Rev. Tony Anthony Kemp, age 75, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord to receive his heavenly reward on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Born in Gainesville, Georgia, on January 15, 1949, he was the son of the late TJ Kemp & the late Nettie Abernathy Kemp. Tony worked as an educator, administrator, and coach with a career that spanned 33 years. He pastored in the United Methodist Conference for almost 40 years, 28 of those years being the Pastor of Ebenezer Methodist Church in Clarkesville. Tony was always a great supporter of education and had a big heart for people. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. In his spare time, he loved traveling with his wife, Elizabeth, after retirement, enjoying several trips overseas. Those trips would include a Disney cruise celebrating their 50th Anniversary with all of their kids and grandkids. Tony’s life is an example of the incredible impact one man can have by living a quiet, humble, and faithful life. He was a member of South Bend United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his infant sister, Patricia Ann Kemp, and a brother, Steve Kemp.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 ½ years, Elizabeth Duncan Kemp of Clarkesville, GA; daughters & sons-in-law, Darlene & Joey Terrell, Sr., Meredith & Petrit Lleshi all of Clarkesville, GA; son & daughter-in-law, Jonathan & Malissa Kemp of Marietta, GA; sister-in-law, Retha Kemp of Oakwood, GA; grandchildren, Joey Terrell, Jr., Katie Terrell, Klara Lleshi, Martin Lleshi, Aleksander Lleshi, Bradley Kemp, & Emma Kemp; other relatives & a host of friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville, Georgia, with Rev. Tom Fish, Mrs. Rene’ Grant, & Rev. Mike Pinson officiating. Interment will follow at South Bend United Methodist Church Cemetery, 3512 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506, with Rev. Mike Pinson officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and again from 1:00 p.m. to the service hour on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that all donations be made to South Bend Cemetery Fund, c/o James Hollifield, 4358 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA. 30506 or to Ebenezer Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2557 Clarkesville, GA. 30523
Ethel Elouise Loudermilk Ferguson, age 76, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Born on August 24, 1947, in Habersham County, she was a daughter of the late James Roland and Ethel Dalton Loudermilk. Ms. Ferguson was a caregiver for most of her life and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Claude Loudermilk, and one infant brother.
Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Bruce Ferguson (Brooke) of Cornelia and Brad Ferguson (Amanda) of White County; grandchildren: Derrek Ferguson, Mason Ferguson, and Reece Ferguson; brothers and sisters-in-law: Henry Loudermilk (Joyce) of Mt. Airy and Scottie Loudermilk (Lougenia) of Eastanollee; sister, Winnie Loudermilk Marcus of Mt. Airy; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart, with Rev. Jeremy Garmon officiating.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the service hour on Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.
It is a memory of sorts, a mark of distinction, which Cornelia has carried for years. How many years, no one knows. A mystery that those who live in the area understand and those who visit long to know. While no one knows who Tim was or if Tink ever loved him, it symbolizes the “test of time.” The mural leaves an imprint for years to come of Cornelia’s adoration for Tim and his love for Tink.
The project began over a year ago with an idea to add the beauty of murals to Cornelia.
Those who pass by the building honk their horns or call from the window of their car in a celebratory manner about the mural which now is complete in downtown Cornelia. Judge Steve and Susan Campbell offered their building to house the mural of the famed Tim Loves Tink Underpass. Thursday, May 30th, will be the Dedication Celebration of the Mural from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Audrey Davenport works on the mural adorning the side of the building behind Campbell and Campbell law firm on South Main Street. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)Mural project visionary and manager, Audrey Davenport of Soque Street LLC, puts the finishing touches on the Tim Loves Tink mural in downtown Cornelia on May 14, 2024. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)
“It has been a labor of love,” expressed Audrey Davenport, CEO of Soque Street, LLC [Creative Community Development] and head of the project to paint murals in downtown Cornelia. “We hope the city of Cornelia will treasure this mural for years to come.”
