Hamilton Gardens, Hiawassee’s hidden gem

Community, News
Hamilton Gardens

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Historical Society hosted a full house of guests interested in learning the history of Hamilton Gardens, a botanical paradise tucked away beside the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Executive Director of Hamilton Gardens, Grace Howard, offered a lively presentation of how the gardens were in the past, and what the board of nine members hope for in the future.

Howard, a fifth generation Towns Countian, began by sharing the fascinating foundation of the legacy gardens. Founded by Fred and Hazel Hamilton, the couple were collectors of native azaleas and rhododendrons, and propagators as well. “Many of the plants located in the gardens are hybrids from their work,” Hamilton Gardens’ website reads. “The  traveled extensively and added to their collection whenever possible, and maintained two spectacular gardens, one in Atlanta and one in Towns County. As they got older and maintenance of the gardens became more challenging, Mr. Hamilton began searching in Towns County for a location large enough to house the plants from his gardens. The perfect spot was found on property donated by the Tennessee Valley Authority to Towns County to be used by the county as a park. The present location is what became known as Hamilton Gardens, and was planted in 1981 with an initial 1,091 plants, most of which were rhododendrons and native azaleas. His only request was to maintain the gardens in perpetuity and to keep them open to the public.”

Hamilton Gardens

Flame azelas in bloom

Christened official botanical gardens by state legislature in 2000, Howard said that the gardens now boasts between 1500-1800 plants. The mission of the gardens is to “restore, preserve, and enhance” the 33 acre land.

Howard deemed Feb. 2016 historic, as the non-profit assumed the management of the hidden paradise, and began immediately reaching out to the community for involvement. Clay County Master Gardener Volunteer Association redesigned the rugged entryway, Enotah Garden Club freshened overgrown beds, and repairs on bridges, paths, and a water wheel ensued. The gardens now flourish, but Howard said that it is an ongoing project of updating and maintaining the land.

Future plans include greenhouse restoration, updating the irrigation system, building a concert stage, improving trails, and advancing plant identification efforts.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens (Photo Credit: Hamilton Gardens website)

“We want to be a year-round garden,” Howard explained, describing the beauty of each season while showing photo slides. The executive director informed of upcoming events, and touched on the strategic plan that the board recently created. Sustainable funding is a major goal, Howard said, adding that she hopes that the community will join in support. “Truth be told, it belongs to all of us.”

Additional information can be found on Hamilton Gardens’ website.

 

 

 

Clean Sweep week yields 240 bags of litter

Community, News
JC Berrong

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Clean Sweep week proved to be a success, resulting in a cleaner environment for Towns County. The annual event took place from April 16 through 21, corresponding with Earth Day.

Left to right: J.C. Berrong, Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, and Pastor Steve Taylor of McConnell Baptist Church.

Volunteers donated their time by clearing the roadways of litter and attending a gratitude dinner hosted by Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw April 24, 2018, at the Towns County Recreation Center. Pizza and soft drinks were served, complements of the commission’s office.

A total of 240 bags of litter were collected.

J.C. Berrong promoted and organized the Clean Sweep week. Commissioner Bradshaw honored Berrong with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service.

Cash prizes of $200 were awarded in three categories for the most trash collected by an individual, a church or business, and a club or organization.

Henry Chambers, who yielded the largest amount in the individual category, along with the City of Hiawassee, who joined in effort with Hamilton Gardens, donated their prizes to the local Boy Scouts.

Featured photo: J.C. Berrong

Hiawasee Mayor Liz Ordiales proudly displays award

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]

Commissioner Bradshaw Updates Community on Economy

News

Hiawassee, GA – Towns County Movers and Shakers held their weekly meeting on Friday, September 22, at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee. The featured speakers were Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Hiawassee City Council candidate, Patsy Owens.

Commissioner Bradshaw updated the group on local economic developments.

“The national economy has improved and we’re seeing the effects in Towns County. Our financial state is very good. The county is on budget and in some cases, under budget. Tourism is drawing a considerable amount of income and we’ve seen an 8.9% increase since 2007,” Commissioner Bradshaw said.

Towns County benefitted from tourism in the amount of $48,780,000 in 2016 alone. Tourism provided a tax break of $862.23 per household in 2016, an increase from $735.71 in 2015.

Real estate sales have also expanded with 219 homes sold by a single agency since the start of 2017.

Commissioner Bradshaw says he’s working closely with the Towns County Chamber of Commerce as well as the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and hopes to see events held every “good weather weekend.”

