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The Meaning of Christmas

By
Nora Almazan
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Habersham EMC displays this life-sized nativity outside its Clarkesville headquarters each year, reminding passersby of the true meaning of Christmas.(NowHabersham.com)

She was my mother’s mother,  and I loved her more than I had words to express. The way she carefully cut a long string of paper dolls out of newspaper; always had black licorice in a red jar on her kitchen counter; played “skip, skip, skip to my lou” on the piano; and loved Jesus with every ounce of her entire body.

I called her Mama Dolly. Everyone did. She was a writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, a kindergarten teacher, and a florist, and when she told stories, everyone listened. Even now as I type these words, I hear her voice somewhere deep within. Mama Dolly knew how to just be. Just be calm. Just be at peace. Just live the way one should live when Jesus is the center of her world.

Her son was born on Christmas Day in 1930. Christmas always had a unique feel to it for her. This is probably my favorite story which she often told me about the true meaning of Christmas…

The Truth Behind Christmas

People often search for the meaning of Christmas – something beyond the birthday – something deep inside that makes them feel a part of the story. Is it through songs that we find the warmth we long to have? Is it gifts – giving or receiving that should bring joy? Candles? Maybe it’s Christmas cookies and pies? Dinners? Trees? Lights? Parties? Santa? Maybe, just maybe, it is something so much more…

The shepherds knew the true meaning.

Luke 2:8-12, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

This message came to a group of shepherds watching over sheep. We don’t grasp the significance, but shepherds were considered lowly people. They were dirty and smelly because they lived outside for long periods. Historically, a shepherd would not be considered a reliable witness to anyone. Uneducated, poor, disrespected, of little value or stature in society – yet, they were chosen by God to be the first to hear of the birth of Jesus – the King of kings, the Lord of lords. The shepherds were special and significant to the story because they were the keepers of the sacrificial lambs. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had been born.  The shepherds knew the meaning of Christmas – it is for everyone. 

The animals knew the true meaning

The donkey that transported pregnant Mary to Bethlehem curled up under the star as the human mother brought the Savior into the world. There could have been an ox, a cow, sheep who arrived with the shepherds. We don’t know exactly how many animals were there, but they shared their stable with the One who came to deliver us – to save us – to love us.  The animals knew the meaning of Christmas – it is to share what is given to you. 

Mary and Joseph knew the true meaning

Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

The enormity of the weight Mary carried – unmarried, pregnant. The law allowed Joseph to have her stoned to death. Her parents, Joseph’s parents – who would believe such a story? Yet, she chose to serve the Lord. She confidently said, “Whatever you have for me Lord, I will do. No matter the cost. I will do it.”

And Joseph, the man to whom she was engaged to be married, loved her – believed her – accepted her – faithfully walked beside her and protected her.

Matthew 1:20-25, “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

As they held the son of God, born to Mary, in a stable, under a star, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to be willing to live the plan God has for you. 

The Wisemen knew the true meaning

Travelers, stargazers, students of the cosmos… Matthew 2:9-11, “…and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

These men – 3 of them – followed a star they knew the meaning behind. They brought Him treasures because He was a King. And even when they found Him in a dirty manger, it didn’t change their view of Who He was. Imagine that. They rejoiced with great joy because they knew, that they knew, that they knew Who He was. The Wisemen knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is believing no matter what. 

The Angels knew the true meaning

Luke 2:13, “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the Heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”

I can imagine the moment God signaled to the Angels it was time. The skies were alive for He was coming – the plan – the purpose – all at that moment revealed. The sounds of their voices resonating through the night sky – “Glory to God in the highest. Praise His Holy Name” For Jesus came to save us from the enemy of our soul. He came to give us hope, peace, and eternity. Hear the angels’ voices, shouting their praises – and as the sky filled with angels, they knew the true meaning of Christmas – it is to glorify God. 

Merry Christmas to all our Now Habersham readers. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts today and stay with you throughout the coming year.

