Free Summer meals for school age children and younger, plus school meal prices to remain the same!

Bobcat's Corner, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County Board of Education announced during their Monday, May 20, 2019 work session that school meal prices are to remain the same next year due to positive cash flow in January, whereas last year prices had to go up due to high expenditures.

This keeps Pre-K through eight grade meal prices at $2.15, ninth through 12th grade meal prices at $2.30, and adult meal prices at $3.75.

The board noted an increase in students who participated in school lunches from August to March, with Ellijay Primary going from 59% to 74%, Ellijay Elementary 65% to 75%, Mountain View Elementary 65% to 73%, Gilmer Middle School 69% to 74%, Clear Creek Middle School 57% to 58%, and Gilmer High School 49% to 51%.

Seamless Summer Program flyer side one of two.

The board also announced that they will be offering free Summer meals through their “Seamless Summer Program” for school age children and younger via various volunteers throughout multiple locations in the county.

This will take place Monday through Friday starting Monday, June 3, 2019 until Friday, July 19, 2019, excluding Monday, July 1, 2019 through Friday, July 5, 2019.

Each Wednesday there will be literacy activities for children and free books will be distributed to children participating in the Summer meals.

The Georgia Mountains Health Services will be providing free dental screenings and dental supplies to the kids participating in the program.

Locations, serving times and volunteer contact information is as follows:

1. Gilmer Middle School
1860 South Main Street
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Becky Patterson – 706-276-5039
706-669-6819 (Cell)
Teresa Hall – 706-276-5039
Breakfast: 7:30-8:30
Lunch: 11:30 – 1:00

Seamless Summer Program flyer side two of two.

2. Tower Road Trailer Park
456 Tower Road
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Lexi Newberry – 706-669-6171
Dianne Fowler – 770-377-7935
Lunch: 11:30 – 12:30

3. Boys & Girls Club
Civic Center / 1559 S. Main Street
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Crystal Bates – 706-276-2582
Breakfast: 9:00-9:30
Lunch: 12:00-1:00

4. GC Health Department
28 Southside Church Street
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Trina Matthews – 706-635-4363
Lunch: 11:00-12:00

5. Ellijay 1st UMC
75 McCutchen Street
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Marianne Evans – 706-635-2555
Lunch: 11:30 – 12:30

6. Mulberry Apartments (Starts June 10th)
280 Mulberry Street
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Cindy Scott: 706-889-0655
Lunch: 11:30-12:30

7. Piedmont Medical Building
822 Industrial Blvd.
Ellijay, GA. 30540
Donna Reece – 770-712-8535
Lunch: 11:30 – 12:00

https://youtu.be/ySszRbT4SpU

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Seamless Summer could see decline without volunteers

News
instructions, budget
https://youtu.be/FvurSSHvrOo

ELLIJAY, Ga. – As Gilmer Schools and their nutrition department gear up for the coming Seamless Summer Program, Nutrition Director Linda Waters brought an unfortunate report to the School Board.

With a little over a month left to prepare, the School System still has not filled volunteer positions for every location they are running. According to Waters, they have already committed to the sites of First United Methodist Church, Tower Road, the Health Department, and the Boys & Girls Club.

However, in addition to the need for more volunteers, Waters said that the Mulberry Apartments site still doesn’t even have a sponsor. Waters also went on to say that they have come to understand a need at the Lakeside Trailer Park. Without sponsors, the risk is possible that the Seamless Summer Program could see these sites missing this year, leaving the need unanswered.

The main site of the program will see Gilmer Middle School serving as the prep center and “central hub” of the program that also serves summer clubs and camps as needed.

Having become an annual event, Waters noted this could be the first time in years that they might not have a presence at Mulberry Apartments. This could be a sign of decline in the community without sponsors and volunteers to oversee and manage what could be a growth in the program if the schools could open a new location at Lakeside as well.

Waters also delivered a new flier asking for additional volunteers for the program as she continues seeking those who might serve.

Less school for more economy?

News

North Georgia – According to a recent article by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC), a senate committee has recommended longer summers for Georgia Students.

Instead of quoting test scores, educators, or studies about student learning, the committee suggested a school year starting the first Monday of September, and ending around June 1.

The basis for this suggestion? Economic analysis.

According to the AJC’s article, the committee was devoid of teachers, school leaders, or PTA representatives. Their suggestion bypassed academics and said that the longer summer, roughly three months, would help tourism grow and increase summer workforce.

Taking a local response from Gilmer County Charter Schools System Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs and Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, the consensus seems to be that these systems are appalled at the thought of economic interests waylaying the education system in favor on money.

