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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016 THE COMMERCE NEWS • THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS PAGE 9A Church Maysville UMC to host singing Maysville United Methodist Church is host ing a southern gospel singing on December 29 at 6:30 p.m. featuring The Chordsman Quartet. Watch Night Service to be held at Baptist Tabernacle Church Baptist Tabernacle Church will host its Watch Night Service on Saturday, January 31. Fellowship begins at 6 p.m. Georgia offers free assistance to veterans through the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS), the state government agen cy established for the purpose of advising, counseling, and assisting veterans and their families in receiving their earned benefits under the vast, frequently changing, and complex framework of veterans’ laws. Georgians having problems getting into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system can contact the staff at GDVS field service offices to assist them with their problems. GDVS works with VA to help Georgia veterans receive their needed care in a timely manner for new patients, spe cialty patients, mental health patients, and returning patients in VA medical facilities. Veterans and their dependents can receive personal assistance in filing for VA benefits and other earned entitlements at any of the 50 GDVS field service offices located across the state. Each claim submitted is processed by VA and answered with an explanation To be listed in the volunteer column, send information to AngieEditor@aol.com or mail it to: Angela Gary, The Banks County News, P.O. Box 920, Homer, Ga. 30547. The following are volunteer opportunities in Banks County and the surrounding area: • Banks County Head Start & Pre-K: various opportunities to volunteers will be available in the upcoming school year. Please contact Jan Bertrang or Kristy Ayers at 706-677-2963. •Banks County Community Emergency Response Team is seeking volunteer partici pants. For more information, check out the website atwww.bankscert.org or call the Banks County EMA Office at 706-677-3401. • The Banks County Literacy Council needs volunteers to work on projects, help distribute books and materials, help with clerical work, and other similar work. For more information, contact Mellisa Dalton at 706677-3693 and Lisa Prescott at the Adult Learning Center at 706 6774302. • Piedmont CASA volunteers speak for chil dren who are in foster care. For more informa tion, call the CASA office at 706387-6375. •The Banks County Adult Literacy Center is seeking volunteer teachers. They especial ly need math tutors, including the areas of introductory algebra, geometry and Algebra 1. Tutors are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 706 6774302. •Civil Air Patrol: cadets, ages sixth grade through 18 years old, participate in search and rescue missions and learn how to fly airplanes. Senior members teach cadets and students “If you would like, bring sandwiches and finger foods,” state leaders. Following the meal, there will be sing ing and preaching. The church is located at Highway 4.41 S., Commerce. For more information, call 706-757-3403. Clothes closet open Thursdays at Brockton Rd. Baptist Church Brockton Road Baptist Church has a clothes closet that is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays. All clothes are free. as to why it was or was not approved. The GDVS Claims & Appeals Division, located in the VA Regional Office Building in Decatur, monitors VA claims filed and, when needed, assists with the preparation and presentation of appeals. “We exist to serve those who have served, ” said GDVS Commissioner Pete Wheeler. “Our job is to explain in detail federal and state benefits and, if entitled, assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining them. We have certified, experienced personnel whose mission is to do just that — advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors.” Wheeler emphasizes no veterans bene fit is awarded automatically — all must be applied for. “The VA pays a veteran exactly what he or she is entitled to by the law, and no more,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure Geor gia veterans and their dependents receive all earned benefits to which they are entitled.” at middle and high schools and can also work with emergency services. Contact Luther McCoy 706677-1490. •Adult learning center at Lanier Technical College satellite campus 706335-1931. •Hope Resource Center: crisis pregnancy support center, 706367-5304. •Action: help package and distribute food to low-income families and the elderly 706 367-9599. •Christian Outreach Food Bank: work in warehouse, 335-6084. • Girl Scouts: needs troop leaders, assistant leaders, trainers and recruiters. Call Terri Bear, 706548-7297. • Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Georgia Council: volunteers need to be troop leaders and assistants, 706548-1435. •AIDS Coalition of Northeast Georgia: help with information line, office support, the buddy program and helping hands, 706542-2437. •American Red Cross, East Georgia Chap ter: needs help with disaster relief and blood drives and needs first aid and CPR instructors, 706353-1645. •American Cancer Society: assistance with special events, 7065494893. •American Heart Association: assistance with special events, 706549-0939. •Children’s Advocacy Center: assist with clerical work in office, provide child care during various group meetings and solicit donations of snacks, drinks, paper products and various children’s items. Tina Grubbs, director, 776 868-1900. • Peace Place: various opportunities at the Donations of good, used clothes may be made most days. For more information, call 706-367-5801. Clothes closet open every Thurs. at First Baptist Church The Clothes Closet of the First Baptist Church of Commerce is open to the public every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. All clothing items are free. The clothes closet is located in a house across Scott Street from the church, which is located at 1345 South Elm Street in Com merce. In addition to assisting veterans obtain benefits provided by the federal govern ment, GDVS also administers a separate set of benefits offered by Georgia, includ ing driving licenses, special motor vehicle license plates, honorary hunting and fishing licenses, discounts at Department of Natu ral Resources facilities, and Certificates of Exemption from payment of certain fees and taxes. Wheeler