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Showing posts from January 9, 2011

This week in Oconee County Politcs

The Oconee County Democratic Committee will be meeting at Jittery Joe's in Watkinsville 7:00 pm Thursday, January 20th, 2010. On the agenda that evening will include a brief presentation from UGA journalism professor and local investigative blogger Lee Becker will talk about what issues Oconee County  residents hold dear and also former US Senate candidate R.J. Hadley of Conyers will be discussing his candidacy for the Vice Chair of County Parties for the Democratic Party of Georgia. There will be some brief business to attend to about who from Oconee County will be voting in the state convention in Warner Robins January 29. There will also be some discussion of the Coffee Party of America's Movement for the People commemorating the Supreme Court decision of a year ago to allow corporations to contribute with no limits to political campaigns.

FW: OCAF Classes Registering and Thrift Sale Donations

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Having trouble viewing this email? Click here     We hope you weathered the storm without too much inconvenience. Many of you may still be thawing out and have a lot of catching up to do, not thinking much about OCAF, but we need to take a minute and remind you that Thrift Sale is still taking donations and the new Spring Art Classes are beginning next week.   Thank you!   Joe M. Ruiz Executive Director Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF)   Classes & Workshops Starting in January Beginning Watercolor 1 , Starts Jan. 19 Intermediate Watercolor 1 , Starts Jan. 19 Instructor: Kie Johnson   Writing for Money: The Art of Freelance  Nonfiction Journalism , Start

Oconee Democratic Adopt-A-Mile clean up postponed to Monday

The snow and ice made finding the usual garbage along the Oconee Connector this Saturday very difficult at best, so the Oconee County Democratic Committee Adopt-A-Mile clean up of a mile stretch from the 316 interchange to about where the Golden Pantry is will take place Monday at 1:00 pm instead. The Clarke County Democratic Committee wanted me to let you know that they will be working at Clarke Middle School from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm that same MLK Jr. Day as well. It's a day on, not a day off, especially after almost a week off

Athens First will cut jobs || OnlineAthens.com

Very sad to hear this but anyone with a clue could see this coming with the $4 million building built downtown. I do hope they retain my friends employed in the large new headquarters. I think this is emblematic of the economic doldrums doing their best to make us all miserable. Georgia has always been somewhat behind the curve economically speaking but I believe we are leading the nation in bank closures. We have all spent and planned poorly in Northeast Georgia and it is catching up with us now big time. Athens First will cut jobs || OnlineAthens.com

A new governor looks behind Georgia’s prison bars to save money

A new governor looks behind Georgia’s prison bars to save money

Show competitors fancy their poultry || OnlineAthens.com

Show competitors fancy their poultry || OnlineAthens.com

Oconee Connector Adopt A Mile clean up pushed back until Monday

The snow and ice are making it very difficult to pick up garbage Saturday so we are pushing it back until Monday; MLK Jr. Day, Jan. 17, 2011; 11:30 am at Krimson's if she is open to have lunch or 1:00 pm at the Barber Creek Fire Station. Thank you for your understanding. Sorry for the last second change. Any questions, Dan at 706-372-1062 >

Fw: [oconee] CCDC:MLK Day of Service [1 Attachment]

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----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Karen Solheim <ccdc.communications@gmail.com> To: ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 4:13:52 PM Subject: [oconee] CCDC:MLK Day of Service [1 Attachment]   [ Attachment(s) from Karen Solheim included below] Dear CCDC members and friends,   Now that we are thawing out, don't forget to come out on Monday, January 17, for the MLK Day of Service.    See details below.   Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications ============================   Clarke County Democrats Work! As in the past, the Clarke County Democratic Committee encourages Democrats to improve the Athens community by volunteering to work with us at the   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Monday, January 17 – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Clarke Middle School 1235 Baxter Street, Athens GA (parking available at the school) We wil

