St. PETrick’s Day returns after reschedule by FOGAS

Community

ELLIJAY, Ga. – It may be the end of April, but citizens are still feeling the St. Patrick’s Day spirit as the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) partnered with local animal shelters and raised money with the return of St. Petrick’s Day. The event saw cancellation earlier this year as inclement weather and snow moved in during the Saturday, March 12, event.

FOGAS

Sheriff’s Office K-9 units Arlo and Milo walk proudly in the St. Petrick’s Day Pet Parade.

Instead of allowing the event to fall victim to the same cancellations of the last two years due to COVID, the FOGAS board rescheduled the event. With a beautiful Saturday this weekend, the event kept its rescheduled date and saw new success with an increase in funds raised. According to FOGAS Vice-President Sylvia Harris, the event raised $2,600 for the Gilmer Animal Shelter and provided meetings and pet adoptions for those attending. Despite the reschedule. the fundraising saw an increase from the last time the event was held according to Harris.

With 25 vendors and booths set up for the festival, the celebrations continued into the afternoon with entertainment from Voltage Dance Factory’s competition team.

FOGAS

Grand Marshall, Denise Fleck, the Pet Crusade, leads the parade of pets through Ellijay on April 30, 2022.

An estimated 300 people attended the Saturday and many of those participated in the Best Dressed, Owner-Pet look-a-like, Most Unusual Pet, and Best Vocal Performance. However, it wasn’t just citizens attending the event. The Sheriff’s Office saw all three of its K-9 Units Milo, Arlo, and Novak joining the pet parade to show off the animal side of our law enforcement, an “invaluable” side of the office as Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated last year when a grant saw new vests for two of the dogs.

Special guest Denise Fleck served as the parade’s Grand Marshall. Denise Fleck is an award-winning author & radio show host and animal care instructor who developed the curriculum for her Pet First-Aid & CPCR Classes after training with dozens of schools.

FOGAS

Locals and tourists alike brought pets to visit downtown during the 2022 St. PETrick’s day celebration after weather caused a reschedule from the March 12 original date.

She attended with Tico, an Akira breed dog that Harris said Fleck has previously adopted from Gilmer’s Animal Shelter. Harris stated that she had shared pictures of Tico with Fleck before and when she had visited Amicalola, she traveled into Gilmer to meet and adopt the dog.

With the success of the day’s events, Harris said that FOGAS has already begun talking about next year’s St. Petrick’s Day. However, she noted that with continuing issues over recent years in early March, they could be looking to keep a later event date and possibly looking to keep the event in April next year as well. She said that this is still early discussions and they have much planning to do but noted that due to this year’s reschedule they were not able to advertise the April date as much as they wanted.

The event was originally supported through a partnership with the Gilmer Chamber for advertising and inviting locals to celebrate their pets while also inviting tourists to bring their animals with them when they visit Ellijay. The event set up mainly on 1 Broad Street next to the courthouse and took over most of the downtown area as the parade traveled along North Main and the square before following down Dalton Street.

Additional charges against Build An Ark as other rescues continue taking animals

News
charges

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – With more seizures ordered from vets and additional charges coming against Build An Ark, two more animal rescues have stepped in to take animals in  from the animal rescue outside of Coosawattee River Resort in Ellijay, Georgia. Posting photos of the animals and sharing stories about the animals they are receiving, these two rescues are also speaking out against what they are calling abuse and neglectful treatment.

With major action having begun in January of this year, more and more people are speaking publicly against Build An Ark. During the owners arraignment hearing on March 4, 2022, protestors gathered both inside and outside the Gilmer Courthouse in downtown Ellijay. Many of those protestors swore to continue action and public measures during the proceedings.

Photos by Waddle On Inn Rescue and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary.

Now, additional animals are being taken from the location in April as both Waddle On Inn Rescue Inc., a rescue near Blue Ridge, Georgia, and TMMA Farms & Sanctuary, a rescue near Trion, Georgia, say they worked together to take ducks, a chicken, an alpaca, and two horses with plans to take more including at least a donkey. Waddle On Inn posted a statement saying, “We’ve been involved with this since Jan 12th. We have personally taken 26 animals to date.”