Dr. Downs told FYN that shortening the year would not only decrease the breaks that the local school system has in place for students, but would make testing in the first semester almost impossible. She noted an immense testing impact if students were to go through first semester and Christmas, only to then come back in January for end of course testing.

A sentiment that was separately echoed by Dr. Gwatney who also noted how much work these school systems put into their calendars, over 6 months of effort and staff input are taken by each of these two school systems before a final handful of calendars are presented for community input in the Board of Education. Finally, the Board approves a final Calendar in the spring for the coming school year.

Additionally, Dr. Gwatney pointed out how far the effect of these calendars reach as he also brought in fellow administrators to speak on the issue.

Fannin County Schools Deputy Superintendent Betsy Hyde(heading up the District’s Charter), Fannin County Nutrition Director Candace Sisson (also the Calendar Committee Coordinator), and Fannin County Assistant Superintendent Robert Ensley (Administration and Personnel) all agreed that stepping into the local schools in such a way without any representation from schools on the committee was not the way the state should be looking at the issue. From the time spent working on the calendar to allowing each individual county to cater to their student’s and county’s needs, these representatives of Fannin County exerted the necessity of individualized calendars.

Downs also noted this importance in Gilmer County as she noted that each school presents its own calendar that is put together by teachers and administrators and then put out for citizen input. Noting the influence of educators of the process, Downs said she was against the thought of a committee placing importance of economy over education.

While both these counties gain a lot from the tourism industry, they annually balance their own festivals, events, and economies against the education calendar. Local people provide local input from local expertise as they continually deal with this problem.

Though the recommendation is non-binding, it leaves citizens asking the question of how much control the state should have and exert over local governments. Though not directly related, they still recall the Governors “Opportunity School Districts” campaign in recent years. A campaign shot down at the polls. If moved forward and put in place, regulations on the school year may shift discussions from the economic benefit to the state as a whole and focus solely on the overreach of State Government into local communities.

According to the AJC, the committee includes chair and state Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, Sen. John Wilkinson, R-Toccoa, Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism for the Department of Economic Development Kevin Langston, Georgia Chamber of Commerce designee Michael Owens, Director of the Georgia Travel Association Kelsey Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Jay Markwalter, former state Director of Community Affairs Camila Knowles, State Board of Education member Scott Johnson and Grier Todd, chief operating officer at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

Young Athletes Gain From Summer Camp

Uncategorized

The Lady Bobcats basketball program held their annual summer camp on June 4th through June 7th and had an excellent turn out.  The camp was led by varsity basketball players as well as the Gilmer varsity coaches and Clear Creek Middle school coaches.  Coach Nunn from the high school was very pleased with the 50 young athletes and their attentiveness to the instruction be offered.

These future Lady Cats were instructed in ball handling, blocking out drills and defensive set ups.  Each station was being taught by the current Lady Cats players as well as the coaching staff in attendance.  Each day was capped off with teams being chosen for each age group with a mini-game to allow these young ladies to put the skills to the test against a real opponent.

These athletes were excited to be there and learn from those they look up to and hope with hard work they will be in the position to be apart of this summer camp in the future as a instructor.

 

 

Girls Summer Basketball Camp Flyer

Community, Team FYN Sports

Check It Out @ Gilmer Library

Community

“Check It Out” at the Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: June 28, 2017 – July 5, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

The Gilmer County Library will be closed on July 4th. The library will re-open July 5th.

The 2017 Summer Reading Program (SRP) has begun, and it doesn’t end until July 31st. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World”, and SRP participation provides great benefits to young children in the form of continued literacy awareness, social involvement, and experiencing new ideas. However, SRP is not solely for youngsters. The SRLS SRP encompasses all ages. We offer activities for young children, teens, and adults. SRLS promotes literacy and continued learning across all age groups. Expect fun times and plenty of programs for all ages this summer. Check our Facebook page for more SRP details.

Youth Programs

Family Story Times
Wednesday, June 28 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 28 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Sphero SPRK Free Play
Thursday, June 29 @ 4:00 PM
Can you maneuver our round robots through the course and complete other objectives? Roll. Control. Play. Age: 6+, 9 and under with adult supervision

Reading with Rackley
Tuesday, June 27 @ 11:00 AM
Children 4 years of age and older can read to Rackley who won’t laugh if mistakes are made or the reader stumbles.

