Progressive Dahlonega

OffbeatTravel.com Announces Its Top Five Offbeat Towns for 2008, (Dahlonega included)

2008-02-22T12:00:00.002-02:00

Since 2000 OffbeatTravel.com has been seeking out offbeat towns and underknown places to visit. Now this acclaimed travel information website has named its Top Five Offbeat Travel Towns for 2008.

For Immediate Release February, 2008

For More InformationContact: Neala Schwartzberg Phone: 516 353-5300Email: Neala@OffbeatTravel.comwww.OffbeatTravel.com

OffbeatTravel.com Announces Its Top Five Offbeat Towns for 2008 “This is our inaugural offering of the top five offbeat places to visit over the next 12 months,” said Neala Schwartzberg, publisher of the respected website www.OffbeatTravel.com.

“We thought it was time – we had all these interesting, unusual, quirky towns and wanted to let travelers know about them” said Schwartzberg. “We like the small gems, the places fewer people have experienced, but many would enjoy,” said Schwartzberg.
This will be a yearly offering. “We’re making this an annual list,” said Schwartzberg, “so each year there will be new cities and towns we think people will want to visit.”

The first list highlights some of the most interesting and quirky towns in the country. Each year, newly discovered hidden hideaways will be revealed, Schwartzberg announced.

The towns for 2008 (in alphabetical order) are:

Dahlonega, Georgia – This historic gold rush town offers a charming downtown, great range of lodging, an excellent community theater, and family friendly activities from panning for gold and gold mine tours to kangaroos visits. Read more about Dahlonega, Georgia

Fort Collins, Colorado – A town with five breweries including the award-winning New Belgium Brewery, and the quirky found metal sculptures of Bill Swets, situated in the foothills of the Rockies appeals to visitors on several levels. Beer, folk art, and natural beauty make this town a winning combination. Read more about Fort Collins, Colorado

Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii – In addition to the friendly, hippie feel of this north coast Kauai town, there is the breath-taking beauty of Hanalei Bay. Add to this luxury accommodations, fun shopping, and soft adventure activities. It’s off the beaten path... for now. We expect this to change. Read more about Kauai, Hawaii

Moline, Illinois – The city of Moline is John Deere central – complete with Deere family homes, the world headquarters for Deere & Company, John Deere Pavilion, and the Collectors Center, even the John Deere Plaza in the center of town. It’s all unexpectedly good fun, especially climbing up the metal behemoth farm equipment. Read more about Moline, Illinois

Taos, New Mexico – When people hear Taos, they think of high-priced ski resorts, but down the mountain is the actual town of Taos. This is a small walkable town with some of the most innovative art in New Mexico and some of the spiciest history. The Taos pueblo is one of the oldest and is open to public for visits. Read more about Taos, New Mexico

For More InformationContact: Neala Schwartzberg Phone: 516 353-5300Email: Neala@OffbeatTravel.comwww.OffbeatTravel.com

The Beetle Battle Paddle to Help Save the Hemlocks

2008-02-08T00:02:00.000-02:00

The Beetle Battle Paddle
A benefit to help save the Hemlock Trees

Saturday, March 29, 2008
(9:00am-2:00pm) -Note: these are put-in times; must be off river by 5:00pm

Appalachian Outfitters (www.canoegeorgia.com) and the Lumpkin Coalition will be hosting The Beetle Battle Paddle on March 29th. A fun way to help save the Hemlocks! Boat rentals and shuttles for the lower section of the Chestatee River (self-guided) will be offered at the regular rates with 100% of the proceeds going to the hemlock tree defense efforts.

Canoes and double sit-on-top kayaks are $43 and single kayaks are $28. These costs include gear rental and shuttle fees. Shuttles are $10/personal boat. The average float/paddle time for this section is 2.5 hours with plenty of flexibility. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in our outpost picnic area or half way down river on a river beach. This is a wonderful opportunity to give while having a great time.

To find out more details or make reservations you may visit their website (www.canoegeorgia.com) or call 706-864-7117.

Washington Peace March Cancelled

2008-01-21T15:30:00.000-02:00

This message relates to the previous posting regarding the peace march, war protest in DC.

I am sorry to announce that the Peace Demonstration and March on the 15th of March, 2008 as called by A.n.s.w.e.r. has been canceled.
Iraq Veterans Against the War requested all national coalitions to NOT hold a march because IVAW is conducting "Winter Soldier" hearings from march 13-16 in DC
with veterans testifying to the criminal nature of the war and occupation. Iraq Veterans Against the War are hoping to have the total attention of the media on that day in DC.