Grace Howard, President of Hamilton Gardens, praised the Commissioner’s “unbelievable cooperation” and announced a fundraiser will be held at Hamilton Gardens on Monday, October 23, sponsoring the “Daffodil Project.” The Holocaust Commission hopes to plant a daffodil in memory of each of the 1.5 million children’s lives lost. Hamilton Gardens would like to meet a goal of 500 bulbs planted in the Garden’s Memorial section by December. A dedication ceremony will be held on December 10, 2017.  It is a nonpolitical, nondenominational event, and a survivor of the Holocaust is expected to speak.

The Hiawassee City Council candidate forum will take place on Monday, October 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse. Fetch Your News will provide coverage of the event along with information on each candidate.

Early voting begins on October 16, 2017.

 

 

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]

 

 

 

 

“Saving Georgia’s Hemlocks” at Hamilton Gardens

Upcoming Events
Hamilton Gardens Hhiawassee

Hiawassee, GA – “Saving Georgia’s Hemlocks” is the topic of the next “Let’s Get Growing” gardening lecture series at Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee.

The program will be presented at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Hamilton Garden Pavilion, located within the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, by Donna Shearer, chair of the “Save Georgia’s Hemlocks” Association. Her presentation will focus on the pests that are attacking the hemlock trees, and the practical and realistic measures that can be taken by the home gardener to help preserve them.

Hamilton Gardens Hiawassee

Hamilton Gardens, located atop the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

An invasive insect called the wooly adelgid is putting one of our most majestic evergreen trees in grave peril. Thousands of these beautiful trees have already died in northeast Georgia where the infestation first entered the state 15 years ago. The remaining trees are in great danger of the same fate unless they are protected.

Ms. Shearer will present the most up-to-date- information about this critical situation, and will suggest options and actions that are available to home owners who have hemlocks growing on their property. Loss of the hemlocks is not only diminishing the beauty and value of the native landscape, but is impacting the environmental health of the forests and waterways.

Unless action is taken, most of these trees will be lost, and the result will be devastating.

The “Let’s Get Growing” gardening lecture series is offered on the first and third Fridays of the month as part of Hamilton Gardens’ community outreach education programs.

These rain-or-shine programs are free, open to the public, and are designed for both the new and experienced gardener

For additional information, call Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge – 706-970-0011.

Santa Claus was back in town for second annual “Light Up Hiawassee”

Community, News
HIawassee Police DEpartment

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Jolly old Saint Nick took time out of his busy holiday schedule to make an appearance at “Light Up Hiawassee” on Thursday, Dec. 6, arriving on town square in style by fire engine, escorted by Towns County Fire and Rescue, and Hiawassee Police Department.

The festivities began at 4 p.m. with cookie decorating and rock painting activities for the children, followed by a golf cart parade, as merry music set the mood of the season. Towns County Red Cross volunteers served coffee and hot chocolate, and VFW Post 7807 offered hot dogs, refreshments, and select merchandise.

Nancy Noblet

Hiawassee Councilwoman and event organizer Nancy Noblet poses with Santa

Luminary candles bordered the sidewalks in honor of the local children assisted by the Enotah CASA program throughout the year, with CASA Chair Liz Ruf briefly addressing the crowd.

A mailbox for letters to Santa sat center on Hiawassee Square, at the ready to accept requests from wishful children. Hamilton Gardens extended a host of pointsettia plants for purchase.

Light Up Hiawassee

A young boy decorates a cookie during the event

Shortly before Santa’s arrival at dusk, Mayor Liz Ordiales counted down the illumination of the square, and the heart of Hiawassee magically transformed into a winter wonderland at the flick of the switch.

The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, postponed due to unfavorable weather.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee counties in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching 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]

 

 

Hamilton Gardens announces Holocaust daffodil project

Upcoming Events
Hamilton Gardens

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hamilton Gardens invites the community to participate in the dedication of the Children’s Memorial Daffodil Garden at Hamilton Gardens Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. This special garden is part of an international initiative which aspires to plant 1.5 million daffodil bulbs in memory of the children who died in the Holocaust.

The Hamilton Gardens board team has been working with the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust for several years to bring this project to Towns County and is proud to be a part of this movement. The ceremony will be brief. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from a child survivor of the Holocaust about his experience and speak with him after the dedication.

A special part of the day will include the actual planting of the daffodil bulbs in memory of a lost child for anyone who chooses to participate. Come and bring your children and grandchildren. The dedication will be held at the Paris Pavilion in Hamilton Gardens, located at the top of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. This is an outdoor venue, so dress warmly. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 706 970-0011

 

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]

 

 

Full Moon Concert Series at Hamilton Gardens

Community

Click on image to enlarge

Commissioner Bradshaw recites First Reading of Resolution Amending TC Code of Ordinances for roads and streets; Towns County has 20 Firewise Communities

News

Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw convened the April Towns County Meeting on April 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Courthouse.

