Golf Channel’s Maria Carter Reflects on Piedmont Days

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June 27, 2015

‘Lion for Life’ ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Demorest, GA – Maria Carter knew her time at Piedmont College was a special four-year period. But not even Carter could have imagined where her time as a student on the Demorest campus would take her as the former Lady Lion golfer now hangs out at the Golf Channel five days a week, a career that Carter credits to her work in the classrooms at Piedmont.

Born in Keala Kekua, Hawaii, Carter moved with her family more than a dozen times before enrolling at Piedmont in 2009 after graduating from Peachtree Ridge High School. Carter found Piedmont when looking for a spot to play her college golf with PC standing out to her due to those involved with the program at the time and the atmosphere of the college.

“When I visited the campus, I just fell in love with the coaches, players and students at Piedmont, really the whole atmosphere was incredible,” said Carter.

After arriving on campus as a student, Carter would enjoy a decorated four-year career as a member of the Lady Lion golf team helping Piedmont to the 2011 Great South Athletic Conference Tournament Championship title. Carter shared individual medalist honors in that 2011 season as one of the top finishers at the event, one of eight top-5 finishes for Carter in her time with the Green and Gold.

“During her time at Piedmont, Maria was an outstanding student athlete,” said current Piedmont golf coach Michael McMunn when asked of Carter’s impact while in Demorest. “She was our best leader and was very supportive to her teammates. Now that she has moved on to her job at the Golf Channel, she has definitely deserved the recognition she has received and I know she’s doing a fantastic job there. Her ability to connect and communicate with people really has helped her with her career. We are proud of her and her accomplishments up to this point and expect her to continue to improve in her field.”

With her team’s title in 2011 helping PC to one of its most successful athletic years ever, Piedmont finished 2010-11 as the President’s Cup Champion on both the men’s and women’s sides, an award representative of the most successful all-around athletic program in the league.

Carter followed up that championship showing in ’11 with another All-Tournament selection at the GSAC Championships in 2012 finishing in the top-5 once more, but the golfer also was getting it done in the classroom as well. Before leaving campus, Carter was an Academic All-Conference selection in Piedmont’s affiliation with the Great South Athletic Conference before earning the honor again when PC joined the USA South Athletic Conference in 2012-13.

Daughter to a pair of missionaries, Carter’s time at Piedmont was also one of service as well as she served as an Athletic Ambassador working with teams visiting Piedmont’s athletic facilities for home contests. In her work as an Athletic Ambassador, Carter made a strong impression on Piedmont’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics John Dizk who headed up the unique group.

“Maria Carter was an outstanding student athlete at Piedmont College,” said Dzik when asked of the former Piedmont student-athlete. “She was a top flight women’s golfer and served as an athletic department ambassador for visiting teams. Her intelligence, social grace and charm made a positive impact on all who came in contact with her. We are all proud of her accomplishments.”

Carter now makes her home at the Golf Channel as the host of College Central for the NBC Universal-owned network. Carter also works on site for tournaments aired on the network and handles administrative dutes including production scheduling and technical duties, skills she honed as a Mass Communications major here at Piedmont.

One of her former professors here at PC is not surprised at the multitasking of Carter in her profession as Dr. Dale Van Cantfort recalled the balance that his former student had to manage here at Piedmont, saying “Maria is a great example of what a student-athlete can be at Piedmont College. She played both golf and tennis at P.C. while also writing for the school newspaper, hosting a weekly radio show, serving on the Mass Comm. Student Leadership Council, and earning high enough grades in her classes to be inducted into the Mass Comm. Honor Society.”

Footage that Carter attains is used for features, teases, and bumps on the Golf Channel, but it was the interpersonal skills that Carter displayed which Dr. Van Cantfort thought separated her resume from others as he continued, “Maria learned quickly how to network and build relationships. Her internship experience, for which she earned academic credit, put her in the position to gain employment with the Golf Channel upon her graduation from Piedmont. We can’t guarantee the same results, but with good time management skills, we believe future students can have the same type of experience.”

To learn more about Maria Carter at the Golf Channel, fans can follow Carter on Twitter @mariacarter09 or tune in to her web-based segment, College Central, online at www.golfchannel.com.

Alumni Spotlight features former Piedmont student-athletes who are now pursuing their careers and dreams after spending their time on the playing fields for one of Piedmont’s 15 intercollegiate programs. More features are planned to be released at PiedmontLions.com throughout the coming months. If you know of a Piedmont alumni or former student-athlete that should featured as an Alumni Spotlight, please contact the Office of Athletic Communications at Piedmont College.

