Subject: Make Oconee Beautiful!
Hi Everybody!Since you all were responsible for our Rose Creek Clean Up being so successful, I thought you might want to take part in this event as well! Keeping Oconee Clean and Beautiful Commission, in association with Keep America Beautiful, has organized this county wide event!I will be there and I am hoping to gather a group to work along Elder Mill Road, Saxon Road, and Antioch Church Road. We got about 60% of Elder Mill Road covered last time, but there is still trash washing downhill towards Little Rose and Big Rose Creeks.. Would LOVE to see any of you guys!Thanks and PLEASE pass this on!Melissa Steele706-255-8528
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Make Oconee Beautiful!
Complete Letter to the Editor from Ken Sherman
I read a column by Sherman in today's Athens Banner-Herald and understood from a Facebook post that the Editors at the Athens Banner-Herald removed some germane parts of his piece about a deliberate act of driving at a bicycle rider that resulted in an accident and broken bones in Jackson County. Here is the complete letter from Sherman:
Earlier today, three other cyclists and I were riding east on New Kings Bridge Road, just a mile or so from the middle school. We were obeying all laws, riding single file, keeping far to the right, and wearing helmets. A car coming in the opposite direction intentionally veered into our lane to scare us.
I was the first cyclist in line and, even in that brief moment, I made eye contact with the driver - he looked directly at me and continued heading for our group. I had to stop at once and pull off the road.
Two bikes back, one of our riders, a woman, could not stop in time and hit the rear wheel of the bike in front of her. She lost her balance and fell, breaking her right arm and dislocating her elbow. She had to be taken by the EMT's - who were responsive and terrific - to the hospital.
There are so many things that are awful about this. This female rider, a good friend, had hip-replacement surgery a couple of years ago, and finally, tentatively, after lots of therapy and hard work, got back on the bike for the first time this past fall.
Starting with an 8-mile ride, she built herself up quickly and became one of the strongest, toughest riders around. Just last week, she announced her decision to do the annual 210-mile Athens-Savannah ride next month, and she was beaming with satisfaction and pride. Today, lying on the side of the road, one of the first things she said to me was, “Well, there goes Savannah.” My heart broke to hear that.
Regarding the incident, it happened so quickly that I don’t have many details to share, but it involved a white male, 30-ish, drivng an older model (1990’s?) sedan, dark green or grey or blue. Even more disturbing, since putting out the word about this incident, I have already heard from others who have had very similar experiences with a driver matching this description in virtually the same location. So, we may have a very misguided and dangerous individual who thinks he is protecting "his" roads from cyclists (and possibly motor cyclists, from what I've heard). Or maybe it is just some kind of sick sport.
On the restore-your-faith-in-huma
We are all someone's little daughter, or son, or dad, or mom, or friend. Please be kind, everyone. And if you can help identify this individual, please contact the Jackson County Police. You may be saving someone's life.
Ken Sherman
AthensGaBicycling / www.athensgabicycling.com
shermankathens@gmail.com
(P.S. I have written directly to ACC Fire Chief Iby George to let him know of the kind and heroic actions taken by Josh Allen).
AthensGaBicycling / www.athensgabicycling.com
shermankathens@gmail.com
(P.S. I have written directly to ACC Fire Chief Iby George to let him know of the kind and heroic actions taken by Josh Allen).
about a
Early predictions? Too close to call on GOP side for 113th
If I were a betting man, or laying odds or percentages for the G.O.P. side with the rumored early entrants of the race for the Republican nomination to replace Bob Smith for the House 113th district, I would lay chalk equally on Kirk Shook (30%), former Oconee County Board of Education member Tommy Malcom (30%) and UGA fundraiser Hank Huckaby (30%) across the district with them scrambling over the undecided 10% to find out who will emerge as the front runner.
Of course that would almost certainly mean a Republican run-off most likely between Malcom and Huckaby. I do not expect this to be an ugly race at all. Although if there are feats of strength or a civics test, then the North Oconee Offensive Line Coach and government teacher Shook is the instant favorite. Huckaby contributed to Paul Broun's race in 2008, which is a badge of honor for some and the kiss of death for others.