Tropical Treasures
Tuesday, June 27 @ 3:00 PM
Meet several colorful, bizarre, and interesting animals from the tropical areas around the world. Live animals include: very large spider, lizard, frog, large insect, and a snake! Presented by the Tennessee Aquarium. Age: All ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Family Story Times
Wednesday, July 5 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, July 5 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Teen Programs

STEM Camp – Mission: Save the Library
Friday, June 30 @ 3:00 PM
Use STEM to save the library in this 5-part camp. Each part stands alone or attend all for maximum fun. Age: 8-14, 9 and under with adult supervision

For the Love of Cats & Dogs
Monday, July 3 @ 5:00 PM
Make cat and dog toys to donate to the animal shelter while watching Secondhand Lions.
Age: Ages 10-18

Adult Programs

Lunch & Learn Knitters
Wednesday, June 28 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet. Everyone is welcome.

Fake News
Thursday, June 29 @ 6:00 PM
What is fake news? Does it exist? How do I know what news is ‘real’? What are the cultural effects of all this confusion?  Andy Ashurst, publisher of the Times-Courier newspaper, will aid us in deciphering the current rhetoric, as well as, fact from fiction.

All Ages Programs

Morning Creatives: Building with Colors
Friday, June 30 @ 9:00 AM
Join us for creativity, coffee, and conversation. This month build your creativity toolkit with Color Collages. All materials provided.

Saturday Matinee: The Lorax
Saturday, July 1 @ 2:00 PM
Inspire yourself to be the change you want to see in the world! Rated: G Twelve-year-old Ted lives in a place virtually devoid of nature; no flowers or trees grow in the town of Thneedville. Ted would very much like to win the heart of Audrey, the girl of his dreams, but to do this, he must find that which she most desires: a Truffula tree.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf

Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

“Check It Out” at the Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: June 21, 2017 – June 28, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

The 2017 Summer Reading Program (SRP) has begun, and it doesn’t end until July 31st. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World”, and SRP participation provides great benefits to young children in the form of continued literacy awareness, social involvement, and experiencing new ideas. However, SRP is not solely for youngsters. The SRLS SRP encompasses all ages. We offer activities for young children, teens, and adults. SRLS promotes literacy and continued learning across all age groups. Expect fun times and plenty of programs for all ages this summer. Check our Facebook page for more SRP details.

Youth Programs

Family Story Times
Wednesday, June 21 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 21 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Beyond the Book
Monday, June 26 @ 2:00 PM
Go beyond the pages of the book with crafts & activities. Experience a different book each week.
Age: All ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Reading with Rackley
Tuesday, June 27 @ 11:00 AM
Children 4 years of age and older can read to Rackley who won’t laugh if mistakes are made or the reader stumbles.

Tropical Treasures
Tuesday, June 27 @ 3:00 PM
Meet several colorful, bizarre, and interesting animals from the tropical areas around the world. Live animals include: very large spider, lizard, frog, large insect, and a snake! Presented by the Tennessee Aquarium. Age: All ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Family Story Times
Wednesday, June 28 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 28 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Teen Programs

Slimeology
Monday, June 26 @ 5:00 PM
Make different types of slime including color change. Ages 10-18

Coding with the Sphero SPRK+
Tuesday, June 27 @ 4:00 PM
Learn the basic principles of coding in an approachable and fun way. Be creative and have fun with our round robots. Make. Code. Share. Ages 10-18.

Adult Programs

Garden Club Flower Show
Friday, June 23 @ 2:00 PM
The Garden Club of Ellijay will hold their 2017 Flower Show at GCL. This will be a 2 day event as all their magnificent flowers will be on display for all of our patrons and visitors to view. The show is competitive and judged, and the club has arranged for a keynote speaker to speak Saturday 6/24/17.

Author Laura C. Martin
Saturday, June 24 @ 1:30 PM
Taming the Natives: Gardening with Southern Wildflowers. Laura C. Martin has been writing about nature, crafts, and gardening for 25 years and has served as garden editor for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Georgia magazines. She is the author of 18 books, most recently The Art and Craft of Pounding Flowers, featured on the Discovery Channel. Her lectures and workshops on crafts and gardening delight audiences across the United States.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf

Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

“Check It Out” at the Gilmer Library

Education

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: July 19, 2017 – July 26, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

The 2017 Summer Reading Program is winding down with only a week remaining. Be sure to work hard to complete your logs and remember to turn them in before August 1st to receive awards and to enter to win some fantastic prizes. Check our Facebook page for more SRP details.

Youth Programs
Bubble Magic with Ziggy
Thursday, July 20 @ 3:00 PM
Join us for our SRP Finale! Musical magic show with bubbles and the Amazing Ziggy!

