Oconee County, GA Politics

Props to Watkinsville homeslice Jordan Scott - polevaulter! Throwers Highlight Jayhawks’ 2010 Outdoor Season Opener

It's just a simple question, and when will Georgia answer? Our own esteemed State Representative Bob Smith may provide an answer, or at least an insight?

Everyone - Gary Doster has agreed to be our speaker at the next OCHS meeting.  The title of his talk is " Elijah Clarke and the Trans-Oconee Republic ."  This is the story of a short-lived independent state established west of the Oconee River in 1794.  Clarke and his followers erected fortified settlements, wrote a constitution, and elected their own officials.  Gary will discuss why it was established and how it ended.  He is a enthusiastic speaker who loves a crowd and has lots of local history to share. Ben

Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: angelahelwig@yahoo.com Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:22:17 -0700 Subject: Re: [oconee] Neat things coming up!   I need to add a clarification about the Keep Oconee Beautiful Cleanup on April 24th.  The cleanup is not of Harris Shoals park but of any area in Oconee County that you would like.  People are to meet at Harris Shoals park at 9 am to pick up bags and to get an assigned area or to let the KOCBC know what area you will be cleaning.   Thanks!   Angela Helwig --- On Thu, 3/25/10, Pat Priest <ppriest@charter. net> wrote: From: Pat Priest <ppriest@charter. net> Subject: [oconee] Neat things coming up! To: "Oconee County Democrats" <oconee@yahoogroups. com> Date: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 5:08 PM   Remember that the forum about creating a park -- and protecting for future generations

Oconee County's own Chuck Williams writes about the mission of a land grant institution Editorial: UGA can't abandon 4-H or decimate Extension || OnlineAthens.com

Thanks for the donations Albert Ward and Zachary Ward. In the interest of full disclosure, my son played basketball with "Wimpy" Ward's grandson this past season. Oconee: Second donation aids historic house || OnlineAthens.com

featuring at least two residents of Oconee County and possibly our next Congressman

The following was written by Patricia Priest Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: [oconee] Neat things coming up!   Remember that the forum about creating a park -- and protecting for future generations -- the area around the covered bridge is tonight at 7 PM at the library in Watkinsville! Here are a few other things I thought you might find worthwhile: We're meeting Wednesday at 6 to discuss award-winning writer Tracy Kidder's " Mountain Beyond Mountains " -- a wonderful book about Haiti and an American doctor's incredible outreach to the poor there. We meet at Five Points Deli on Epps the last Wednesday of every month -- and anyone can join in the discussions. And planning further ahead: The Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission has planned a litter clean-up of Harris Shoals Park on April 24th at 9 o'clock -- and the Mayor of Watkinsville Joe Walter is sponsoring another litter clean-up that's a contest betwe

Subject: [oconeedemocrats] link   for step performance Reply-To: oconeedemocrats@yahoogroups.com Thought some of you might be interested in this link to the finale of   "Dancing with Athens Stars," in which Neal and some other middle-aged   guys did a fun step routine. www.youtube. com/watch? v=XKJAySAUXIw I just heard tonight (unofficially from some other Democrats) that it   looks like Russell Edwards is running against Paul Broun! (He's one of   the founders of the Pull the Plug on Paul Broun, Jr. group -- the guy   who came to Ann and Robert's house for the Christmas party.) He's also stepping in this video; you'll see him on the left side of the   stage doing the most complicated part. He's got talent! Anyway, the forum was very good. Thank you, Jonathan and everyone else   who helped make it happen! pjp __._,_.___ Reply to   sender   |   Reply to   group   |   Reply   via web post   |   Start a New Topic Messages in this topic   ( 1 ) RECENT AC