Artists join to help
Davenport has been working on the project since its inception. “I feel a little bit too tired to feel completely happy, but I’m excited. The biggest part for me is everyone’s reactions,” Davenport said about the mural project coming to completion.
“I didn’t even think about that part when I considered community engagement. The people driving by, stopping by, giving the thumbs up, has been a huge part of this project.”
HCHS graduate Emily Pahuamha, Class of 2023, donated her time to work on the mural project. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)Audrey Davenport works with Annabelle Jackson on the Tim Loves Tink Mural behind the Campbell and Campbell law office at 1104 South Main Street. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)
Emily Pahuamha, a 2023 Habersham Central High School graduate, spent the year at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts, studying art, film, and photography.
Her summer plans will carry her to Washington, DC, where she will assist in painting a mural with a well-known artist. Emily offered her help in completing the mural.
“The mural brings color to Cornelia,” Emily said with a smile. “I saw it when I first came to town and just loved it.”
The journey to completion
Davenport loves that the project is done and that it was done in the correct amount of time. People have helped in different ways along the journey to completion.
It hasn’t turned out exactly as Davenport wanted it to. Initially, the mural was to be painted on the walls of the underpass, which houses the words “Tim Loves Tink.” Railroad engineers, however, felt it would cause a safety issue because of a crack in the wall, which they have been watching closely for 30 years.
The Mural in downtown Cornelia wil be dedicated on May 30th during an evening ceremony from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)
There were logistical problems such as projecting the image at night onto the wall, the use of the bucket truck, and having to draw parts of it by hand.
Annabelle Jackson, Tallulah Falls Class of 2024, has actively participated in this project. She will be heading to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta this Fall.
“Art brightens up areas and brings people together,” Annabelle said. She is responsible for painting the fire hydrants in the downtown area. Annabelle’s love for art is deep and she appreciates how the sight of art can change people’s outlooks on life.
“I know things change,” Davenport added. “Some of the murals I did years ago are covered up now. I hope this one will be around for a long time because it is the first one.”
The dedication celebration of the beautiful Tim Loves Tink Mural will be held in downtown Cornelia, on Thursday, May 30th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
With the official start of Memorial Day weekend on Friday, law enforcement anticipates a busy summer travel season. According to AAA, an estimated 38.4 million travelers were expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, and another 5.4 million were expected to travel by air and other means.
Those 43.8 million travelers represent a 4% increase over last year and come close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.
“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”
Georgia’s public safety commissioner, Col. William Hitchens, wants drivers to safely get where they’re going.
“We encourage everyone to enjoy time with their friends and families over the holiday period, but please remember to put safety first. Slow down, obey the speed limit, be a courteous driver, and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination,” said Hitchens.
According to travel data analysis company INRIX, the worst times to travel are Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The best times to travel on Sunday are before 1 p.m. and Monday after 7 p.m.
State and local law enforcement is out in force this weekend watching for distracted drivers and other traffic violators.
During the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend, troopers issued more than 13,000 citations, made more than 380 DUI arrests, and investigated over 500 crashes that resulted in more than 300 injuries and 11 fatalities.
He said the highest number of traffic deaths during a Memorial Day holiday weekend happened in 1969, when 27 people died in car crashes. The Georgia Department of Public Safety began keeping statistics on the Memorial Day holiday travel period in 1969.
The agency released a list of tips for drivers and passengers to help them stay safe during the holiday weekend. They said drivers should slow down, obey traffic laws and signals, not drive impaired, make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, and show common courtesy to other drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers are also asked to pay attention to large trucks and buses, leave extra space when merging, and be patient. The agency also stressed the importance of not using hand-held cell phones while driving.
Mrs. Wanda Walker Frady age 57 of Toccoa passed away Saturday May 25, 2024 at her residence.
A daughter of the late Earl Leon and Betty McAllister Walker, she was born August 16, 1966 in Stephens County, Georgia having lived all of her life in Habersham County. She was employed with KB Healthcare for twenty years. She loved her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother, she had a giving heart and loved to ride dirt bikes. She was preceded in death by a daughter Sabrina Frady.