OCAF's Summer Art Camp Now Enrolling
From: Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation info@ocaf.com
Sent: Wed, April 7, 2010 1:40:16 PM
Subject: OCAF's Summer Art Camp Now Enrolling
| ||||||||||||||||
Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation | PO Box 631 | 34 School St. | Watkinsville | GA | 30677 |
Newest GOP gubernatorial candidate contributes $2 million to his own campaign
In my many stops in the last two decades as a newspaper reporter, there was none prettier than that of the county seat of Morgan County: Madison, Georgia.
There is even a smaller neighboring postcard of a town called Rutledge which may be the best kept secret in terms of trying to find a place with an old fashion soda fountain pharmacy. The lovely private school Rutledge Academy is there and not a whole more. Rutledge makes Bostwick look big. One of the residents of this lovely village now wants to be the Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia. I can imagine that he will at the very least make the G.O.P. gubernatorial debates a bit more interesting to say the least. I would also imagine he is not going to generate much traction outside of the Tea Party realm.
So I guess we can expect lots of glowing columns from Rob Peecher in his father's local newspaper about this candidate?
One of the more interesting wild cards in the Georgia Republican race for their nomination would be a real estate magnate named Ray Boyd who has contributed and will probably quickly burn through $2,000,000.00 of his own money and just as fast burned a lot of bridges with the status quo in the Georgia GOP.
This germane quotes and introduction swiped from Jim Galloway's Political Insider at the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
“I’m appalled at Georgia. They had an ethics meltdown, and the new speaker was going to do something about that – well, they do the same damn thing that they do every time. They know the public’s attention [span] is about 10 minutes long, so they waited from December, he waits til the end of this legislative session, and he puts in a milk-toast change,” Boyd said.
This about the rest of the field of his seven other Republican candidates for Governor:
"I think that the ones that are running – they’re so ethically challenged, it amazes me they would even have the gall to put their name in the hat,” he said.
I look forward to some entertaining quips coming from this candidate. Evidently for State Senator and stuck in third place in the polls Eric Johnson has not met him yet, according to an interview I just heard on Tim Bryant's Newsmaker Wednesday on NewsTalk 1340 WGAU.
Here is the closet thing to a link I could find for him from his campaign disclosure form which puts him on the same economic war chest playing field with John Oxendine.
Boyd, Raymond Otto
PO Box 324
2601 Hightower Rd.
Rutledge, GA 30663
(706) 557-2165
There is even a smaller neighboring postcard of a town called Rutledge which may be the best kept secret in terms of trying to find a place with an old fashion soda fountain pharmacy. The lovely private school Rutledge Academy is there and not a whole more. Rutledge makes Bostwick look big. One of the residents of this lovely village now wants to be the Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia. I can imagine that he will at the very least make the G.O.P. gubernatorial debates a bit more interesting to say the least. I would also imagine he is not going to generate much traction outside of the Tea Party realm.
So I guess we can expect lots of glowing columns from Rob Peecher in his father's local newspaper about this candidate?
One of the more interesting wild cards in the Georgia Republican race for their nomination would be a real estate magnate named Ray Boyd who has contributed and will probably quickly burn through $2,000,000.00 of his own money and just as fast burned a lot of bridges with the status quo in the Georgia GOP.
This germane quotes and introduction swiped from Jim Galloway's Political Insider at the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
“I’m appalled at Georgia. They had an ethics meltdown, and the new speaker was going to do something about that – well, they do the same damn thing that they do every time. They know the public’s attention [span] is about 10 minutes long, so they waited from December, he waits til the end of this legislative session, and he puts in a milk-toast change,” Boyd said.
This about the rest of the field of his seven other Republican candidates for Governor:
"I think that the ones that are running – they’re so ethically challenged, it amazes me they would even have the gall to put their name in the hat,” he said.
I look forward to some entertaining quips coming from this candidate. Evidently for State Senator and stuck in third place in the polls Eric Johnson has not met him yet, according to an interview I just heard on Tim Bryant's Newsmaker Wednesday on NewsTalk 1340 WGAU.