Bradshaw recited the First Reading of a Resolution amending Towns County Code of Ordinances as follows:

COMES NOW, the Sole Commissioner of Towns County, Georgia and amends the Code of Ordinances of Towns County, Georgia, as adopted May 15, 2015. To such end, Chapter 40, Article V, Section 40-140 is amended as follows:

1. Section 40-140 Streets, right-of-way. (1) Public Streets (f) is struck in its entirety and the following is inserted: No public access streets will be accepted by the county until such time as they are paved and meet all other requirements. Further, acceptance of a road into the Towns County Road System is at the discretion of the Sole Commissioner and at his/her determination of the public interest served by the subject road. Any application for consideration of acceptance of a road into the Towns County Road System shall be in the form as designated by the Commissioner.

2. Section 40-140 Streets, right-of-way. (1) Private Roads (e) is struck in its entirety and the following is inserted: No private roads will be accepted by the county until such time as they are paved and meet all other requirements. Further, acceptance of a road into the Towns County Road System is at the discretion of the Sole Commissioner and at his/her determination of the public interest served by the subject road. In addition, prior to any consideration for acceptance as a public road the reason or impediment for any street or right-of-way having been declared a private road must first be cured, abolished or corrected. Any application for consideration of acceptance of a road into the Towns County Road System shall be in the form as designated by the Commissioner.

3. Section 40-226 Exemption for bona fide intra-family transfers. (b)(2) amended by adding
paragraph (f): Grantor is an estate or representative of an estate or of a decedent and the division is in accordance with the terms of a probated Last Will and Testament; division by agreement of the heirs-at-law or named beneficiaries; or the laws of descent and distribution.

Frank M. Riley, Jr.

Frank M. Riley, Jr.

Georgia Firewise Liaison and Executive Director of the Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Council Frank M. Riley, Jr. addressed the Meeting with an update on recent happenings. Riley said he has been working on the Fire Adapted Communities Project that the Council administers in Towns County. He said a Fire Adapted Community is one where all components are in place such that the effects of a wildfire are minimized. He said that out of 91 Firewise communities in Georgia, 20 of them are in Towns County. He said, as a result, in the past three years Fannin County has had 77 wildfires (no Firewise Communities), Union County has had 54 wildfires (1 Firewise Community), and Towns County has had only nine (9) wildfires (20 Firewise Communities). Riley said this is a testament to the group efforts of the residents, Towns County Fire Department, Forest Service and others in Firewise Communities in Towns County. Riley mentioned several programs and upcoming conferences and meetings in Georgia, many of which can be found through the Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Website. He said May 6 will be National Firewise Wildfire Preparedness Day on the Square in Hiawassee.

In his Commissioner’s Report, Bradshaw started by saying: “Everything is going good in the County”. He encouraged residents and visitors alike to visit Hamilton Gardens this time of year. He said the beach is now open and new sand will be delivered, he thought, the following day. He said the bathrooms are open. The official opening of the beach, he said, when the concessions begin operation, will be announced soon. He announced new hours for Foster Park; that is, the gym, walking track and workout room, as of May 1, 2017, will open one hour earlier at 8: a.m.

He announced that the County had put out a proposal to different appraisal companies for rural land schedules for the upcoming year, 2018, to help stay in line with the state codes and facilitate more accurate assessments by the Tax Assessors Office. Bradshaw said Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions and Services (GMASS) has been chosen for this project at a price of $55,850.

Bradshaw also announced that he had met with Georgia Forestry about converting an old campground off Sunnyside Rd. (GA 288) to handicap-accessible walking trails, running trails, fishing piers, workout stations and possibly renewing the boat ramp and improving the parking. He said there is grant money available to do this project, but lots of preliminary paperwork and approvals to get which will take some time.

Bradshaw proclaimed April 2017 as Donate Life Month in Towns County, which coincides with April 2017 being National Donate Life Month. This was done to recognize the LifeLink Foundation and celebrate the work they do in saving lives by providing transplant recipients with organs and tissue allographs. One needs only to designate themselves as an organ donor on their Georgia Drivers License or Georgia ID card.

Finance Director Andrea Anderson, at Bradshaw’s request, recited a second reading of a Resolution setting terms for the Towns County Board of Assessors:

COMES NOW, the Sole Commissioner of Towns County, Georgia and amends the Code of Ordinances of Towns County, Georgia, as adopted May 15, 2015. To such end, Chapter 2, Article IV, Section 2-322 is struck in its entirety and the following is inserted:

1. The Towns County Board of Tax Assessors shall consist of three members, who shall be residents of the county and shall be appointed by the Sole Commissioner of Towns County.

2. The requirements for qualifications for Tax Assessors are set forth in O.C.G.A. § 48-5-291(a); and each Tax Assessor appointed by the Sole Commissioner of Towns County shall comply with the same.

