April 3, 2013 THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD Page 11

Warriors 2013 Arts...continued from Page 1 Warrior Hike...continued from Page 1 Corp. Adam Bautz, Las Ve- tion since 2008. This exhibit will be on gas, NV; United States Marine Corps, “I am an artist from display in the Gallery at Brass- U.S. Marine Corps cap- Infantry Machine Gunner; Florida, with a home in North town from March 22nd through tains Sean Gobin and Mark Chief Warrant Officer Jesse Carolina, and I love to travel. I July 8th. Silvers co-founded Warrior Bier, Fredericksburg,VA; United am a signature member of the All of the art work is Hike, after returning home States Marine Corps; Ordinance Watercolor Society of North available for purchase and from Afghanistan in 2012. Officer; Carolina and have partici- would make a lovely addition The two men were on Sgt. Major Rob Carmel, pated in many juried shows in to any home or office. a mission and totally com- Olympia, WA; United States Army; Florida, Georgia and North For more details on the mitted to seeing Warrior Hike Field Artillery; Carolina,” said Fullerton. Mountain Arts Association, become an outlet for the many Staff Sgt. Steve Clenden- She was well represented Terrell encourages you to visit dedicated veterans who had ning, Jacksonville, NC; United with three beautiful watercolor the Web at www.themountain- served their country selflessly, States Marine Corps; Light Armored paintings Dock of the Bay, Re- artsassociation.org. had endured great hardship, Vehicle Crewman; lax, and Istanbul. witnessed great losses, and left Petty Officer Second Class family behind to fight to pre- Stephanie Cutts, Winters, CA; serve the great freedoms that United States Navy; Hull Mainte- we have and often complain nance Technician; Idol...continued from Page 1 about and take for granted Sgt. Dick Erwin, Modesto, today. CA; United States Marine Corps; In the first round performance, recording session and third Gobin and Silvers drew Cryogenics Equipment Operator; Walsinham walked out -place winner Kaylee King won their inspiration for Warrior Gillespie, confidently and went right into a one song demo song record- Corp. Gary Ewin, Hike from a story they heard IL; United States Army; Military a beautiful and flawless rendi- ing session. regarding a World War II vet- Police; tion of A Thousand Miles. All prizes were compli- eran, Earl Shaffer, who, in Warrior Hikers pose with local veterans. Photo/Libby She took control of the ments of C & C Media. Chief Warrant Officer 1948, “told a friend he was Shook stage and had the audience It was a win-win situa- Chris Galemore, Pooler, United going to ‘walk off the war’ and completely amazed as she tion all the way around for these Appalachian Trail in a fundrais- ing and expressed his apprecia- States Army; Electronic Systems four months later, he became sang with great feeling and three talented young ladies. ing effort to benefit wounded tion for these veterans. Maintenance Officer; the first person to hike the en- confidence. While the Camp sisters veterans. “We are real proud to Lance Corp. Thomas Gath- tire length of the Appalachian When she was selected did not place, they are definitely During their journey, they have this group of veterans man, State College, PA: United States Trail from Georgia to Maine,” as one of the five finalists to forces to contend with when organized numerous speaking passing through Towns Coun- Marine Corps; Infantry Rifleman; said Gobin. compete for the title of North they return. events via the veterans’ organi- ty,” Kendall said. “I regret Specialist William Guill, “Recognizing the physi- Georgia Idol 2013, she didn’t “North Georgia Idol zations they encountered during that I was unable to be there to Hillsborough, NC; United States cal, psychological, and spiri- appear at all shaken as she 2013 was an awesome event. their time on the trail. shake their hands and tell them Navy, United States Army; Public tual benefits of hiking the Ap- walked back on stage and gave I made several new friends, “By the end of our hike, how much we appreciate their Affairs Specialist, Unit Armorer; palachian Trail, Warrior Hike a stellar performance as she listened to wonderful singers, we had raised $50,000 and service to this country. We cer- First Sgt. Jeff Harper, Vir- partnered with the Appalachian sang her own amazing version and took home the third place were able to purchase adapted tainly wish them well as they ginia Beach, VA; United States Army: Trail Conservancy to create the of Drops of Jupiter. prize. I can’t wait to come back vehicles for seriously wounded continue on the Trail.” Musician (Orchestral Tuba Player); Walk Off The War Program,” She was an absolute nat- next year and hopefully win veterans from the war in Af- Union County Commis- Corp. Kevin Reed, Roches- said Gobin. ural on the stage and she made first place,” said King. ghanistan,” Gobin said. sioner Lamar Paris, who was ter, MN; United States Marine Corps; Aimed at providing a singing appear so effortless. It was a tough night to be U.S. Army Corp. Gary described by Marine Corps Infantry Mortarman; therapeutic and holistic ap- She makes it look as sitting in the judges’ seats as all Ewin, best summed The Trail League member Walt Scott Sgt. Sharon Smith, Gar- proach to helping veterans easy and natural as speaking five young ladies gave a great experience up when he said, he as “a big supporter of vet- ner, NC; United States Air Force; “walk off the war,” Mother Na- or breathing. performance with their own never thought he could have so erans and the Marine Corps Medic; ture assumes the role of physi- Walsingham is currently unique style and sound. much fun being so miserable. League” was invited to take Specialist Cody Umphress, cian, therapist, trail guide, and attending Covenant College It was certainly a difficult Ewin was referring to the part in honoring the veterans. Evansville, IN; United States Army; confidant. and is majoring in music. decision for the judges. But, as cold, wet conditions endured on “I appreciate what this group Military Police. The warrior hikers con- “Winning North Georgia in any competition, somebody The Trail. is doing for veterans, past and nect with other veterans from Idol, and having the opportu- has to win and, unfortunately, Twenty-four year U.S. present, and for their service to spans 14 states beginning at all across the country on their nity to work with Sean Clyde someone has to walk away with Army veteran Chris Galemore our country,” Paris said. the southern terminus, Springer own self-paced journey of self- in the recording studio is like dreams of that win whisked said the reason he was doing this “Their effort in helping Mountain, in northern Fannin awareness, soul searching, and a dream come true,” she said. away in the blink of an eye. is because it gives him time to veterans transition back into County, and ends in Katahdin, striving to make sense of all “Ever since I was little, singing These young ladies have think with every step he takes. civilian life after having served Maine. they have seen, felt, lost, and has been a passion of mine. all vowed to return next year There were many more in a war or wars, by allowing This group began their sacrificed. For many veterans, “When I get up to per- and vie for the title of North who shared this sentiment and them the opportunity to par- trek on St. Patrick’s Day and the battle continues long after form, it’s not just about singing Georgia Idol 2014. expressed their appreciation for ticipate in the Warrior Hike is will wrap up Sept. 15th where they have left the war and re- a song, but about communicat- Last year’s 2013 Idol the opportunity to be a part of commendable,” he said. “It’s a they will be honored with an turned home. ing a message,” she said. “I feel winner Palmer Mireille was this adventure. very worthwhile program, and End of Trail Festival. Gobin told their vet- the music in my heart and in my unable to attend this year’s Due to a scheduling con- I am proud to have been invited Warrior Hikers, the Ma- eran hosts that he and Silvers soul. Singing is the only thing event as she is in Los Angeles flict, Commissioner Kendall to help honor them.” rine Corps League and Towns hiked all 2,185 miles of the I can see myself doing for the doing photo shoots, working was unable to attend the gather- The Appalachian Trail County salutes you. rest of my life, and the thought on her song writing, recording of being able to record my own her original music, and working songs means so much to me. on her vocals with some very Easter...continued from page 1 “I am so thankful for the renowned vocal instructors. a little bit more fair this way,” opportunity I had to be a part She did send her wishes said Hooper. “The younger of North Georgia Idol,” said of good luck to this year’s par- kids don’t have to compete Walsingham. ticipants via her mother Robbie with the older ones.” Walsingham was up Derhnel. This was a wonderful against some pretty tough This years judges were community-building event competition and this was Keren Leppo, Marietta; Don as parents, grandparents, and certainly a night for talented Byers, Blairsville; Tammy other family members talked young women as she competed Clyde, Young Harris; and Gail and socialized with old and against Annabell Camp, 16 of Lynn, Blairsville. new friends as they waited Newnan; Tatum Turner, 15 of Emcee Shad Bradley patiently for the opportunity Conyers, Kaylee King, 13 of claims both Woodstock and to watch their kids hunt for Lagrange, and Lilly Camp, 13 Blairsville as his home. eggs. of Bowden. He did an excellent job Six-year-old Eva Alford, While they didn’t go and entertained the crowd with with parents Judson and Lisa home with the title of North his quick, unique style of humor, Alford of Hiawassee, was Georgia Idol 2013, second and his ability to make the per- very excited about Saturday’s place winner Tatum Turner formers feel at ease on the stage. events. won a two-song demo studio “This is fun,” said Eva. She also was eager to tell of her second place win in the Pets...continued from Page 1 Easter Drawing Contest spon- The Shelter provides a The Shelter also appre- sored by United Community much needed service to both ciates local support of their Bank on Friday, March 29th. Towns and Union counties, but fundraisers. “I won a big Easter bas- the facility is filling up faster McConnell encourages ket and it had a frog in it and a chocolate bunny.” than money is coming in. Towns and Union residents This was two big days in ford, Hanna Monnin, Devin mother by providing a bottle of make sure that every kid leaves Shelter Director Lisa Mc- to come out and support their a row for this young lady and Reece, Seth Rutan, and two cold water, some paper towels, with some kind of treat.” Connell wants to remind folks next big fundraiser on June 15th she was hoping to go home more anonymous children who and provided a place for mom Some of the eggs even that spaying and neutering your at the Mountain Shelter from with another victory. eagerly collected their baskets to wipe up his face. had gift certificates in them. pet makes it less likely to stray 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. She was not disappoint- and left to enjoy their tasty treats Here’s hoping the Easter “I want to thank McDon- and “it is probably the single “We welcome everyone ed as she was not only the and prizes. Bunny puts an extra helping of ald’s and Dairy Queen for the most important act of kindness to our Annual Pet-A-Pet as we winner of a Grand Prize Easter This was a fun morning chocolate in that young man’s gift certificates they donated for you can show your pet.” celebrate our 25th anniversary Basket, but won a “regular” for most all of the kids, but as basket this year. the egg hunt,” said Hooper. “We have many animals and open house. Come visit the prize basket as well. in any sport, you can’t have this “All the eggs have an Hooper also said that there were some anonymous brought in as strays or drop- shelter and pet all the animals, There were a total of six many kids on the field without a assorted candy in them, while recipients of the Grand Prize others have winning prizes donations made by individu- but please do not bring your pets minor mishap. offs. We try to reunite them baskets, three from both ball In this case, a young child listed on slips of paper in als who did not wish to be with their owners, but many with you,” said McConnell. fields. (4-6 year age group) was acci- the egg letting the kids know recognized, but their generos- times that just isn’t possible. There will be continuous Winners of the Grand dentally knocked down and hurt exactly what they have won,” ity was greatly appreciated. We also get a lot of animals door prizes and educational Prize baskets were Eva Al- his mouth. Hooper assisted his said Hooper. “We wanted to that are bought as ‘gifts’ for material available. children. When the new wears McConnell is off and they are not quite as pleased to announce that vet- cute, or they become more of erinarian Hilty Burr of Lake a responsibility and expense Chatuge Animal Hospital will than anticipated, they end up be available for ‘Ask a Vet’ here, if they are lucky,” said sessions. McConnell. Union County Animal “The Humane Society’s Control and the North Georgia Mountain Shelter is dedicated S.P.C.A. will be on hand to an- to preventing overpopulation swer your questions and provide , animal cruelty and suffering, educational information to area and the inhumane treatment of residents. animals,” said McConnell. “This is a huge fundraiser One of the suggestions for the Shelter and we are very of the HSMS is to educate excited about it. We will have children regarding the proper face painting, bracelet design, treatment of animals. Dance for Dollars, and lots of “If we educate our chil- more fun for the whole fam- dren, they in turn will educate ily. We hope to have the whole their children. We need to community come out and join in teach children compassion for this fundraiser and anniversary animals, as well as the impor- celebration,” said McConnell. tance of humane treatment, Mountain Shelter is al- proper care, and the need for ways looking for dedicated spaying and neutering,” said volunteers and they will offer McConnell. a “volunteer sign up” for those The staff at the shelter looking for ways to serve their would like for interested per- community. sons to know that they welcome Volunteers are needed at volunteers and also appreciate the shelter and the thrift stores any support in their fundraising as well. efforts. Mark your calendar folks Mountain Shelter oper- and come out and support your ates two thrift stores, one in local shelter. Blairsville and one in Young You will walk away with Harris off Highway 17. a smile on your face and a slight They appreciate your skip in your step knowing that support of their thrift stores you have made the world a little either with donations or pur- brighter for a shelter pet. chases.