Additionally, both of these rescues have started fundraisers for feed and care for the newcomer animals. According to TMMA Farms, other rescues are also helping with animals they cannot. They have taken in the horses. They specifically noted Savethehorses.org and Flynn Fields Rescue, Inc who helped with a pig. Much of this extra help is needed, according to statements made on social media, because these two rescues specialize in certain animals. Waddle On Inn states that they are specifically a waterfowl rescue and TMMA Farms states they normally just rescue llamas and alpacas.

Both have made several posts vehemently admonishing the conditions they say that animals are being found in at Build An Ark. Citing only the animals they took, the noted an abscess on one horse along with a hoof infection, a growth that is likely cancerous in the eye of a horse, matts in wool and feathers, malnourishment, mites, possible leg injuries on the alpaca that causes her to be unable to stand or walk, and many others.

TMMA Farms has reported that the alpaca has slightly improved since the seizure, but is still fighting to be able to stand for more than 18 seconds at a time.

With the additional seizures and investigations, these rescues also claim that additional charges have been filed. FYN spoke with Animal Shelter and Animal Control Director Daniel Laukka who did confirm that he is in the process of reporting 10 additional citations to the courts.

Build An Ark owner Susan Littlejohn was arraigned on two counts of Animal Abuse and two counts of Animal Cruelty on March 4, 2022. The case is set to go before the Magistrate Judge on May 11, 2022. In speaking with a representative of the Magistrate Court, they stated that depending on what the charges are could influence if they are included in the same date or could require a separate hearing.

Additionally, reports say that other litigation is underway to evict Build An Ark from its current location on Coosawattee River Resorts property.

Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Micah

Fast & Furriest

Meet Micah, an 8 month old, 20 lb. lab/flat coat mix. Micah has had a tough life in such a short time. He’s recently been rescued from a hoarding situation with 25+ dogs. He has had limited experience with the human touch until he got to Homeward Bound. We are socializing him with the volunteers and other dogs. He is learning to trust. Micah has never been house trained and we are working on that but it takes consistency that only a home where someone can supervise regularly. He’s catching on and connecting the dots about what to do when he’s out walking. He’s an eager student and am sure he’ll do well.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Gilmer Animal Shelter expansion approved

Community, News
expansion, Animal Shelter

ELLIJAY, Ga. – “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” A sign say in front of the Gilmer County Courthouse’s Jury Assembly Room, brought by one of the supporters of the county’s Animal Shelter and an expansion plan alongside two major donations for the facility.

expansion

Brought by a citizen speaking in support of the shelter’s expansion, a sign sits in front of the BOC meeting on September 12, 2021.

The plan actually includes both expansion and retrofitting of the facility. With encouragement from groups like FOGAS (Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter), Volunteers Helping the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Paws Be Good, Homeward Bound, Furry Paws, and many others according to Jack Peyton of FOGAS, who spoke first in the Commissioners meeting on September 9, 2021.

The expansion and donations have been discussed before with questions arising over how the county will support the annual increase in budget for maintaining a larger facility.

Many of those who spoke at the meeting, including Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka, stated that the need for a larger facility is already here and more growth is coming. Laukka and others spoke about how animals have become so increased in number that they are being housed in areas like offices simply because their is not enough room elsewhere. With cages in his own office for cats, Laukka spoke of the benefits that the expansion and retrofit will provide in caring for the animals, and how some money could be saved in the annual costs.

Minor items like having to take animals to the vets office for spay/neuter appointments will be neutralized as the expansion has a small area for vets to come and perform the procedures in the animal shelter with equipment in the shelter.

Laukka said he already has 2 vets committed to coming to the shelter to do this. With volunteers continuing to help when possible, speakers in the meeting repeated the need that they have seen as they have helped and visited the shelter. He also noted that a local commercial laundry service has offered to service new laundry equipment designated in the retrofit for free. Also helping with some additional maintenance costs.

Daniel Laukka

Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka, left, sits in the Gilmer BOC meeting waiting to speak about the donations and plans to expand.

Additional discussion moved from what is needed to what has already been accomplished. Dr. William Mitchell, a veterinarian, walked to the podium and said, “I am here to speak in support of Daniel.”

