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PAGE 4A THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2008 Editor: Angela Gary Phone: 706-367-2490 E-mail: AngieEditor@aol.com Website: www.mainstreetnews.com Opinions “Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.” — Thomas Jefferson Time to pack up decorations again I t was that time again...time to disassemble and pack up the holiday decorations. We had been admiring the decor for about seven weeks now. With so many commitments in the weeks ahead, I had to get a jump on things and put it all away, oth erwise there would be a good chance that it would appear that we were celebrating Christmas in July. The house seemed so dark after having five trees lit up throughout our home. Many nights I would turn off the lamps in the den and just sit and admire the tree, which was adorned with over 800 little white lights. The tree dripped with only silver and gold ornaments — a sight to behold. Then there was the Victorian tree. It was a tall skinny tree, which fit perfectly in the corner of the foyer. The soft pink and white lights reflected nicely against the beautiful glass ornaments. The tree was covered in roses, pearls and ribbons. There was also the tree in the kitchen. Cookie cut ters hung on the tree by red and green plaid ribbons. The rest of the decorations consisted of a variety of nice beaded fruit. My daughter had asked if she could have a tree in her room. We lucked up and found a small pink one. I let her choose her own ornaments. She picked sweet ones, which pertained to ballet. Last, but not least, was my favorite tree, the mem ory tree. This tree displayed only the very special ornaments. It has always been the family favorite! The tree was covered with hundreds of multi-colored lights and was the largest of all. The memory tree contained a lot of different orna ments from my own childhood, such as a few pieces of a paper chain, which my sister and I worked so hard to make at age seven, along with the many keepsakes which were given to me over years by my aunt. Many of the cute ornaments which my children made for our family in the past also hung from the tree. There were also a variety of ornaments from different destinations which we had visited. It was a sad, depressing two days as I removed the trees and other decorations from the spots in which they sat or stood for such a brief period of time. Hauling boxes up and stairs was sure a workout. I was reminded that packing up is something that is never fun to do, however, when I hear Christmas music playing in some stores in late July, it will be sweet reminder that before I know it, I will soon be unpacking once again. sherri Stephens Sherri Stephens is a contributing columnist for The Banks County News. She may be contacted at athen- swriter@gmail.com. The Banks County News Founded 1968 The official legal organ of Banks County, Ga. Mike Buffington. .. Scott Buffington . .. Angela Gary Chris Bridges Sharon Hogan Anelia Chambers . April Reese Sorrow Co-Publisher Co-Publisher /Ad. Manager Editor Sports Editor Reporter Receptionist Church News Phones (all 706 area code): Angela Gary Phone 367-2490 Angela Gary Fax 367-9355 Homer Office Phone 677-3491 Homer Office Fax 677-3263 Advertising Phone 367-5233 Sports News 367-2745 Sports Fax: 367-9355 Member: Georgia Press Assocication National Newspaper Association Georgia Sports Writers Association www.mainstreetnews.com Looking back over 2007 W alking through our nation’s capitol with some of the county’s top leaders as they spoke on our county to senators and representatives. Getting to know our county leaders better as we put on a united front for Banks County. Sitting through days of testimony in a brutal murder trial that changed so many lives. Going to the annual Chamber banquet as top entrepreneurs and business owners were recognized for what they are doing for Banks County. These are just a few of the events I covered in Banks County over the past year. It was a year of highs and lows for the county, as well as the state and nation. A drought, hints of a recession and the continuing conflict in Iraq are just a few of the headlines that we saw from across the station and nation. Here in Banks County, I started the year covering the Rucker trial. It was an emotional trial of a crime that didn’t have to happen. It was a look at how drugs can destroy lives and how one bad decision can ruin your life. The destruction this murder left will be felt forever by the families of those involved. The Rucker family filled the courtroom each day as the trial unfolded. I felt their pain and keep them in my prayers. A loss like this is something that you never get over. Next up for me was a trip to Washington, D.C, organized by the Banks County Chamber of Commerce and attended by city and county leaders. It was a whirlwind trip and we met with as many sena tors and representatives as we could during the two-day visit. It was great to see how the legislative process works, as well as getting to know our county and city leaders bet ter. I am always so proud that our leaders take the time out of their busy schedules to go on this trip. An in-person visit is so much more impressive than a phone call or letter. I have participated in the Washington, D.C., trip since the chamber first began doing it. I always learn something new about Banks County. I have also gotten to know so many county and city lead ers better. We are usually so busy during our day-to-day work lives that we don’t take time to know each other. On these trips, we have time while waiting at the airport and between the appointments each day to just talk. It’s been great to learn about the personal lives of people I only knew through work. Also in 2007, I attended other chamber events, including the ban quet, picnic and political forum. The banquet and picnic were both fun events with a large crowd in atten dance. It’s great to see so much com munity support for our chamber. I also enjoyed learning more about the candidates at the political forum. I wish more people would attend these forums because it’s one of the only or few chances you get to see all of the candidates together. It’s always very informative to see how they answer questions and interact with the crowd. Another event I covered in Banks County in 2007 that made me proud of our community was the recreation department’s Little League opening day. Hundreds and hundreds of chil dren, coaches, parents and supporters gathered for this event. It’s wonder ful to show our children that we support them. It’s events such as this that really bring a community closer together. I also took photos at the veterans program at Banks County Middle School and was touched and over whelmed by the students, staff, guest speakers and others on the program. It was a very moving tribute to the veterans who served our country. It’s nice to see young people show respect to their elders — especially those who served our country so val iantly. Another assignment for me over the year was interviewing our new district attorney. I was very impressed with Rick Bridgeman and look forward to what he will do for our county and the Piedmont District Circuit. It’s exciting to see someone who has ideas to improve the image of this very important office. One fun story I covered during the past year was the Christmas festivi ties at Phyllis McConnell’s home. It was truly a delight to tour her home and visit with Phyllis and Ralph. Touring her home is sure to bring a smile to the face of all who pass through. Also during 2007, I attended meet ings of the board of commissioners, board of education, Homer City Council and county development authority. We have many fine folks working to make our county a better place to call home, and I appreciate them. I look forward for what is ahead of us in Banks County in 2008. Angela Gary is editor of The Banks County News. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com. angela gary Letters to the Editor policy given The Banks County News has estab lished a policy on printing Letters to the Editor. We must have an original copy of all letters that are submitted to us for publication. Members of our staff will not type out or hand-write letters for people who stop by the office and ask them to do so. Letters to the Editor must also be signed with the address and phone number of the person who wrote them. The address and phone number will be for our verification purposes only and will not be printed unless the writer requests it. Mail to, The Banks County News, P.O. Box 920, Homer, Ga. 30547. E-mailed letters will be accepted, but we must have a contact phone number and address. Letters that are libelous will not be printed. Letters may also be edited to meet space requirements. Anyone with questions on the policy is asked to contact editor Angela Gary at AngieEditor@aol.com or by calling 706-367-2490. (SCED 547160) Published weekly by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box Subscription i: Subscription in state .. Subscription out of Military with APO ad< Senior citi '-a. 30549 discount $19.75 $38.85 $44.20 $42.20 Periodicals postage paid at Homer, Ga. Postmaster, send address changes to: Subscriptions, The Banks County News, P.O. Box 920, Homer, Ga. 30547 News department contact numbers Anyone with general story ideas, complaints or comments about the news department is asked to call edi tor Angela Gary at 706-367-2490. She can also be reached by e-mail at AngieEditor@aol.com. Anyone with comments, ques tions or suggestions relating to the county board of commissioners, county government, county board of education, Maysville City Council and crime and courts is asked to contact staff member Chris Bridges at 706-367-2745 or by e-mail at chris@mainstreetnews.com. Bridges also is sports edi tor of the paper and covers local high school, middle school and recreation sports. Anyone with comments, ques tions or suggestions relating to Alto, Lula, Baldwin and Gillsville, should contact Sharon Hogan at 706-367-5233 or by e-mail at sharon@mainstreetnews.com. Calls for information about the church page should go to April Reese Sorrow at 706-677-3491. Church news may also be e-mailed to asorrow@mainstreetnews.com. The Banks County News website can be accessed at www.mainstreet.news.com. Southern Gospel says goodbye to another icon U nfortunately, I must begin the new year with sad news. “Big” Jim Hamill, for decades the stage leader of The Kingsmen Quartet, passed away recently after battling several illnesses. His death leaves a major void in the Southern Gospel Music industry that I doubt will ever be completely filled. I read of Hamill’s passing in the most recent issue of Singing News magazine, the authority for news in the Southern Gospel field. As I read the account of his passing, my mind went back to my child hood when I first became associated with Hamill and his work. My father owned a couple of record albums by The Kingsmen and Hamill was featured on both of them. Even at this time, he had already been at his craft for many years, decades even. While he stood out with his singing on those records, it was his stage presence which he was most known for. Part comedian, Hamill would MC the shows for The Kingsmen, making friend ly fun of the other group members and telling jokes suitable for family members of all ages. One of my favorite stories he would tell revolved around how friends of the group would always make sure members were given plenty of good food to eat. Hamill, who was somewhat of a large man as evident by his nickname, would joke, “We were only 100 pounds when we started out, but everyone kept wanting to feed us.” While “Big” Jim could have fun with the best of them, he was also a great singer in his own right. He sang lead on the mega-successful “Excuses” which was No. 1 longer than any song on the Southern Gospel Music charts. Hamill was a legendary name in his field, but Southern Gospel Music is different than all other brands. The per formers — even the best — don’t make millions of dollars on record deals. Even after being on the road for decades and making numerous albums, including solo ones, Hamill was experiencing financial hardship after he and his wife battled several medical problems in recent months. To show the difference in performers in this field and other types of music, the article in the Singing News which talked of Hamill’s passing asked fans to send donations to Hamill’s family so his wife could pay off the second mortgage on their home. The couple had been forced to get a second mortgage simply to pay their bills and keep food on the table. The couple’s home address in North Carolina was printed in the magazine, showing once again how different per formers in this music field are. I never had the opportunity to see “Big” Jim Hamill perform in person. By the time I managed to see The Kingsmen live, he had already retired from the group. I did have the chance to see him at his best on several concert videos with the group and it was if I had known him all my life. He was like a grandfather fig ure you just wanted to be around and lis ten to as he told stories. He loved life and his good-natured approach as a performer made me as instant fan. Hamill once said he didn’t like the term “fan” rather he preferred “friend.” He would tell those in attendance at a concert that they were “friends” of The Kingsmen. With his passing, Southern Gospel Music has lost a true friend and true icon in Jim Hamill. It won’t be the same without his big heart, his big smile and his big presence on stage. And while he may not have like the term, I will always consider myself a fan of his. In a day when performers embar rass themselves at every turn, “Big” Jim Hamill was truly a role model that one could look up to without shame. Fans wishing to contribute to the Hamill family may do so at 126 South Joyce Street, East Flat Rock, N.C. 28726 in care of Jan Hamill. Chris Bridges is a reporter for The Banks County News. Contact him at 706-367-2745 or e-mail comments to him at chris@mainstreetnews.com.