Here is the closet thing to a link I could find for him from his campaign disclosure form which puts him on the same economic war chest playing field with John Oxendine.
Boyd, Raymond Otto
PO Box 324
2601 Hightower Rd.
Rutledge, GA 30663
(706) 557-2165
Updated article on the possible replacements for Bob Smith in the 113th Ga. Statehouse District
Blake Aued writes an interesting update at the end of the article (posted yesterday) with quotes from the three germane party chairs. I had no idea Kirk Shook was so young. Although the North Oconee teacher may have a connection with football parents and political science students at the school, I am not convinced the NON CHAIR Oconee County Republican good old boy hierarchy will endorse an Oglethorpe County Winterville resident for this important Statehouse slot.
Good quotes from Jay Hanley and Jonathan Veit. May I add I respect and admire the leadership of both parties locally for doing a good job in the thankless and very stressful tasks that is being a party chair.
26 year old Jay is no longer the youngest chair in the state as Shook is only 25, but presumably he will resign from being the chair of Oglethorpe County GOP possibly returning Jay to the youngest party chair in the state.
GOP's Smith bowing out as state rep || OnlineAthens.com
Good quotes from Jay Hanley and Jonathan Veit. May I add I respect and admire the leadership of both parties locally for doing a good job in the thankless and very stressful tasks that is being a party chair.
26 year old Jay is no longer the youngest chair in the state as Shook is only 25, but presumably he will resign from being the chair of Oglethorpe County GOP possibly returning Jay to the youngest party chair in the state.
GOP's Smith bowing out as state rep || OnlineAthens.com
Editorial: Smith is an extraordinary public servant || OnlineAthens.com
Athens Banner-Herald editorial staff writes an institutional editorial or "instie" as we use to call them, in the newspaper this morning as a tribute to Bob Smith.
Editorial: Smith is an extraordinary public servant || OnlineAthens.com
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Subway restaurant coming to Town Center in Watkinsville
Watkinsville diners will soon have another choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Town Center.
Normally this would not make me bat an eye, but biking past local restauranteur and former UGA football coach Ray Goff coming out of Mirko's Pasta, I saw a "coming soon Subway" banner adorning the middle section where the clothing store used to be. Once upon a time there was a Quizno's where Mirko's is, so things have changed in this downtown space before. I would well imagine Mike Thornton is behind this one as well, but I do not know that.
There are some Oconee County diners who will surely be happy to have a choice out of the David Weeks continuum of Mirko's and Barberitos and not wanting to take their family to Chops and Hops. There are others who dread the continued encroachment of a national chain and would rather keep Watkinsville weird (to paraphrase a slogan swiped from Austin and fitting for Athens).
I worry about the negative effect on the sales to Krimson Kafe and the Big Easy. One Subway cannot kill the character of our lovely county seat, but it can make us increasingly bland and generic. I will probably try their new egg white breakfast thing sometime, and am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. My son loves the turkey sandwiches at Subway after sports practices, and I guess this one is a little closer to my house.
Watkinsville is a wonderful place with soul and funky places of commerce that can co-exist with the mega-chains, but only if we choose to vote with our wallets and pocketbooks. Go to Girasoles, eat at Aunt Gail's, support our unique businesses or we do risk running our town down to a level of Snellville or any other faceless suburban sprawl.
Normally this would not make me bat an eye, but biking past local restauranteur and former UGA football coach Ray Goff coming out of Mirko's Pasta, I saw a "coming soon Subway" banner adorning the middle section where the clothing store used to be. Once upon a time there was a Quizno's where Mirko's is, so things have changed in this downtown space before. I would well imagine Mike Thornton is behind this one as well, but I do not know that.
There are some Oconee County diners who will surely be happy to have a choice out of the David Weeks continuum of Mirko's and Barberitos and not wanting to take their family to Chops and Hops. There are others who dread the continued encroachment of a national chain and would rather keep Watkinsville weird (to paraphrase a slogan swiped from Austin and fitting for Athens).