Lee Becker filmed this tonight at the Library

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Elizabeth Jones McManus < emcmanus@jacksonspalding.com > Date: Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 11:16 AM Subject: Athens Symphony announces Spring concert featuring local soloists To: lowellsdad@gmail.com Good morning Dan,   The Athens Symphony will present its Spring Concert Saturday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. at the Classic Center.  The Symphony will perform movements from famous fifth symphonies and will feature a former UGA professor and a Monroe band teacher as soloists. Symphony leaders are also actively seeking singers for the Athens Symphony Chorus, and are hopeful you can include part or all of the announcement below in your blog.   More information regarding next Saturday's concert may be found below, as well as at www.athenssymphony.org and the Athens Symphony Orchestra page on Facebook.   Please let me know if I can answer any questions about our upcoming concert, or if you would like tickets.   Sincerely, Elizabeth Jones Mc

Friend -- We knew that power concedes nothing. So did President Obama. So did the members of Congress who courageously voted for reform, knowing that the special interests and the extreme right wing would retaliate swiftly. The attacks are fierce. Deceptive ads are hitting the airwaves in swing districts. GOP lawmakers are pushing to repeal reform -- and preventing the Senate from performing basic functions. A few Republican attorneys general have launched a baseless attack to overturn the legislation. But that's not even the worst of it. A conservative blogger posted the home address of Congressman Tom Perriello, urging tea partiers to "drop by." Other members have had death threats. Democratic offices have been vandalized. Please chip in $5 or more to defend health reform -- and those in Congress who fought to make it possible. Showing support for reform and those who fought for it is our number one priority right now. We're going all-out, or

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Some forms of intimidation are more subtle than others Nathan Deal passes out Thurbert Baker’s phone number Posted using ShareThis

Please attend this non-partisan forum tonight if you can. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:25:55 +0000 Subject: [oconee] Elder Mill Bridge Park Forum Tonight   The panelists at tonight's Elder Mill Bridge Park Forum will be Dr. Russ Page, Peggy Holcomb, and Wayne Provost. Dr. Page will talk about his efforts to preserve the Elder Mill and its surrounding land; Ms. Holcomb will talk about the tourism implications of such a park; Mr. Provost will talk about governmental aspects of creating and maintaining a park. The forum is tonight, Thursday, March 25th, from 7 - 9 pm at the Watkinsville Library. Thanks! Jonathan Veit __._,_.___

The following was lifted from a .pdf file of the current membership flyer for the Oconee County Historical Society, please consider joining or donating at the very least. You need not live in Oconee County to help out. Forgive me for not being able to post the wonderful drawing better.   Goals of the Oconee County Historical Society are to: Raise money for the restoration of the Central School House Gather and record oral histories from Oconee County citizens. Research and record historically significant structures in Oconee County. Present educational programs about restoration and preservation. Organize a historically accurate re-enactment in one of the restored classrooms at the Central School House. Educate, celebrate and participate in the Annual Oconee County Fall Festival. Provide staffing for open houses at the Central School House and the nearby cabin. Collect and protect artifacts including photographs, documents and buildings. Meetings are held on the third Monda

Wayne Ford of the Athens Banner-Herald rewrites the press release a top of the mini stories in the weekly Oconee Living section of the Morris newspaper.

Rankin event series in full swing || OnlineAthens.com

Ga. legislators insist on right to accept expensive ‘gifts’ from lobbyists Posted using ShareThis

Friend -- I'm writing to you on a great day for America. This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality. The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes: It establishes the toughest patient protections in history. It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured. And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades. To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years. But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon.

Kaden Campbell on Hookit.com Posted using ShareThis

This is what goes on at the Zion Skate Park in Watkinsville.

