Blue Ridge celebrates Independence Day with annual parade
Community, Downtown Blue Ridge, Festivals July 5, 2023FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — At 10 a.m., on the morning of Independence Day, both tourists and locals gathered in Downtown Blue Ridge to watch as The Old Timers’ Parade made its way down East Main Street. The event, hosted by the Blue Ridge Business Association, was just one of the Fourth of July events in the area.
On their website, the Blue Ridge Business Association says the parade has been a part of holiday traditions in the Blue Ridge since the 1950s. Government officials, local businesses, organizations, and even a family reunion took part in the parade through town.
Patrons of the parade watched from the street-side as the Fannin County Fire Department made a memorable appearance with several fire trucks.
Representatives of the Blue Ridge and Fannin County Government also made appearances.
Well known establishments in the community made their way through downtown as well. The Blue Ridge Community Theater, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, and Project Chimps were just some.
As the morning’s festivities came to a close, the Tri-State Community Band performed for visitors in the downtown area. Opening with the National Anthem, the band performed several songs to celebrate the Fourth.
Other Patrons
Blue Ridge Community Theater : Sewing Good Deeds in a Time of Crisis
Community March 31, 2020Blue Ridge, Ga. – Volunteers at the Blue Ridge Community Theater (BRCT) are stepping up in a big way to give support to local agencies and citizens, as we all face the Covid-19 pandemic together.
To quote the great William Shakespeare: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves”, and the volunteers at BRCT are doing just that, by shining a light of purpose in what is a dark time for many.
The mission of the volunteers came about when a dialysis clinic in Chattanooga, Tn. put out a call that they were in desperate need of face masks for their patients. This clinic asked for the public’s help in getting 600 masks.
The volunteers at BRCT stepped up to answer this call. Head Seamstress, Kim Westcott spoke of the group coming together, “We sew costumes. We’re good sewers,” and added, “We’ve got lots of material, unsuitable for costumes but it’s perfect for this!”
Each mask must meet certain guidelines and specifications, among these the material used must be 100 percent cotton.
Westcott talked about how people, especially quilters, across the nation are stepping up to make the washable masks to help curb the shortage of this very necessary item: “This is a grassroots effort by every quilter out there.”
Westcott pointed out that quilters know their material and have 100% cotton material that is required on hand.
Of the requested 600 masks to the dialysis clinic, the BRCT volunteers produced around 50 and delivered them. As of Friday, March 27, the clinic had received over 400 masks.
BRCT has since reached out to several local agencies and will continue making masks for the area. Some of the masks made have gone to CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteers to give to grandparents who are guardians of younger children, some have gone to volunteers that continue to work at the local food bank and of course, many masks will be sent to Fannin Regional Hospital.
The volunteers have received essential status from the City of Blue Ridge, allowing them to continue production during the city’s declared State of Emergency.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Westcott said of being able to help during this nationwide crisis, “As long as we have a place to deliver them to, we’ll be making them.”
The eight volunteers have now fine tuned the production process in an assembly line fashion, and Westcott says this method is very efficient, “Now that we’ve got the process down, we can probably turn out 30 to 40 a day.”
When asked how many masks the group anticipates making and giving away, Westcott replied, “We’ll give them everything we get and we’ll keep making them until this whole crisis passes.”
Beyond mask production, BRCT has partnered with Family Connection in collecting donations for their food bank services. The theater was able to make 5-6 deliveries last week to this cause.
Volunteers from the theater are also out delivering groceries, medications and other essential items to people who are quarantined or at too high of risk to leave their homes.
Westcott asks that in lieu of donations for mask making productions, that people please consider donating food and essential items to the theater to be delivered to Family Connection.
The theater currently has enough material to produce around 1,000 masks.
Keep Up-to-date With Covid-19 in Fannin County by Clicking Here
Featured Images in article are courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater Facebook Page.
Note: BRCT response to question regarding social distancing : “While we did gather together for a picture, each woman has her own station where she assembles her portion of the masks. We are blessed to have a very large costume Room, so we try to give them as much space as possible!”