NGCF awards $429K in grants to boost North Georgia nonprofits

By
Staff Report
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NGCF executives and board members join representatives of the 47 nonprofits the organization funded this year.

The North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) played Santa Claus a little early this year. The organization distributed $429,922 in grants to 47 nonprofits to fund programs and services benefiting North Georgians.

During its latest grant cycle, NGCF awarded amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000 to support work in the areas of health, human services, education, and community improvement. Generous contributions from donors funded the grants.

“We [NGCF] have been running this program for 24 years. The first year, we awarded $10,000; so, to see where we are now is incredible,” said Margaux Dolenc, a Senior Director at the Foundation.

The Community Grants, combined with the $107,000 in Opportunity Grants NGCF awarded earlier this year, amount to more than a half-million dollars in grants the foundation has distributed this year.

NGCF recently held a celebration recognizing this year’s recipients and the counties they serve. They include:

  • Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter – Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Bald Ridge Lodge Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Hall
  • BMore Learning – Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Inc. – Forsyth, Habersham, Hall
  • CASA Of Forsyth County, Inc. – Forsyth
  • Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy – Forsyth
  • Edmondson Telford Center for Children – Dawson, Hall
  • Enotah CASA, Inc. – Lumpkin, Towns, Union, White
  • Family Promise of Forsyth County – Dawson, Forsyth
  • First Impressions Clothing Ministry, Inc. – Habersham, Rabun, Stephens
  • Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, White
  • Forsyth County Public Library – Forsyth
  • Gateway Domestic Violence Center – Hall
  • Good News at Noon – Hall
  • Good News Clinics – Hall
  • Hall-Dawson CASA Program, Inc. – Dawson, Hall
  • Hispanic Alliance GA – Banks, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin
  • Humane Society of Northeast Georgia – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Joshua’s Voice, Inc. – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, White
  • Junior Achievement of Georgia, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin
  • Kids Cubed, dba Waymark Banks – Dawson, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, Pickens, White
  • Mentor Me North Georgia, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Hall
  • My Sister’s Place – Banks, Forsyth, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Stephens, White
  • Myers Elementary School / Hall County Board of Education – Hall
  • Path United – Hall
  • Rape Response, Inc. – Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, White
  • Richard’s Kids, Inc. – Rabun
  • Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, Inc. – Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
  • Sisu of Georgia Inc. – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, White
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Michael Conference – Gainesville Hall
  • St Luke’s St Vincent de Paul Conference – Lumpkin
  • Teacher Reuse Exchange – Dawson, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens
  • The Craddock Center for Child and Family Enrichment – Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Towns, Union

Anyone interested in making a difference in North Georgia by supporting nonprofit organizations may donate to the NGCF Community Fund. For more information, contact the Foundation at (770) 535-7880 or visit www.ngcf.org.

When Love Came Down

By
Now Habersham
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The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Iron Claw

By
Justin Hall
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“The Iron Claw” tackles a sports genre that is criminally underrated and a story that is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking. The world of professional wrestling is a very polarizing sport to portray on screen. When it’s done right, we get great films like Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” with Mickey Rourke, as well as the insightful documentary “Beyond the Mat.” “The Iron Claw” can take its rightful place with those two efforts.

Based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, writer/director Sean Durkin crafts a film that has as much to say about the nature of family as it does about taking bumps in the ring.

A beefed-up Zac Efron stars as Kevin von Erich who has a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler. The family is located in Dallas, Texas, and Kevin is joined by his three brothers: Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons). We learn of a fourth brother Jack Jr. who died at five years old.

Kevin believes that there is a von Erich family curse after the family changed their names instead of keeping their namesake Adkisson. Kevin’s feelings about being in the wrestling industry are further complicated when he sees his father Fritz (Holt McCallany) is pushing the brothers too hard, especially Mike, who has zero ambitions of embracing the squared circle.