Survivors include her husband, Douglas Ray Frady, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law Kenneth and Jackie Frady of Toccoa, Derrick and Kayla Frady of Demorest and Zack and Lauren Frady of Hollywood; five grandchildren, Glavin, Macey, Gage, Lawson, and Everly Frady; sister Shirley Scott; brothers and sisters-in-law Earl Leon Jr and Karen Walker and Bernie and Marcia Walker; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Larry and Faye Frady and Cathy Stover; father-in-law Corbin Frady; and a number of nieces and nephews
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Chopped Oak Baptist Church, with the Reverend Alvin Burns and Reverend Brian James officiating. The family will receive friends at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Interment will follow in Chopped Oak Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Reverend David Stancil officiating.
Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.acree-davisfh.com
Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Wanda Walker Frady.
Today, approximately 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, according to the cemetery's website. (stock photo)
The war in Vietnam was raging by the time we graduated from high school in 1965. Senior boys had two choices: college or the draft.
The controversies surrounding the Vietnam War made this time difficult. Protest, anger, death, and politics mixed in a boiling pot, spilling over into divisiveness and apathy.
Our young men came home to no fanfare or parades. They returned home, scarred both mentally and physically, to a world that forgot to say “thank you” to those who wanted only to protect and serve.
In 1965, I went to college, and my brother, John Walker, who had been in the Navy since 1962, went into the dark waters of North Vietnam, where he remained for one year.
During John’s service in Vietnam, I received a Vietnamese doll as a gift from him. These dolls became a symbol of the war to many. She came to me in a traditional dress with a straw hat that hung by a strap down her back. I treasured her. She moved with me wherever life took me in the following years, usually winding up safely tucked in a dresser drawer.
I wore a POW/MIA bracelet for Major Robert Dyczkowski, a fellow warrior during the war. Many people wore these metal bands to honor those who had fallen. After a small donation, the names were randomly selected and then mailed nationwide. The bracelets simply bore the soldier’s name, rank, and the date they became “Missing in Action.”
When your soldier was set free or his remains were found, you were to break the metal. For me, it symbolized that the soldier was no longer bound by shackles or life. They were found either on earth or in heaven.
My bracelet is still intact. Major Robert Dyczkowski never returned nor was ever found.
The bracelet stayed protected in the drawer with my doll for over forty years. Often, I wondered about the Major and hoped that someday, those in the military who kept searching for the soldiers lost in Nam would find this Air Force pilot and bring him home.
When I married in 2005, my husband encouraged me to hire someone to help me clean our house. After a search, I found Violet. Violet came to the US from Poland. She speaks perfect English, and I have loved her as part of our family for years.
One day, before Violet arrived, my husband and I decided to create a wall of art in our dining room.
The doll my brother sent me from Vietnam and the MIA bracelet I wore honoring Major Robert Dyczkowski. (Photo by Lynn Walker Gendusa)
Most of the paintings were his and previously hung on various walls throughout our home. We loved the new art collection, but there was a gap that needed filling. A narrow, tall space required a “piece.”
I ran upstairs and got the doll and the POW bracelet.
“David, why can’t we put these together in a shadowbox and display them here?” I said, pointing to the unique space.
“I always wanted to take these out of the drawer, and now we can showcase them!”
After receiving the shadowbox from the art framer, I immediately hung it. It was perfect! The doll with the POW/MIA metal bracelet around her waist was now in a place of honor.
Violet came the following Thursday.
While I prepared for work, she was dusting in the dining room and admiring the gallery.
“Lynn, Lynn!!!” she shouted.
I ran to her, thinking she had fallen. However, she held the feather duster in the air as if frozen while staring at the shadowbox.
She could hardly speak, so I explained what the bracelet meant.
“No, no, you are not going to believe this!” She continued, “That is Robert Dyczkowski, my husband’s great-uncle! He was found in 2001 and brought home. He was promoted posthumously to Colonel and is one of the last Americans from Vietnam to be buried in Arlington.”
