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THURSDAY. JANUARY 23. 2003 PICKENS COUNTY PROGRESS PAGE 5B Pickens AARP Chapter begins a new year The Pickens County Chapter of AARP began 2003 with its monthly meeting on Jan. 7, Chapter Presi dent Bobbie Edge presiding. There were 59 members present. Outgoing president Georgia Cagle presented Bobbie a new gavel made by member Tom Moss. President Edge called attention to several members who attended each, or all but one, meeting in 2002. She gave the results of a recent survey that showed 14 of every 10 people like chocolate and presented chocolate “Kudos” to those accepting places of leadership in the chapter for 2003. The monthly “table of interest” in 2003 will feature items that reflect the hobbies or activities of the members. The January table highlighted author and artist Rev. Charles O. Walker and featured sev eral of his books, an oil painting and several drawings. Speaker of the day was Susan E. White, branch manager/librarian of our public library. Susan called attention to the many services and reading materials available at the library in addition to a wide selec tion of books for all ages. There are magazines, newspapers, large print books, books on tape, CDs, tax forms, genealogy materials, com puters, Fax machines, copiers, lami nating services, new and used books for sale and computer class es. A recent acquisition was a 13- room dollhouse built and furnished and donated by Tom and Ann Lewis. In the near future, new library cards will be issued that key into the check-out system. Advance planning is now underway to increase the size of the library to more adequately serve the present and growing number of users. Formed in 1984, membership in the Pickens County Chapter of AARP is open to anyone age 50 or older, retired or still working. Visi tors are always welcome to attend the meetings that are generally held the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in Walker Hall of the First Baptist Church. The January 2003 meeting was opened with the pledge of our flag, singing of “America” and a prayer given by the president that beauti fully sets the stage for future activi ties of the group: “May we have a safe, caring and peaceful world, worthwhile tasks to fill our hours, time to be still and to know God, eyes in our souls to lift up and see the mountains, a cache of silver and gold found in seeking new friends while cherishing the old, a myriad of opportunities for laughter and health to enjoy it all. May God bless us. Everyone.” R& R Towing of Jasper Light & Heavy Duty Towing • Auto Unlocking 985 N. Main St. • P.O. Box 1059 • Jasper, Georgia 30143 RENTAL CARS ANYTIME/ANYWHERE AVAILABLE (706) 692-6831 By Georgia M. Cagle The Georgia State AARP held its annual volunteer recognition award ceremony Dec .11,2002 at the Hol iday Inn in Gainesville, Ga. Two local members from Pick ens AARP Chapter 3752 were rec ognized. Mrs. Boots Marie Moss received an award as providing leadership role of teamwork within her local chapter. Boots led in the consolidation of the chapter’s first local chapter handbook. Mrs. Moss has been an asset to the chapter by her suggestive ideas and goals which are significant contributions to the chapter. Mrs. Effie Norris was unable to attend; however, she was recog nized for local community service. This service includes the Joy House, Hospice, taking church liter ature to homebound members, visit ing nursing homes, preparing meals to neighbors needing assistance and serving at the Pickens County Senior Citizen Center. AARP Chapter 3752 is proud of many members serving as volun teers which constitutes an essential vital force in achieving AARPs vision, mission and goals. AARP Above, Past President Georgia Cagle (right) presents a special gavel to 2003 President Bobbie Edge. At left, AARP’s guest speaker, Librarian Susan White. Slater Floor Coverings, Inc. SALE Hardwood (Bruce pre-finished) Solid Oak $4.99 sq.ft including sales tax and installation We also have a large selection of ceramic tile, vinyl and carpet. 14 Mark Whitfield Street, Jasper 706-253-4121 Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Local AARP members recognized at Georgia AARP 2002 recognition award ceremonies Rir iv/r Boots Marie Moss (third from left) was one of the local AARP chapter members who received an award. volunteers contribute to the goals of attracting, developing and maintain ing the diversity of people and pro grams that reflects our community and their needs. Cottage Antiques, Collectibles and Gifts 2034 Highway 53 East, Jasper, Georgia 706-253-7473 Open on Saturdays: 10:00 - 5:00 p.m., Sundays: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Effective: February: Open on Thursday and Friday: 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. Announcing: New vendors.... New Merchandise Collectibles include Coca Cola, Disney, Movie Star, and etc. Antiques and Primitives, Vintage Clothing and Jewelry New Gift Items McCoy and Other Collectible Pottery China, Glassware, and Brass items, /5\ Some Flea Market Items Furniture Unemployment claims jump 67% The Georgia Department of Labor announced that the number of laid-off workers filing a first time claim for unemployment insur ance benefits rose 67.7 percent from November to December. Ini tial claims are considered to be a leading economic indicator, because they measure newly laid- off workers. “We are doing everything we can to help these laid-off workers,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “While I was encouraged to see Congress extend the federal jobless benefits, what’s needed most is near-term job cre ation. That’s something that our national leaders have not adequate ly addressed. Traditionally, state and local governments have not been involved in near-term job cre ation. But, with the lack of action in Washington, state and local govern ments must now find ways to get their economies moving again.” Initial claims in the state totaled 66,504 in December, up 67.7 per cent from 39,659 in November. In addition, initial claims were up 15,627 or 30.7 percent over the same period a year earlier when 50,877 initial claims were filed. The labor department is currently servicing 96,668 unemployment insurance claims, up 33 percent from 72,725 in November. SEARSAD GOES HERE Pickens County Chiropractic Center Specializing In: ■ Shoulder Pain/Sciatica ■ Disc Problems ■ Neck Pain ■ Headaches ■ Sports Injury We accept Medicare and are members of: Blue Cross/Blue Shield State Health United Health Care South Care PHCS Beech Street And most other major insurance companies 95 N. Main Street Jasper, GA (Across from Courthouse) (706) 692-4243 We accept ■ Auto/Work Injury ■ TMJ ■ Shoulder Pain ■ Carpal Tunnel ■ Physical Therapeutics ■ X-Ray On Site ■ Walk-Ins Welcome Karl W. Kurth, D.C. Board Certified Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00-1:00 & 2:00-6:00 Thursday 9:00-2:00 Saturday by appointment only