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Showing posts from January 31, 2010

Pass health reform now

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Friend -- An alarming new study shows that health care costs increased last year at the fastest rate in more than a half century. Health care spending rose to an estimated $2.5 trillion in 2009, or $8,047 per person -- and is now projected to nearly double by 2019. If we don't act, this growing burden will mean more lost jobs, more families pushed into bankruptcy, and more crushing debt for our nation. The conclusion is clear: This isn't a problem we can kick down the road for another decade -- or even another year. We need to pass health reform now. We're incredibly close. But too many in Washington are now saying that we should delay or give up on reform entirely. So we need to make it crystal clear that Americans understand the stakes for our economy and our lives, and that we want action. Can you write a letter to the editor of your local paper right now? In just five minutes of your time, you can tell thousands of readers about this new report on spira

Watkinsville City Council agenda for Wednesday evening Feb. meeting 2010

AGENDA CITY OF WATKINSVILLE February 10, 2010 CALL TO ORDER QUORUM CHECK MINUTES  January 13, 2009 APPEARANCES                    1.  Jonathan Jones – business license – Jones Web Designs – 29A North Main Street, Suite 2       2.  Marilynn Butler – business license – Home Creations Etc., LLC – 2 South Main Street, Ste 110       3.  Heather & Jan Weisenborn – building permit – Remodel existing structure – 26 School Street ADMINISTRATION January 31, 2010 Reconciliation Report MAYOR’S REPORT CITIZEN’S COMMENTS OLD BUSINESS 1.  Bird Sanctuary Ordinance 2.  Crosswalk repair update 3.  SPLOST RFQ finalists NEW BUSINESS

Ashford Manor B&B hosts next meeting of the Oconee County Historic

Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast is hosting the next meeting of the Oconee County Historical Society Monday at the stately grounds near Harden Hill and Main Street in lovely downtown Watkinsville.             We will be doing something different and I hope exciting for our next meeting.  Please note the new location and the evening's program.  We will also be discussing our search for a new location for meetings and the results of a meeting with the Parks and recreation department concerning the future of   Heritage   Park .  Peggy   The Oconee County Historical Society will hold its February Meeting at Ashford Manor on Monday, Feb. 15th at 7pm. Dave Shearon will give a talk on the Ashford family history.  Prospective members are welcome!

Perdue proposes appointing instead of electing 4 state officials || OnlineAthens.com

Sonny Perdue no longer trusts the people of Georgia to make decisions deciding our elected officials. When will the people of Georgia wake up and smell the coffee of continued cronyism ruining this state? Perdue proposes appointing instead of electing 4 state officials || OnlineAthens.com

Your morning jolt: 'The best people aren't always elected' | Political Insider

Your morning jolt: 'The best people aren't always elected' | Political Insider Posted using ShareThis

This week in hoops in Oconee County

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Should you want to watch the best fourth grade basketball, please consider attending the Athens Academy High School games tonight ~ Friday ~ at the Spartan Center to see my son at the halftime of the boys game for a friendly exhibition between the green and white squads, then this also has the final two regular season games tomorrow ~ Saturday ~ at the Oconee County High School practice gymnasium. There are admission charges to both events. The following is an email from head coach Chris Pittard and should not be taken seriously or literally. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: This week Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:15:36 -0500 This week Hello all. Chronologically: Wednesday Night is our last scheduled practice.  If its possible, we might have a practice next week, but only if time and gym permits.  I will keep you posted. Friday Night, its GREEN VS WHITE the REMATCH!  We will be playing at halftime of the boys game at the Spartan Center.  So let's

Oconee Futbol Club Academy Spring Registration

If you or your children are at all serious about playing and learning advanced soccer and want to take the next step locally beyond the excellent Oconee County Recreation soccer programs, then I can recommend Oconee Futbol Club. My son decided he does not want to play soccer this spring, so we are not joining this league. There was an attachment to this that undoubtedly contained lots of forms to fill out, and if you need them then send me an email and I can forward them to you. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. From: oconeefc@charter.net To: oconeefc@gmail.com CC: dante275@charter.net Subject: FW: Academy Spring Registration Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 22:21:54 -0500 Hi Parents- Tomorrow is February 5 th . We really want to have everyone registered by that time. To help you out we will have walk up registration available Friday from 6pm – 8pm . We would normally have it a one of the fields but the weather is supposed to be bad. Therefore, we will have it

Georgia River Network Award given to Lee Becker

Well deserved award to Oconee County Observations blogger Lee Becker and his work to maintain and keep clean Barber Creek here in Oconee County. From: Lee Becker lbbecker@mindspring.com Date: February 4, 2010 10:54:01 PM EST To: lbbecker@mindspring.com Subject: Georgia River Network Awards Reply-To: lbbecker@mindspring.com Dear Friends, The Georgia River Network today named the winners of its 2010 River Celebration Awards: the Coosa River Basin Initiative from Rome as the Watershed Group of the Year, Gordon Rogers of Albany as the River Conservationist of the Year, and me as the Volunteer of the Year. I'm truly delighted and honored, and I thank Karen Kimbaris, Eleanor Cotton, Tim Price and Joe Block from the Friends of Barber Creek for their support. Certainly they deserve the recognition as well. Details are at: http://oconeecountyobservations.blogspot.com/2010/02/georgia-river-network-announced-river.html Lee -- Lee Becker Blog: www.oconeecountyobservations.blo