I worry about the negative effect on the sales to Krimson Kafe and the Big Easy. One Subway cannot kill the character of our lovely county seat, but it can make us increasingly bland and generic. I will probably try their new egg white breakfast thing sometime, and am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. My son loves the turkey sandwiches at Subway after sports practices, and I guess this one is a little closer to my house.
Watkinsville is a wonderful place with soul and funky places of commerce that can co-exist with the mega-chains, but only if we choose to vote with our wallets and pocketbooks. Go to Girasoles, eat at Aunt Gail's, support our unique businesses or we do risk running our town down to a level of Snellville or any other faceless suburban sprawl.
I've already watched this three times
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| Friend -- I saw this video for the first time about 15 minutes ago, and I've already watched it three times: http://my.barackobama.com/delivery It's the story of Becca and Karima, two OFA volunteers who joined David Plouffe in hand-delivering signatures of the more than 1.1 million people who co-signed health insurance reform directly to President Obama. But it's also the story of the millions of Americans, young and old, who knocked on doors, and called their neighbors, and made history together. Watch it now. Thank you for everything, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America |
| Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to: oconeedemo.crats@blogger.com |
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Your morning jolt: No contemplation of switch to GOP, says John Barrow
John Barrow is no party switcher
Your morning jolt: No contemplation of switch to GOP, says John Barrow — so kill that rumor
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Your morning jolt: No contemplation of switch to GOP, says John Barrow — so kill that rumor
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Why affairs matter — Peach Pundit
I sure hope this is not about any recently retired public officials around here
Why affairs matter — Peach Pundit
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Why affairs matter — Peach Pundit
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Isakson cancels UGA appearances || OnlineAthens.com
We wish Senator Isakson continued recovery and recuperation.
Isakson cancels UGA appearances || OnlineAthens.com
Isakson cancels UGA appearances || OnlineAthens.com
Wing Nut announces for Linder seat
Revered Jody Hice is going to waste an awful lot of money trying to win this seat and become a bigger embarrassment to Georgia than Paul Broun.
Ten Commandments-Georgia founder to run for Congress || OnlineAthens.com
Ten Commandments-Georgia founder to run for Congress || OnlineAthens.com
Area GOP events scheduled for this month, borrowed from Athens GOP blog
Saturday, 10 April – The 1st Annual Anti-tax Rally & Pancake Supper, sponsored by the Oglethorpe County Republican Party, will be held in the Crawford Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The rally begins at 3:00 p.m., with an all-you-can-eat pancake supper to follow at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the pancake supper are $5 each. Contact Kirk Shook for tickets or more information. Speakers include Nathan Deal, Austin Scott, Gerry Purcell, Harold Logsdon, Melvin Everson, Gary Black, Darwin Carter, Roger Hines, Richard Woods, and all the State Senate District 47 candidates. Bring your (tasteful) protest signs
Monday, 12 April – The CCRC’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 12 April. Speakers for the evening will be candidate for Governor Karen Handel, candidate for Attorney General Max Wood, and candidate for Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Gerry Purcell. The meeting takes place at CCRC Headquarters, located at 445 North Milledge Avenue. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m., with the program following at 6:25 p.m.
Thursday, 15 April – The nonpartisan 2nd Annual Oconee County Tax Protest takes place at Oconee Veterans Park beginning at noon (no soccer games are scheduled). Scheduled speakers include State Senator Bill Cowsert (District 46), State Representative Bob Smith (District 113), Jordan Chinouth (U.S. Representative Paul Broun's district manager), Bill Greene (conservative activist and president of RightMarch.com), Jay Hanley (Oconee County Republican Party chairman), Kirk Shook (Oglethorpe County Republican Party chairman and Athens Area Young Republicans chairman), and Bill Griffin (Chairman of Clarke County Republican Party). For more information, contact Bill Mayberry or see the event’s page on Facebook.
Saturday, 17 April – There will be a Multi-County Candidate Meet and Greet Dinner at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors from Banks, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Jackson, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Stephens counties for this event. All statewide candidates have been invited and a straw poll is planned. The dinner menu consists of Hawaiian chicken breast, country style green beans, herbed rice pilaf, salad, bread, cookies and brownies, coffee, tea and water. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance, the deadline for which has been extended to Wednesday, 07April. For tickets or more information, contact Jay Hanley as soon as possible.