Live Music Is Better – Blue Ridge Community Theater
Community February 17, 2020
Joe Gransden Upbeat Jazz Trio Trumpet, Bass, & Keys Book your Seats Today!
Call Box Office for details! At 42 Years old, Joe Gransden has already performed worldwide and released 14 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Clint Eastwood Says “Joe is a young man with an old soul and a classic voice. He is a great new talent with a wonderful sense of humor to boot. And don’t forget, he plays a hell of a trumpet!” “When I first heard Joe nine years ago, I immediately thought of Chet,” says Jazziz magazine critic James Rozzi, “but lately his voice has taken on its own style with a deeper resonance. His trumpet has always alternated lyricism with an aggressive, angular approach.” Smokey Robinson says: “Joe has an innate ability to connect with an audience. His singing and trumpet playing are world class.
Call the Box Office at 706-632-9191 or use the Button below to get your tickets!
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Four Old Broads Opens March 5th! These gals in the home are desperate for a vacation that isn’t the snooze-cruise they take every year. So, against the wishes of the Nurse these geriatric grandparents attempt to sneak away to the Sassy Seniors Cruise!
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The first Ever Blue RidgeFilm Festival Feb 29th – Mar 1st A Full Schedule of Screenings, Workshops, Music Events,
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2591 E. First Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706-632-9223 info@ BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com
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Local Ghost Stories, Native Legends, and Tales to Chill you to the Bone at BRCT
Community October 22, 2019
Local Ghost stories, Native Legends, and Tales to Chill you to the Bone! Get your Tickets now for this one-night-only Spooktacular! All Proceeds will be split between UNG’s Blue Ridge Georgia Mountains Scholarships & BRCT’s Sunny D Children’s Theater Camp Scholarships!
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November 9th at 7:30
Tullie is most comfortable on stage performing in her own unique style, sharing her heart and soul to each audience through her love of music. Tullie’s self-penned original material ranges from Delta Blues to Rock infused Contemporary Blues music that tells the stories of love, happiness, heartbreak, pain and life experiences. |
Playing thru November 3rd Two Delightful tales from our Sunny D Children’s Theater!
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Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 E. First Street |
Join us at BRCT for the Opening Weekend of our Fall Sunny D Shows
Community October 14, 2019
of our Fall Sunny D Shows: The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe and October 18 – November 3 Get Tickets now to the Opening Weekend The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe Based on the beloved book by C.S. Lewis from “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Set in the 1940’s during World War II, the story takes us to another world called Narnia and there the spellbinding story begins! The thrilling, well-known tale takes four children from a dusty English mansion to a mythical, far-away world gripped in an epic battle between the forces of good and evil. Helped along by the fawn, Mr. Tumnus, the friendly Beaver family and a forest of talking animals, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy take center stage in the struggle to free Narnia from the forces of the White Witch as they await the triumphant return of Aslan the Lion. |
November 9th at 7:30 Tullie is most comfortable on stage performing in her own unique style, sharing her heart and soul to each audience through her love of music. Tullie’s self-penned original material ranges from Delta Blues to Rock infused Contemporary Blues music that tells the stories of love, happiness, heartbreak, pain and life experiences. |
A series of Ghost Stories & Local Legends as told by some of the most prolific storytellers in the region! Join us for a fun night of Spooky Entertainment fo rthe whole family! Some of last year’s stories contained ancient Native American Legend, haunting true stories of mysterious disappearances, and spooky tales from our very own Blue Ridge! Tickets Only $10 Students get in for $5! |
Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 E. First Street |
Final weekend for A Facility for Living at Blue Ridge Community Theater!
Business, Community September 16, 2019Don’t miss the final weekend for this show at Blue Ridge Community Theater!
This Saturday: Fred Johnson!
Community, Downtown Blue Ridge July 29, 2019
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Don’t Miss the Final Weekend of Prisoner of Second Avenue
Community April 22, 2019
Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 E. First Street |
Fannin County candidates speak at local forum
Election 2018 May 14, 2018BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Blue Ridge Community Theater, hosted a candidate forum May 3 to give voters an opportunity to hear first-hand local candidates’ responses to questions about issues facing our area.