Should you want to watch the entire Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial debate

Watch the whole Democratic Debate held in Athens Tuesday night on the link below: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/ video/22417918/ DuBose: Experience, Character, Solutions. and short email updates. (478) 290-2801 P.O. Box 98 Dublin, GA 31040 This message has been forwarded by danjmatt@bellsouth.net. As the recipient of this forwarded message you have not been added to any email list. Powered by NGP Software, Inc.

Chambliss: Repealing DADT Would Open Door To 'Adultery' And 'Body Art' In The Military | TPM LiveWire

Chambliss: Repealing DADT Would Open Door To 'Adultery' And 'Body Art' In The Military | TPM LiveWire Posted using ShareThis

Oconee County Democrats host forum on health care plan

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These are photos from the Health Care Forum held at the Waktinsville Library to a crowd of several dozen concerned audience members who heard from health care providers and insurance professionals about the problems and possible solutions from audience members as well as panelists. There were many different opinions in this discussion led by Russell Edwards and featuring Dr. Neil Priest, Teresa Duncan and Fazal Khan, who is in the law school. Oconee Dems plan forum on health care plan || OnlineAthens.com

Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Debate round up

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The winner of the debate was the people of Georgia for turning in and learning about Thurbert Baker's daughter, the erroneous comparison of Carl Camon's Ray City to that of Wasilla, Alaska by panelist Tim Bryant, and watching DuBose Porter, Roy Barnes and General David Poythress careful not to step on one and others feet except in uniting in attacks on the status quo of Georgia Republican party. Leading in the polls seems to agree wtih Roy Barnes as he kind of played the jovial grandfather of the event. He glad handed everyone and appeared to have the fewest handlers at maybe two besides his wife. DuBose told of legislation he passed vetoed by Barnes back when he was our Governor before Sonny Perdue. The current lame duck Republican leaders was the target of many barbs for the many pet projects and property possessed at sweetheart deals. Needless to say, the Republicans have not done a very good job of taking care of the considerable needs of the State of Georgia recently,

The money behind these Republican politicians is simply a-mazing!

The money behind these Republican politicians is simply a-mazing!

Esther Porter vs. Margaret Hale? No contest - Hale will win again in another landslide

Once upon a time not all that long ago in the midst of a recent political season I confided two bits of supposed political wisdom upon a local elected official piling signs out of an automobile. These two axioms of dubious wisdom and quality were as follows: Political Rule #1 Never run against a Fireman Political Rule #2 Never run against a Fireman's wife. This alone should convince Esther Porter she has no chance whatsoever to beat Margaret Hale in the 2010 Republican Primary and de facto General Election for the Oconee County Board of Commissioners. Margaret has had a health scare recently but in no way should this effect her ability to govern, although she did miss the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting.  I suppose Porter could be hedging her bet against Hale's health worsening, but even the most cynical political observer would not want their opponent to get more sick in order to win. In the insular world of whisper campaigns as loud as dynamite locally, this

Today: Conversation with the President

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Friend -- Today, at 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time, Organizing for America is hosting a "Conversation with the President" -- and you won't want to miss it. President Obama will talk about fighting for change in 2010, and then answer questions from grassroots supporters like you. You can watch a webcast of the event starting at 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time: http://my.barackobama.com/Conversation President Obama will review our many accomplishments this past year and address the tough fights ahead of us -- including the 2010 elections, fighting to strengthen the middle class, and finishing the job on health reform. Then, I'll ask the President some of the questions that OFA supporters like you submitted online. I hope you can tune in at 5:45 Eastern: http://my.barackobama.com/Conversation Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South

Town Of North High Shoals Feb 1, 2010 Meeting Notes from Fred

Once again our correspondent and former Duke wrestler Fred Johnson reports exhaustively about the town where he calls home and formerly served as City Council member. From: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com Date: February 3, 2010 9:48:52 PM EST To: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com Subject: TONHS Feb 1, 2010 Meeting Notes from Fred Dear Fellow High Shoalers,                                                                                            February 3, 2010 The council discussed the town's insurance needs and the merits of different bids with those present.    Through discussion it was revealed that GIRMA, an insurance group run through the Georgia Municipal Association, insured many more items to much higher levels than the other two offers and at a significantly lower price.    In the end, the Town Council accepted the GIRMA policy for more than twice the insurance coverage for less than half the price of last year.    Last year the town paid $9,373 for ins

Store owner ups robbery reward || OnlineAthens.com

Armed robbery is rare in Watkinsville and we would like to keep it that way Store owner ups robbery reward || OnlineAthens.com

