Local support groups offer hope to those suffering from grief
Community, News August 2, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The loss of a loved one is an experience that many people will encounter at some point in their life, and GriefShare is a weekly support group designed to help those in mourning better cope with what may be delibitating pain. Larry Tomlinson and George Dinsmore, Blairsville-based facilitators who were once participants in the faith-based program, shared information with the Mountain Movers & Shakers on the support group’s healing mission. GriefShare offers 14 weekly meetings with the final session devoted to a celebration of the lost loved one’s life.
Larry Tomlinson of GriefShare
Each meeting involves a three-tiered approach in dealing with the loss associated with the death of a loved one: a counselor-conducted video seminar, workbook studies, and support group discussions. “What you tell us in GriefShare stays there,” Tomlinson assured, adding that family members that jointly attend the program are encouraged to split into separate groups in order to allow each individual to open up freely. “We have found through experience that it’s better to separate family members.”
Dinsmore, who fondly recalled his “prepper” partnership with his late-wife, shared the emotional trauma and mental anguish that he experienced after losing his spouse to cancer. “We were prepared for everything. I was ready for everything, and then my wife died…I was so deep in the pit that I couldn’t function…Grief rewires your brain,” Dinsmore expressed. “I’m so committed to GriefShare and what it did for me.” Dinsmore attended two GriefShare series after the death of his wife, and has served as a support facilitator through 10 following seasons.
George Dinsmore of GriefShare
The initial 14-week GriefShare meeting will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, from 3:00-5:00 pm, at the First Baptist Church Ministry Center, Suite C, in Blairsville. For additional information, dial 706-745-2469.
McC0nnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee is scheduled to begin the fall series of GriefShare Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10 am to noon.
Participants are welcome to interchange locations if scheduling conflicts arise. Additional information on the GriefShare program is available by clicking this link.
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Clean Sweep week yields 240 bags of litter
Community, News April 28, 2018
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
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Area churches offer support for those suffering from grief
News January 2, 2019BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – A new session of GriefShare will begin on Sunday, Jan. 13, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church Ministry Center in Blairsville. Additionally, McConnell Baptist Church, located in Hiawassee, offers the grief support program.
The 14-week seminar is designed to support and assist those who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death. Advice from professionals is extended throughout the program. A $15 fee is requested although scholarships are available. For questions related to the program or to register in advance, contact First Baptist Church in Blairsville at 706-745-2469.
The reality of grief is that it cannot be avoided and working through the grieving process is necessary in order to heal. Throughout the process, many different emotions may be experienced – disappointment, sadness, anger, despair, fear, guilt – and support is often needed. Many people wonder if they are grieving the right way and if what they are experiencing is normal. There is no right or wrong way to grieve over loss.
In the 1970s, British psychiatrist Colin Murray Parkes and psychologist John Bowlby proposed a concept involving four stages or phases of grief. According to research, grief is often divided into stages: shock and numbness, search and yearning, disorganization/ disorientation, and reorganization/resolution. Sometimes the stages can overlap and those suffering may move back and forth between them. In some individuals, certain stages may not be experienced at all.
Hiawassee Police Chief visits McConnell Pre-K, shares Halloween safety tips
City Police, News October 27, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Halloween is just around the corner, and Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith took the opportunity to reach out to Pre-K students at McConnell Baptist Church, sharing Halloween safety tips with the children on Friday, Oct. 26.
“There were a couple of children who were initially frightened, but they warmed up to me by the end of my visit,” Chief Smith said, “It is always a delight to speak to a group of young children. They are always curious about the equipment that police officers wear.” Smith demonstrated how handcuffs operate with the cooperation of a teacher, much to the amusement of the children.
Chief Smith also discussed bike, vehicle, and gun safety with the class.
At the conclusion, the police chief gifted the students with reflective, candy-filled, trick-or-treat bags, safety tips, and police-themed coloring pages.
The City of Hiawassee will host their annual Halloween celebration, with candy booths for trick-or-treaters, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
This year’s event will be held on the wrap-around porch of the Towns County Courthouse, rather than Hiawassee Town Square.
The Old Rock Jail will transform into a haunted house attraction on Halloween night.
Admission is free.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts over 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 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.
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Love for the Lord and the Law of the Land
Business October 5, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Which words come to mind when asked to describe law enforcement? Narration of the enforcement of law? The preservation of peace? A balance of both?
In this day and age, the odds are stacked against “God” and “Love” making it to the top of the majority’s vocabulary list, yet that was the message bestowed upon graduates of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA), a 20-hour course sponsored by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
Pastor Steve Taylor of McConnell Baptist Church was the keynote speaker at the ceremony for the seventh edition class which took place on October 3, 2017, in the sanctuary of the majestic church on Main Street.
CLEA VII with Sheriff Chris Clinton and Pastor Steve Taylor
Dozens of graduates and guests gathered in the pews, seated in solemn silence, as Pastor Steve made mention of the Las Vegas tragedy that occurred mere days before, and his gratitude toward those willing to serve in support of peace officers.
The Pastor said he “understands why a program like [CLEA] is necessary. Law enforcement cannot do it alone.” Pastor Steve iterated the shared sentiments of Sheriff Chris Clinton, who listened among his supporters and staff, nodding in agreement throughout the lesson.
The solution to the strife returns to a wise Scripture, according to the Pastor’s teaching: Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Love God. All we do flows from there. And love people,” Pastor Steve Taylor emoted, “We see, but don’t say. We say, but don’t do…There’s confusion in society about what love is. We have to choose to love. Love is conduct, action. Not to get, but to give.”
Pastor Steve imparted his closing thoughts for the Sheriff, his staff, CLEA alumni, and graduates to ponder, “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
The keynotes were followed by a digital presentation of the 10-week journey the graduates traveled in order to arrive with certificates in hand, followed by kind words of appreciation from Sheriff Clinton.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton presents certificates to CLEA graduates. Pictured: Colonel Terry Conner and Pastor Steve Taylor
When asked, CLEA alumni David Marrella shared his thoughts on his dedicated public service. He answered with earnest, “It’s a way to give back. The Sheriff’s Office has always taken care of us. I want to give back to them.”
CLEA VII graduate, Richard Parkman, agreed with Mr. Marrella’s response. “I see it as an opportunity to become involved. I support [Sheriff] Chris [Clinton] and law enforcement. This is a people-oriented community.”
It was an event those in attendance are unlikely to forget.
Featured Image: (L-R)
CLEA alumni David Marrella, Pastor Steve Taylor, Sheriff Chris Clinton
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]
Hiawassee Police Share Halloween Safety Tips with Preschoolers
News October 14, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Preschoolers at McConnell Baptist Church received a visit from three local law enforcement officers on Friday, October 13. The Hiawassee Police Department offered Halloween tips to ensure the children’s safety.
Sergeant Tracy James and Officer Jordan Guffey bond with the class
Officer Jordan Guffey and Sergeant Tracy James sat down with the 4-year-old class while Detective Brandon Barrett spent time with the 3-year-olds.
Detective Barrett began by asking the children their thoughts on the role police officers play in society. Answers ranged from “catch bad guys, put people in jail, and write tickets.” Detective Barrett agreed that while true, he explained it’s also their job to “help keep people safe.”
The Hiawassee officers shared a wealth of Halloween safety advice with the preschoolers before inviting the group outside for an up close look at their police vehicles. To the delight of the children, the police officers flashed their patrol lights and sounded the sirens.
Detective Brandon Barrett offers safety tips to preschoolers
Featured image: Detective Brandon Barrett, Sergeant Tracy James, Officer Jordan Guffey
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]