All persons running for positions on the Fannin County Board of Education and for the seat of Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner were present to share their views and explain why they should have your vote in the upcoming election.
SCHOOL BOARD
First to take the stage were Marvin Allen (R), Bobby Bearden (R), and Jeff DePaola (D).
Allen is challenging incumbent Bearden in the May General Primary for the Republican nomination. The winner of the primary will face Democrat DePaola in the November General Election.
BOBBY BEARDEN (R) INCUMBENT
Bobby Bearden, who has served on the Fannin County Board of Education for 16 years, said, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Bearden added about his time serving, “It’s more than a privilege. It’s a blessing and an honor.”
While agreeing with his fellow candidates on many of the issues such as a board member must be a liaison between the community, parents, teachers, and students, Bearden gave insight into his feelings about what it takes to be an effective board member and what it means to serve.
“A lot of people think that the school board runs the schools, but the school board does not run the schools,” Bearden said. “The superintendent runs the schools. The school board makes sure the superintendent carries out the policies.”
Bearden spoke of accomplishments of the school board during his service specifically citing the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the construction taking place of the new agricultural facility located on Ada Street: “I’ve got so much behind me I couldn’t tell you all of it.”
“I just heard today that we applied for a grant, a literacy grant for over 1 million bucks,” Bearden said, smiling, “and we got it.”
Bearden’s platform is unwavering, stating his top priorities are “children, children, children, and the tax payers of Fannin County.” He states that safety and quality education are his main focus.
MARVIN ALLEN (R) CHALLENGER
Marvin Allen is a product of the Fannin County School System and has raised his children in Fannin County where they all attended our public schools.
“The platform I’m running on is my concerns for the children of Fannin County,” Allen addressed the crowd of voters. “Their safety is certainly number one. Next on the list is education. Another issue I am concerned about is the consideration of the tax-paying citizens of the county.”
Allen would like to work with the superintendent to produce quality policies that make a difference and to be a good steward of taxpayers dollars when it comes to the budget.
Having helped initiate the school system’s fishing program and by being involved with his children’s educations as well as their extracurricular activities, including sports and band, Allen feels that he is qualified for a position on the Board of Education.
When asked what makes an effective school board member, Allen replied that listening and communicating with the community is a large part of the responsibility, but also being able to effectively take care of business: “There are policies you’ve got to set and a budget you’ve got to monitor.”
JEFF DEPAOLA (D) CHALLENGER
Jeff DePaola has worked with youth via mentoring programs and shows a strong resolve in helping children through community involvement.
DePaola feels that this mentoring background along with his career provides him with the experience needed to serve on the Fannin County Board of Education.
DePaola began his career with Delta at the young age of 19. Through Delta, DePaola learned the field of computer programming and went on to write and implement many programs used in this field.
“I’ve got kind of an entrepreneurial spirit about me. I feel like I have a good eye for looking at a situation and seeing opportunities to make it better,” DePaola spoke of how his career will translate on the school board.
DePaola would like to be a liason if elected to the school board. He feels that a large portion of the duty of a board member is to gather as much information as possible from students, teachers, parents and the community, and relay that information into meaningful policies.
“The platform I’m running on is opportunity through community,” DePaola stated of his goals if elected.
SCHOOL BOARD
Next to come to the stage was the race with the largest number of candidates. These candidates include Ron Bolin (R), Mike Cole (R), Susan DeMoura (D), Steve Stanley (R), and Mike Sullivan (R).
Bolin, Cole and Sullivan are all challengers of incumbent Stanley for the Republican nomination in the May General Primary. The winner of the primary will go on to face Democrat DeMoura in the November General Election.
RON BOLIN (R) CHALLENGER
Ron Bolin opened his statements by giving voters a glimpse into his background: “I’m a retired educator. I’ve taught at all three grade levels, elementary, middle, and high school.”
Beyond having taught, Bolin has also spent time in coaching and in school administration.
Bolin is a proponent of literacy and would like to focus school assets into providing a number of tools to promote and teach these skills. Having served many years in education, Bolin stated, “When a student lags behind in this area, it makes more difficulties throughout their entire education.”
