In this issue - Dawson County

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Daw s o n c o u n t y
gOVERNMENT
Message from the County manager
I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier to see signs of spring! I have had just
about enough of the cold weather and especially snow and ice. I feel refreshed
by the sporadic warmer days and sunshine that hints a change of season is just
around the corner. Changes in seasons give us something to look forward to and
signal a break from the routine for something new.
Spring also signals lots of events, activities and yes…work for Dawson County’s
employees! The Park and Rec. Department has spring sports opening day
planned for April 12th so lots of work is going into getting the parks ready for the
big day. Park and Rec. employees put many hours into planning, scheduling,
and organizing all the spring sports leagues and events as well as time
landscaping and prepping the grounds and fields. Check out the Park and
Recreation Department’s information on our website, www.dawsoncounty.org
for information about all the upcoming activities and events going on at our
parks.
Spring means more activities for senior citizens at the Margie Weaver Senior
Center too. The Center will host its annual arts show on April 10th at 1:00 p.m.
Original works of art by senior citizens who attend the Center will be displayed
and for sale. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go toward purchasing
more supplies for the art program. There are upcoming field trips planned and
the Silver Splash program will start back up soon. Go to the Senior Center’s
page on the County website to view the upcoming calendar of events.
Other departments are also gearing up for upcoming duties. The Emergency
Services personnel continue with emergency training and preparedness efforts so
that they stand ready to assist in the event that the volatile spring weather presents emergency situations. The Finance Department has begun preparations for
the FY 2015-2017 budget cycle. Look for communications announcing further
information about preparing departmental budget requests. Spring historically
means more activity for the Planning and Development Department as well as
the Marshal and Animal Control. These departments are prepared and ready to
assist. Spring is a busy time of year for the Roads Department and Facilities
Department since the warmer weather is more favorable for many of the
maintenance needs brought on by winter. The Transfer Station personnel see
increased activity as citizens begin their annual “spring cleaning”.
Spring is in the air. Get out and enjoy the weather and some of the many
activities. Our government employees are ready to assist in making this season a
safe and enjoyable one.
Cindy Campbell
County Manager
Citizen
Newsletter
April 2014
In this issue:
County Manager’s Message
1
Government Calendar
2
Community Egg Hunt
2
Get to Know… Dawson Transit
3
April Happenings
4
Are you ready for Election Day?
5
Dogleg Charity Golf Tournament
6
New Dawson County Businesses
7
People on the Move
7
DCES Employees of the Quarter
7
DCES Receives STEMI Award
8
Art by the Young at Heart
9
March Events from the Margie
Weaver Senior Center
9
Delivering Food & Fellowship
through Meals on Wheels
10
The Green Tip… Celebrating Earth
Day
11
Easy Rocky Road Rice Krispie
Treats
11
Sports News
12
Opening Day of Spring Sports
13
Electronic Recycling Day
14
Learn to Square Dance!
15
4-H Rabies Clinic coming your way
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Board of Commissioners
GOVERNMENT CALENDAR
April 3: BOC Voting Session 6:00 p.m.
April 8: BOC Work Session 4:00 p.m.
April 17: BOC Voting Session 6:00 p.m.
April 24: BOC Work Session 4:00 p.m.
Mike Berg
Chairman
[email protected]
Gary Pichon
District 1 Commissioner
[email protected]
James Swafford
District 2 Commissioner
[email protected]
Jimmy Hamby
District 3 Commissioner
[email protected]
Julie Hughes-Nix
District 4 Commissioner
[email protected]
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Get to Know….
Dawson Transit
Dawson Transit has been providing rural public transportation services since the
Spring of 2001 for residents of Dawson County. Their mission has always been
to provide quality, timely and cost effective transportation services for all
Dawson County citizens.
Dawson Transit receives funding from the Dawson County Government, the
Georgia Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration and
the Georgia Department of Human Resources.
Hours of operation: Buses run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Buses do not operate on weekends or on select holidays.
How to schedule a ride: Dawson Transit operates on an advanced reservation basis. To schedule a trip, please call at least
24 hours before your requested trip, call 706-344-3603 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Who can ride? Transportation is available to all residents of all ages. However, riders 12 and under must be accompanied
by an adult 18 years or older. The accompanying adult will also be responsible for providing a child safety seat for children
6 and under. ** Pets are not permitted on board vehicles, unless they are Certified assistance animals.