Area high school basketball games postponed || OnlineAthens.com

Area high school basketball games postponed || OnlineAthens.com

Dem: Let’s beat party-switchers | OnlineAthens Blogs

Dem: Let’s beat party-switchers | OnlineAthens Blogs

Standing together in service

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Friend -- The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., is usually remembered for his heroic leadership of the civil rights movement -- he led the successful Montgomery bus boycott, delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech at a time when such words were still controversial, and ultimately gave his own life to the cause of equality. But Dr. King was much more than a civil rights champion -- he was a man who lived his entire life in service to others, speaking out against poverty, economic injustice, and violence. Wherever he saw suffering, he did what he could to help, no matter who it was that needed him or why they were in pain. Through his leadership, he showed us what we can accomplish when we stand together. Each January, we remember Dr. King on his own holiday -- and one of the best ways to preserve his legacy is to engage in service ourselves. As Dr. King told us, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" That&#

Krimson Kafe has broken pipe

It shall be an extra challenge for those wanting to help the Oconee County Democratic Committee pick up garbage along our adopt-a-mile area on the Oconee Connector at noon. Krimson has a broken pipe at the cafe and hopes to open at 11 AM tomorrow.   If anyone wishes to have lunch before the clean-up, they will be able to eat tomorrow . I will keep you posted on the developments about her business. Rita

Ever seen a World Premiere film? You have a chance Friday in Athens | AthensTalks.com

Ever seen a World Premiere film? You have a chance Friday in Athens | AthensTalks.com

2 locals eye DOT post || OnlineAthens.com

I wish a candidate from Oconee County would emerge as well; I would suggest someone like Lee Becker, Doug Dickens, Mike Maxey, Ashley Hood, William Yarbrough or even Wendell Dawson should apply for the post. 2 locals eye DOT post || OnlineAthens.com

The Marietta Daily Journal - House speaker says put Atlanta mayor on TSPLOST roundtable

The Marietta Daily Journal - House speaker says put Atlanta mayor on TSPLOST roundtable

Atlanta Crackers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Atlanta Crackers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wrecks increase as more motorists venture out || OnlineAthens.com

Wrecks increase as more motorists venture out || OnlineAthens.com

Fwd: CCDC:MLK Day of Service

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Begin forwarded message: Resent-From: ccdcnm1@clarkedemocrats.com From: Karen Solheim < ccdc.communications@gmail.com > Date: January 9, 2011 10:01:17 PM EST To: ccdcnm1@clarkedemocrats.com Subject: CCDC:MLK Day of Service

Georgia is just like home for Cheek - NCAA.com

Georgia is just like home for Cheek - NCAA.com

Nathan Deal shifts his tone on ice aftermath

Somewhat surprised I did not hear "Heck of job, Smithee" out of our new Governor - run, Vance, run! Nathan Deal shifts his tone on ice aftermath

Trash pick up going on Thursday in Watkinsville

Thanks Councilman Brodrick - get those cans out - I can hear the trucks from Morgan Manor Estates at 11:15 am. Woven brightly Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Trash Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:06:46 -0500 Just FYI, Curbside is attempting to pick up trash today according to one of the owners' postings on facebook.  If you're still at home, you may want to put your trash out by the curb.  Please pass along to others. ------------------------ Brian Brodrick Jackson Spalding ------------------------

Georgia Senate Democrats receive token chairmanships | jacksonville.com

Georgia Senate Democrats receive token chairmanships | jacksonville.com

Atlanta weather | New governor defends state response to icy roads  | ajc.com

EPIC FAIL! The start of the Deal era begins with an icy whimper Atlanta weather | New governor defends state response to icy roads | ajc.com

Conservative group calls Georgia tax reform plan a tax increase

Glad some on the right are beginning to realize Republicans are just as likely to be of the tax and spend variety these days in Georgia Conservative group calls Georgia tax reform plan a tax increase

Ga. Democrats call for solutions that support families | AccessNorthGa

Ga. Democrats call for solutions that support families | AccessNorthGa

Gabrielle Giffords' Arizona shooting prompts resignations

Gabrielle Giffords' Arizona shooting prompts resignations

http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/newtonhome/headlines/State_rep_uses_county_staff_to_clear_driveway_113297834.html

http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/newtonhome/headlines/State_rep_uses_county_staff_to_clear_driveway_113297834.html

Report: State rep uses county staff to clear driveway  | ajc.com

Somehow I cannot imagine the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for clearing an elected officials' driveway. Time to resign, Doug Holt and Kathy Morgan. Save Newton County any further embarrassment. Report: State rep uses county staff to clear driveway | ajc.com

Slow down on 316 on-ramp after it is opened again

Oconee County Georgia Sheriff's Office: The on-ramp from 316 onto the outer 10-loop has been closed down temporarily due to a wreck at on the ramp that occurred when a driver hit a patch of ice and lost control. Please slow down and use caution.