Monday, 12 April – The CCRC’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 12 April. Speakers for the evening will be candidate for Governor Karen Handel, candidate for Attorney General Max Wood, and candidate for Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Gerry Purcell. The meeting takes place at CCRC Headquarters, located at 445 North Milledge Avenue. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m., with the program following at 6:25 p.m.
Thursday, 15 April – The nonpartisan 2nd Annual Oconee County Tax Protest takes place at Oconee Veterans Park beginning at noon (no soccer games are scheduled). Scheduled speakers include State Senator Bill Cowsert (District 46), State Representative Bob Smith (District 113), Jordan Chinouth (U.S. Representative Paul Broun's district manager), Bill Greene (conservative activist and president of RightMarch.com), Jay Hanley (Oconee County Republican Party chairman), Kirk Shook (Oglethorpe County Republican Party chairman and Athens Area Young Republicans chairman), and Bill Griffin (Chairman of Clarke County Republican Party). For more information, contact Bill Mayberry or see the event’s page on Facebook.
Saturday, 17 April – There will be a Multi-County Candidate Meet and Greet Dinner at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors from Banks, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Jackson, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Stephens counties for this event. All statewide candidates have been invited and a straw poll is planned. The dinner menu consists of Hawaiian chicken breast, country style green beans, herbed rice pilaf, salad, bread, cookies and brownies, coffee, tea and water. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance, the deadline for which has been extended to Wednesday, 07April. For tickets or more information, contact Jay Hanley as soon as possible.
First possible candidate for Smith's seat?
Oglethorpe County GOP chair and North Oconee HS teacher Kirk Shook was mentioned as a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for the former Bob Smith seat for the Georgia House of Representatives 113th district, which stretches from Walton Oconee to Oglethorpe County encompassing all of Oconee County and chunk of Clarke County as well.
Kirk Shook teaches economics and government at North Oconee High School in Bogart.
One possible problem is that State of Georgia employees such as teachers would have to resign to run for state office.
He is a tough academic instructor, according to someone who respects his rigor, but also is extremely conservative.
As a county party chair, he would also have to resign that to run as well.
Oconee County GOP chair Jay Hanley expressed desire to one day run for higher office but does not want to run at this time.
One possible problem is that State of Georgia employees such as teachers would have to resign to run for state office.
He is a tough academic instructor, according to someone who respects his rigor, but also is extremely conservative.
As a county party chair, he would also have to resign that to run as well.
Oconee County GOP chair Jay Hanley expressed desire to one day run for higher office but does not want to run at this time.
Rep. Smith says he won't seek re-election || OnlineAthens.com
Wonder why this did not have this earlier? NewsTalk 1340 WGAU AM's Tim Bryant and the Oconee Enterprise newspaper were all over it yesterday afternoon.
Rep. Smith says he won't seek re-election || OnlineAthens.com
Rep. Smith says he won't seek re-election || OnlineAthens.com
Oconee County Historical Society at Oconee County Library's Genealogy Expo April 17
I received this reminder in my inbox today. The historical society will have a table at the expo so drop by and say hello.
Peggy
Don't miss the April COGS Genealogy EXPO!
Time: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: Free and open to the public
Location: Oconee Public Library
Oconee Public Library is located at 1080 Experiment Station Road , Watkinsville, GA
Between educational sessions visitors can browse displays with books and other materials for sale; visit various society booths- lineage, hereditary, historical, and genealogical; view genealogy software; and much more! Stop in for a few minutes or stay all day.
From 10:00 am – Noon - Dr. Robert Nix, Professor Emeritus, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia and noted expert on historical photographic techniques, will informally meet with people to answer questions about their old photographs, tintypes, daguerreotypes, etc.