Don’t miss out on your miracle

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Nora Almazan

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June 27, 2015

2 Kings 5:10, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and you will be cleansed.”

Naaman was a powerful commander and was regarded by the king as “a great man.” He carried a great deal of influence in his community, and he had money. I’m sure you have probably known a few Naaman’s in your lifetime – people who seem to have it all – looks, prestige, education, skills, and influence. But, something Naaman had that no one else would want to have is leprosy.

The story in the Bible tells us that no one could help Naaman, and he had certainly tried to find an answer for his leprosy.

A slave girl in Naaman’s home told him about a prophet of God in Israel who she believed could help him. Naaman went to visit him. When the prophet told Naaman what to do to get rid of the leprosy, Naaman was insulted. He had been instructed to wash in the River Jordan, something Naaman felt was dirty.

Sometimes God asks us to do things we don’t want to do. We want to get on to the great things in life – but God needs to see us obedient to the little things. God needs to see us humble ourselves and be willing to do whatever He asks of us.

“Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.” 2 Kings 5:13-14

Don’t miss out on your miracle because you want to tell God “how to do it.” Sometimes God’s greatest miracles come in the most unexpected packages.

Carole Anderson Caldwell

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Now Habersham

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June 26, 2015

Funeral services for Carole Anderson Caldwell, age 72 of Clarkesville will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from the Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville. Pastor Mike Franklin and Dr. Craig Ward will officiate with interment to follow the service in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery.

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Bereit joins PC Women’s Lacrosse coaching staff

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Now Habersham

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June 26, 2015

Demorest, GA – Piedmont College Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Emily Jacquette has announced the addition of Elizabeth Bereit to her coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the successful Lady Lion program. Having just completed a decorated collegiate playing career, Bereit joins a program at Piedmont that has posted an incredible 40-9 in three seasons under Jacquette who has served as the inaugural coach in the young program’s history.

“I am excited about the addition of Liz to the coaching staff,” said Jacquette of the new hire. “She brings a wealth of experience from her four decorated years at Shenandoah. Liz embodies the true Division III philosophy of success both on the field and in the classroom. Our program will benefit greatly from her knowledge and passion for the game.”

Bereit brings very familiar experience with her to Piedmont having been named the Rookie of the Year in the USA South Athletic Conference during her playing days at Shenandoah University before the Hornets made the jump to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in her sophomore season. Most recently, Bereit was named a Capital One Academic All-American 3rd Team selection, the third in the women’s lacrosse program history at Shenandoah.

Captain for her final two years with the Hornets, Bereit enjoyed team success as well with the program as Shenandoah posted a 48-22 overall record during her four years including a dominant 30-7 mark in conference play. Twice Bereit helped lead her team to the conference championship game as well, once in the USA South during her debut campaign with the club and again in the ODAC just a year later.

In three of her four seasons, Bereit’s Hornets posted a 7-game winning streak as the first such streak came during her freshman year. Then a youngster in midfield for Shenandoah, Bereit sparked the stretch by leading her team on the offensive end scoring 23 of her 31 goals on the season during the 7-game win streak.

It was that type of performance that helped Bereit earn USA South Rookie of the Year honors and a 1st Team All-Conference spot, the first of two 1st Team All-conference honors in her decorated career. Bereit would be named a 2nd Team honoree in both her sophomore and junior seasons after Shenandoah made the jump to the ODAC.

Bereit was also a two-time All-Tournament honoree, first in the 2012 USA South Championships for leading her team all the way to the league’s title game against Christopher Newport. Bereit tallied a hattrick in her team’s semifinal win over Greensboro before putting up a pair in the title game against Christopher Newport who defeated the Hornets to limit Bereit’s team to a runner-up finish.

In 2014, Bereit would earn All-Tournament accolades again needing just six shots to score four goals in the semifinals against Guilford College. In six postseason games over her time with the Hornets, Bereit scored 12 goals for her team while helping Shenandoah to two runner-up finishes.

Though she excelled in the postseason, Bereit also displayed consistency through the regular season being named the USA South Rookie of the Week an astounding five times in 2012. In the ODAC, Bereit was named the league’s Player of the Week four times during her final three years as a collegiate player.

The crowning achievements in a decorated collegiate playing career for Bereit came during her final season as she was named the ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in women’s lacrosse and was also named Shenandoah’s Female Athlete and Student-Athlete of the Year as well. Also earning Shenandoah’s Athletic Director’s Award, Bereit was named an IWLCA All-Chesapeake Region 1st Team selection for her efforts in 2015.

Bereit leaves Shenandoah having entered the top ten in every statistical category including scoring where she ranks 2nd all-time for the Hornets. Though she made a name for herself on the offensive end, Bereit showed she could do it all leading the squad in ground balls, draw controls, and caused turnovers during her final season with the team as well.