Accessibility: Dawson Transit currently operates four buses equipped with wheelchair lifts. These
buses meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The transit staff is well trained to
assist riders on and off the vehicle and to secure wheelchairs for safe travel. Drivers can assist
passengers in boarding and exiting the vehicle (curb to curb assistance) only. Drivers are not
allowed to enter homes or lose site of the vehicle. If riders cannot get to their destination without
assistance, they will be required to have an attendant ride with them. Additional companions will
be charged the regular fee.
Where can they take you? Dawson Transit provides transportation to doctor’s offices, grocery
stores, pharmacies, parks and places all throughout Dawson County. Transportation service is also
available for medical appointments in surrounding counties as well; Lumpkin, Forsyth and Hall.
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Bus Schedule:
Dawson County: Monday-Friday
Dahlonega: Monday-Friday
Cumming: Tuesday & Thursday
Gainesville: Tuesday & Thursday
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Fees:
Dawson County: $2.00 each direction
Dahlonega: $4.00 each direction
Cumming: $4.00 each direction
Gainesville: $6.00 each direction
Special Notes:
Please have exact fare when boarding. Drivers are not able to make change.
Please remember to meet your bus at the curb a few minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
Seats at the front of the bus are reserved for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted on board the Dawson Transit vehicles.
Riders should only transport packages they are able to carry themselves. Drivers are not required to assist with packages.
If you are unable to take your scheduled trip, please contact the office as soon as possible or at least 1 hour before your
scheduled pickup time.
Buses do not operate on the following Holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day & following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
“Let us help you get to your destination!” - Dawson Transit
The Transit Team: Pictured (L-R) Back Row: Jonah Bryant and Paul Moran
Front Row: Transit Coordinator Keith Stratton and Gloria Wright
Not pictured: Senior Center Director Dawn Pruett
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APRIL
Veterans Affairs of Dawson County
Happenings
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26, 2014
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Dawson County Parks and Recreation
April Activities
April 7:
Football Online Registration begins
April 12:
Spring Sports Opening Day at Rock Creek
April 12:
Spring Sports Games begin
(Baseball, Softball, T-Ball & Track & Field)
April 12:
Spring Sports Picture Day
(Baseball, Softball, T-Ball & Track & Field)
April 15-17: CRCT Break (6:00 p.m. games only, if
needed; practices optional)
April 16:
Instructional League T-ball begins:
4:30 - 5:30 at Rock Creek
April 18:
Moonlight Flight: Relay for Life Benefit
Fun Run/5k: 7:00 p.m. @ War Hill Park
April 19:
Community Egg Hunt: Activities begin at
11:30 a.m./Egg Hunt begins at 2:30 p.m. at
Veterans Memorial Park
Pick-up or Dine-in at the Board of Education
Development Center located at 28 Main St.
Breakfast includes all you can eat pancakes,
a serving of sausage or bacon and coffee.
Tickets are $5 and are available for purchase
at Etowah Water and Sewer Authority and
the Chamber of Commerce.
Relay For Life of Dawson County
Friday, April 25th
6:00 p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
186 Recreation Road, Dawsonville
April 22-23: CRCT Break (6:00 p.m. games only, if
needed; practices optional)
April 23:
Baseball & Softball All-Star Try-outs #1
April 25:
Relay for Life @ Veterans Memorial Park
April 27:
World Tai Chi Day: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
at Veterans Memorial Park (Large Pavilion)
April 30:
Baseball & Softball All-Star Try-outs #2
Location:
CVS Pharmacy
6327 Hwy 53 East
Free and Anonymous. Help prevent pill abuse and
theft by ridding your home of potentially dangerous,
expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
Pills and Patches only. Liquids, sharps and needles
cannot be accepted.
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Are you ready for
?
Find out here...
Important information for the Primary Election - May 20, 2014

Voter Registration Cutoff Date: April 21, 2014
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Absentee by mail voting: 45 days prior to each election (request as early as 180 days) *No reason needed
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Advance Voting: April 28 – May 16, 2014 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
* Saturday Voting sessions are only held when federal/state candidates are on ballot.