Bolin would also like to see focus put on bringing back vocational training to our schools. He believes that education has “made a huge mistake” by putting all the focus on college education and that many students do not attend college and would greatly benefit from vocational training.
MIKE COLE (R) CHALLENGER
Mike Cole is a product of the Fannin County School System and credits his success to the start he got in our county’s schools.
Cole, a small business owner, began his training at Fannin County High School in the now un-offered vocational and technical programs. Having a successful career with General Motors (GM) and Chrysler, Cole returned to Fannin County to open his own automotive repair shop.
Cole is now a strong advocate for returning programs such as transportation class, cosmetology, residential wiring, plumbing, and welding to Fannin County schools.
“I’m not just a salesman,” Cole said, speaking of his opponent Bolin’s stance to bring back vocational classes, “but I am a client. I went through this vocational system, and I now own a business doing my career path from career tech.”
Cole now has a young child enrolled in the school system, and from involvement in his child’s education, he sees areas of what he feels are wasteful spending and mismanagement.
Citing that he has personally had to provide water to children on a field trip and has seen first-hand large amounts of food being thrown away in the schools’ cafeterias, Cole stated, “If we are a charter school and can make some decisions, we need to make decisions about the waste and mismanagement in that area.”
Cole also brought to the table the idea of using Georgia Virtual on snow days. He stated that if each child were provided a Chromebook that this option could be used to alleviate the issue of make-up school days due to inclement weather.
SUSAN DEMOURA (D) CHALLENGER
Susan DeMoura shared her experience of being a director of a rehabilitation center. With a master’s in speech language pathology, DeMoura worked many years managing a large staff and being in charge of an equally as large budget.
“I believe that my experience has prepared me to sit on this board,” DeMoura explained that she is used to working with many diverse people, “and become a liaison between the superintendent and the students and the teachers and the parents.”
When asked if school boards should be moved to a nonpartisan position, DeMoura stated that she is proud to be a member of her political party, but “I don’t see this as an area where politics need to come into play.”
DeMoura said that a key area she would like to research and try to resolve is the issue of absences in Fannin County. She cited that not all absences are due to illness and some stem from a child’s home life. DeMoura would like to provide options for these children to ensure that they are able to attend school everyday.
“My goal is to try to bridge any gap that exists,” DeMoura said of her hopes if elected,”with our students and our parents and teachers and provide the very best options, the very best alternatives for them.”
STEVE STANLEY (R) INCUMBENT
Steve Stanley has served on the Board of Education for eight years and would like to be re-elected for another four year term.
Stanley is proud of his record with the Board of Education citing several successes that have come to pass during his terms. He spoke of grants that have been awarded and progresses that have been made on all school campuses.
With Quality Basic Education (QBE) being fully funded by the state of Georgia for the first time in a number of years, Stanley stated that he will continue to be an advocate for equal state funding for Fannin County schools.
“This board will continue to work,” Stanley stated of his expectations if re-elected, “and I will continue to work.”
Stanley stated that the one thing he would do differently if elected for another term would be to spend more time in the schools.
“That has been the one thing I have wanted to do since I have been on the board is spend more time in schools,” Stanley said, explaining that his work has kept him away from spending as much time as he would like in the schools.
MIKE SULLIVAN (R) CHALLENGER
Mike Sullivan remains steadfast in his platform. Two of Sullivan’s key issues are that of school safety and of complete transparency on all levels.
Sullivan would like to see no stone left unturned when it comes to the safety of the children of Fannin County. Pursuing every option to acquire top notch safety is an issue the Sullivan is very passionate about.
Sullivan was asked of what he has done to prepare himself for the school board position if elected. He cited that beyond having attended the Board of Education monthly meetings, his military background is another advantage that he possesses.
“The military really prepares you a lot for working with diverse people,” the Air Force veteran spoke of his credentials for the Board of Education, “and I believe our board is comprised of some diverse individuals. It really prepares you for conflict.”
Sullivan agreed with his opponents on a number of issues, including that the school board should be a nonpartisan position and that the best way to keep quality teachers is to offer competitive pay and incentives.