Bereit also brings coaching experience to her first appointment at the collegiate level as she spent the spring of 2014 as an assistant coach with John Handley High School assisting with the Varsity Girls’ Team, a brand new program. Experienced in the sport, Bereit helped the new players develop basic fundamentals while also gaining coaching experience with the high school program.

Prior to her time with John Handley, Bereit was a coach with the Lacrosse Clinic at Body Renew Fitness in Winchester, Virginia where she provided weekly lessons on varying areas of the game. Bereit also worked with the Nike Lacrosse Camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and spent four years as a coach with Latrobe Parks and Recreation introducing the game to the youth in the area through camps.

Stellar on the field for the Hornets during her collegiate playing career, Bereit was as committed to her craft in the classroom with multiple academic honors during her time at Shenandoah. In addition to her Capital One Academic All-American honor earned in June, Bereit was a 1st Team Academic All-District honoree and also was named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor Roll in 2014.

Bereit was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (International Business School Honor Society), Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Society), Phi Epsilon Kappa (National Kinesiology Honor Society), and Alpha Lambda Delta (National Honor Society). The women’s lacrosse standout was active on campus as well serving in multiple offices within the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) including a tenure as the President of the organization on campus during her senior year.

“I am grateful to Coach Jacquette for this opportunity,” said Bereit of her new appointment with PC. “It’s an exciting time at Piedmont, particularly for the women’s lacrosse team, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the continued success of the program.”

Having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shenandoah just this spring with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management, Bereit will leave Shenandoah a four-time Academic All-Conference honoree as well. While serving on the women’s lacrosse coaching staff at PC, Bereit will pursue her Master of Business Administration from the graduate school at Piedmont College.

What they’re saying about Coach Bereit:

“Liz Bereit was one of the most exceptional athletes that I have ever coached. She was a pleasure to coach and left our lacrosse program in much better place than when she arrive. Her presence alone raises the standards of excellence of everyone who is around her by her contagious work ethic, passion and competitive spirit. I know this drive and passion that she had for playing the game of lacrosse is going to translate into her love and passion for coaching the game. She will set a great example for young female student-athletes to push themselves to their full potential on and off the field just like she did as a athlete. Piedmont is lucky to have her and I know she will not only be a great asset to the lacrosse program but to the athletic department as a whole!” – Lindsey Lutz, Shenandoah University Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach

Barry “Buffalo” Whitfield

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Now Habersham

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June 26, 2015

Barry “Buffalo” Whitfield, age 50, of Alto, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

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Myrtle Massey Crenshaw

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Now Habersham

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June 26, 2015

Myrtle Massey Crenshaw, age 93, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

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Frank Satterfield

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Now Habersham

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June 26, 2015

Frank Satterfield, age 63, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

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Governor: Georgia will recognize gay marriage

By

Paul Rea

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June 26, 2015

The US Supreme Court ruled today that all states must recognize same-sex marriages.

The justices, in a 5-4 decision, held that “The Fourteenth Amendment requires a State to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-State.”

Following today’s ruling that legalizes gay marriage in all states, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said, “While I believe that this issue should be decided by the states and by legislatures, not the federal judiciary, I also believe in the rule of law. The state of Georgia is subject to the laws of the United States, and we will follow them.”

In 2004, Georgia banned same-sex marriage with an amendment to the state constitution making it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. That referendum was approved by 76% of Georgia voters.

The text of the amendment states:

(a) This state shall recognize as marriage only the union of man and woman. Marriages between persons of the same sex are prohibited in this state.
(b) No union between persons of the same sex shall be recognized by this state as entitled to the benefits of marriage. This state shall not give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other state or jurisdiction respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other state or jurisdiction. The courts of this state shall have no jurisdiction to grant a divorce or separate maintenance with respect to any such relationship or otherwise to consider or rule on any of the parties’ respective rights arising as a result of or in connection with such relationship.

Today’s supreme court ruling, based in the 14th Amendment’s due process and equal protection clauses, says Georgia’s constitutional amendment is in conflict with the US Constitution. When that happens the federal ruling trumps the state law.

Habersham Sheriff urges caution with newly legal fireworks

By

Paul Rea

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June 26, 2015

A new law takes effect next week that makes it legal to possess new, more powerful, types of fireworks in Georgia.

The Habersham County Sheriff’s office posted the following release:

NEW FIREWORKS LAW EFFECTIVE AS OF JULY 1, 2015:

Georgia HB-110 defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect.

And with July 4 quickly approaching, that means a very wide selection of celebratory explosives will be going off around the state.

While the new law makes the sale of fireworks legal in the state, there are certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of.

Those facts include the following:

The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.
Authorized fireworks include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers and other combustibles and explosives of like construction.
Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 a.m. On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.
Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.
Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office recommends all fireworks use to be supervised by a responsible adult.

Fireworks can be dangerous if used improperly. And each year, hundreds of people are injured while using them.