Advance/Early Voting is located at the Dawson County Board of Elections & Voter Registration office, 96 Academy Avenue
(The Chappell Building).
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Day of Election Voting: May 20, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. at your voting precinct.
2014 Election Dates
Primary – May 20, 2014
Primary Runoff – July 22, 2014
General – November 4, 2014
General Runoff (State & Local) Dec 2, 2014
General Runoff – January 6, 2015
Advance Voting
April 28 – May 16
June 30 – July 18
October 13 – October 31
November 17 – 26 (or best effort)
December 15 – January 2, (2015)
Key Notes About Your Registration
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If you move within the county you need to change your registration to the correct address. (Be mindful of cutoff dates)
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If you have not made contact in three (3) years or have not voted in two (2) general elections, your name will be removed
from the voter registration list (via state cleanup process). MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS PERIODICALLY.
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If you need to register or make a change, you may come by to fill out an application in the office, call to have an application
mailed to you or you can download, complete and print a voter registration application at www.sos.ga.gov to mail in with no
postage required. * In the very near future, online voter registration will be implemented, as well.
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A Primary Election is a nominating election in which a candidate is chosen by a political party. With Primary Elections, a
voter chooses a Democratic, Republican, or Non-Partisan ballot. In the case of a Primary run-off, you must vote the same
party you chose in the primary. *Please note: check ballot choices carefully to make sure all races you wish to vote are listed.
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Visit “My Voter Page” at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov. It has information directly related to your personal voting needs.
There you will find…
 your current registered address and voting information.
 your particular sample ballot(s).
 your voting precinct.
 the days, times and location of Absentee & Advance voting.
There is additional information under the FAQ’s section of our website at www.dawsoncounty.org (under Government tab
to Elections and Voter Registration tab)
As always, you may contact our office for any voting needs.
Glenda Ferguson - Chairperson, Election Supervisor & Chief Registrar: [email protected]
Rachelle Thurmond - Assistant to the Board of Elections & Registration: [email protected]
Brittany Payne - Administrative/Absentee Ballot Clerk: [email protected]
Dawson County Board of Elections and Voter Registration
96 Academy Avenue
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Phone: 706-344-3640 Fax: 706-344-3642
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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People on the Move:
Welcome to Our New Businesses!..
Companies
Carley Etta’s Closet (Children’s Clothing) - 3651 Dawson Forest Rd, Suite 150
Papa’s Place (Restaurant) - 3651 Dawson Forest Road, Suite 160
Dawson Express (Ownership Change) - 6623 Highway 9 South
Jamona Enterprises (Party Supplies) - 78 Dawson Village Way North, Suite 150
New Employees
Alice Marie Gabriel
Clinical Coordinator / HELP Court
Ryan Leach
FF / EMT / D.C.E.S.
Vera Bradley (Retail Handbags) - 800 Highway 400 South, Suite 595
Lee Adkins
Field Appraiser / Tax Assessors
Home Based Businesses
Promotions
Ben L. Danner (Landscaping) - 325 Duncan Drive
James Bruhl
Sergeant of Patrol / D.C.S.O.
Monolith Woodcraft (Sales Management) - 325 Duncan Drive
Morgan S. Hall (Information Technology) - 38 Rainey Drive
Organic Sea Salt Scrubs (Crafts) - 196 Sunshine Drive
Ramey & Son Remodeling (Remodeling) - 69 Chickadee Hill
Transfers
Josh McPherson
Detention Officer / D.C.S.O.
Dawson County Emergency Services ~ Employees of the Quarter
Career FF/Paramedic Jason Bennett
Career FF/Paramedic Adam Gilreath
Career FF/Paramedic Jeremy Grizzle
These two employees were nominated by Captain Ricky Rexroat for
going well beyond the standard of care to ensure that a county
resident and patient received outstanding care.
Jeremy Grizzle from Station 6 was nominated by
Lieutenant Todd Holloway.