Kevin is able to find solace once he starts dating a girl named Pam (Lily James). Their relationship is a sweet and nuanced diversion from the in-ring action and soon they’re married and want to start a family. Kevin’s other feminine presence in his life is his mother, Doris (Maura Tierney). He tries to confide in her about their father’s treatment, but she shrugs it off by telling him, “Baby, that’s what your brothers are for.”

The movie wonderfully recreates the aura of the ’70s and ’80s in the world of wrestling in Dallas and we get to see the brothers compete in some highly exuberant matches against the likes of Bruiser Brody and the Fabulous Freebirds. Fans of the era will appreciate the vibes and attention to detail in making the atmosphere and sound of professional wrestling seem authentic.

However, when the movie takes its dark turn, it’s completely unapologetic about the fates of David, who died of a ruptured intestine, Mike, who overdoses on pills after being forced to compete, and Kerry, who suffers a motorcycle accident that leaves his foot amputated and then his subsequent suicide. These sequences don’t pull any punches about the harshness of this industry and the expectations placed on the brothers to not only realize their father’s dream but also to find a sense of peace and lives of their own.

Durkin’s treatment is one that is faithful to showcasing the era and the personalities involved, but even more so, “The Iron Claw” shows a family’s willingness to honor a tradition of excellence, however jaded and misguided those attempts may be.

Zac Efron, in particular, is the centerpiece of the film as a man who is portrayed as someone who is fierce in the ring but sensitive and soulful outside of it. His physical transformation is unquestionably impressive, but thankfully it’s a performance that is anchored by expressions and insights that are totally convincing and keep us invested throughout. Even though we know the tragic outcomes, we are empathetic to Kevin as he sorts his way in and out of the wrestling world and wants to do and be a better person. It’s a career highlight.

“The Iron Claw” may not convert those who view wrestling as a joke or fake, but it encapsulates a family dynamic that is as intense and dramatically engaging as any professional wrestling match.

This movie earns the 1-2-3 pin as one of the year’s best films.

Grade: A

(Rated R for language, suicide, some sexuality and drug use.)

Alvin Hatcher

By
Now Habersham
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Alvin Hatcher, age 77, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, with his family by his side.

Mr. Hatcher was born March 30, 1946, in Gainesville to the late Ransom Elder & Cassie Bell Underwood Hatcher. He lived his entire life in Hall County, having retired from the City of Gainesville. After retirement, he owned & operated his own construction business called Al’s Construction Company. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Brunice, Eunice, Iris, Cathy & Elaine; brothers, Paul, Frankie, Ricky & Larry; mother-in-law & father-in-law, John & Geraldine Sailers; sister-in-law, Sandra Caruana; brother-in-law, Johnny Sailers.

Left to cherish sweet memories, wife, Brenda; daughter, Pam; grandson, Matthew; brother, Dr. James B. (Betty) Hatcher; sister-in-law, Barbara; son-in-law, Joel; sister-in-law, Gail (Randy) White; a number of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the funeral home. Funeral services honoring Alvin will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Ward’s Chapel, with Dr. James B. Hatcher officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest.

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Alvin Hatcher.

Edna Katherine Monroe Dailey

By
Now Habersham
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Edna Katherine Monroe Dailey, age 87, of Cornelia, Georgia, went to be with her husband on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Mrs. Dailey was born on December 4, 1936, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Charles Henry Monroe, Sr. and Lois Winifred Coley Monroe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Lawrence Wendell Dailey, Sr.; brothers, Charles Henry Monroe, Jr.; William Monroe, Joseph Monroe, and John Monroe; and great-grandson, Peyton Davis.

Edna dedicated her life to raising a beautiful family as a devoted stay-at-home mom. She poured her heart into nurturing and guiding her six children, instilling in them values of love, compassion, and resilience. Edna was not only a dedicated mother but a woman of many talents and passions. An avid reader, cross-stitcher, and seamstress, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her hands crafted warmth and beauty, leaving behind a legacy of intricate stitches and handmade creations that will be treasured by her family for generations to come.