Programs/Speakers:
10:30 – 11:30am – Mary Anne Abbe – Non-Population Census Schedules and Why You Need to Use Them
Noon – 1:00 pm – William J. Morton will talk about his book The Story of Georgia’s Boundaries: A Meeting of History and Geography
1:30 – 2:30 pm - Kristy Dixon from the Digital Library of Georgia- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Why You Need Them
3:00 – 4:00 pm – Lisa J. Delgado – Online Social Networking for Genealogists: How to Have Fun and Learn from Blogs, Wikis, and More
Don Palsgaard: Congressman spreading rumors || OnlineAthens.com
I do not know the political party that this Oconee County gentleman belongs to, but something tells me he will not be voting for Paul Broun's re-election.
Don Palsgaard: Congressman spreading rumors || OnlineAthens.com
Robert Wyatt: Health reform critics too quick || OnlineAthens.com
Another well written letter by a member of the Oconee County Democratic Committee
Robert Wyatt: Health reform critics too quick || OnlineAthens.com
Monday, April 05, 2010
More speculation on how someone might run for the 113th
With this reasonably short political season until qualifying for the Georgia House of Representatives 113th district suddenly wide open due to the unexpected decision by Bob Smith to stay in Oconee County instead and sell his real estate with his family, it will take someone with deep pockets or resources to be able to foot the bill and run for this position. In this economy, that rules out most developers, leaving the lawyers and insurance agents and perhaps upper level medical practitioners to battle the extremely lucky or wealthy to get their act together to run for this office.
Could Chairman G. Melvin Davis decide he is tired of dealing with the supposed erosion of his Board of Commissioners and opt for the 40 days and nights of road trips to Atlanta? Does not seem too likely since he does not like to drive to Athens, yet alone do what it takes to make a deal to work together in the economic best interests of both counties.
Exactly whom would toss their hat in the ring at this relatively late stage in the game is a matter for great speculation and intrigue. We welcome your suggestions - Sara Bell? Tommy Malcom? Mack Guest?
Could Chairman G. Melvin Davis decide he is tired of dealing with the supposed erosion of his Board of Commissioners and opt for the 40 days and nights of road trips to Atlanta? Does not seem too likely since he does not like to drive to Athens, yet alone do what it takes to make a deal to work together in the economic best interests of both counties.
Exactly whom would toss their hat in the ring at this relatively late stage in the game is a matter for great speculation and intrigue. We welcome your suggestions - Sara Bell? Tommy Malcom? Mack Guest?
FW: Mills for Secretary of State is Hiring
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Bob Smith not running for re-election could cause all kinds of dominoes to fall
Who will announce first to run to replace soon-to-be-former State Representative Bob Smith in the 113th district of for the Georgia House of Representatives? Whatever happens, it should provide plenty of fodder for my writings at the very least.
My guesses, based on nothing but who I would like to see run and current political reality, include current Board of Commissioners member Chuck Horton, Watkinsville city council member Brian Brodrick and possibly a wild card like one of the Williams brothers, or possibly someone who has lost to Smith in the past like like Tom Griffith or Doug Dickens; or perhaps one of the "announced" candidates for another seat like Esther Porter. Golden Pantry scion Griffith lost a very contentious run off against Smith a dozen years ago.
Former Watkinsville Mayor Jim Luken has been stone cold recently against any such further forays into politics at the State Level, but it is truly his seat to ignore should he choose to not seek office again. Would former Board of Commissioners chair Wendell Dawson run again? Not likely, but stranger things have happened.
I would like to see either former Oconee County Board of Education candidates Chuck Toney or Ashley Hood run for it, but have no illusions that they are going to make that kind of commitment at this time.
Former Smith opponent Becky Vaughn moved out of the county to Washington, DC but remains a homeowner in Jennings Mill. Same scenario for Rich Rusk who now lives in Athens-Clarke but owns at least a couple of homes in Oconee County. The eventual candidate could be someone that no of us supposed experts has even heard of at this time. I would like to urge Dr. Neil Priest, his wife Patricia, or Vicky Moody to run for this office on the Democratic side.