Thursday Reform Forum in Oconee County

Last reminder I promise Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. From: info@paulbrounjr.com Subject: Thursday Reform Forum in Oconee County Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:04:04 -0700 From:  Pull the Plug PAC Re:      Thursday Feb 4, 2009 Reform Forum in Watkinsville Please contact Pat Priest, Oconee County Democrat, at 706-353-8310 for additional comment on the reform forum. For more information about Pull the Plug PAC, please contact Russell Edwards at 678-787-1191. Media release written by Michael Smith and includes quotes attributed to Pat Priest and Russell Edwards. Event:  Oconee County Reform Forum When:  Thursday Feb 4 2010 at 7pm Where: Oconee Public Library  1800 Experimental Station Rd. Watkinsville, GA 30677 Oconee Democrats invite the general public to a reform forum at the public library in Watkinsville, GA on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of political views or affiliation. A primary focus of the event is to start the process

Barbecue to aid ESP summer camp || OnlineAthens.com

Always happy to help the fine folks doing wonderful things at the Extra Special People camp, and Jot'em Down sure has good Barbecue. Barbecue to aid ESP summer camp || OnlineAthens.com

Video: Your thoughts on 2010

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Friend -- Want to know what Organizing for America supporters like you think we should do in 2010? Watch a short video I recorded detailing the results of our "What's Next in 2010" survey. In 2009, you channeled the energy from the Presidential campaign -- building local organizations in all 50 states -- to help bring about the change President Obama's election victory gave us the opportunity to seek. Now, you've given us some great guidance that will help set OFA's course in 2010. Tens of thousands of you returned surveys -- providing us ideas, feedback, and a clear sense of your commitment to help the President. Watch today: http://my.barackobama.com/YourThoughtsOn2010 Thanks, David Plouffe P.S. -- This Thursday, at 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time, OFA will host "A Conversation with the President" -- a strategy update and Q&A broadcast live on BarackObama.com. Click here to RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/Conversatio

Bank reopens after change in ownership || OnlineAthens.com

The bank closures creep across the county line, although this bank is more known in the Habersham County area Bank reopens after change in ownership || OnlineAthens.com

Archie Jordan performs Valentine's concert to benefit YWCO at North Oconee HS

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From our friends at the YWCO comes a concert by an artist I was not familiar with before today: Award-winning songwriter/singer Archie Jordan will be performing at the acoustically magnificent and spacious North Oconee (High School) Fine Arts Center at 5:00 pm Sunday, February 14 with the $10.00 admission going to the benefit of the YWCO (Young Women's Christian Organization) and its programming.  He has been nominated for a Grammy award twice and has eight Number One songs to his credit, including " It Was Almost Like A Song " from the film The Bridges of Madison County as well as seven gold and three platinum albums. More than 100 artists have covered his songs . He plays the piano and guitar and uses comedy well in his small- town-story-filled concerts. You can get tickets from the YWCO or the Oconee Chamber of Commerce.

Jane Kidd says to expect Roy Barnes to bear brunt of attacks tonight

Jane Kidd says to expect Roy Barnes to bear brunt of attacks tonight Posted using ShareThis

Former Oconee FB coach Jeff Arnette resurfaces at South Forsyth

The South Forsyth War Eagles, still an expansion high school of sorts compared to Forsyth Central and North Forsyth, is getting the considerable talents and services of former Oconee County High School football coach Jeff Arnette, according to the Forsyth County News online service . Arnette was an assitant on the State Championship team in 1999 and took over the head coaching reigns soon thereafter. He has most immediately been Defensive Coordinator for the Valdosta High School team.

Eagle Tavern to come full circle as Welcome Center (once again)?

In my continuing attempts at living off part-time employment during the past decades,  I was employed at the Welcome Center for Oconee County as an assistant to the Tourism Director Bonnie Murphy.  This was during the last years of Wendell Dawson as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and while the current Oconee County Courthouse was under renovation and most County business was conducted in the Governmental Annex. The Eagle Tavern evolved by getting a computer from Al Cuming's children several years before it was hooked up to the internet  to the former stage coach stop. It has since been maintained as a museum but no longer functions as the office for anyone in particular. The hours and availability of the facility has been a matter of some contention between various factions leading to lots of gnashing of teeth and even some employment actions involving former directors. This former rest stop for travelers from Milledgeville and elsewhere has become something of a sym

Town Of North High Shoals January 25, 2010 Notes from Fred

North High Shoals seems to be nicely recovering from the absence of a municipal government for some months: From: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com Date: January 31, 2010 7:20:14 PM EST To: Fred Johnson ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com Subject: TONHS January 25, 2010 Notes from Fred Dear Fellow High Shoalers,                                                                                            January 31, 2010               Mayor Dawe again led our Town Council through another productive meeting; she is really putting the final touches on cleaning up the messes of the past while leading the Council forward.    I am especially excited about her initiative to review the town's insurance.    Mayor Dawe asked Council Member Steve Arnold to investigate the town's current insurance policy and request bids; he has done a full court press on the matter.    The Town Council plans to finalize this at a meeting on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 7:00pm. Everyone could see evidence of