Fw: [oconee] CCDC Fwd: Next AAD Meeting--Feb. 12

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----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Karen Solheim <ccdc.communications@gmail.com> To: ccdc-nm@clarkedemocrats.com Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 10:56:46 AM Subject: [oconee] CCDC Fwd: Next AAD Meeting--Feb. 12   Dear CCDC members and friends, The next breakfast meeting of the Athens Area Democrats (AAD) is Saturday, February 12. See email below about AAD guest speaker Charles Bullock. Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications =========================== ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anita Brannen < anitabarney@charter.net > Date: Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 1:10 PM Subject: Next Meeting - 12 Feb. To: If you did not make it to our meeting on Saturday, it was a really good meeting. There was good attendance and Keith gave us an excellent overview of the coming legislative session and answered some very good questions. Our next meeting will be on Sat., 12 February and our speaker will be D

An early line on the SEC in 2011, and UGA is well, not No. 1

Mark Bradley is already contemplating the possibility of Zach Mettenberger being next year's Cam Newton An early line on the SEC in 2011, and UGA is &#8230; well, not No. 1

Oconee caught in the grip of snow, ice || OnlineAthens.com

Athens caught in the grip of snow, ice || OnlineAthens.com

Panel: More regulation needed to prevent another oil spill like in Gulf  | ajc.com

Panel: More regulation needed to prevent another oil spill like in Gulf | ajc.com

Racial integration set for discussion || OnlineAthens.com

Racial integration set for discussion || OnlineAthens.com

Oconee County Observations: Big Gap Exists Between Stated and Real Purpose of ...

As usual, Lee Becker does an outstanding job covering events that the mainstream media has largely ignored in Athens and Watkinsville, with this being the sewer incentives for industry in and around Bogart, Highway 316 and Jennings Mills. Oconee County Observations: Big Gap Exists Between Stated and Real Purpose of ... : "Zoom Bait/St. Mary’s/Gordy Project The Zoom Bait/St. Mary’s sewer project that Oconee County presented to the state, the federal government ..."

georgia.gov - The Tragic Cost of Sunday Alcohol Sales

I understand Sonny wants a long lasting legacy, but he is behind the times on this one I am afraid. georgia.gov - The Tragic Cost of Sunday Alcohol Sales

Sarah Palin shows she has no compassion or understanding of root cause of political assassination attempt

Your morning jolt: Blaming hot rhetoric for Tuscon spree is &#8216;blood libel,&#8217; says Sarah Palin

Features: Athens Burning - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA

Features: Athens Burning - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA

Around Oconee || OnlineAthens.com

Around Oconee || OnlineAthens.com

Democrats to host former candidate || OnlineAthens.com

Democrats to host former candidate || OnlineAthens.com

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/By-The-People-Lobby-Days-Cancelled-tomorrow.html?soid=1102424221285&aid=8ji0PLjMd3M

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/By-The-People-Lobby-Days-Cancelled-tomorrow.html?soid=1102424221285&aid=8ji0PLjMd3M

Nathan Deal: Drug addiction ‘draining our treasury’

Nathan Deal: Drug addiction &#8216;draining our treasury&#8217;

The Ice Storm really does beckon Snowpocalypse 2011

We will all be able to slap around hockey pucks with the ice glazing getting everybody here in Oconee County. The frozen tropical rain is coming down harder now than the snow ever was. With a thousand trucks using 285 as a parking lot, I do not expect the arctic blast is going to let anyone go anywhere very easily in the next couple of days.