I will continue to monitor A.N.S.W.E.R. and Troops Out Now watching for a peace march call on a national level. Please watch and let others know that our Iraq Veterans Against the War “Winter Soldier” hearings need our attention. Make sure everyone knows of this historic event. I suggest tuning into Amy Goodman on Democracy Now democracynow.org via cable or internet down load.

There will be a national call for a peace demonstration in the near future so do not loose your enthusiasm.

Peace
Bob Billings

Bus to War Protest in Washington For Dahlonega Residents

2008-01-16T19:35:00.000-02:00

A local group from this area frequently attends the peace marches in Washington DC. Bob Billings is the local organizer and provided the following information.

A.N.S.W.E.R.
Act Now To Stop War and End Racism

This is a call to everyone in North Georgia who would like to march, help someone else get to this march or help find someone to go either in your place or with you on the bus.
Help Make History on the 5th Anniversary of the War
Join us on Saturday, March 15th for a massive demonstration in Washington, D.C., at which we will exercise our rights to assemble and speak on behalf of the majority of Americans, the majority of Iraqis, the majority of U.S. troops, and the majority of people around the world who all say: U.S. Out of Iraq! This gathering will support the Iraq Veterans Against The War Winter Soldier Testimonial.

I am filling seats to this Historic March now. Bus tickets round trip are $90.00. We carpool from Lumpkin, White and Habersham Counties to the Wal-Mart parking lot in Commerce, GA just off I-85 on Friday March 14th, 2008 and depart from Commerce bound for D.C. around 8:00 PM. We ride together all night stopping several times for breaks and food, arriving just outside of Washington D.C. the next morning. We will enter the city via the subway system and will assemble at a point to be determined on the mall. A.N.S.W.E.R.’s goal is to make this a million person march. We will meat up with the buses again Saturday evening and return to Commerce, GA around 8:00 AM Sunday morning.

Please make a contribution to help others go on this March, sponsor someone in your place, go yourself and most importantly help find others who will go. We need marchers and contributions to insure that no one who wants to go is left behind.

I have 40 seats reserved with the Atlanta International Action Center who is organizing and providing buses to this Historic event. This War is about to enter its 6th Year, Please march with us for Peace and Just for all.

Email me with what you can do, GO, Support someone else who wants to go, find others to go with you or in your place. Please we only have weeks before this event takes place and 11 of the 40 seats are already booked. If your response is so great we will add more buses.

Email me at rcbillings2@windstream.net for more information or to reserve your seat.

Bob Billings - Bus Organizer

Southeast Convergence for Climate Action

2007-07-19T23:48:00.000-02:00

This is an event that Progressive Dahlonegan's may want to consider attending.

NIRS (Nuclear Information & Resource Service) is proud to invite you to participate in the
August 8 – 14 Southeast Convergence for Climate Action
www.climateconvergence.org (select Southeast) at a Secluded site near Asheville, NC

Social Justice * Energy Justice * Climate Justice * Non-violence * Democracy skills
Week-long intergenerational training retreat (“Action Camp”) — learn about false solutions to climate change (“clean coal” and nuclear) — build real-world skills for real climate solutions; organizing; action.

Registration required – come for all or part. Low cost ($50 -- $100, sliding scale)...scholarships available. Meals and tent camping included in registration OR stay in area motels; limited Asheville home-stays possible. To register please visit: http://www.climateconvergence.org/southeast/index.php

Daily Activities: intensive workshops on anti-oppression, basics and advanced issues in energy, environment, climate, local/global sustainability, democracy skills
all issue sessions will include strategic thinking and planning, spanning local to global
community time, shared chores, yoga, evening campfire, music

Panels/Workshops include:

Confronting False Solutions to Climate Change including “clean coal” and nuclear power
Anti-oppression leadership training
Strategic Campaign building
Grandparents of our movement telling stories of past victories
Nukes 101, Fossil Fuels 101, Organizing 101
Global Nuclear Energy Partnership and its Global Mobile Chernobyl
Countering mountain top removal and challenging expanding coal energy plans
Principles of non-violent activism
Climbing and other action skills
Making big puppets
Homegrown sustainability – wind, solar, energy efficiency, permaculture, small hydro, small biofuels
…and more!