We both stared at the doll, who mysteriously forged a path from Poland to America, Vietnam to Georgia to a dining room. Tears fell down my cheeks, and I felt as if two fallen soldiers were standing with us, looking at two women utterly shocked at the curious, mystifying intersections where lives meet and why. Suddenly, it seemed as if the war was finally over. Two brave soldiers were at peace.
Memories of war and those who served should never be tucked away in a drawer. On this Memorial Day, we need to remember that old soldiers never die, nor do they fade away. They should always live on in the hearts and minds of those they served and be forever honored.
Up in the hills of northern Kentucky sits a protected natural area that is almost unknown outside the hiking, climbing, and local communities.
On my recent trip to catch the Total Solar Eclipse back in April I decided to take a bit of a scenic route. My trip would take me up through the town of Hazard, Kentucky (no relation to the Duke boys), where I did a bit of fossil hunting. Kentucky isn’t exactly the first place you probably think of when you think of fossils, but the state has a rich history that goes back from the ancient sea beds to the old carboniferous forests that resulted in the region’s coal. In the Hazard area, you can find leaf imprints hidden amongst the rocks if you know where to look and are patient. Unfortunately for me, I was on a bit of a time crunch, and this trip wasn’t particularly successful.
No matter, though, I continued on my journey to a place I had briefly visited once before: the Red River Gorge. I wanted to break up my long drive toward St. Louis with a hike.
One other thing you probably don’t think of when Kentucky is brought up is stone arches. Surprisingly, the area around the Red River contains the most arches east of the Mississippi with 150 known. According to the National Park Service this is second only to Arches National Park itself out in Utah. The Red River has long been carving through this region creating many canyons, bridges and arches out of the sandstone.
Off the beaten path
I had visited Natural Bridge, the most commonly visited spot, many years ago but this time I wanted to see something a bit more… off the beaten path. This led me to the Copperas Falls trailhead. Unlike the arches out west, the ones in the Red River Gorge aren’t all that easy to find. They are mostly located in dense forests, and many of them are not very large. Hopewell Arch is one of the most famous not located on an official trail. This arch looks like a double arch despite not officially qualifying as one.
Hopewell Arch, KY (Photo by Tyler Penland)
You get to this arch by hopping a small creek and following a narrow path up a steep slope. A bit of easy climbing will lead you right underneath it.
On this particular day, water dripped from the top of the arch pretty incessantly, so unless I wanted to get wet, I had to watch where I was standing. A couple of raindrops on the lens resulted in this shot, which I found pretty cool.
The sun glinting off the top of Hopewell Arch. (Photo by Tyler Penland)
After enjoying the arch for a little while I continued back down the hill and on to Copperas Falls. I had seen photos of this waterfall before but I did not realize just how tall it was until I saw it in person.
The falls are around 40-50 feet high and are truly impressive when you turn the corner to see them for the first time. The people in the middle left of this image give some sense of scale.
Copperas Falls, KY (Photo by Tyler Penland)
The falls pour over a large sandstone outcrop that forms a large cave behind them. This leaves plenty of room to walk behind and get some very cool shots of the waterfall. There aren’t a ton of places you can do this on the East Coast and each one is special.
Behind Copperas Falls, KY (Photo by Tyler Penland)
You can climb up from each side of the falls as well and even stand right at the top where it flows over. I didn’t do that on this day, but I climbed up the rocks on the side to get a wide shot of the area. The blue/green water was stunning.
Copperas Falls, KY (Photo by Tyler Penland)
Unfortunately, I had to conclude my trip to the RRG and continue on. I plan to get back to the area this summer and do more hiking and check out more of the arches.
The Purple Heart is America's oldest military award. It recognizes meritorious service by U.S. service members wounded or killed in combat. (stock photo)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — A Washington state man’s efforts to transfer his Purple Heart benefits to his children were the impetus for a bipartisan bill that seeks to change the law for veterans who receive the distinguished award.