On February 13, 2014, Bennett and Gilreath of Med 1, responded to a
call involving a male complaining of chest pain. They were told that
the patient was unable to get out of his driveway due to ice and
snow. Captain Wofford was first to arrive on scene and determined
there was no patient to be found. Dispatch was notified and called the
complainant back. All units were then updated that the patient had
been taken to Northside Emergent Care. The Med Unit was rerouted
to that location. The Med Unit arrived at Northside Emergent Care and
found the male patient to be in great pain. They were only on scene
for 8 minutes when they recognized the severity of the call.
Jeremy was recognized for his motivation in training; for
going above what is required to participate in additional
training classes every month. He also has been riding
seat on Engine 6 for 12 hours at a time, on multiple
shifts.
It took only 23 minutes to arrive at the hospital (NEGMC). During
travel, the patient was treated per direction from the Senior Medical
Officer (SMO) and a 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram) was performed
and transmitted to the hospital. Within 51 minutes, from the time of
dispatch until time of perfusion in the hospital, the patient was being
effectively treated for a severe heart attack (STEMI).
In conclusion, not only did the crew have to face the challenge of
locating the patient, it was also this crew’s first active STEMI.
I would add that in addition to this call, they each do an outstanding
job on a daily basis. They have a great attitude and are respected by
their peers. They are one of our many “dynamic duos”.
- Chief Lanier Swafford
Jeremy responds to most calls in his first due territory
when he is able and not on-duty with Big Canoe fire.
Plus, he attends all station meetings. Jeremy works well
with the public and is liked by all his peers.
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Dawson County Emergency Services receives STEMI Award
PR By Melissa Tymchuk, Director of Public Relations
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Dawson County Emergency Services, as part of the Northeast Georgia Regional STEMI System, was recognized on
March 21, for the departments ongoing excellence in Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care.
The award was presented by Northeast Georgia Medical Center during the 6 th Annual Northeast Georgia Regional
STEMI Summit. The Summit brings together professionals including Paramedics, EMTs, technicians, nurses, advanced
practitioners, physicians, administrators and students throughout Georgia and surrounding states.
The Northeast Georgia Regional STEMI System is a collaborative effort between Emergency Medical Services, Community
Hospitals and Northeast Georgia Medical Center to provide fast and efficient treatment to patients who suffer a severe
heart attack known as STEMI (ST Segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction).
“Every second counts for these patients, which is why having excellent care teams in the field like Dawson County
Emergency Services can make such a difference,” says J. Jeffrey Marshall, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Northeast
Georgia Heart Center and medical director of Cardiac Cath Labs at NGMC.
The Northeast Georgia Regional STEMI System helps the care team deliver faster, more coordinated care to the patient.
Dawson County Emergency Services sends vital information about the heart attack from the field to the hospital while the
patient is still en route.
“This data allows the cardiologist and care team to respond immediately to the patient when he or she arrives at
the hospital -- saving time and saving lives,” says Jason Grady, NR-Paramedic, Northeast Georgia Regional STEMI System
coordinator and Cardiac Cath Lab care team member.
“We are fortunate to live in a region with dedicated EMS personnel such as Dawson County Emergency Services who
deliver exceptional pre-hospital care to STEMI, stroke and cardiac arrest patients,” says Mohak Davé, MD, chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine at NGMC and medical director for Georgia Region II EMS and White County EMS.
Accepting on behalf of DCES: (L-R) Back Row: Chris
Brauda, Chief Lanier Swafford, Lt. Paul Cloud.
Front Row: Jason Bennett, Adam Gilreath and David
Green.
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March Events at the Margie Weaver Senior Center
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On Wednesday, March 26, the Margie Weaver
Senior Center enjoyed lunch at the Blue Willow
Inn in Social Circle, GA.
On March 27, the Margie Weaver Senior Center hosted “Coffee with a Cop”. A special thank you goes out to Captain
Tony Wooten for his presentation on Crime Awareness and Prevention. Over 40 seniors participated in the event.
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Delivering Food & Fellowship through Meals on Wheels
By Dawn Pruett
On Wednesday, March 19, Dawson County Manager Cindy Campbell and
Commissioners Julie Nix and Jimmy Hamby participated in the March for
Meals Campaign with the Margie Weaver Senior Center. They each got
to experience the delivery of meals and fellowship with clients serviced by
the senior center. The Meals on Wheels is a national organization that
represents local, community based senior nutrition programs in all 50
states.