When asked what he would do differently from incumbent Stanley, Sullivan replied that he would have active engagement on all levels, with students, parents, teachers, and fellow board members.
“We really have tremendous capabilities here,” Sullivan stated enthusiastically of his intentions, “to really excel with our kids and to lead them beyond being just 21st century learners.”
POST 2 COMMISSIONER
The final group of candidates to take the stage were those running for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner. These candidates included Dixie Carter (D), Glenn Patterson (R), Larry Joe Sosebee (R), and William “Tripp” Ritchie (R).
Ritchie and Patterson are facing incumbent Sosebee for the Republican nomination in the May General Primary. The winner of this primary will go against Democrat Carter in the November General Election.
DIXIE CARTER (D) CHALLENGER
Dixie Carter holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, and she feels that having worked many years in this field, she has a good understanding of people and their needs and for this reason would make an ideal candidate.
Carter is a proponent of improving the county’s recreational areas and of seeking ways to move the county’s library out of the courthouse and into a stand-alone location.
A library is a hub for many communities, according to Carter, and a place where not only learning can take place, but a facility that can offer community classes and lectures, Internet for those without, and social work and aid for those in need.
When asked about a county aquatic center, Carter replied that she would be in favor and that it would be “very beneficial to focus on our health and wellness.”
Rather than just fund this center locally, Carter feels that we could look into regional funding: “Regional collaboration is a very good thing.” She feels that surrounding counties might take interest since the center would be beneficial to their residents as well.
Carter would be in favor of expanding the current Fannin County Board of Commissioners from a three-person panel to a five-person panel.
“With three there’s a monopoly on the vote,” Carter stated of the matter. “It’s almost like it’s rigged.”
If elected, Carter said she will work to represent all citizens of Fannin County and work to change the atmosphere of the Board of Commissioners meetings, which she feels has a negative tone.
GLENN PATTERSON (R) CHALLENGER
Glenn Patterson is an educator of 33 years and has spent approximately 23 of those years as a teacher, administrator, and coach in Fannin County. Patterson currently serves on the Board of Directors at the Fannin Christian Learning Center and is chairman for Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame.
Patterson said that he has no private agenda in running, just a vision and a want to make Fannin County better.
Being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money is a key element to Patterson’s platform, and a topic that he reiterated in his answers.
When asked about the county collaborating with the cities to provide an aquatic center, Patterson replied, “I would be open to look at it. I really would. A lot of factors come into play, especially paying for it.”
One area where Patterson seemed to agree with incumbent Sosebee was in not expanding the Board of Commissioners to a five-member board and keeping it at its current three member status. While he did not say that he was completely against the move, Patterson did cite that there is another way to approach the matter.
“I think the biggest thing is to get good people,” Patter said, explaining his stance. “Get people that you can trust. Get people that will work together collaboratively for a common goal.”
LARRY JOE SOSEBEE (R) INCUMBENT
Larry Joe Sosebee has held the Post 2 Commission seat since 2011 and will be seeking a third term in office.
Sosebee stated that his platform has never changed and that he will be running on the same ideals: “When I first ran for this office, my platform was for the safety and prosperity for each citizen of Fannin County.”
Not in support of turning the Board of Commissioners into a five-member board, Sosebee spoke frankly on the matter: “Three people is enough to butt heads on these decisions we make.”
Sosebee told the crowd that he would be in favor of a stand-alone building for the county library: “I’ve always supported a stand-alone library.” He then added,” I wouldn’t put the county in any bond debt whatsoever for any facility.”
Rival candidate Tripp Ritchie questioned the county’s planning strategy for the future and in particular cited the county’s emergency departments. Sosebee took offense to Ritchie’s comments and replied about these departments, “We are top notch in the state of Georgia.”
“All it takes is common sense to run this office,” Sosebee said and added that with his experience, he feels that he is the man for the job.
WILLIAM “TRIPP” RITCHIE (R) CHALLENGER
Tripp Ritchie, a sixth-generation Fannin County resident, co-owner of Ritchie Creek Farm, Inc., and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps., did not hold back during the forum as he spoke frankly about areas of the county that he feels need to be improved.
