set up for programs of various kinds in the auditorium would appreciate the boost in funds and you'd get a week of golfing entertainment.  Here's how.             Go to the   web site and click on the Tickets Fore Charity logo (see attachment).  Once you order the tickets you can choose the...

I am all for playground equipment, but not at the cost of creating a park around one of our best tourist attractions. Someone really dropped the ball on this, and I suggest it is at the top of the Board of Commissioners food chain. From: Lee Becker   Subject: BOC Meeting and Elder Bridge To: lbbecker@mindspring.com     Oconee County Officials Explain Lack of Money for Elder Mill     Bridge Protection     http://oconeecountyobservations.blogspot.com/2010/01/oconee-county-officials-explain-lack-of.html *Playground Equipment Got Priority * *Dear Friends, * *That is the headline of the posting I just did. I'm not sure I can do any better in summarizing what the county said last night to explain why it won't do anything to protect land around the bridge. * *Go to http://tiny.cc/OCO * *Thanks * *Lee * -- Lee Becker Blog: www.oconeecountyobservations.blogspot.com Web: http://lbbecker48.googlepages.com/ -- Sincerely, Da...

Details on the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Debate Subject: CCDC FW: ATTENTION: Democratic Gubernatorial Debate Dear CCDC members and friends, Please read the email below about the   Democratic Gubernatorial Debate   happening in   Athens   this   Tuesday, February 2 . Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications From:   info@georgiademocrats.org To:   ksolheim@hotmail.com Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:38:41 -0500 Subject: ATTENTION: Democratic Gubernatorial Debate The Democratic Party of Georgia and WNEG-TV will be holding a televised debate with the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates on February 2. The debate will be held at UGA in Athens.   To obtain tickets email your name, telephone number, and email address to   tickets@georgiademocrat.org .   For press credentials and inquiries contact Eric Gray at   eric@georgiademocrat.org .   General Information Debate of Democratic...

Another great post from Pat Priest and more books to read! Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:54:49 -0500 Subject: [oconee] Great recycling opportunity & new book   Two quick things: 1) Please read about the unusual recycling opportunities below -- just today and tomorrow! 2) Wanted to let you know, too, that we've switched out our March book in our community book group to learn more about Haiti. We'll read "Mountains beyond Mountains " by the acclaimed author Tracy Kidder and discuss it March 24th. (In February we're reading the classic and beloved " Sand County Almanac .") Let me know if you have questions! Pat Priest Member, Oconee Democrats ------------ --------- ------ You've probably heard about the Greenlife Expo going on today and tomorrow in Athens at the Classic Center. There's a great opportunity to recycle things that aren't usually accepted for recycling. Fo...

Should you want tickets to the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Debate next week, you can get them from Georgia Democratic Party chair Jane Kidd herself this weekend at Jittery Joe's in Five Points. To: Dan Matthews Sent: Fri, January 29, 2010 12:25:40 PM Subject: Re: tickets for debate at UGA If you are in the Athens area, tickets may be picked up from Jane Kidd at Jittery Joe's Coffee Shop in 5 Points (please see address below) on: Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 4:00 until 5:00 PM Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 1:00 until 2:00 PM 1210 South Millledge Athens, GA 30605 Best!

Let's all pedal together safely this year with a new officially sanctioned and approved group for us in Oconee County. Congratulations Oconee County Cycling Organization. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Oconee County Cycling Organization is Official! Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:29:37 -0500 From: rgmcspadden@aol.com Dear Fellow Cyclists and Cycling Friends, Exciting News.  The Oconee County Cycling Organization (OCCO), is officially incorporated with the State of Georgia! Our charter has been accepted and we are now a non profit organization in the state of Georgia recognized by the Secretary of State. Many thanks to the McKenna, Long and Aldridge Attorneys at Law in Atlanta for their pro bono work on our behalf. We have also applied for 501(c) 3, tax exempt status, that application is pending and we fully expect federal approval.  Cycling is associated with higher property values, higher income levels and advanced education as well...

Even though a lot of members of the Republican hierarchy would welcome the Scott Brown special Senatorial election in Massachusetts as the death knell of the Democratic party, it seems to have been something of a wake up call for some more daring outgoing activists and groups, and Athens Banner-Herald reporter Blake Aued has cataloged a couple of these in his blog on the Banner-Herald website. The first of these recent entries concerns Georgia gubernatorial candidate and current Congressman Nathan Deal , who has decided to cast his fate in the Republican primary with those who believe President Barack Obama was born elsewhere than Hawaii, despite numerous and repeated refuted and conclusive proof that he is indeed a United States citizen. Local bloggers at Georgia Liberal challenged Mr. Deal to proof conclusively that he is indeed eligible to run for Governor of Georgia , and surprise surprise, the Deal election committee was not the least bit prepared to respond to this fair inqui...