The statistics involving seniors not knowing where their next meal is
coming is phenomenal. Programs such as Meals on Wheels are critical.
Nearly 1 in 6 American seniors worry about where their next meal is
coming from. Delivering a nutritious meal to clients ensures the safety
and well being of our seniors. Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers
get a chance to visit and fellowship with clients.
County Manager Cindy Campbell
visits with client Delores Doyle after
delivering her meal.
280,626 seniors in Georgia are struggling with hunger. Only 10 %
receive our help, leaving a huge gap for those in need. Federal and
state government only contributes a portion of the funding for Meals
on Wheels. Dawson County taxpayers fund the remaining portion,
along with contributions from local and private resources.
The Margie Weaver Senior Center serves around 100 meals per day
to clients that either visit the center or to those who are home bound.
Three drivers and numerous volunteers deliver meals to those who are
home bound. If you know of a senior in need of a hot meal each day,
please contact Senior Center Director Dawn Pruett at (706) 344-3700.
Pictured: (L-R) MOW Driver Tom Quintrell, MOW Driver Tom Farrell, Food Service
Coordinator Michelle Crane, Commissioner Jimmy Hamby, MOW Driver Joan
Walden, County Manger Cindy Campbell, Commissioner Julie Nix, MOW Volunteer
Rebecca Holbrook and Center Director Dawn Pruett.
Commissioner Jimmy Hamby greets
client Clayton Wallace at his home.
Commissioner Julie Nix fellowships
with client Marvene Crane in her
home.
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The Green Tip
Easy
Rocky Road Rice Krispie Treats
Celebrating Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual celebration
supported worldwide through events
that demonstrate and encourage
environmental awareness and protection.
Earth Day originated in 1970 and is honored each year on April
22nd; however many events extend throughout an entire week.
Supporters provide out-reach programs to educate and engage the
public in “green” events that will to help best preserve our planet for
years to come. Topics often include alternative energy solutions
and energy-saving options, recycling, forms of conservation (such
as planting a tree), and the importance of using Earth-friendly
goods.
Keep Dawson County Beautiful is proud to show our support of
Earth Day each year by offering an Electronic Recycling Day
event. This year’s event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on
April 19, at the Dawsonville Walmart. The event is open to all
Dawson County residents and businesses.
It is necessary to recycle electronics separately because certain
items such as monitors and circuit boards contain toxic substances
like lead, mercury, and chromium. These heavy metals can create a
serious environmental threat if not handled properly.
In addition, all businesses require their sensitive information to remain secure. Irresponsible disposal of items like computers, scanners and photocopiers can compromise this security. These items
store information that is difficult to remove without the proper equipment.
Keep Dawson County Beautiful is partnering with Atlanta Recycling
Solutions, LLC to ensure your electronics are recycled through a
secure process that eliminates these concerns. To learn more
about their disposal programs please visit www.arsrecycle.com
Ingredients
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1/2 cup peanut butter
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1/2 cup Nutella
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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3/4 cup Rice Krispies cereal
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1/2 cup chopped pecans (divided)
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1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Directions
1. Mix peanut butter, Nutella, and
chocolate chips together in a
microwave safe bowl. Heat in
30-second intervals, making sure
to stir mixture between intervals,
until melted smooth.
2. Stir in Rice Krispies, 1/4 cup pecans,
and 1/4 marshmallows until well
coated in chocolate.
For more information about our Electronic Recycling Day, please
see the full-page advertisement located on page 14.
3. Place in an 8x8 baking dish, coated
with non-stick spray. Spread evenly.
Other local Earth Day celebrations:
4. Sprinkle with remaining pecans and
marshmallows.
The Dawson County Woman’s Club will be hosting their annual
Earth Day Celebration on April 22, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon at
the Rock Creek Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden. Please come
out and enjoy the festivities; including refreshments, door prizes, a
silent auction, raffles and free handouts and posters.
Provided by: Keep Dawson County Beautiful
[email protected]
www.keepdawsoncountybeautiful.org
5. Refrigerate for one hour before
cutting into squares.
© 2014 Dawson County
Board of Commissioners
25 Justice Way Ste. 2236
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 344-3501
Sports News
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