Though the topic at hand was about plans to expand the animal shelter, many of the speakers spoke specifically to what Director Daniel Laukka has accomplished and the leadership he has provided. Dr. Mitchell went on to say he has worked with Animal Control facilities for several decades, “I have never seen a more dedicated and hard working individual than Daniel.”

Laukka himself said he could never do what he does without his staff and supporting groups. It is a collective of efforts from the community that support the shelter.

Programs from supporting groups have allowed for help in the community like low cost spays and neuters for those who need it and the capturing of feral cats in order to spay/neuter and then re-release.

All of these culminate in a department that citizens said has every county in North Georgia looking at Gilmer and how they handle this. One speaker went so far as to call it a “mecca” of the animal shelters in the area.

expansion

A photo of the GIlmer Animal Shelter from the Volunteers Helping the Gilmer Animal Shelter.

Laukka himself noted that in 2013, the shelter averaged around 1800 to 2000 animals a year. Laukka noted that close to 1100 of those animals were euthanized every year. WIth expansion first looked at four years ago, according to Laukka, the county instead went with a van that is used in partnership with other programs in other states in the north.

With this hard work towards becoming a “no kill” status, Laukka said in the meeting, “Ninety-nine percent of the animals that come into the shelter now, leave the shelter alive, adoptable, healthy. I get all the credit for it but I couldn’t do it without all the volunteers and the employees. The employees do way more than anybody could ever know.”

Almost 45 minutes of discussion saw every single person that did stand to speak on the topic discussing their support for accepting the donations and the expansion plans. After that, the commissioners moved to the agenda item on the plans.

expansion

As the unanimous vote made approval of the plans for expansion, citizens rose to their feet in applause to show their own approval of the motion.

A very emotional night saw several speakers fighting back tears, and so followed Chairman Paris as he said, “I understand. I can’t say a lot, but I’m going to make a motion to accept the money and build a shelter.”

Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson later seconded the motion after clarifying and Paris’ amending his motion that the county fund an expansion with costs not to exceed the fund for the building from the donations. He explained the fund contains a little over $1.5 million. As such, the fund is specifically designated for the shelter. Paris said there is nothing else it can be used for.

According to a statement by FOGAS, “The input, planning, architectural work, and engineering have been completed for this expansion project.” Now, the county will take on the plans with the intent to bid and begin construction. The engineer was present at the meeting and relayed that with the work that’s been done, the county could be bidding the project by the end of the year with construction to begin in 2022.

Speaking on the expansion, Director Laukka said, “I could probably stand up here and talk for hours about what we’ve accomplished over the last few years but I want to accomplish more over the next few years as well. It’s definitely something we have to do together.”

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Cheeky and Carlie.

Fast & Furriest

Meet Mom, Cheeky, the beautiful 7-year-old fawn-colored chi who weighs 8 lbs, and her daughter, Carlie, a 3-year-old rat/chi who weighs 12lbs.

These girls were an owner surrender at animal control due to the owner no longer able to care for them.  They are sweet little girls who love human attention, seem to be house trained, and enjoy walking on a leash.  

For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online:  www.hbpr.org.  We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs.  We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

 

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Powder!

Fast & Furriest

If you are looking for someone to bring sunshine into your daily life, look no further!  We want you to meet Powder, a 22 lb., 14 month old Pom/Chi.  The smile you see here is the smile she greets everyone with!  Powder is a happy little girl despite 6 spinal discs being herniated and twice her ideal weight.  She is currently on a weight management program, exercises and physical therapy.  She is already showing signs of improvement.  Powder has a lot of puppy energy!  She has no idea there’s anything wrong!  

For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online:  www.hbpr.org.  We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs.  We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Tobias

Fast & Furriest

 

Want a fun boy to share your life with?  Look no further!  We have Tobias who is about 1- 1 ½ years old; and 42# of goofy silliness!  Life is a game for him; usually a squeak toy or a ball.  He loves to chase a ball!  It’s the returning it to you that eludes him.  He is learning to walk on a leash and shows friendliness towards most other dogs.  His new family will have to give him the time, love and patience to get him trained and he will be an awesome buddy.   Cats are a no-go.  

For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online:  www.hbpr.org.  We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs.  We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Katie!