encourages all Georgia veterans, regardless of when or where they served, to visit a GDVS field service office for infor mation concerning their possible eligibility for earned federal and state benefits and assistance in applying for them. “Sometimes you don’t know what might be available unless you ask,” Wheeler said. “We’re ready to answer.” Contact information for GDVS field ser vice offices is listed at veterans.georgia.gov/ field-offices; veterans may also call 404-656- 2300 for directory assistance. shelter for battered women and their children, Marilyn, 776307-3633. •Our Daily Bread: Athens urban ministry soup kitchen, 7063566647. • Sandy Creek Park: several volunteer oppor tunities, including monthly hikes and canoeing trips to pick up trash. The park also needs volunteers to supervise children during the monthly special programs and events the park offers. Sandy Creek Park has volunteer oppor tunities available for anyone willing to do office work or help with publications. Contact the park at 7066163615. •Athens Area Humane Society: help with special events and hands-on work in the shel ter, Lisa Klein, 706353-CATS (2287). • Community Connection of Northeast Geor gia: work on information research and data base and directory updating, 706353-1313. • Special Olympics: needs assistance for ath letic events, Kathy Smith, 7065463550. • State Botanical Gardens of Georgia: needs tour guides, people to greet guests and work in the gift shop, greenhouse and at special events, 706542-6195. •Athens Regional Medical Center: help at information desk, in admissions, at the gift shop, mailroom and at special events, 706354- 3510. •St. Mary’s Hospital: help at information desk, in admissions, at the gift shop and at the mailroom, 706354-3169. •Athens Area Homeless Shelter: assist with preparing and serving meals, childcare, and the shelter is also in need of drivers with a truck, 7063546423. Reflecting on blessings I looked at the journals stacked in a corner, then I started leafing through the pages. I have to keep a record of life’s events because it helps me to thank God for all of his blessings. As 2016 comes to a close, I definitely want to reflect. In January I gave in and had knee sur gery. I felt God’s hand every step of the way. I recovered nicely and it worked out for Chris to take some time off to nurse me back to health. February was a first for me. I ended up in the emergency room. What I thought to be a heart attack, was a case of pneumonia. I was grateful for a wonderful doctor that night and that my condition was treatable. On the heels of that sickness was a planned trip with my daughter-in- law Casey. I was unsure if I was well enough to go, but I thought if I could make it to the ocean, I would be okay. I was better than okay. God touched my body and I had an awesome trip. Casey and I were a couple of hours into the trip and I looked at her and said, “We need to make this a tradition.” She looked at me and said, “Let’s get through this trip first.” I understood that! Guess what? On our way home it was Casey who brought that back up. “You are right. We need to make this a tradition.” So we’ve already planned our 2017 to adventure. In March we were blessed to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday. Yet again, I was truly blessed to have my dad around for 55 years, and for the health he has enjoyed. Every time I talk to him to this very day he is “happy and blessed.” I am thankful to God Almighty for putting such a role model in my life. In early spring, I attended a church service at our church, New Beginnings, and literally had to sit on a bar stool. We were wall to wall when everyone was on campus. In April we began to erect a new church. Week by week I watched trusses, walls, paint, carpet, lights, and everything else come together. By September we had our first service in the new facility. God surely worked a miracle to get us in our building in such a short amount of time. In May my boss asked me to take on a new position. I’ll confess that I was upset about the thought of it! I felt God encourag ing me to take a step by faith. I could hardly listen. I was busy asking God to deliver me from this. As the year has progressed, I must say God knew what he was doing. By October I realized I was sort of happy. By November I knew some of the reasons why God had opened a new door for me. I’m so thankful we serve a God who wants the best for us when we don’t even realize what that is. These are just a few of the highlights of my year. I could go on and on and on. God has given me so many memories of this year. My prayer is that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s blessings during 2016 and give him the glory for all he continues to do for each of us. Sherry Lewis of Maysville is pastor at New Beginnings Ministry. She can be reached at bcnscoop@aol. com. Free veterans assistance offered by state Area volunteer opportunities available sherry lewis 12603 CHURCH PAGE SPONSORS Ms Worship regularly at a church of your choice! For more information on\ becoming a church page sponsor, please contact 706-367-5233. 8 Brands to Choose From! MITCHELL HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLY P.O. Box 205 Lee St. Jefferson, GA 367-5720 GARRETT PAVING COMPANY Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating |Office: 706-546-7643 Cell: 706-540-4090 HYMAN BROWN INSURANCE AGENCY 1 1 State Street Commerce, GA 335-3900 LOW BACK PAIN AND CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractors have proved to be a blessing to millions with back problems, often saving them from pain, disability, and standard medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. Commerce Spinal Center 335-6025 Chiropractic Care may be the answer. Call for an appointment today KENNETH FLINT, D C 12579 QUALITY FOODS OF COMMERCE Commerce Village Shopping Center 335-5050 * 12090 n a 1058 Sanders 1 furniture 1697 S. Elm Street Downtown Commerce 706-335-3189 SHIRLEY'S FEED & SEED 661 N. Elm St. Commerce, GA 335-2162 CHEVROLET Jeep • Ford • Chrysler • Dodge • Plymouth Phone 770-867-9136 Winder, Georgia 610 Bennett Rd-Homer, GA iT/nl” 1270 A.M.-W.J.J.C. r i w* Rob Jordan and Local High „ . A _ , , _ , Craig Fischer, Host School Sports * “Sports Talk From High School to the Pros” 335-3155 or 335-1270 rjectgia /Metals P.O. Box 281 535 General Daniel Ave., N. Danielsville, GA 30633 Toll Free: (866) 232-6920 Office: (706) 795-3144 Fax: (706) 795-5938 TRIPP STRICKLAND Home: gametals@earthlink.net (7061795-3295