The “Purple Heart Veterans Education Act,” sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), would allow veterans who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to transfer their education benefits to one or more dependents.
Closing the loophole
The bill was unveiled shortly before Memorial Day, and Murray told her constituents the effort was spurred by a Purple Heart recipient named Pat, who had recently been told by the Army that he could not transfer his benefits to his children because he received the Purple Heart after being medically discharged.
“As the daughter of a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve seen firsthand the enormous sacrifices Purple Heart veterans make to defend our freedoms, and I feel strongly that we should be doing absolutely everything we can to help all veterans and their families thrive,” Murray said.
“It doesn’t make any sense that service members who are awarded a Purple Heart after their service can’t transfer their GI benefits to their dependents, while those who receive it during their service can — and I am grateful to Pat, my constituent in Washington state who brought this gap in the law to my attention.”
Murray said the bill “will close this loophole and allow more children of Purple Heart veterans to further their education.”
‘Needs to be corrected immediately’
“Purple Heart recipients are heroes who honorably served our country at great costs, and this oversight that prevents servicemembers who received this distinguished award after their service from transferring their GI bill benefits to their dependents needs to be corrected immediately,” Tillis said.
The number of veterans who retroactively received the Purple Heart after their post-9/11 service is unclear. According to an informal analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill is estimated to cost $500,000 in mandatory spending over 10 years.
Veterans groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, praise the bill.
“Unfortunately, not every veteran’s service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States of America is fully recognized while they’re still in uniform,” IAVA CEO and Iraq War veteran Allison Jaslow said in a statement Thursday.
“The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act ensures that those veterans who’ve endured bodily harm on behalf of our nation but weren’t recognized for it until their service concluded are able to turn that recognition into an investment in the education of their loved ones.”
More Purple Heart recipients
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have “greatly increased” the number of Purple Heart recipients as the Department of Defense has added some traumatic brain injuries as a recognized condition for the award, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
It wasn’t until a 2017 law that Purple Heart recipients were able to receive full post-9/11 GI Bill benefits regardless of their length of service. Previously, the recipients had to have 36 months of active service.
The Department of Defense does not maintain a record of the number of recipients, according to the CRS, but by law they do maintain a publicly accessible list with the permission of the veteran or next of kin.
Military historians and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimate about 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since 1932. The Army Historical Foundation estimated as of 2016 that 30,000 Purple Hearts had been awarded since 2001. The CRS cited this statistic.
Habersham Central High School's Class of 2024 celebrates at the end of 13 years of school and a 2-hour-long graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
It was graduation night for the Habersham Central High School Class of 2024. The evening started out with some light sprinkles just before the ceremony began. However, it didn’t dampen the mood in Raider Stadium.
As the Class of 2024 filed onto John Larry Black Field Friday night, family and friends applauded.
“The students that are graduating tonight did not reach this milestone alone,” said Habersham Central High School Principal Dr. Jonathan Stribling, presiding over his last graduation at the school. “Family and friends present tonight who supported our graduates in pursuing their education are certainly our special guests.”
Seniors file onto John Larry Black Field at the start of Friday night’s graduation ceremony. Nearly 500 students graduated from Habersham Central High School and the Success Academy. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Achievement
Dr. Aaron Scott, a Habersham Central High Class of 1991 alum and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was the guest speaker. He congratulated the graduating class on achieving this milestone.
“What you’ve done is huge!” said Scott before adding, “You are about to embark on what is considered the adult chapter of your life.”
Scott dedicated his adult years to a career in nuclear medicine. Starting as a medic in the U.S. Army, Dr. Scott now teaches radiation physics at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as the Nuclear Medicine Technology Representative on the Maryland Board of Physicians.
“I wanted to help people that were battling cancer,” he said. Scott urged the graduates, “Whatever it is that you choose to do with your life, do it with everything that you have. Know that there are going to be pitfalls, there are going to be challenges and there’s going to be heartache.”