My guesses, based on nothing but who I would like to see run and current political reality, include current Board of Commissioners member Chuck Horton, Watkinsville city council member Brian Brodrick and possibly a wild card like one of the Williams brothers, or possibly someone who has lost to Smith in the past like like Tom Griffith or Doug Dickens; or perhaps one of the "announced" candidates for another seat like Esther Porter. Golden Pantry scion Griffith lost a very contentious run off against Smith a dozen years ago.
Former Watkinsville Mayor Jim Luken has been stone cold recently against any such further forays into politics at the State Level, but it is truly his seat to ignore should he choose to not seek office again. Would former Board of Commissioners chair Wendell Dawson run again? Not likely, but stranger things have happened.
I would like to see either former Oconee County Board of Education candidates Chuck Toney or Ashley Hood run for it, but have no illusions that they are going to make that kind of commitment at this time.
Former Smith opponent Becky Vaughn moved out of the county to Washington, DC but remains a homeowner in Jennings Mill. Same scenario for Rich Rusk who now lives in Athens-Clarke but owns at least a couple of homes in Oconee County. The eventual candidate could be someone that no of us supposed experts has even heard of at this time. I would like to urge Dr. Neil Priest, his wife Patricia, or Vicky Moody to run for this office on the Democratic side.
Harris Shoals Stream Cleanup
Two Saturdays from now the City of Watkinsville will be cleaning up its stream and wetlands associated with the lovely Harris Shoals Park. I urge you to participate, and this note from Mayor Joe Walter would suggest that he would love to see you there too..
Subject: Harris Shoals Stream Cleanup
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:25:46 -0400
From: mayor@cityofwatkinsville.com
Woven brightly,
Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Harris Shoals Stream Cleanup
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:25:46 -0400
From: mayor@cityofwatkinsville.com
Wanted to provide you a heads up that on Saturday, April 24th, we'll be at Harris Shoals Park for our annual stream cleanup. We are piggy-backing with the Keep Oconee Beautiful folks that day. We are all meeting at the park between 9:00 AM and will work the stream and park until 11:00 AM.
Do hope you and Lowell can make it and please feel free to bring anyone else along you'd like to. Hope you and Lowell had a nice Easter. Any questions?---give me a call at 706-769-5161 (City Hall) Thanks.
Joe
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Grady L. Cornish: Higher-ed meddling is political || OnlineAthens.com
Athens Banner-Herald's letter to the editor author pegs the political right in Georgia and nails them in no uncertain manner about stupid meddling in higher education. Well written letter, Grady especially about our State Representative Bob Smith.
Grady L. Cornish: Higher-ed meddling is political || OnlineAthens.com
Friday, April 02, 2010
Oconee Counting Cycling Organization: Open for business!
Please consider becoming a dues paying member of the Oconee County Cycling Organization.
Subject: Oconee County Cycling Organization: Open for business!
Dear Fellow Cyclists,
We are very excited to begin our initial membership drive. OCCO is
incorporated, we have developed our membership package and are pursuing
our shared mission to increase safety and awareness for cycling in Oconee.
Please take a moment to print out the attached membership application
and join. Your $25.00 annual membership dues are tax deductible. You
will also see our brochures at local bike shops and many of your
favorite retailers. Georgia Cycle Sport, The Hub, and Sunshine have
agreed to give discounts to members as have several Watkinsville
retailers. The most important benefit is your support of a dynamic
organization that is actively working towards improving cycling
infrastructure, increasing cycling participation, and campaigning for
the safety of cyclists. First on the agenda: share the road signs in
Oconee county.
See you on the road and at our next full member meeting.
Steve Kogen for the OCCO Board
Woven brightly,
Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Oconee County Cycling Organization: Open for business!
Dear Fellow Cyclists,
We are very excited to begin our initial membership drive. OCCO is
incorporated, we have developed our membership package and are pursuing
our shared mission to increase safety and awareness for cycling in Oconee.
Please take a moment to print out the attached membership application
and join. Your $25.00 annual membership dues are tax deductible. You
will also see our brochures at local bike shops and many of your
favorite retailers. Georgia Cycle Sport, The Hub, and Sunshine have
agreed to give discounts to members as have several Watkinsville
retailers. The most important benefit is your support of a dynamic
organization that is actively working towards improving cycling
infrastructure, increasing cycling participation, and campaigning for
the safety of cyclists. First on the agenda: share the road signs in
Oconee county.