Ritchie has held strong to his belief that the county lacks proper strategic planning, and one downfall of not having such a plan is in newly constructed facilities: “We need a five-year capital improvements plan.”
“If it’s not in a capital improvements program,” Ritchie added, “you end up starting construction without knowing how you are going to pay for it.”
Ritchie also noted areas in how the Board of Commissioners run that could be improved for the public: “I don’t think we have enough public debate or public comments.”
Accusing Fannin County Commission Chairman Stan Helton of “weaponizing” his position by having complete say in meeting agendas and arrangements, Ritchie added, “We should encourage everybody to have input from the community. We seem to forget that we are representing the citizens of Fannin County.”
Ritchie said that he would support changing the current commission board from three members to five members: “Yes, and I would go a step further. I’d change the form of government between a volunteer-elected board and a manager.”
Having a county manager to organize and oversee all areas of the county government, according to Ritchie, would be beneficial not just in efficiency but also in transparency.
Finally, Ritchie addressed the issue of our emergency management departments and said that this is another area that would greatly benefit from strategic planning. He feels the county should do more to prepare these departments for future demand.
Ritchie also cited that he had been informed that our fire department facilities are not up to code, some not being properly vented, and that firefighters had expressed concern to him about their safety: “They asked me to bring these issues to the commissioners attention. They felt like the commission didn’t have their back.”
Ritchie maintains that he is the right person for the job because he will proactively seek solutions: “I’m not a politician. I’m a pragmatist. I see a problem, and I go try to fix it.”
Early voting continues in Fannin County through May 18. You can place your early vote at the Fannin County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Office of Elections and Registration. Regular voting for the General Primary will take place on May 22. The 2018 General Election is to be held Nov. 6.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Blue Ridge Community Theater Presents – HOTBED HOTEL!
Community October 1, 2018
Written By: Michael Parker (PG-16) Directed By: Norma Bean
You can see where this is leading – it is a farce after all! |
Auditions for Boys Next Door at Blue Ridge Community Theater
Community February 13, 2018
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Multiple topics addressed at Blue Ridge town hall meeting
News March 28, 2018BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The future of the farmer’s market property and the city pool stood out among five main topics of conversation addressed by the Blue Ridge City Council as well as dozens of attending citizens in a town hall meeting Tuesday, March 27.
In the February and March council meetings, the council discussed options for either selling, leasing or renovating the farmer’s market property off of Summit Street. At the most recent meeting, Jim Sisson, owner of Sisson Log Homes, expressed his desire to either buy or lease the property as an overflow space to use for drying materials for his business.
While the council members seemingly agreed in the past meetings in their desire to renovate the property and to reopen it as an arts and/or entertainment destination in an ideal scenario, the podium was opened to the audience at the town hall meeting for direct input from citizens to gauge the consensus of residents.
Accepting the invitation was Joe Webb, of Dial, who explained that while he lives outside the city limits, he does have an interest in the city, working with the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Among the suggestions put forth by Webb were to use the property as a centralized location for a stand-alone public library or to simply sell the property to the highest bidder in an effort to establish “hotel and some retail density in that area.”
Webb went on to admit while there is some sentimental value attributed to the property, “economically, it’s literally a relic of the past.”
Another citizen, Larry Bersyn, asked about the amount of income the farmer’s market property was contributing to the city.
“It has zero income, right now, just expenses,” Mayor Donna Whitener answered, referring to utility costs.
“So, why do we still have it?” Bersyn asked.
Councilwoman Rhonda Haight explained the farmer’s market is a unique property that the city owns. “It could become a really neat art district, which we don’t have,” Haight added, also stating she would like to see the property double as an event center.
Councilman Nathan Fitts stated he liked the idea of converting the area into an arts and cultural center but was concerned about the cost to renovate.
“We do have somebody who would like to lease it,” Whitener reminded the council, likely referring to Sisson. “So until we we come up with a plan, why do we not consider leasing it out? At least it stops our bleeding.”