HCHS alum and 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Aaron Scott delivers the commencement address at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Challenges
Recalling how a former classmate helped “mold me into who I am today,” Scott also challenged the graduates to find someone in their lives who challenges them.
He told the story of Bonaime, an elementary school classmate from Laos. One day, as their teacher was returning their work, she announced their grades. Aaron received a 94, and Bonaime a 97.
“She (Bonaime) probably doesn’t remember this, but she looked up from her paper and looked at me and gave me this little smirk. I’m not sure what happened in my brain, but something snapped, and I heard this voice saying, ‘Oh, it’s on!’ So, from that point, whenever we took a test or a quiz, Bonaime and I would run up to each other and see who did the best,” said Scott.
Acknowledging his former classmate in the crowd, Scott said, “I want to thank her because she made me a better student. In front of God and the class of 2024, Bonaime was the smarter student.” He then challenged the graduates to “find your Bonaime. Find that person who challenges you to be a better person.”
Tenacity
Dr. Scott also shared a story about him and his son playing an electronic game. His son lost several games in a row but would not quit until he won. On the twelfth try, he finally succeeded. Scott told the graduates to have that same drive.
“You keep trying until you win. That’s what life is all about.” He shared a quote with the students and the audience. “The magic that you are looking for is on the other side of what you are avoiding.”
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” he reminded the students. “No matter how unattainable it sounds. No matter how ridiculous it seems. Take your shot. You might be surprised about just how good you are,” Scott concluded.
Happiness
2024 HCHS Valedictorian Georgia Kerr speaks during graduation. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Habersham Central High School and the Success Academy had more than 480 students graduate with the Class of 2024.
Habersham Central valedictorian Georgia Kerr encouraged her classmates to seek happiness. “It’s not your circumstances that determine your happiness. It’s not the people around you. Only you can choose happiness.” She reminded them, ”Allow yourself to chase after happiness a little harder than achievements.”
While the students waited their turn to receive their diplomas, they tossed around beach balls until the last student returned to their seat. At that point, Stribling announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Habersham Central Class of 2024!” Caps and confetti filled the air as families and friends rushed onto the field.
Habersham County Magistrate Judge Tricia Hise strives to make a positive impact on her community on and off the bench. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)
At the age of eight, she knew she wanted to practice law. Her third-grade teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary had traveled to China and showed the class a slide show of pictures from her trip.
“The government of China really interested me,” Tricia Hise, Chief Magistrate Judge for Habersham County began. “Especially with the contrast of our Democratic Republic here in the United States.”
Hise remembers asking her teacher questions about differing governments, here and abroad. It was then that her teacher told her about being an attorney. “And that’s when I knew I wanted to be an attorney,” Hise added.
Building a life and career
Hise with husband Nathan enjoys going to the University of Georgia for games. (photo submitted)
Hise grew up on Camp Creek Road in Habersham County. Graduating from Habersham Central High School in 1995, she attended the University of Georgia where she got a degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice.
“I moved to Los Angeles, California, where I attended law school at Southwestern and graduated with my JD in 2004. I came back home to practice law,” Hise explained.
She married Nathan Dilday, a commercial loan officer at Ag Georgia Farm Credit, and they share a son Max, who is in the 6th grade at Lakeview Academy. As a family, they love attending Georgia football games, watching Max play football at his middle school, and spending time outdoors, hiking, and playing golf.
“Everyone has setbacks and struggles in life,” Hise said. “There are jobs, positions, recognitions, promotions that I didn’t obtain or was passed over.”
Hise with son Max, a 6th-grade student at Lakeview. (photo submitted)
Hise uses those experiences as opportunities to learn and stretch herself to be a better attorney, build stronger personal relationships, and expand her horizons.
“Sometimes, we just have to take ourselves out of our comfort zones and put ourselves out into the public in ways that are uncomfortable or sometimes scary,” she advised.