Teen Programs
Zombies at the Library
Friday, July 21 @ 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Bring your Nerf guns and ammunition to take out the zombie horde that has infiltrated the library. But be careful, or you could be turned into a zombie. Meet & greet with snacks and instructions at 5:30. Zombie outbreak begins at 6:00. Grades 6-12

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

“Check It Out” at The Gilmer Library

Education

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: July 12, 2017 – July 19, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

The 2017 Summer Reading Program is winding down with only a few weeks remaining. Be sure to work hard to complete your logs and remember to turn them in before August 1st to receive awards and to enter to win some fantastic prizes. Check our Facebook page for more SRP details.

Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, July 12 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, July 12 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Touch-A-Truck
Thursday, July 13 @ 11:00 AM
Come check out the new hot ride on the Ellijay Police force- the new motorcycle! Other vehicles include: police car, ambulance, fire truck & more! Free Kettle Corn from HWY 52 Kettle Corn while supplies last!

Kids Jujitsu
Monday, July 17 @ 2:00 PM
Learn Jujitsu basics with instructor Sarah Glaze

Kendama Club
Tuesday, July 18 @ 3:00 PM
A Kendama is a Japanese skill toy that has become popular all over the world. Use one of our Kendamas or bring your own and share your tips and tricks with others. All levels welcome!
Age: 9+, 9 and under with adult supervision

Adult Programs
Preserving Your Family Recipes
Thursday, July 13 @ 6:00 PM
Valerie Frey, author of Preserving Family Recipes, will discuss the value of recipes and examine these artifacts as historical documents. Includes preservation tips and approaches to engage with the dynamic history and function of your family recipes.

Saturday Matinee: Viewer’s Choice
Saturday, July 15 @ 2:00 PM
This week’s movie selection will be chosen by our patron’s so stop in and see what surprise movie we will be showing. Free refreshments will be offered.

Women’s Self Defense
Monday, July 17 @ 6:00 PM
Awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills, safety strategies, and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully escape, resist, and survive. Presented by Sarah Glaze.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

4th of July Events

Community

Upcoming fourth of July events happening in your hometown, Ellijay, Ga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Check It Out” at The Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: July 5, 2017 – July 12, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

The 2017 Summer Reading Program doesn’t end until July 31st. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World”, and SRP participation provides great benefits to young children in the form of continued literacy awareness, social involvement, and experiencing new ideas. However, SRP is not solely for youngsters. The SRLS SRP encompasses all ages. We offer activities for young children, teens, and adults. Expect fun times and plenty of programs this summer. Check our Facebook page for more SRP details.

Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, July 5 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, July 5 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

I Spy
Thursday, July 6 @ 11:00 AM
Based on the popular I Spy books, this program will put your spying skills to the test!
Age: all ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Lego + Crew & The Lego Batman Movie
Saturday, July 8 @ 2:00 PM
This month’s Lego Club includes a special viewing of the new Lego Batman movie. Watch the movie while building your special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Age: All ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Kids Yoga
Monday July 10 @ 2:00 PM
Relax and get fit with Yoga for Kids! Age: All ages, 9 and under with adult supervision

Birds of Prey Animal Program
Tuesday, July 11 @ 3:00 PM
Get up close and personal with different birds of prey such as owls and hawks. These birds are amazing. Program presented by Amicalola Falls State Park.

Family Story Times
Wednesday, July 12 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, July 12@ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Teen Programs
STEM Camp – Mission: Save the Library
Friday, July 7 @ 3:00 PM
Use STEM to save the library in this 5-part camp. Each part stands alone or attend all for maximum fun. Age: 8-14, 9 and under with adult supervision

TableTop Games
Monday, July 10 @ 5:00 PM
Put your skills to the test at different tabletop games. These games aren’t the games you’ve played a hundred times. Games include King of Tokyo, Seven Wonders, Splendor, and more! Free snacks!
Grades 6-12

Adult Programs
What’s in My Food???
Thursday, July 6 @ 6:00 PM
The downfalls of the traditional American diet and how to choose the right nutrient rich food for you. Presented by Dietary Apothecary Sarah Burnett, MS, RD, LD.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Grand Opening Friday for Gilmer County Pool

Community

A Grand Opening Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, July the 1st, has been planned for the Gilmer County Pool. Read on for a schedule of the event, as well as a story on the pool’s opening. (more…)

Pool Opens for Summer

News

The Gilmer County Pool opened Saturday after a major repair project. (more…)

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