Tickets for the debate Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: vickymoody@charter.net Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:31:57 +0000 Subject: [oconee] Gubernatorial Debat at UGA   The Democratic Party of Georgia and WNEG-TV will be holding a televised debate with the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates on February 2. The debate will be held at UGA in Athens. To obtain tickets email your name, telephone number, and email address to tickets@georgiademo crat.org For press credentials and inquiries contact Eric Gray at eric@georgiademocra t.org General Information Democratic Gubernatorial Debate Tuesday February 2nd, 7pm UGA South PJ Auditorium, Journalism/ Psychology Plaza Building 0066, S306 Sponsored by the Democratic Party of Georgia in c...

As if we needed another reason not to vote for Ralph Hudgins for Georgia Insurance Commissioner, he provided one that lives on like a bad sequel to a bad movie with this so called "Octomom" bill brought back up quite foolishly by new Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston. Talk about a "lose-lose" proposition for the people of Georgia, this is it, and I do not imagine it will help any other G.O.P. candidates garner new votes across this state with women and men of the pro-choice persuasion. We have a great stem cell scientist with Dr. Steve Stice and in no way should we constrain his science that could result in all kinds of cures for various diseases. Remember Nancy Reagan is for stem cell research. Editorial: Lawmakers should shelve stem cell bill || OnlineAthens.com

Friend -- I just finished delivering my first State of the Union, and I wanted to send you a quick note. We face big and difficult challenges. Change on the scale we seek does not come easily. But I will never accept second place for the United States of America. That is why I called for a robust jobs bill without delay. It's why I proposed a small businesses tax credit, new investments in infrastructure, and pushed for climate legislation to create a clean energy economy. It's why we're taking on big banks, reforming Wall Street, revitalizing our education system, increasing transparency -- and finishing the job on health insurance reform. It's why I need your help -- because I am determined to fight to defend the middle class, and special interest lobbyists will go all out to fight us. Help me show that the American people are ready to join this fight for the middle class -- add your name to a letter to Congress today: http://my.barackobama.com/...

Flagpole writer Maggie Summers puts a human face on the place where day laborers wait for jobs and finds out it is no longer just illegal Mexicans coming out at the road by the Home Depot in Oconee County. Best piece of local journalism I have read in years. I was unaware that Albanians are in Oconee day worker roles but am not surprised that Cedar Shoals High School attendees and others gather out there for employment. Features: Opportunity Costs - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA

Well worth attending if you can afford it. I still think he will Georgia's next Democratic governor. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:10:38 -0500From: ksolheim@oconee.k12.ga.us To: ccdc@clarkedemocrats.com; ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com Subject: CCDC Roast Thurmond update and ticket info! It's time to get your tickets !! Help fire up the Clarke County Democratic Committee with a ROAST of MICHAEL THURMOND Classic Center, Athens, Georgia Thursday, February 18, 2010 6:30 p.m. Cash Bar   7-9 p.m. Dinner and Roast $50 donation For tickets, contact Mac Rawson 706.207.6359, macrawson@charter.net OR the Classic Center Box Office 706.357.4444, http://www.classiccenter.com FOR MORE INFO: www.clarkedemocrats.com . FANNING THE FLAMES Jane Kidd • Upshaw Bentley • Clarence Pope • Denny Galis • Rep. Calvin Smyre • Doc Eldridge • Mikayla Thurmond PRESIDING OVER THE BLAZE Hon. Lawton E. Stephens FUELING THE FLAM...

It only gains passing mention in this Flagpole magazine article, but is a wonderful school for cool kids to learn how to sing or play an instrument in the rock and roll style. Miscellany: Jan. 27, 2010 - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA

Need an early evening babysitter Friday? $40 is not bad for four hours with pizza....I will be coaching hoops at Athens Christian school or otherwise might take my son there.... Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:40:11 -0500 From: schoolstreetgym@yahoo.com To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: Kids Night Out is this Friday! Having trouble viewing this email? Click here January Kids Night Out is this Friday! PIZZA, GYMNASTICS, MOVIE...   Click here for more details. Ages: 3-12 (1-6 staff/child ratio) Time: 5:30 PM-9:30 PM Cost: $40 First Child , $5 Each Additional Sibling Space is limited!  Email or call (706) 769-1239 make your reservation!!           Forward email This email was sent to danmatt@hotmail.co...

I have not attended one of these recently, but am always eager to help out the Oconee County Middle School band and chrous and to sample the cuisine of some of our favorite local restaurants this Saturday 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Oconee County Civic Center, including: Barberito's brett's casual american restaurant Buffalo's Southwest Cafe Chick Fil-A at Epps Bridge Chicken Express Chops and Hops ...

Props to Oconee County first responders for assisting this letter writer and her injured father. I am always happy to see how strangers will help one and other here, especially in time of need. Sharyn E. Dickerson: 'Angels' thanked for help || OnlineAthens.com

Oconee County Solar power business Turnsol business man Drew Bowen , who lives I think just barely in Greene County but might as well be Oconee, is a conducting a seminar 12:30 - 1:00 Friday about Solar power for business. Should be an enlightening discussion well worth your attendance. GreenLifeAthens.com

I think a Graduate Thesis could be done about the stories and business practices behind this rather obtuse press release, and I am way outside my pay grade in trying to explain or even comprehend the economics of this article, but I suppose this is just another watershed for a local company that I knew nothing of, and may they continue to thrive in these uncertain times. Generally speaking, it sounds like they are not paying some insurance folks who might be wanting a good chunk of change, and that is symptomatic of the massive problems in the insurance industry of which I am entirely too ignorant and ill informed. I am all for agricultural technology and hope our farmers can continue feeding the world. I am glad Oconee County can support agricultural technology companies, and I hope the heavy duty dividends return to their investors. That i$ what the real economy recovery will be putting in the pocketbooks in all of us very soon. I welcome the one-sided knowledge of a heretofore unkno...

Just another of my most favorite obscure moments in American history. And before today I did not that Elijah Clarke is sometimes spelled Elijah Clark New Georgia Encyclopedia: Trans-Oconee Republic

This was about last night's meeting at the Town of North High Shoals - sorry I did not get it out sooner. From: Fred Johnson To: Fred Johnson Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 4:06:17 PM Subject: Message from Mayor Dawe about tonight's meeting Everyone, Violet asked me to send out the following message. - Fred Johnson Mrs. Pam Helton from GMA (Georgia Municipal Association) will be at Town Hall at 7:00 to discuss the opportunities and programs that GMA sponsors for towns.  This is an informational session only.  No business will take place during this time.  Bring your questions. Information on insurance will be in the regular scheduled meeting.Reminder:  Council continuation meeting tonight at 7:30.

Begin forwarded message: From: Pat Priest < ppriest@charter.net > Date: January 4, 2010 5:02:03 PM EST To: Wayne Ford < wayne.ford@onlineathens.com >,   Rob Peecher < editor@theoconeeleader.com >, Oconee Enterprise < announcements@oconeeenterprise.com >,   News Leader < news.oconeeleader@gmail.com >, Kate McDaniel < katemail@bellsouth.net >,   Sarah Bell < docofenglish@gmail.com >, dan matthews < danjmatt@bellsouth.net > Subject: Community-wide book group/ New slate of books Hello! Happy New Year! We've put together an interesting line-up of books for our community-wide book group, which continues to grow each month! Here's information about our choices below. Thank you! Patricia J. Priest Member, Oconee Democrats ---------------------------------------------------------------- The community book group sponsored by the Oconee Democrats has announced its slate of books for 2010. The list includes classics such as "Catch 22...

My buddy Johnathan McGinty over at his Beyond the Trestle blog kind of let the cat out of the bag on this one , which is fine, and I too had received multiple people telling me that Tom Breedlove was ABSOLUTELY positively possibly (?) fixing to resign from the Oconee County Board of Education and he had at least confirmed he quit his land planner job with local developers Williams and Associates not long ago and at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Twice Breedlove has written me back about his uncertainty regarding his family situation, and anyone who reads the local police blotter was aware of a recent domestic disturbance at his abode. Domestic violence, whether being accused as the perpetrator or the victim, is not something to be taken lightly, especially in the political arena. I hope the best for the Breedlove family and hope things get worked out but I think it is obvious there is some doubt concerning his political future around these parts at the very least. ...

Friend -- On Wednesday evening, President Obama will deliver his first State of the Union address. It comes at a critical moment. We must regroup, refocus, and re-engage on the vital work ahead. So let's watch it together at a State of the Union Watch Party in your neighborhood. We've hit some serious bumps in the road recently in our march toward change. We always knew it would be difficult, but this past week has definitely been a hard one, for all of us. But this movement didn't come so far without making it through some challenging times. It's at moments like these when we need you most. People are hurting. Our country is at a crossroads, and in communities like yours all across America we must all fight for the progress our families and businesses need to thrive. The President's resolve has never been stronger to keep fighting for health insurance reform, for lasting job creation, and to rein in the big banks and fight the undue influence of ...

There is fungus among us in Watkinsville. Mushroom gardening new backyard craze | savannahnow.com