Making an impact on and off the bench
There are times when being a judge is difficult. Consequences come when illegal behavior is involved. Hise realizes the good and the bad in her position. “I often say to defendants, ‘Do not allow this circumstance to define you’ when speaking to those that are locked up in jail or those that I have to put in jail.”
The job as a Chief Magistrate allows her to work with different departments of government on a county and state level. The challenge she enjoys is that the law is always changing. “The Governor just signed new laws that go into effect July 1, 2024, and these laws impact me as an attorney and also how we conduct the business of the Court in Magistrate Court.”
Hise sees herself as a problem solver and it is something she enjoys. Meeting people who come before her in the Courtroom, hearing their problems, and applying the law to determine the outcome of the case is important to her.
(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)
“It is my hope and desire to make an impact as a judge and an attorney, not only on the bench or in the courtroom, but also in our community,” Hise stressed. “I am who I am because impactful people took their time to invest in me. I hope that we all can think about our lives and remember those who have been kind to us and invested in us.”
When people take the time to volunteer at a school or mentor young people, Hise believes it does more than just impact one or two students, it impacts the community.
Livin’ the Dream
She has many role models in life, some of whom were her teachers. Sandra Day O’Connor, President Ronald Reagan’s appointment and the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and Amelia Earhart are people whose lives she admires.
“In my law practice, I tell my clients that exercising will help them with their stress,” Hise discussed. “I know that I have to practice what I preach.” Hise likes to walk, hike, and run to clear her head. She also devotes time to prayer. “If I can just go on a walk or run, I know that it will motivate me to do more both in exercise and in accomplishing the tasks on my to-do list.”
Tricia and Nathan enjoy hiking together. (photo submitted)
Hise said she does believe she is “Livin’ the Dream.” “Is my life dreamy? No. It’s hard sometimes and I have major challenges, but I’m trying my best,” Hise added. She would never want to practice law in a metropolitan world.
“I never wanted a cubicle and I didn’t want to be a hamster on a wheel,” Hise remarked. “I can take on a case and work it from beginning to end.”
Hise loves that she can build relationships in her community and donate her time, worship freely, and attend church.
“Things are not perfect, but I know that I am a piece of the puzzle trying to make a difference here in Northeast, Georgia. I love my job. I love practicing law. I love being a judge.”
Hise is surrounded by the people she loves in a community she adores.
Tony and Jan Brock have made Demorest their home. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)
With over half a century under his belt of playing for audiences around the globe, Tony Brock has cemented his status as a rock-and-roll legend. The British star, singer, songwriter, and most notably, drummer certainly deserves to trade his drumsticks for a fishing pole to relax on the Chattahoochee River, but propping his feet up seems far from his plans.
Tony and his wife Jan have made Demorest, Georgia, their home. “I’m loving it!” Brock said with a smile. “Especially where I live in Demorest. It’s more like England. And I find myself gardening and learning what rural life is all about. It’s hard work but Jan and I are enjoying it.” Brock loved that his new neighbors brought him a welcome cake. “That’s exactly how the English treat people,” he added.
The couple moved back to Georgia from LA around five years ago to be closer to Jan’s family. After living in Gwinnett for a while, they recently moved to Demorest. Brock has two sons Spencer, who lives in Denver, and Taylor, who lives in LA, and a stepson Chad Wedlake, and grandson Riley. They live in Lula.
Brock is famous for drum solos. (submitted)
Brock, a pro drummer since age 15, is one of the founding members of The Babys, a British Rock Band best known for their songs “Isn’t It Time” and “Every Time I Think of You”. Their first album was released in 1976, and the band rose to number 13 on the US Billboard Charts. Brock, known for his explosive drum solos and dynamic appearance on stage, remained with the group until its disbandment in 1981 after a fan injured John Waite, lead vocalist, by pulling him off the stage and injuring his knee.
Tony continued his career, touring and recording with such greats as Rod Stewart, Elton John, Tina Turner, Jimmy Barnes, Jeff Beck, Bernie Taupin’s Farm Dogs, and Roy Orbison, and that is just a short list of his accomplishments. However, the true grit of Tony Brock is the person inside – uniquely humble, friendly, and eager to help anyone who needs it.