Fast & Furriest

Meet Katie, a 6 ½-year-old terrier mix who was adopted from HBPR 3 years ago.  It appears that her owners turned her out and let her fend for herself.  Katie and 2 other dogs relied on the kindness of strangers until animal control was called.  She is chipped, so they traced her back to us.  Katie is now safe with HBPR until we find her a real forever home.  Katie is around 33 lbs., house trained, well mannered, does not expect much, and is grateful for everything.  Sound like your kind of girl?

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Twix

Fast & Furriest

Meet Twix, a 3 year old mix breed, who is shy at first but then wants to dazzle you with his figure 8 zoomies and plays hide and go seek in our fenced agility pen.  He will chase a ball but is not quite sure what do  with it once he has it. Twix appears to be ok with other dogs; cats are an unknown.  He is going to be a good dog for someone who can give him the love and confidence he needs.

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Lollipop

Fast & Furriest

The first thing you will notice about Lollipop is her beautiful fawn color coat and how it glistens in a sunbeam.  When Lollipop came to us a month ago, she had just given birth, had a mammary tumor and is heartworm positive.  She has now had her surgeries and is feeling much 

better.  She enjoys exercising in a fenced area and will show off her figure 8 zoomies.  HBPR will continue to pay for her HW treatment even after adoption.

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week! Ryder

Fast & Furriest

Say “Hello!” to Ryder, a 4-5 year old, 48 lb. Sharpei mix.  If you’re looking for a well behaved snuggle pup, please consider this guy.  He enjoys going for walks, love people, does fine with other dogs, and house trained.  Ryder doesn’t bark, he “trills” when he’s excited.  He is

 fully vetted and ready for immediate adoption.

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Stormy!

Community, Fast & Furriest

Stormy is smiling and learning to trust again!  She has been rescued from the storm and is waiting for someone to say, “That’s my girl!” and provide a forever home.  Stormy is a 50 lb. 7 or 8 year old Sharpei mix.  She is house trained, gentle on a leash and her former foster mom said she is a wonderful snuggler.  

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

UPDATED: Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus

News
Break-In closings, rally, lockdown

Stay up to date with closings in Gilmer County and keep visiting this article daily to find out the latest closings and cancellations as they are announced.

 

UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Mountain Cinemas Close

In an email from Mountain Cinemas parent company, Georgia Theatre Company, the announcement was made for closings of theatres owned by the company. This includes Ellijay’s own Mountain Cinemas.

The company said, “Georgia Theatre Company puts the health and safety of our employees and customers above everything we do. It is with great regret that we have decided to close all of our theatres temporarily due to the suggestion of the President, the WHO and the CDC. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation very closely and will post the latest company news on our website. We will open to the public as soon as we can and will provide a safe and clean environment for you to enjoy all of your favorite movies in a communal setting.”

Additionally, they addressed concerns for those who may have already puchased advanced tickets. For those who have purchased tickets:

Purchases made on our website can be refunded at GTCmovies.com/refunds
For purchases made in person or on the GTC app, please contact your local theatre or send us an email at [email protected] prior to the showtime on your ticket.

Calling the movie theater in Ellijay provides a similar response as they say they are temporarily closed and hope to be open again soon.

 

UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer Chamber closes for sanitization

President and CEO of the Gilmer Chamber, Paige Green offered a letter today explaining closings for the Chamber at both locations beginning today.
She said, “In an effort to protect our staff and to provide an opportunity for the cleaning and sanitizing of both of our facilities, the Gilmer Chamber and Downtown Welcome Center will be closed Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22.”
The Downtown Welcome Center will remain closed through at least March 31. The Gilmer Chamber will be closed to the public (except by appointment only) beginning Monday, March 24. Staff will be working in the building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer calls and provide necessary services and respond to email.
Paige Green, President & CEO will also be available at 706-889-2889 for emergency purposes. Otherwise, please call the office between 10a and 3p Monday through Friday.
Paige Green, President & CEO- [email protected]
Ellen Grant, Membership Manager- [email protected]
Lisa Salman, Tourism Manager- [email protected]
Caitlin Neal, Communications Manager- [email protected]
Thanna Chadwick, Administrative Assistant- [email protected]
Additionally, the SBA is working with Governor’s across the country to provide federal assistance during this time to qualifying businesses and nonprofits.
You can learn more and register to receive updates at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Green said, “I strongly encourage all businesses experiencing economic injury to visit the site and register.  You will also find attached more information about the SBA disaster assistance funding.”
Green went on to offer the Chamber’s aid in these times to help spread updates, hours of operations, and garner information. She said, “We will continue to support our local businesses as best we can through this time.”

UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer ARTS adjusts cancellations

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop at a rapid pace, Gilmer Arts is following the advice of the CDC guidelines that have been issued to ensure the safety and health of our staff, volunteers, members and our patrons. As of Sunday, 15 March, the CDC has revised their recommendation to cancel all gatherings from 250+, to 50+ for the next 8 weeks. The Federal Government has suggested cancelling groupings of 10+. This will impact several events in the next few weeks at Gilmer Arts and at the George Link Jr, Gilmer Arts Playhouse. Here is list of events:
Spring Chorus Rehearsals/ Performance – Cancelled. (Check back for Fall schedule)
Storytelling (3rd Thursday of month) – Cancelled for March and April 2020
Acoustic Blends (3rd Friday of month) – Cancelled for March and April 2020
Volunteer Brunch (28 March) – Cancelled (will be rescheduled for a May date)
Exit Laughing (27 March – 5 April) – Postponed. Opening will be June 26th and will run 3 weeks
Auditions for Arsenic & Old Lace (14-16 April) – Cancelled (play in June will be replaced with Exit Laughing)
BEST Visual Art Opening and Show (17 April-20 May) – Cancelled. New date TBD
Meet the Author (18 April) – Postponed. New date TBD
Concert, Connor Lorrie (25 April) – Cancelled. New date TBD.
 
The above schedule takes us out for the next 8 weeks. As the advice from the CDC changes or as new State/Federal mandates come out, so may our future scheduling. Please check the website and social media sites frequently for any further changes or call the Gallery at 706.635.5605.
 As you can imagine, these changes are happening at a very fast pace. As soon as we have all the information, you’ll need for each show cancellation or change, we will provide updates and details to ticket holders directly through emails and/or phone calls. We will also continue to post the most up-to-date information on our website and social media pages. The Gallery will remain open for you to come see the latest art; however the hours will temporarily change.
The new Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday 12-6PM and Saturday’s 12-5PM. Please stop by and see the current Youth Exhibit through April. We rarely have more than 2-3 people in there at a time. We assure you we are doing are part to sanitize and keep things clean and sanitized for you. Also, some classes may still be available. We will update schedules as they change.

 

 

UPDATED March 17, 2020 – East Ellijay closes public access

Facing the concerns of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), East Ellijay has released information today about closings in the offices in the coming weeks.

East Ellijay has closed public access and is putting signage up to inform citizens. They are outlining a new process for contacting City Staff.

Additionally, Municipal Court, originally to be held on March 25, has also been canceled.

 

UPDATED March 17, 2020 – BOC Closes and BOE Extends Closing

closingsThe Gilmer County Board of Commissioners are joining the list of closings in Gilmer County this week as they officially announced today.

An email was sent out saying, “Due to the Coronavirus and for the safety of our employees the Board of Commissioners Office will be closed to public access until April 6, 2020.  For assistance please call 706-635-4361. Thank you.”

Despite the closure, the BOC will continue on with tonight’s, March 17, 2020, Public Hearing and Regular Meeting.

Additionally, Gilmer Schools, which have already been closed, is extending the closings

Many of you have seen Georgia Governor Kemp’s Executive Order mandating school closure March 18 – March 31, 2020. The Gilmer County School System will plan to remain closed until April 3, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online learning opportunities for grades 6-12 and take home packets of student work for grades K-5 will continue at home during this time. Teachers will remain available by email and online learning regularly throughout the school day from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. Teachers will hold designated office hours from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Seamless meals will continue to be provided during this time and will be coordinated through School Nutrition and Transportation.

The Administrative and Technology Offices (ATO) will be closed with staff working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday and visiting the office daily only for short periods on a limited basis.

Schools will remain closed to all instructional staff. School level administrators will be working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday to answer emails and make phone calls when needed.  School level administrators will be visiting the schools only when necessary for short periods of time.

