About Lake Oconee news. (Greensboro, GA) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2017)
Friday, April 21, 2017 Lake Oconee News Page A3 GREENE COUNTY MORGAN COUNTY LOA foundation campaign Madison named an gaining community support 'exceptional city' The recently launched Lake Oconee Academy Foundation (LOA) Capital Campaign is on a path to meet its goal of raising $2 million for the high school expansion project. In addition to enthusiastic support from LOA’s gov erning board, foundation board, teachers, staff and families, the “Commitment to LOA” message has res onated with a variety of people in the community. This community support is critical to fulfilling the mission of LOA: to increase student achieve ment by building a culture of high expectations for all students. Dale and Betsy Peck, full time Greene County resi dents for the last four years, have had ties to the area for 10 years. Moving from the Washington Metropolitan area, the pace of life and natural beauty attracted them to Greene County. Active in many parts of the community, the Pecks have given their support to LOA where Betsy serves as a volunteer member of the LOA Foundation Board of Governors and has been in strumental in spreading the message of the campaign. “A strong educational system is a critical foun dational element for a community; it’s key to at tracting high value talent,” says Betsy. “We can build all the stores, offices and medical facilities we need in our community, but if we don’t have the human talent and expertise to deliver the services they’ll be just bricks and sticks.” “Dale and I are commit ted to quality education in our community for all the children in Greene County,” Betsy adds. “LOA delivers a blue ribbon educational experience and the LOA student population extends beyond the immediate ge ography and supports our broader and more diverse community. In addition, LOA is making the grade and getting strong results. In 2016, LOA’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) was 97 points, compared with the state average of 73.7 points. “A strong educational system absolutely makes for a better community. National data shows there is a direct correlation between top schools and improved property values with more than 16 percent higher home values.” Betsy credits her high school experience as the springboard leading to her current position as the Chief Operating Officer for a global commercial real estate firm. “I knew I wanted to ul timately work in the field of business from a young age,” explained Betsy. “After I took my first account ing class in high school, I decided I wanted a more focused career path and chose a degree in account ing. Fortunately for me, my public high school provided exposure to programs and classes beyond the tra ditional high school cur riculum.” Betsy and Dale are both Certified Public Accountants, a career that requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Betsy is quick to point out that community support through many avenues is the key to a strong overall educational system. “There is no single or simple solution to achiev ing the best education programs in our commu nity,” she said. “That’s why Dale and I also support the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club, Oconee Perform ing Arts Society and Atlas Ministry to further the ed ucational efforts in Greene County. LOA is just one piece of the solution, but a very important part in our Contributed Dale and Betsy Peck attend the LOA Foundation's fundraiser Denim and Diamonds in February. opinion. For more information on LOA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Executive Director Valerie Duvall at valerie.duvall@lakeoconee- academy.org or by calling the school at 706-454-1562, or visit www.ibelievein- LOA.com. Thank you to the Titan Society donors who have made the commitment of $10,000 and above to the Fulfilling Our Commit ment Campaign for the expansion of Lake Oconee Academy. Those gracious donors are listed below with much appreciation: Lee and Carol Arberg Brad and Jodi Ashurst; Ted and Riezl Baker; Jim and Tammy Beatty Bobby and Laree Black; Drs. David and Patti Bradley; Mark and Jane Christensen; Todd and Michelle Ciavola; Trey and Shari Cown; Henry and Caitlin Darby; Jay and Angela Dell; Wally and Sherry Hall; Chris and Kristy Harris; A1 and Connie Hoyle; Jane Hutterly and Louie Seabolt; Drs. Jon and Julie Klevan- sky; Court and Patricia Larkin; Tom and Kimberly Larkin; Ayal and Kara Latz; Mark and Lindsay Lipscomb; Byron and Lovette Lombard; Mike and Carol Lynch; Charles and Irene Miller; Dennis and Tinna Mitchell; Dale and Betsy Peck; Mike and Darlene Prosperi; Kathryn Sandoval; Kevin and Carolyn Scheck; Dick and Jodie Schmidt; Ed Schum acher; Sewell / Fields Family; Dennis and Sheila Shanklin; Dr. Dalijit Singh and Rupinder Kaur; Tim and Amy Stephens; Alberto and Lilia Tirado; David and Holly Todd; Dr. Otho and Cindy Tucker; Larry and Jennifer Vaughan; Tommy and Janet Warner; Rick and Holly Wolfert. The Georgia Depart ment of Community Affairs (DCA) announced last week that Madison is one of eight new Georgia Main Street Cities which will become part of the current Georgia’s Excep tional Main Street (GEMS) Program. These commu nities join eight existing programs as proven leaders in downtown development. Together, each of these 16 cities has been care fully selected due to the overwhelmingly positive impact that the Main Street Program has had on its local historic district. From new businesses and job creation, to rehabilitation projects and downtown housing, these communi ties have set themselves apart with their annual economic impact numbers and focus on historic pres ervation. Of the 94 Main Street programs that participated in the highly competitive annual assess ment process, only 16 cities stood out amongst the rest. Collectively, they represent 473,200 Georgia citizens and eight service delivery regions. The selected cities are Bainbridge, Newnan, Rome, Brunswick, Columbus, Statesboro, Dahlonega, Thomasville, Greensboro, Tifton, Madison, Toccoa, Milledgeville, Tybee Island, Moultrie and Valdosta. “These communities are united by common attributes that help make them the strongest com mercial historic districts in the state,” said Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Devel opment DCA. As GEMS communities, these Main Street programs gain access to special one- on-one technical services offered by the Office of Downtown Development, such as strategic planning sessions, board retreats and work plan development, along with scholarship op portunities and discount ed rates for training and design services. MORGAN COUNTY Free smoke alarms offered to Morgan residents The American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, Morgan County Fire Rescue and the City of Madison Fire Department will be installing smoke alarms in Morgan County homes. If you need a new smoke alarm installed or need an existing smoke alarm replaced, please contact us no later than April 27 to schedule an available date and time. They will also replace batteries in newer units, however if your alarm is older than four or five years, they suggest letting them replace it for free with a 10-year unit. Call 706-343-6503 or email cwilliams@ morganga.org to schedule the installation in your home. Again, the smoke alarms are free, and there is no charge for the installation. Men & Women CALM! Jr go to James Cuts & Color Walk-ins Welcome Full Service Salon ily Hair Care Serving the Lake Area for 25 Years ■ 669 Old Phoenix Rd. Eatonton GA Everything you cherish about life in Georgia’s Lake Oconee area, but with more freedom to enjoy it all: The Glen will offer all-inclusive, resort- style senior living with the beauty, sophistication and extraordinary hospitality you already enjoy. For a simple month-to-month rent. 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