Whitener also explained Sisson would be willing to temporarily lease the property and move off the property once the city did produce a long-term plan for the property as long as he was given a 30 to 60-day notice to vacant.
Another citizen pointed out that an arts and cultural district would mostly benefit tourists but selling the property to make way for a stand-alone library would benefit the working people of the community.
Brian Pritchard, publisher of FetchYourNews, pleaded with the council to lease the property to Sisson, a 17-year local business owner, until a long-term plan was established. “Make a long-term plan, but maybe in the short-term, lease it to Mr. Sisson and say, ‘Thank you for being a business owner in the city for 17 years,'” Pritchard said.
Ultimately, Mayor Whitener agreed this was the best option for the city.
Tony Byrd, city street superintendent and shop mechanic, was on hand at the meeting to discuss maintenance issues with the city pool. Whitener explained the pool has a leak in the main drain and needs replacement of internal filters, manifold gaskets and valves. She also stated there was possible leak in the skimmer system.
Byrd stated to repair the aforementioned issues, the estimate would be between $5,000 and $10,000. If there is a leak in the skimmer system, Whitener stated it would be “many tens of thousands” of dollars to repair. The mayor also said she asked Byrd to present a definite amount to the council by the April meeting for the costs to repair the smaller issues to open it for this summer and then the city would look to the 2019 pool season to have the more expensive issues resolved.
Whitener also stated 1,429 people used the pool in 2017, which amounted to just under $6,000 in revenue.
In addition to repairing the pool, the council discussed ideas for constructing a city splash pad and Whitener suggested forming a committee to look for grants and/or create a campaign to generate funds to pay for these projects.
When Haight asked the audience for input, Bersyn said, “Sell the farmer’s market, use the money from the farmer’s market to pay for the pool (and) we have a new pool next year … And stop wasting the city’s money.”
Webb also spoke on the issue and mentioned that the county was studying the prospect of creating an indoor pool at the Tom Boyd Recreation Center. Webb stated he would rather see an indoor pool located more centrally and within the city.
Council members Nathan Fitts and Haight agreed to meet with the county in the near future about the possibility of forming a joint venture to build an indoor pool.
The upcoming Georgia Cities Week, which will take place April 22 to 28 in Blue Ridge, was discussed by the council. Georgia Cities Week is a week-long celebration sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). GMA is a non-profit legal advocacy organization, of which Blue Ridge is a municipality member, that offers consulting services to its member cities.
During the week, Blue Ridge will be coordinating a city-wide litter clean-up campaign in which residents and organizations are asked to dispose of accumulated litter in two dumpsters donated by Advanced Disposal that will be situated at locations within the city limits. Possible dumpster locations discussed by council included the farmer’s market property on Summit Street, near the Co-Op store on East Main Street and possibly at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds.
In the same vein, Council Members Ken Gaddis and Rhonda Haight put forth the idea of the city beginning to conduct a regular small brush pick-up twice in the month of April and again during the fall after leaves have fallen in an effort to keep gutters and storm drains clear of debris.
The city will also conduct a Mayor’s Essay Contest during the week, which will be open to all elementary, middle, high school or home school students. Those participating in the essay contest should compose a 150 to 300-word essay centered around the topic of “If I were mayor, I would …”
Other discussed ideas for Georgia Cities Week included reaching out to Red Cross, the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, and Georgia Mountains Health about possibly conducting a blood drive, animal adoption fair and health fair, respectively.
Mayor Donna Whitener stated she had recently spoken to representatives from the local chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) who expressed interest in participating in a beautification project for the downtown area, which would include situating planters along the sidewalks near downtown businesses. Whitener explained the city would be responsible for the purchase of the planters and plants and “they (FFA) will put (the planters) together for us.”
When the mayor asked local business owner and President of the Blue Ridge Business Association (BRBA) Cesar Martinez of the number of planters he thought would be needed, Martinez said he felt 30 planters would be sufficient.