Georgia DNR warns drunken boaters

By

Paul Rea

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June 26, 2015

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division will be ramping up the enforcement of Georgia’s drunk boating laws this weekend in advance of the Fourth of July holiday.

As part of a national push called Operation Dry Water, rangers will be out in force in a coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence (BUI).

The mission of Operation Dry Water is also to bring awareness and education to recreational boaters about the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the water.

“We are dedicated to keeping boaters safe on our waters. Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules,” says Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver. “You will see our officers out on the water looking for boaters who are operating a vessel under the influence.”

Despite the fact that it is against the law in Georgia for a person to operate a boat or other recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, BUI continues to be a problem here.

So far this year, Georgia conservation rangers have made 71 BUI arrests on the state’s lakes and waterways.

Operation Dry Water is a multi-agency, education and enforcement initiative launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. Thousands of local, state and federal marine law enforcement officers on the water take part to give BUI enforcement high visibility before a holiday known for drinking and boating.

For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

Abby J – A Brand and a woman on fire

By

Michelle Wetherbee

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June 26, 2015

VIDEO: Community Matters featuring Abby J

Abby Jackson is a woman of determination and when she sets her mind to something, great things happen. When Jackson decided to turn an old family farm on the Soque River into a flyfishing haven, Blackhawk Fly Fishing was born. Since 1996, Jackson has worked to protect and work the special part of the Soque River where trout love to swim. As a result of her work, Blackhawk has been featured on numerous TV shows like “O’Neil Outside” and “Georgia Traveler” as well as national magazines such as Southern Living. From corporate outings to families, Blackhawk has hosted hundreds of fishers looking for the Soque River’s beautiful trout.

Abby J fly fishing — Abby Jackson and Dave Zelski of “Georgia Outdoor.”

Dave Zelski of “Georgia Traveler” was actually the impetus for Jackson’s next project. On a visit, Zelski remarked that Jackson had the best chili he had ever tasted and he had caught the biggest trout of his life. In 2011, Jackson introduced the first salsa in her line of “Farm to table” gourmet products. Today, there are 5 products in the line. The salsas are sold in Ingle’s Grocery stores in 4 states, as well as Kroger in Georgia and specialty shops throughout the South. A finalist in the “Georgia Grown” taste awards in 2013 and 2015, Jackson’s salsas and hot sauce are in her words, “smoking hot.”

Last year, Jackson decided to add Farmer’s Market to her list of businesses. For a number of years, Jackson had been selling the produce and herbs grown on the farm to restaurants in Atlanta. The Soque River Farmer’s market features vegetables and herbs grown on her farm as well as other products from local farmers. In true Jackson style, the market is a visual treat as well as a delicious one. This year, the market opens on Saturday, June 27th. Jackson’s next projects are a special treat that will be debuted on Saturday.

farmstyle cookbook — Abby Jackson’s new cookbook launches June 27th.

After developing recipes and studying in France and Italy, Jackson has written a cookbook. “Abby J’s Farmstyle Living” is the culmination of living, fishing and farming on the Soque River. With 100 recipes and lush photography, the cookbook is sure to give readers delicious new inspiration and make great gifts. Be sure to stop in the Soque River Farmer’s market and meet Jackson. An autographed copy of the cookbook is sure to be a special treat and a great gift.

While working at a “Georgia Grown” event and developing the cookbook, Jackson met her partner who shared her passion for “farmstyle” living, Nancy Suttles. Suttles, a Decatur native, currently designs and guides the “Big Green Egg” special interest publications. The publications are seen in over 40 countries. Suttles opened her eponymous design firm in 1996, specializing in photography, media, and publishing. Together, Suttles and Jackson have combined their talents and passions into a new publication, Southern Farm and Garden. The magazine features the best of the “farmstyle” life with interviews with farmers, recipes and celebrates the best of the South’s unique character of story-telling, music and wine. Jackson is passionate about the farm movement and wants to educate others about the farmers and farm-style life, as well as supporting and encouraging the best of the South’s farms and products. The magazine is a bi-annual publication celebrating the summer and winter harvest. The magazine debuted last week to high praise. It is a gorgeous magazine filled with stunning photography. The magazine is available in several local outlets such as A to Zinc in Clarkesville as well as via subscription. Another publication, Homegrown South, a catalog, will debut this fall.

Stop by the market tomorrow, June 27, 2015. Like Abby J’s products on facebook and visit her websites: southernfarmandgarden.com, blackhawkflyfishing.com and abbyjsgourmet.com. Be inspired.

Meeting Minds: Salvador Dali

By

Nora Almazan

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June 26, 2015

When we meet the minds of others, we can better understand one another. Today, meet the mind of Salvador Dali, Spanish painter.

“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali