About Lake Oconee news. (Greensboro, GA) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 2017)
Page B4 Lake Oconee News Friday, February 17,2017 PUTNAM COUNTY Local author receives international award Eatonton author George Hei- ring was recently announced 2016 winner of the prestigious Byron Herbert Reece Inter national Award. His narrative poem “Song of a Buried River,” describing the historic origins of the Oconee River and the lifestyle it influenced, was awarded first place and a cash prize during the winter meeting of the Georgia Poetry Society at Georgia Perim eter College. It was the seventh literary award Heiring has earned in the past three years. “I am sincerely honored that my work is recognized by judges who are poets of national stature,” Heiring said. “Poetry requires a different work ethic and more patience than writing short sto ries and essays, which is where I focus most of my creative energy. I am pleased and a little surprised when my poems are recognized.” Elizabeth Howells, a Contest Chair for the Georgia Poetry Society presents award to George Heiring at the Society's meeting in Clarkston. Contributed Heiring is vice president of the Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton. His two popu lar coffee table books, “The Seasonal Heart” and “Turn ing Leaves,” include his sto ries, poems, and paintings by his collaborator Gail Vail and thirteen regional artists. They are available for sale at the Geor gia Writers Museum and The Eatonton Messenger. His upcom ing book, ‘When Do The Lions Eat?,” a collection of humorous travel experiences, will be pub lished next summer. Song of A Buried River See that conifer leaning to the wind? Below it, the lakeshore falls off steep. That's where the old river is buried. Yes, a great river swept by this point, rich with stolen sediment, a hundred yards from bank to bank in spring. Born in highlands mystery of mist, an infant shaped by surging rapids, wrapped in a blanket of rainbow spray. Down it came, notching Piedmont steps, gnawing valleys of stubborn clay, the adolescent seeking an easy path. Azaleas clung to its banks. Jasmine, scuppernongs, dogwoods, red bud, snags of color scratching at the sky an Eden garden. But then came Indian corn, cotton fields, creaking mill wheels grinding out fortunes. It sings of origins, this hidden river. Histories never written down. Melodies of uncelebrated lives. Hear painted Creeks, Spanish priests, pole boatmen setting out from shore, slaves sweating in broad cotton fields. Listen to a farmwife snapping peas, the clap of high-stepping ponies as plantation gentry went to meeting. You can't see it, but the river's here, entombed within a manmade lake chewing on new landscaped hills. Those who fish know where it lives. At daybreak they hang above its dark stain, waiting for a heavy line, and when they ride the sunset home wakes arch above the river's grave as prayers to uncomplaining ghosts. Listen. When the evening wind comes soft, you'll hear the river sing its song of unclaimed yesterdays. LAKE COUNTRY John Milledge Academy announces new head of school The John Milledge Acad emy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Jessica Rossin Jones has been named Head of School, beginning with the 2017-18 school year. Mrs. Jones is currently serving as interim Head of School and has been in that role since the resig nation of Mark Hopkins in September. Beginning next year, she’ll take on the role on a permanent basis. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Mrs. Jones these past few months. Watch ing her passion for John Milledge, the students and the faculty and staff is amaz ing and very inspirational. Her people skills, work ethic and attitude are models for everyone to follow. We are definitely blessed to have her, in a permanent role, as the leader of our school and leader in our community!” said Artis Williamson, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Jessica brings a great deal of experience and a creative way of thinking to the Head of School office at John Milledge.” Mr. Larry Pre- stridge, former Headmaster and current Co-Head, states that the Board has made a great hire: “In my opinion, Mrs. Jones has the desire, energy and knowledge to lead JMA. Her drive and commitment to excellence will assure that our students will continue to receive a quality education in a great environment.” Originally from Ohio, Mrs. Jones earned her undergraduate degree at Mercer University and her master’s degree in educa tion from Georgia College and State University. She is married to Bradley Jones and they have one child, Marshall (‘27). Jessica and her family attend First Bap tist Church of Milledgeville. She began at John Milledge Academy in 2004, AIRLINE CAREER 2017 Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-564-9634 Greene County Habitat for Humanity* Accepting New Homeowner Applications Greene County Habitat for Humanity will host three homeownership application workshops. Applicants MUST attend a workshop to complete an application. Applications will be completed at the workshop. THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY Thursday, March 2nd 10 am - 12 noon Thursday, March 2nd 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saturday, March 4th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Application Workshops held at Greene County Habitat for Humanity 1373 Willow Run Road Greensboro, GA Come ready to complete your application at the workshop Bring COPIES of the following items for ALL Adults (18 or older) in the household H Current Picture ID (i.e. driver's license) H Most recent Bank Statements ALL H Social Security Card for family members PAGES (checking, savings, 401K) H Current utility bill H Three letters of Reference H 2014 and 2015 Tax Return w/W-2's H Food Stamp Documentation H One Month Paystubs or most recent H Child Support Documentation Paystub with Year to Date listed H Proof of Car Payment or Clear Title Jessica Rossin Jones teaching seventh, eighth, and ninth grade literature classes. Her accolades as a four-time STAR Teacher winner attest to her rep ertoire with students. Throughout her tenure at John Milledge, she has worked to significantly strengthen the academics of the school, to advance student community service programs and to encour age faculty development. She spent the last three years in administration as the Upper School Dean of Students and Upper School Assistant Principal. Jones said that she is excited to lead John Milledge. “This is the most exciting opportunity of my career. The faculty and staff here are an unparalleled group of individuals - each one is invested in the success of the school. The team atmo sphere reinforces that JMA will remain passionate, dedicated and committed to the highest quality edu cation that we can provide. I look forward to continu ing our rich traditions that focus on partnering with families, engaging in com munity service and creat ing student leaders in the classroom and the athletic arena. School choice is one of the most important deci sions a family can make - and I sincerely want John Milledge to continue being competitive on a local, state and national level. Plus, I have over 500 “children” that make each day fantas tic -1 am grateful that I can cheer on their accomplish ments and pray through their heartaches with them. First and foremost, their success is my personal mis sion.” John Milledge Acad emy has been making a difference in the lives of students since 1971. We begin molding our gradu ates as early as pre-K with rigorous academics, cre ative thinking and strong communication skills. John Milledge Academy inspires Lower School students through elective programs in Fine Arts, character edu cation and STEM on a safe, secure campus. In Mid dle Grades, students have many opportunities for growth through academic service organizations and athletics. Students have an opportunity to expe rience honors classes in Middle School, as well as a full elective schedule. Our Upper School students are consistently seeking out a challenge - 70 percent cur rently take at least one hon ors, Advanced Placement, or dual enrollment class. The John Milledge athletic program has a history of success and looks forward to starting new traditions. John Milledge Academy is accredited through GAC, SACS/SAIS and NAIS. For more information, please visitwww.johnmilledge.org. MORGAN COUNTY Firefighters plan pancake breakfast Local firefighters are holding a pancake break fast to raise funds for baby Annie Miller’s surgery and recovery. An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast will be held on March 4 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Morgan Count Public Safety Complex. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice all for just $7. For tickets contact a local station member or call head quarters at 706-343-6503. Walk-ins are welcome and delivery is available to large groups of 10 or more. Credit cards will be accepted. 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