Her greatest joy, however, was found in the laughter and joy of her grandchildren, who affectionately knew her by various endearing names— “Grandma,” “Grandmama,” “Gigi,” and “Grandmum.” Edna went above and beyond to create lasting memories for her grandchildren, especially during holidays and the cherished “Grandparents Party.” Her dedication to family events was a testament to her unwavering love and commitment. Edna was a woman of faith, a devoted member of the Cornelia United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher for First and Second Grade Children for several years. Her spiritual journey was marked by compassion, kindness, and a deep connection to her faith.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Wendell and Andrea Dailey, of Clarkesville; Karen Waller, of Cornelia; Felicia Cooper, of Conyers; Kathryn and Stan Partin, of Griffin; Keith and Kimberli Dailey, of Alto; Charles Dailey, of Cornelia; Jimmy Waller, of Cornelia; brothers, Jimmy Monroe, of Savannah; Robert Monroe, of Texas; sister, Judy Monroe Jones, of Virginia; fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the funeral home prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Raiders, Lady Raiders basketball teams split results at White County

By
Zack Myers
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Habersham Central High School senior Brannon Gaines (4) pulls off a circus shot and draws a foul late in the fourth quarter in a 59-49 win over White County in Cleveland on Dec. 22, 2023. (Zack Myers/NowHabersham.com)

Habersham Central High School’s basketball teams left Cleveland with a split decision Friday night as the boys team won by 10 following a lopsided loss for the girls.

BOYS: HABERSHAM CENTRAL 59, WHITE COUNTY 49

It wasn’t the prettiest win, especially for coach Tommy Yancey, but it was another tally in the win column for the Raiders (8-2).

HCHS came out of the halftime break to put up 24 points in the third quarter after scoring 25 in the first two quarters combined.

“I thought we played well at times. I just don’t think we came out with any kind of energy,” Yancey said. “We didn’t play consistently with any sense of urgency all night. That falls on me, it’s my fault. I’ve got to make sure they’re more engaged in the game.

“We’re lucky to get out of here with a win, the way we played tonight.”

The free throw line was beneficial for the Raiders in the final period, hitting 6-of-11 attempts from the stripe, as the Warriors (3-10) were in foul trouble late.

Juniors Josiah McCurry and Justus Gober led HCHS with 13 points each. Sophomore Judge Wilbanks tacked on 12 and senior Brannon Gaines had 11.

Senior Noah Futch was the only White County player in double-digits. He finished with 10.

The Raiders will play a handful of games over the Christmas and New Year’s break before coming back home on Jan. 3 to play Shiloh High in a region game.

Between Friday night and Jan. 3, the mission is clear from Yancey.

“We’ve got to play better. Got to play better. Have to play better. Everywhere. We’ve got to play better.”

GIRLS: WHITE COUNTY 77, HABERSHAM CENTRAL 33

The Lady Raiders (2-7) were in for a tough night against the hot-handed Lady Warriors (12-1).

White County forced turnovers and turned those into points most of the night. They also owned the rebounding game throughout the contest.

“They’re a good basketball team and they’re a really good shooting team,” said HCHS Head Coach Bill Bradley.

Junior Emma Lightsey netted 33 points on the night while hitting seven 3-pointers for the Lady Warriors. Senior Zoe Burkett followed with 24, including six 3-pointers. 

The two combined to hit all but one of the shots sunk from beyond the arc for White County.

For the Lady Raiders, senior Kyia Barrett led the way with 18 points.

After getting a technical foul late in the game, Bradley joked that he had 33-percent of the team’s fouls in the contest. He said that comes down to competing on the floor.

“We just played four quarters of basketball and my goal before the game was to go compete,” Bradley said. “My dad, who coached 50 years of basketball, always told me, ‘If you play four quarters of basketball, you should average 2.7 fouls per game,’ because you’re going to play. If you’re competing, that’s why they give you five, right?