Georgia basketball team ranked 24th || OnlineAthens.com

Georgia basketball team ranked 24th || OnlineAthens.com

Snow pictures of Downtown Watkinsville Subway

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My son and I just hiked to and from Town Center and there are lots of big semi-frozen puddles of slushiness that will freeze overnight making Tuesday much more treacherous than today. Lowell Matthews and snow man at 2 South Main Street in Watkinsville, Georgia We had lunch at the Subway Restaurant managed by Clif Cauley at 2 South Main Street in Mike Thornton's Town Center development.  I am not certain if it was manager Clif Cauley himself making our six inch sandwiches, but their new chipotle sauce rocks on their Philly sub toasted, kind of like a spicier Thousand Island dressing. Whomever was there used to work at the Subway on Prince Avenue in Athens, and is a very dedicated worker. He may see us again later this week. The restaurant Chops and Hops was open, too. We actually saw a couple of people venture in there while we were on our snow trek. Was glad to learn about that on Facebook this morning. That restaurant has an amazing selection of beer and pretty good slabs o

National Instant Criminal Background Check System

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Giffords assassination attempt seems to be lone gunman wacko planned for quite some time

Contents of safe point toward methodical loner planning for long time in Giffords attack Let us hope that this moment in time serves as a catalyst toward more civil discourse on contentious matters such as gun control, hate speech, political banter, incendiary language, a new currency and whatever alleged ideas this Arizona nut job was espousing. Time to quit pointing fingers and guns, time to start healing.

Crust of ice on top of six inches of snow in Oconee County

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The worst part may yet be the two inches of slush under the four inches of snow, at least in my subdivision. This is a very dry snow and the snow is actually keeping the slush slushy at this point, with the best advice is stay at home and do not drive anywhere. Right now it is sleeting with a stinging, icy precipitation in Watkinsville. All the roads are covered and there is an occasional patch of slush poking through the side of the road. The crust on top of the snow makes it tough for the animals to get around out in the wintry mess.  The snow is not the least bit wet, and is very dry and easy to knock off your vehicles under carports. Riding around in your cars is really stupid and dangerous as it is packing down the frozen precipitation into a hard pack of ice slush that is only going to get worse. Do not drive anywhere. Get out your sleds and skis, but do not get in cars or trucks or any heavy motorized vehicle.  Lt. Griffin Attaberry of the Oconee County Sheriff's Depa

Oconee County Sheriff's Department closing Epps Bridge Road 9:12 am 1/10/2011

With the six inches of snow, the Oconee County Sheriff's Department just closed Epps Bridge Road from the Oconee County line to Wal-Mart with several cars stranded, according to Deputy Lee Weems of the Oconee County Sheriff's Department. There is a very steep grade from the bridge until Wal-Mart. This is the tail end of 316 as well so please do not drive on that road. Do not drive people, stay at home and be safe.

Chaffins: Thanks from WNEG-TV staffer || OnlineAthens.com

Chaffins: Thanks from WNEG-TV staffer || OnlineAthens.com

Aftermath of Tucson shooting as dismaying as actual event

Aftermath of Tucson shooting as dismaying as actual event

FW: [oconee] Jan 10th Meeting Canceled

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Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: beckytolleran@106west.com; bdunbar839@yahoo.com; wdhjr@windstream.net; todd@rabunarchitects.com; ccdiamond@aol.com; dscreative@cheerful.com; antar5@sbcglobal.net; lsinnclark@hotmail.com; eugeneh@bellsouth.net; rushiamba@comcast.net; Fosh1@aol.com; irishwitch@windstream.net; JamesK715@gmail.com; VanNest840@comcast.net; johnnieellington@comcast.net; sonnycleve@aol.com; judyglatz@gmail.com; streetplanet@yahoo.com; karadorado@yahoo.com; Kengreene@writeme.com; dulaneyk7@yahoo.com; lfw11@yahoo.com; tlharbin@windstream.net; mmt5041@yahoo.com; hypatia312@gmail.com; 1975michaelv@gmail.com; shylwalker@yahoo.com; pkbdavis@aol.com; patpeterson101@yahoo.com; pguido@juno.com; peg855@yahoo.com; RKLynn_2088@msn.com; ruthie325@windstream.net; Shirley@rbharris.com; chukwurah_kenneth@colstate.edu; 2tknight@bellsouth.net; yoshiko5@sbcglobal.net; edscommonsense@yahoo.com; Standata@windstream.net; barrowdems@yahoo.com; ccdc.communications@gmail.com; erikaesq

Gonzalez to address immigration proposals || OnlineAthens.com

Barrow County Democrats should be supported Gonzalez to address immigration proposals || OnlineAthens.com