The Gilmer County School District will remain closed for our regularly scheduled Spring Break from April 4 – April 12,2020 with students returning on Monday April 13th.  

This situation is constantly evolving as evident in how quickly things have changed in the last 7 days. We will continue to remain in contact with the Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Education, and the Georgia Department of Health. As soon as we receive any relevant information, we will share it with you.

 

 

UPDATED March 17, 2020 – MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GILMER ARTS

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop at a rapid pace, Gilmer Arts is following the advice of the CDC guidelines that have been issued to ensure the safety and health of our staff, volunteers, members and our patrons. As of Sunday, 15 March, the CDC has revised their recommendation to cancel all gatherings from 250+, to 50+ for the next 8 weeks. The Federal Government has suggested cancelling groupings of 10+. This will impact several events in the next few weeks at Gilmer Arts and at the George Link Jr, Gilmer Arts Playhouse. Here is list of events:
Spring Chorus Rehearsals/ Performance – Cancelled. (Check back for Fall schedule)
Storytelling (3rd Thursday of month) – Cancelled for March and April 2020
Acoustic Blends (3rd Friday of month) – Cancelled for March and April 2020
Volunteer Brunch (28 March) – Cancelled (will be rescheduled for a May date)
Exit Laughing (27 March – 5 April) – Postponed. Opening will be June 26th and will run 3 weeks
Auditions for Arsenic & Old Lace (14-16 April) – Cancelled (play in June will be replaced with Exit Laughing)
BEST Visual Art Opening and Show (17 April-20 May) – Cancelled. New date TBD
Meet the Author (18 April) – Postponed. New date TBD
Concert, Connor Lorrie (25 April) – Cancelled. New date TBD.
 
The above schedule takes us out for the next 8 weeks. As the advice from the CDC changes or as new State/Federal mandates come out, so may our future scheduling. Please check the website and social media sites frequently for any further changes or call the Gallery at 706.635.5605.
 As you can imagine, these changes are happening at a very fast pace. As soon as we have all the information, you’ll need for each show cancellation or change, we will provide updates and details to ticket holders directly through emails and/or phone calls. We will also continue to post the most up-to-date information on our website and social media pages. The Gallery will remain open for you to come see the latest art; however the hours will temporarily change.
The new Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday 12-6PM and Saturday’s 12-5PM. Please stop by and see the current Youth Exhibit through April. We rarely have more than 2-3 people in there at a time. We assure you we are doing are part to sanitize and keep things clean and sanitized for you. Also, some classes may still be available. We will update schedules as they change.
For Tickets you have purchased:
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Gilmer Arts relies heavily on donations and ticket sales for events. It is our hope that for all purchased tickets of a cancelled event or in the event that you are sick and cannot attend an event that you have purchased a ticket for, you will select one of the two options:
1.      Accept a gift certificate for the face value of your ticket(s) which can be used for any future event, performance or class at Gilmer Arts.
2.      Convert the ticket amount to a charitable donation.
We sincerely thank you in advance for your patience as we work through this challenging and unprecedented situation. Gilmer Arts is so grateful for the ongoing support of all our patrons, and we look forward to seeing you back in our venues when this crisis has passed.

 

 

UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Wine Highway Week Cancelled

North Georgia Winegrowers are disappointed to announce that the 2020 Wine Highway Week has been postponed due to recent guidelines announced by the CDC yesterday, “… large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals. Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”
Our members are working together to reschedule this event to a later date.

While this sanctioned event is postponed, the following wineries will be open for the dates and times the event was scheduled:
March 20 – April 5, 2020
Monday – Fridays 1-5pm
Saturdays 11am -5pm
Sundays 12:30-5pm

12 Spies Vineyards and Farms
Big Door Vineyards
Cartecay Vineyards
Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery
CeNita Winery and Tasting Room
Chateau Meichtry
Crane Creek Vineyards
Creekstone Winery
Currahee Vineyards
Twisted Wine Garden at Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Engelheim Vineyards
Etowah Meadery
Habersham Winery
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Odom Springs Vineyards
Paradise Hills, Cabins-Spa-Winery
Serenity Cellars
Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
Sweet Acre Farms Winery
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery Inc.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards

We encourage you to support and visit these wineries.