“I’ve got kids in that dressing room that played four quarters of basketball and didn’t commit a foul,” he continued. “We played a fourth quarter of basketball down 40-something points and did not commit a foul in the fourth quarter. We played the second quarter down 20 points, did not commit a foul.”

The Lady Raiders committed just one foul in the first half, which came on the Lady Warriors’ first points of the game. Bradley said that was a bad foul to give because it wasn’t competing for the ball.

Bradley said he thinks his team can figure a few things out over the next week or so before coming back to begin region play after the new year begins.

The varsity girls are scheduled to tip off against Shiloh at 6 p.m., with the varsity boys to follow, on Jan. 3 in Mt. Airy.

Jimmy Echols

By
Now Habersham
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Jimmy A. Echols, age 87, of Alto, Georgia, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Mr. Echols was born on December 18, 1936, in Hall County, Georgia, to the late George Duncan and Vernie Smith Echols. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Valvoreth Morrison Echols.

Mr. Echols was a very active member and Deacon of Enon Baptist Church for over 65 years. He, along with his wife, Valvoreth, founded Jaemor Farms in 1981, where he was very passionate about serving the community day in and day out for over 40 years. Jimmy was proud of his family, his farm, and his faith in Jesus and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known as “Pop” to his grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Bruce Jackson, of Alto; son, Tim Echols, of Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Jarl and Beth Echols, of Alto; Judah and Kelly Echols, of Alto; Jonathan and Denise Echols, of Gillsville; sister and brother-in-law, Janice Echols Dale and Bob, of Alto; sister, JoAnn Echols Brock, of Lula; twenty grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren with the fortieth great-grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Enon Baptist Church.

Mr. Echols will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the church for those who wish to pay their respect outside of the visiting hours with family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Enon Baptist Church, with Rev. Leon Miller and Rev. Jeff Worley officiating. officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Ricky Elrod officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

Resident airlifted to burn unit after mobile home fire in Hall County

By
Joy Purcell
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The single-wide mobile home and a vehicle were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the residence on Sailor's Avenue the morning of Dec. 23, 2023. (Hall County Fire Rescue)

One person was injured when fire broke out inside a mobile home in Hall County early Saturday morning.

At approximately 2:20 a.m. Hall County Fire Rescue responded to the 2200 block of Sailors Avenue for reports of a residential fire.

When firefighters arrived, the single-wide mobile home was fully involved and the fire had spread to a nearby vehicle.

Everyone inside the mobile home escaped the fire before firefighters arrived, says Hall County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Kimberlie Ledsinger.

One person was injured escaping the burning mobile home. (Hall County Fire Rescue)

Firefighters put out the fire, but the mobile home was a total loss.

One resident was burned while escaping the flames. An ambulance transported them to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where they were placed on a helicopter and flown to the Grady Burn Center in Atlanta.

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, says Ledsinger. The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Habersham Central Air Force JROTC cadets get flight orientation

By
Jerry Neace
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Habersham Central JROTC cadets and instructors assemble at the Habersham County airport on December 7 for flight orientations with Black Hawk helicopters. (Dana D'Alessandro)

Habersham Central High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFJROTC) cadets received a rare opportunity earlier this month. The Georgia Army National Guard flew two UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopters to the Habersham County Airport in Baldwin to give flight orientations to the cadets.

A rare opportunity

AFJROTC Instructor SMSgt Dana D’Alessandro explained that these flights had been in the works for quite some time.

“The coordination was made possible through a former student of Rob’s (Wallace) who was able to put us in contact with a Colonel who runs activities for the State Army National Guard. Over the next 2 months, we were in contact with various members of the Georgia Army National Guard (GANG).” D’Alessandro said. ”This was the 1st time ever that this opportunity was provided to our cadets.”

Habersham Central JROTC students load a Black Hawk helicopter for flight orientation. (Dana D’Alessandro)

Requirements to participate

For a cadet to participate in the orientation flights, they had to be active in the JROTC program. They had to have passed all of their classes and received parental consent to fly in the helicopter. According to D’Alessandro, 43 students participated.