3. Each Tax Assessor shall be required to remain comply with the educational requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 48-5-291(b), as may be amended.

4. The provision in O.C.G.A. § 48-5-292, gives the Sole Commissioner of Towns County the authority to select the length of terms of office for members of the Board of Tax Assessors by resolution. In the resolution, all new appointments and reappointments shall be for the term lengths specified in the resolution; however, such resolution shall not have the effect of shortening or extending the terms of office of the current members of the Board of Assessors whose terms have not yet expired. As there are no specified terms of appointment within
Section 2-322, the Commissioner hereby adopts the terms as stated for the current appointed
members and establishes the successor terms as follows: As to the term of the existing member appointed for a six (6) year term to run from October 26, 2016 until October 26, 2021; upon expiration of said term the successive Term shall begin on October 27, 2021 and continue for a period of four (4) years with successive four (4) year terms appointed thereafter; As to the term of the existing member appointed for a four (4) year term to run from November 17, 2016 until November 16, 2020; upon expiration of said term the successive terms hall begin on November 17, 2020 and continue for a period of four (4) years with successive four (4) year terms appointed thereafter; As to the term of the existing member appointed for a four (4) year term to run from January 19, 2017 until January 18, 2020; upon expiration of said term the first successive term shall begin on January 19, 2020 and continue for a period of three (3) years until January 18, 2023 with the successive terms being four (4) year terms appointed thereafter;

5. Following any vacancy on the Board of Tax Assessors of Towns County, Georgia, the Sole
Commissioner shall appoint, or reappoint, a qualified member to fill any such vacancy within forty five (45) days of said vacancy and ensure that each appointed, or reappointed, member has taken the oath as required by law;

6. All Sections of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-290 through O.C.G.A. § 48-5-314 pertaining to the Board of Tax Assessors are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of Chapter 2, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances of Towns County, Georgia, as adopted May 15, 2015, as if specifically set forth herein.

This Resolution was adopted.

Jerry Taylor and Holly Tiger were appointed to the Towns County Library Board.

Bill Hyatt receives Award from Commissioner Bradshaw

Bill Hyatt receives Award from Commissioner Bradshaw

Wes Hooper receives Award from Commissioner Bradshaw

Wes Hooper receives Award from Commissioner Bradshaw

Retirement Awards were given by Bradshaw and Towns County for their years of service to Towns County to former Towns County 911 Director Laura Stamey (not present), former Towns County Recreation Director Wes Hooper and former Towns County Road Department Mechanic Bill Hyatt. Bradshaw said each one of them had given large parts of their lives in service to Towns County and that they were appreciated. Cake and coffee was served after the Meeting in their honor.

With no Public Comments made and no further business to conduct the Meeting adjourned.

Radio host joins Towns County Movers and Shakers as moderator

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It’s a new year, and the Towns County Mountain Movers & Shakers is off to a fresh start, recently adding EXtreme Carolina radio host Michael Levi Borkman to its list of weekly moderators. The group of concerned citizens meet each Friday morning at 8 a.m. at the Sundance Grill in Hiawassee.

Michael Borkman, a charismatic gentleman who enjoys making newcomers feel welcome, says the group is moving in a positive direction and looks forward to further involvement with the community.

Mountain Movers & Shakers exists to increase local political awareness, address direct concerns from citizens, improve the the community as a whole, and assist the Towns County school system to foster a better climate for youth. While the group describes themselves as “noticeably conservative in philosophy,” they maintain a non-partisan posture. Weekly meetings are open to all political persuasions, religious affiliations, and creeds.

Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw

Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw updated the community on the county’s thriving tourism at a recent meeting

Over the years, Movers & Shakers has logged an extensive amount of community service while providing thousands of dollars to fund various community projects. The participants co-sponsored three public candidate forums during the 2016 election cycle, placed poll watchers at voting precincts, improved the appearance of both the east and west entrances into Towns County, raised $4000 for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) along with other high school programs, provided funds for “Quilts for Valor”, and participated in Towns County Clean Sweep week in an effort to curb litter the area. Their contributions also include the provision of expert voluntary personnel at the high school and the development of annual youth leadership speech training which begins a new cycle on Jan. 25.

Movers & Shakers welcomes speakers from all walks of life, encouraging individuals to share what their organization is doing in Towns and surrounding counties. Because there are no officers, a different person acts as the moderator each week conducting the meeting.

Breakfast is available for purchase to enjoy while listening to the scheduled speakers. On occasion, the meeting will be devoted solely to upcoming project discussion.

For additional information, contact Michael Borkman at [email protected]

Featured Photo: Michael Levi Borkman

 

Grace Howard, of Hamilton Gardens, at a 2017 meeting

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]

 

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