 

 

UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Carter’s Lake and Gilmer Jail close

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – A new round of closings came today with several announcements in response to the Coronavirus and the increase in Georgia Cases over the weekend.

Along with closures over the weekend of county services and schools, new closings are continuing this week for the Gilmer Detention Center and Carters Lake.

The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office posted to social media saying:

In order to keep all inmates, our staff, as well as all visitors’ health in mind and in compliance with ‘social distancing’ due to corona virus concerns, the detention center is suspending all inmate visitations TEMPORARILY until further notice.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Captain Daves, Lt. Couch, or Lt. Smith at 706-635-4625.

Additionally, the new closings extend to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carters Lake who posted yesterday saying:

With an abundance of caution and considering the concerns related to COVID-19 the Carters Lake Visitor Center will be closed March 16th-30th in a preemptive attempt to slow the spread of the virus. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Later, FYN confirmed that this closure is only the visitor center. The recreation areas are open, including camping. As of now, they will also stay open. But to avoid closed space and confining crowds, the visitor center has closed.

The Gilmer Chamber has closed its downtown welcome center in Ellijay to undergo a deep cleaning and to avoid exposure of the worker at the location who could be at risk. However, the main branch and welcome center will remain open.

Also, the City of Ellijay has canceled its March meeting for Monday, March 16, 2020.

Stay tuned to FYN as we continue to update you and post new closings from the community as they are announced.

 

 

UPDATED – March 14, 2020

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – More closings and announcements are continuing this weekend as another two county services close in response to concerns and State Government urgings to shut down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

county services close closings

A statement from the Gilmer Animal Shelter announces closing next week.

The Gilmer County Animal Shelter announced around noon today that they would be closing “until further notice.”

The shelter is closing to both public access and volunteer workers. However, there will still be staff members taking care of the animals.

They stated, “We are only allowing staff to come in and care for our animals at this time. Animal Control will be running as normal. Calls will be returned as often as possible. Please be patient as we work through this.”

The shelter apologized for the inconvienice, but stated they are trying to both care for the animals at the shelter while also making sure the community is safe.

The statement also added, “Please know that we would never allow the animals to go without care.”

As county services close, it is not just in the animal shelter as the Gilmer’s Sequoyah Regional Library is also announcing a closure.

The general social media page for the the Sequoyah Regional Library System stated:

Out of an abundance of caution, all branches of the Sequoyah Regional Library System will close on Monday, March 16 until further notice. e-Library services will continue as normal. Advance voting will continue as scheduled at Ball Ground Public LibraryHickory Flat Public Library, and Rose Creek Public Library. Materials should be kept at home. Fines will not accrue while the library is closed. Please check this page for updates and additional information.

The post was also shared and copied onto the Gilmer Library page as well.

county services close

The Gilmer Library is not only closing, but cancelling events and programs next week for the Coronavirus.

This closure is not just a building closing however as the announcement is spreading to several events, services, and public access opportunities along with it. The Library has already announced the cancellation of the events “Journey into the Amazing Body!” and “Letters from a Confederate Soldier.”

However, a new post today came saying, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sequoyah Regional Library System is suspending all programming, outreach, conference room use, and community room use beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of March. We will not be accepting community room applications at this time. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

 

 

 

ORIGINAL POST – March 12, 2020 – Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus

GILMER, Ga. – According to a release from Gilmer County Schools, the system will shut down with all school closings next week in the fallout from information and concerns over the Coronavirus in the county.

According to a public release from Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, the closure will last from Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 20, 2020.

The release states, “Our school district is committed to keeping our community informed about issues relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are no cases of COVID-19 at any Gilmer County school and currently there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Gilmer County. Our schools are not closing Friday, March 13, 2020, as we need to allow time for students and staff to retrieve needed materials and technology to be prepared for this closure. We will use Digital Learning Days during this closure for 6th-12th grade and paper learning packets for Kindergarten-5th grade to continue teaching and learning.”

Students will be retrieving these materials tomorrow, March 13, in order to follow these instructions next week. The release acknowledges that some hardships will come from this closure but said the plans are being finalized at this time.