The students were bussed to the airport. The pilots landed their helicopters and refueled. Once all of the students were assembled, the pilots gave a briefing on how to load the helicopter and how to buckle into their seats.

Bird’s eye view

The helicopters made two trips carrying 11 students per trip per helicopter. The flights lasted about 20 minutes and gave the cadets a bird’s eye view of Habersham County.

The helicopters also did a flyover of the high school.

Habersham Central JROTC students lift off from Habersham County Airport in a Black Hawk helicopter on December 7. (Dana D’Alessandro)

Tremendous experience

“They all enjoyed it and said it was a great experience,” D’Alessandro remarked.

Cadet Bobby Ray Wallace enjoyed the experience.

“It was fun and I want to fly choppers,” Wallace said excitedly.

“They all loved it and kept talking about it in class until dismissal for the (Christmas) break,” stated D’Alessandro

“This was a great success,” D’Alessandro talked about the orientation flights and hopes this will be a recurring event.

“We now have a working relationship with the GANG and hope to provide this opportunity again annually to our students.”

Life in Motion: Giving back

By
Joy Purcell
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Habersham County Animal Care and Control’s (HCACC) crew of Christmas characters paid a visit to The Oaks assisted living facility in Baldwin. They carried with them “trinkets and treasures” to hand out to the more than two dozen residents who live there.

Santa gave everyone a stocking with donated items from staff and volunteers. They even brought a small dog with them that warmed people’s hearts. The crew’s ringleader, Grinch, created merry mischief during their Dec. 22 visit.

In preparing for the visit, the Grinch’s alter ego, HCACC Director Madi Nix, said, “Everyone always does so much for the shelter, so it’s time for the shelter to do something nice for someone else.”

The HCACC Christmas Crew delighted staff and residents at The Oaks in Baldwin on Dec. 22, 2023.
HCACC staff and volunteers donated items for the stockings.
The Grinch lounges on the sofa during a visit to The Oaks in Baldwin on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. (photo submitted)

 

Cleveland city officials sworn into office

By
Dean Dyer
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Cleveland Municipal Judge Garrison Baker administers the oath of office to newly re-elected Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner. (Dean Dyer/WRWH.com)

CLEVELAND, Ga. — A large crowd of family, friends, and city and county officials gathered for the recent swearing-in of Cleveland’s recently elected officials.

The city held the ceremony on Dec. 21 at Cleveland First Baptist Church.

Cleveland Municipal Judge Garrison Baker swore in the newly re-elected Mayor Josh Turner, Ward 1 Councilmember Nan Bowen, and Ward 2 Councilmember Annie Sutton.

Councilmember Nan Bowen takes the oath of office from Judge Garrison Baker. (Dean Dyer/WRWH.com)

Baker told the crowd prior to swearing in each candidate, “I truly believe that public service is a calling; it is one of the highest callings you can have as it relates to nation, state, and our local community.”

A family affair

Mayor Turner thanked those who came out for the ceremony. He gave a special thanks to his family for serving alongside him.

“As elected officials, we are the ones that take the oath but the service to the community transcends beyond the elected official,” said Turner. “I want to thank my wife Lacy, and my three kids for allowing me this opportunity to serve my community that I love.”

Councilmember Bowen said she’s grateful for the opportunity to serve her community.

Councilmember Annie Sutton takes the oath of office during her swearing-in ceremony. (Dean Dyer/WRWH.com)

“I just want you to know that I appreciate all of our staff, love and appreciate all our council members and our mayor, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great city of Cleveland,” said Bowen.

Councilmember Sutton shared about her desire to serve, saying, “This is something I love doing. I’ve always told my family that when I’m dead and gone, I don’t want anything; just don’t put my name out there anywhere, just simply say she was a servant.”

Their terms in office begin on January 1.

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