See you on the road and at our next full member meeting.
Steve Kogen for the OCCO Board
Coach Mark Fox's first year on the job: fast and promising | ajc.com
He lives in Oconee County - smart man
Fox's first year on the job: fast and promising | ajc.com
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Fox's first year on the job: fast and promising | ajc.com
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Extremists Send Warning Letter To Perdue - News Story - WSB Atlanta
Disturbing and sad no matter what side of the political spectrum this came from
Extremists Send Warning Letter To Perdue - News Story - WSB Atlanta
Extremists Send Warning Letter To Perdue - News Story - WSB Atlanta
Gymnast Taylor planning on another title | The Augusta Chronicle
Maybe she is getting married at Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast?
Gymnast Taylor planning on another title | The Augusta Chronicle
Gymnast Taylor planning on another title | The Augusta Chronicle
Broun rips health law, Democrats | The Augusta Chronicle
Congressman Broun shows he gets his news from blogs and not from viable news sources, so should we be surprised at how narrow his view of the world is?
Broun rips health law, Democrats | The Augusta Chronicle
Broun rips health law, Democrats | The Augusta Chronicle
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Cable television customer service sucks in Oconee County
So anyone who might consider becoming a customer of Charter cablevision in or around Watkinsville, I would suggest not getting their home television service wired to the company. I spent a nightmarish week wrangling with the company over a "tag" or lack thereof that may or may not have resulted in one of their auditors disconnecting my service and
8 qualify to replace Deal in Congress || OnlineAthens.com
Keep in mind this a nonpartisan special election like the one which got us Paul Broun a few years back
8 qualify to replace Deal in Congress || OnlineAthens.com
8 qualify to replace Deal in Congress || OnlineAthens.com
"Because of you"
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| Friend -- "It's because of you." That's what President Obama said before he took the stage in Iowa City right after health care reform passed. And I couldn't agree more. We've put together a quick video that highlights the incredible work you did over the last year, to honor and thank you for the history you made. Please watch the video, then celebrate by co-signing health care reform legislation with the President.  We're offering a personalized certificate to every co-signer to make sure we can all have a way to commemorate this victory with the President. So check out the video, pass it along to your friends, and co-sign historic health reform with President Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/ThisIsChange Thanks for everything, Jeremy Jeremy Bird Deputy Director Organizing for America P.S. -- Great news: In addition to health and student loan reform, there's even more change happening. Thanks in large part to tax benefits in the Recovery Act, average tax refunds are up by almost 10 percent from last year. And President Obama announced a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia, calling it "the most comprehensive arms control agreement in nearly two decades." Keep checking your email, and we'll let you know about more great news as it comes in. |
| Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to: oconeedemo.crats@blogger.com |
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Nonprofits join to help families || OnlineAthens.com
I know nothing about the Spark Foundation but wish them well in their lofty goals
Nonprofits join to help families || OnlineAthens.com
Nonprofits join to help families || OnlineAthens.com
Oconee County Observations: Oconee County BOC Less Than Enthusiastic about Regionally Important Resource Designations
Once again Oconee County Observations' blogger and UGA Journalism professor Lee Becker scoops the lamestream media and shows that the Oconee County Board of Commissioners are not real happy when citizens by-pass our government to take matters into their own hands. Good job citizens. This is not an April Fool's Joke, but if it were, the joke would be on the Oconee County Board of Commissioners.
Oconee County Observations: Oconee County BOC Less Than Enthusiastic about Regionally Important Resource Designations
Oconee County Observations: Oconee County BOC Less Than Enthusiastic about Regionally Important Resource Designations
Commission aims for equity on fees || OnlineAthens.com
Oconee County Commissioners trying to do the right thing. I did not know Scoops had taken a dive although the one time I was in there I knew that the overhead was ridiculous.
Commission aims for equity on fees || OnlineAthens.com
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4/2/10
Dear Editor:
For the safety and well-being of cyclists and others in our community, please print this letter.