“I started at 14 with my Mom,” Tony explained, filling the room with his undeniable British accent. “She was the pianist at church in England and of course, I used to sing in the choir. That’s how many people start.”
Brock describes his first band Spontaneous Combustion as making a “little bit of a splash” before he joined The Babys. He played with other well-known musicians such as Ricky Phillips (Styx) bass player and Jonathan Caine (Journey) keyboardist, making 5 albums, 3 of which became top 10 hits in Europe and Australia.
Brock with Rod Stewart in concert. (submitted)
After The Babys, Brock joined Rod Stewart and toured with him for over 12 years. “Those were amazing years. Playing before 1/2 a million people a night.”
During the years with Stewart, Brock played with Elton John, Tina Turner, and Jeff Beck.
Brock is famous for his drum solos and the passion and endurance he pushes into his music. He remembers a time with Stewart at Rock in Rio, a recurring music festival originating in Rio de Janeiro but now branching out to other locations, when he was performing a drum solo. Brock talks about how alive the audience was and involved in the music. “I stopped playing because I could hear a noise. Under the lights, you can only see about the first few rows. So, I stopped playing and asked for the lights to come up. The audience was filled with people playing with me on cowbells, tambourines, and boxes. It was an amazing experience.”
The uniqueness of Tony Brock is his multi-talented ever-thinking presence in the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, drummer, producer, and so much more, he continues to thrive while enjoying every minute of it. In talking with him, there is a mindfulness about him we all could learn to have a little of. When Brock speaks with you, he is present. The feeling of being the most important person in the room is evident. His mantra is simple, he treats others as he wants to be treated.
The rock star finds his motivation to keep playing and performing in his audience. He wants to deliver what makes people happy, what brings back memories, what makes memories.
Brock continues to perform with The Babys and is set to make an album with a new band, Close Enemies. (Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)
After three decades, in 2013, The Babys reformed with original members Brock and Wally Stocker (lead guitarist) adding lead vocalist John Bisaha, guitarist Joey Sykes, keyboardist Louis Middleton, and The Babettes – Holly Bisaha and Elisa Chadbourne.
In 2014, they released the album, “I’ll Have Some of That!”, a blend of the classic rock sound that made The Babys a household name with a modern signature that keeps fans wanting more. In January 2015, THE BABYS released their first official video to coincide with the single debut for “I See You There”, which peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Single Sales and #6 on the AC Top 40 Chart.
“It’s wonderful to still be able to do that,” Brock remarked. “I thought I had hit the pinnacle of my career, but instead, I’ve gone to the next level.”
And it doesn’t stop there. Brock shared an up-and-coming project. He, Peter Stroud (guitarist with Sheryl Crow), Tom Hamilton (bassist for Aerosmith), Chasen Hampton (singer/songwriter), Gary Stier (lyricist and vocals), and Trace Foster (guitarist) have put together a band named Close Enemies. They will be producing their first album in August – all original content. Of course, all of these multi-talented musicians will continue to perform with their original bands, including Tom Hamilton, who will tour with Aerosmith this year as well.
Between recording in his Demorest studio, touring with The Babys, and now Close Enemies, Tony Brock’s life seems extremely full at the age of 70. Even with such a full schedule, Brock finds time to enjoy his wife Jan and their dog Sweet Pea, garden, visit with neighbors, and settle into the richness of Northeast Georgia and all that rural life has to offer.
“I’d like to be remembered as someone good and honest. I want to make other people’s lives enjoyable. And I want to be remembered as a good father.”
This article has been updated with additional information.
Michael George Schoolman, age 77, of Demorest, Georgia, went to his heavenly home on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Mr. Schoolman was born on February 28, 1947, in Marion, Indiana, to the late Virgil and Alyce Bailey Schoolman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Schoolman.
Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Delene Schoolman of Demorest.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