While the current announcement is just for the week listed, Downs confirmed that future closings could be possible based on the need saying, “The district will continually review conditions and publish updates. Should additional closures be necessary we will notify you as soon as possible.”

The closings will not just be for students, however. All Gilmer schools and offices will be closed during the week along with all activities including athletics and extracurriculars including GHSA (Georgia High Schools Association) events  being cancelled, and additional closures could continue for these as well.

One point of note for testing, however, Downs said that, currently, SAT testing will still occur this Saturday, March 14, 2020.

With school closed, plans are being made to deep clean the schools and to provide meals in a similar manner to the Seamless Summer Program.

See the full release below:

closings

Pet of the Week! Featuring Sienna

FYNTV, Lifestyle
pet of the week

Sienna is the star of the show this week! Come by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge to meet her and other wonderful cats and dogs that you can adopt!

https://youtu.be/xzjFG5dp-R0

FOGAS donates $6,200 in kennels to Animal Shelter

Community, News
(photos by the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter)

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Traveling and transporting pets just got a bit easier for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter as kennels have been supplied through donations.

According the Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS), they presented Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris and Director of the Gilmer County Animal Shelter Daniel Laukka with transport kennels valued at $6,200 earlier this week, on June 25, 2019.

An official statement from FOGAS on the social media page stated, “These kennels were designed to reduce the stress of the animals in transport while allowing maximum use of space in the GCAS transport van.”

But the donation means more the shelter and the county than just extra equipment. Chairman Paris told FYN, “This will help both the animals and shelter employees and volunteers. Shelter personnel will no longer have to place crates that are currently in use, into the van – requiring animals to be moved around so that those crates can be made available. The new creates can remain in the van permanently.”

Paris went on to say that the crates are better than the current wire cages in multiple ways. They are more sturdy and “solidly made” to meet the needs of long travels. The animal shelter frequently makes trips out of state to other locations in efforts to find homes for the animals. The crates also offer more privacy for the animals as Paris said they provide “a private environment that is much less stressful for them.”

Speaking on the donation, FOGAS stated, “All of us at FOGAS are proud to assist the citizens of Gilmer County with the humane reduction of pet overpopulation through subsidized spay & neuter programs and our Gilmer County shelter with transporting homeless pets to loving homes.”

Paris added to the emotion saying, “We are very appreciative of the organizations and individuals that donate to the shelter so that the animals housed there can have a better life. These donations are so important – and so appreciated – because they allow homeless animals to have a better quality of life than just ‘life in a wire crate.’ These donations from groups and individuals make a tremendous difference, and we just can’t thank them enough.”

Fashion Show raises funds for FOGAS

Community, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Lovers of animals often do whatever they can to support shelters and organizations that help their favorite four-legged-friends.

The owners of Whimz Boutique in Ellijay Georgia, Steve and Marie Cortes did just that when they presented Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) President Sharon Sahr and Treasurer Karen Johnson with a $564 check from their November 2018 charity fashion show.

Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501 (C3), charity that strives to make Gilmer County Georgia a better home for both people and pets by sponsoring subsidized spay/neuter certificates for the public, vetting Gilmer County Animal Shelter homeless pets, and other community projects.

Their event is part of the community financial support that makes up approximately 75 % of Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter’s annual revenue.

This and all other donations to FOGAS are used to provide subsidized $25 spay/neuter certificates to Gilmer County residents, pay veterinarian costs for selected Gilmer County Animal Shelter pets that are being transported to waiting adopters or rescues, and to support other Gilmer County pet-related projects.

The Fashion Charity event saw over 100 people attending to view pieces designed and donated by Whimz Boutique and Julian’s Boutique. With the success of the fashion show, FOGAS has stated they are intending to use the proceeds for their 2019 budget. Specifically, they said, “In 2019 FOGAS will be focusing on new ways to assist the Gilmer County Animal Shelter with reducing pet overpopulation. We will also be looking into offering Gilmer County children information on caring for their pets.”

With this set as the first annual show, support is set to continue for the Animal Shelter through its support organization, FOGAS. But, ultimately, its citizens putting on events like this and donating that helps the efforts of the local animal shelter and the county’s efforts to house and adopt pets in need of “forever homes.”

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