Regarding another area of downtown beautification, Martinez spoke to the council about the possibility of erecting standards along streets to display small flags or banners. Martinez stated several different types of banners could be produced displaying the various downtown events, such as Fire & Ice or Trout Fest, that take place throughout the year. He added if the city paid for the standards, the Chamber of Commerce and the BRBA would be willing to split costs with the city to produce the banners. Whitener stated she thought the standards ran around $25 a piece and Pam Fink, of the BRBA, said the cost to produce the flags would be around $35 per flag.
Martinez was told to put together a definite proposal to present to the council at a later date.
An update on the current Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project near Orchard Boulevard was given. The mayor stated the water infrastructure improvement project was scheduled to begin April 5. The council spoke of what to consider for the next CDBG project, and it was agreed that addressing the flooding issues near Ada Street should be the next project.
At the March 13 council meeting, Ben and Natalie Kissel, city residents who live in the Ada Street flood plain, talked with the council about recent flooding problems in that neighborhood. Gaddis reported that he along with a representative from Carter & Sloope, the city’s contracted engineering firm, visited the area Wednesday, March 21, to study the issue.
“There are some serious issues we’re having in flooding areas and we put together a pretty good game plan,” Gaddis explained. He added that surveyors from Carter & Sloope would be examining the area to determine which property owners would need to provide the city with easements to allow the city to move forward with a long-term improvement project. In the short-term, Gaddis stated the city could install storm culverts and water bumper rails to help direct water flow away from owners’ properties.
Whitener also mentioned the city could receive additional state funding assistance by pursuing a WaterFirst Community designation. The mayor said this application process typically takes about six to eight months. The designation is awarded to municipalities demonstrating a strong commitment to water resource stewardship by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
A project to construct a two, or possibly three, story downtown restroom facility near the depot was also discussed. According to Whitener, the existing plan to build a two-story facility would cost $450,000 and the city has already been approved for a $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant, leaving the city to pay the remaining $150,000. Fitts reported he had heard the cost would be in the range of $750,000.
After Martinez asked about a target date for finalizing plans for the restrooms, Mayor Whitener stated the city would know more after its meeting with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Wednesday about options for the ARC grant.
Auditions for Dearly Departed at Blue Ridge Community Theater
Community May 17, 2017
Dearly Departed
by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones
&
Tuesday, May 23
6 pm
Directed by Sonia Smith
Cast:
7+ Males
3+ Females
We can age up or down depending on the character.
BUD TURPIN – father
RAYNELLE – mother
RAY-BUD – oldest son
LUCILLE – Raybud’s wife
JUNIOR – second son
SUZANNE – Junior’s wife
MARGUERITE – Bud’s sister
ROYCE – Marguerite’s son
NORVAL – youngest son
REVEREND HOOKER –preacher
VEDA – elderly lady in town husband
NADINE – very young lady in town
CLYDE – Raybud’s boss
JUANITA – pretentious lady in town
THE JOY OF LIFE SINGERS
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays possible for scene work and full cast rehearsals
Show dates: July 13 – 30, 2017 (Thursday–Sunday)
Director Info:
Sonia Smith
[email protected]
Scripts will be available now.
Scenes from the play will be read during the audition or you may bring a prepared monologue of your choice.
Call the box office for information. 706-632-9223
Don’t Miss Beauty and The Beast!
Community January 31, 2017
Presents
February 3 – 12 Fri – Sat; 7:30 PM Sun; 2 PM
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Don’t miss the tale as old as time!
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2591 East First Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Call the box office at 706-632-9223 for more information or buy online at www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com |
Blue Ridge Community Theater 2017 Schedule. “The Count of Monte Cristo”
GMFTO December 23, 2016https://youtu.be/1PZ98PdMP2I
2017 at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Live music Back in the Saddle
Saturday, January 7th, 7:30 pm and The Band Kelley
Saturday, January 21st, 7:30 pm. Sunny D Children’s Theater presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast February 3 thru February 12. On the Main Stage “The Count of Monte Cristo” March 2 – March 19 Directed by: Joey Roderick. Auditions The Count of Monte Cristo
Adapted by Charles Morey from the novel by Alexandre Dumas January 9 & 10, 2017 6 pm
Find out more about how to auditions for upcoming productions at blueridgecommunitytheater.com