For some of us the day of signing up for summer camp is one of the more difficult days with converging schedules and sports and vacation plans, and in most years the crowds start lining up extra early in Oconee County Recreation Department to try to get their kids' names registered and in line to be enrolled in the least expensive summer activities in the area. Folks usually start arriving around sunrise with lawn chairs to make sure they have a place for their kids during the summer school break. Summer Day Camp registration is 8:00 am Monday, April 19th, 2010 at the John T. Brannen building of the Herman C. Michael Park. The cost is $90.00/week with a $30.00 deposit due at Registration. For more information you can call 706-769-3965. They seem to still have space in the usually crowded after school program at $65.00 a week which I cannot vouch from personal experience for but I am sure is equally well run and safe for our kids. And if you want to see Cloudy with a Chance

North High Shoals, GA - Governement Posted using ShareThis

Breaking: Isakson hospitalized (updated) | Gold Dome Live Posted using ShareThis

And this from the man who wants to be our Governor; the contempt speaks for itself Oxendine: Georgia should sue Federal Government I am very disappointed that the House decided to pass a bill that was overwhelmingly rejected by the American people. This bill’s passage will place unfunded mandates on our state budget and significantly increase the cost of insurance on Georgia’s families. This plan is nothing more than a shell game that will also harm patients, doctors, nurses—essentially the entire healthcare workforce, because it puts the federal government in charge of healthcare reform. I agree with National Right to Life’s assessment that the bill is riddled with provisions that will result in federal subsidies for private insurance plans that cover abortion. The bill also has direct federal funding of abortion through Community Health Centers, and pro-abortion federal administrative mandates. I urge our legislature to act quickly to pass a bill that requires the state’s

Anybody remember the separation of church and state ? Perhaps not Paul Broun . I am all for religion and religious freedom, but never told to me what to believe in from the government. I do hope we can find a candidate to mount a serious campaign against him in the 10th district, but it is looking less and less likely we shall see anyone who can raise the bucks necessary to mount a legitimate campaign.

Friend -- President Barack Obama will soon sign comprehensive health care reform into law. A century-long fight will finally be won. As the President wrote last night, it was you who made this improbable victory possible. It was volunteers knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, and proving once again that Americans, standing together, can change the course of a nation. Supporters like us now have a chance to add our names as "Co-signers" of this historic legislation -- adding our names next to President Obama's to show our pride in helping to bring about this great achievement. Organizing for America will establish a permanent archive with all the signatures, so that generations to come will have a record of those who stood together in this moment and won this fight for our future. And I will personally present all the names we collect to the President. Will you add your name? This is the most significant domestic achievement in decades. And this

Nelson: Botanical garden has major economic impact on Athens, state || OnlineAthens.com

Date set for election to fill Rep. Deal's seat  | ajc.com Posted using ShareThis

I forget exactly what is the Keep Oconee Clean committee is being called right now, but they are engineering a clean up of Harris Shoals Park about a month from now, and they will be providing bags and bottled water. I have heard Esther is changing her mind about taking on Margaret Hale for the Oconee County Board of Commissioners race, but we shall see. Tammy Gilleland evidently enjoys the support of BOC chair Melvin Davis. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Harris Shoals Dan,   If you wouldn't mind posting this on your blog, it would be much appreciated.    The creek walk and park cleanup will be Saturday, April 24, at 9:00 AM.  Should be finished by 10:30 or 11:00.  My understanding is that Esther Porter of Oconee County Clean and Beautiful is going to coordinate some volunteers, but the more the merrier.   The City will provide bags and the OCCB will provide bottled water.     Thanks,   William T. (Toby) Smith, CPA/CVA Shareholder  

MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL CITY OF WATKINSVILLE March 10, 2010 PRESENT: Mayor Walter, Council members Link, Purcell, Brodrick, Norman, Smith and Attorney Reitman. VISITORS: See attached sheet. QUORUM CHECK:  Mayor Walter acknowledges a quorum is present.  He asks for all non-emergency cell phones and pagers to be turned off or silenced.    MINUTES:  Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the February 10, 2010 Minutes as presented.  Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously. JAN & HEATHER WEISENBORN:  Mayor Walter reads the concerned citizen letter (see attached).  Councilman Link asks if any activities will be at the school such as parent education nights?  Heather Weisenborn explains any parent education classes can be held at the library; however, the most cars to be parked at 26 School Street at the same time will be 15.  There will be no on street parking.  Citizen, Judy Allison, asks if this is a