Cosponsors include:
Southern Energy Network www.climateaction.net/
Nuclear Information and Resource Service www.nirs.org
Mountain Justice Summer
Energy Justice Summer http://energyjustice.net/ejs/
Asheville Rising Tide
Rising Tide North America http://risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/category/front-page/
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League www.bredl.org
Nuclear Watch South www.nonukesyall.org
The Canary Coalition www.canarycoalition.org

Please register – come for all or part -- http://www.climateconvergence.org/southeast/index.php
More information: Mary Olson NIRS Southeast Office 828-675-1792 – or nirs@main.nc.us

Through July 31, 2007, all web donors to NIRS will receive a free Ani DiFranco CD (Live at Carnegie Hall). Donate now and get some great music while supporting NIRS efforts to prevent new atomic reactors and build a sustainable energy future.

* * * *
NIRS is now on myspace! Join us at http://www.myspace.com/nonukesnirs

Revival Gardens Certified Organic Produce

2007-07-12T12:48:00.000-02:00

Dahlonega is fortunate to have, Revival Gardens, a certified organic vegetable farm nearby.

Current produce available include:

Potatoes (Yukon Gold) $1.50lb
Yellow Squash $1.50lb,
Zucchini $1.50
Okra $3.00lb
Pickling Cucumbers 4/$1.00
Cherokee Purple tomatoes $3.00lb
Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Chives and Garlic Chives, Shiso, and French Taragon $1.50 bunch
Swiss Chard $2.50 bunch
Green Peppers .75 each
Jalapeno Peppers 4/$1.00

Place your orders and pick-up this Saturday 9-10AM at the garden (they will also be conducting an invertebrate sampling/count from10AM. Let them know if you and your kids, nieces, nephews, neighbors' kids can attend this fun seasonal activity.

RSVP for their annual Mid-Summer Harvest Dinner, Saturday, July 21, 6:30-8:30PM$12.00 per person; bring your own drinks and glasses (tentative menu is Tempura, cold Buckwheat Noodles,and other summer garden delicacies)

Contact Joe and Sayuri at Revival Gardens, www.worldclass.net/gardens for more information.

Happenings at Dahlonega Healing Arts Center

2007-07-11T13:18:00.000-02:00

The Dahlonega Healing Arts Center has the following activities for individuals in the area.

Spiritual Cinema Movie Night: First Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. Join Penny for some uplifting and thought provoking movies. A different movie is shown each month, on a variety of topics. Call her to find out what movie she will be showing this next month or just stop by! Cost: Love offering.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi: Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings

Yoga: Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Call Penny for days, times and cost.

Meditation and Chanting: on Monday evenings at 6:00. Cost: Love offering.

(For information and costs call Penny at Dahlonega Healing Arts: 706-867-7026)

Special Screening of One (The Movie) 7/26/2007

2007-07-11T13:11:00.000-02:00

Mystic Gifts & Treasures at 21 N. Grove Street, Suite D, in Dahlonega is presenting a special screening of ONE (The Movie) "A Contemporary Journey Toward A Timeless Destiny"

Thursday, July 26th at 7:00 pm

Armed with only a mail-ordered video camera, a list of 20 questions, and two friends, this unlikely first time film maker set out in search of the meaning of life. Miraculously, they are joined on their quest by many of the world's most renowned spiritual leaders, authors, icons, and masters of our time period.

The film maker's remarkable venture with the answer to life's ultimate question in a cinematic journey that may just transform your way of seeing the world....as ONE.

FEATURING:
Deepak Chopra, Ram Das, Thich Nhat Hanh, Father Thomas Keating, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Riane Eisler, Robert Thurman, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudez, The voice of His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee and many more!

Cost: Free

For more information contact: Mystic Gifts and Treasures, 21 N. Grove Street, Suite D
Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706)864-9018
Email: mysticgifts@windstream.net

New Urbanism in Dahlonega

2007-06-30T21:30:00.000-02:00

The GMUUC Social Action Conversation Cafe led by Dr. David Broad generated some great discussion on various ways that Dahlonega could improve some of the principles of New Urbanism. Some of the information was taken from http://www.newurbanism.org

Some of those principles discussed included:

Walkability- Pedestrian friendly street design and most things within a 10 minute walk of home and work. Dahlonega has a great opportunity to incorporate this principle with the new grant mentioned by Joel Cordle, Downtown Development Authority Director, to add sidewalks in conjunction with NGCSU to make the area more friendly to walkers. Bike paths would also be a great thing as well.
Connectivity- A interconnected street grid network that disperses traffic and eases walking.
Mixed Use and Diversity- A mix of shops, offices and apartments on site. Mixed use within neighborhoods. Would it be nice if Dahlonega had a Seaside, Florida type of development that was designed to promote shop owners to live above their stores, encouraged housing within walking distance to the historic square. It can be done with proper vision, planning and leadership. Such a development appears to be happening in Woodstock, Georgia at http://www.hedgewoodhomes.com/community.asp?communityID=27.
Traditional Neighborhood Structure- Public space at center. Discernible center and edge. Importance of quality public realm. The city has mentioned that they would like to take control of the main road going around the historic square. It is now controlled by the State of Georgia. What if the historic square was modified to allow for more pedestrian interaction by making the current parking near the historic courthouse into pedestrian areas with benches, landscaped areas, areas for entertainment. Parking could occur behind the shops. The area could have musical concerts and other entertainment that would also draw more people to the businesses. My wife is from Cape May, New Jersey, and years ago they basically closed down main street for a pedestrian only mall. It created a great people friendly space.

These are only some ideas and sure other may have many more. Now is the time to make plans to make Dahlonega even more special in terms of that small town atmosphere. In the future these possibilities may be impossible to implement because the land and resources may not be available.

Dahlonega Featured In US News and World Report

2007-06-05T12:55:00.000-02:00

Dahlonega was featured in US News and World Report Magazine as a great place to live and retire. A retired banker from California was mentioned and cites the reasons he decided to locate to Dahlonega. He mentioned the real estate bargains as one reason he and his wife moved. Also mentioned was "When retirees aren't bird-watching, horseback riding, or canoeing, they can attend classes at North Georgia College and State University free of charge, tour any of the five local wineries, attend a movie or performance at the historic Holly Theatre, or even pan for gold and keep what they find."

When we lived in Colorado we noticed that Californians were moving to Colorado as well. We know of others from the west coast that have relocated to Dahlonega.

I guess Dahlonega is not just for southerners any more. A progressive change is in the air.

"Dahlonega: It's Not Just For Tourists Anymore"

2007-05-28T13:45:00.000-02:00

GMUUC Social Action Conversation Cafe will meet Wednesday 7-9PM, June 13, 2007, at the Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church, 439 S. Park Street, Dahlonega.

Dr. David Broad, NGCSU chair of the sociology and psychology department, will lead a discussion on: "Dahlonega: It's not just for tourists anymore."

This topic will focus on new urbanism principles, such as population density, walkability, architectural preservation and encouragement of quality new building of public places, quality education, etc.

This is a very timely and important topic for Dahlonega since the area is experiencing growth and people relocating from the Atlanta area and across the country.

Join us with your ideas of what we want for our hometown and how to turn those ideas into realities that benefit our community. Bringing cookies, sodas, and other goodies to share will be appreciated.

For more information and directions visit www.gmuuc.org

Creativity Key to Economic Growth

2007-05-27T18:42:00.000-02:00

We just received our June 2007 issue to Ode Magazine, www.odemagazine.com.

It contained a small article about the research conducted by US economist, Richard Florida, on the "creative class". His findings were very interesting.

He states that "creativity is key to economic growth". He developed a creativity index to rank various US cities and "found that cities with happening nightlife, diversity, lots of young people, thriving gay culture and lively musical scenes scored the highest". These are the "places that attract hip innovators".

Dahlonega for a small town is showing signs of improvement in these areas as well. Crimson Moon and other establishments are featuring some great nightlife as evidenced by the vitality downtown. Greater diversity is also becoming more evident. Artists are moving to the area.

We have witnessed some very positive changes since we moved here about five years ago. I predict the creative side of Dahlonega to grow even more and bring economic growth.

Dahlonega's CSA- Community Sponsored Agriculture

2007-05-16T16:37:00.000-02:00

I recently just finished Michael Pollan's book, "The Ominivore's Dilemma." The book is about the food we eat in America, how it is processed, transported and where it comes from. I checked it out of our Lumpkin County Library.

Today many of us are becoming more aware about the impact of our food production on the environment and global warming. Organically grown food once was part of the vegetarian sector but now becoming more mainstream. You can even find an organic section at the Dahlonega Walmart. Unfortunately most of Walmart's organics originate from across the country which takes a great deal of fossil fuel for transport. My wife and I visited the Whole Foods Market in Sandy Springs yesterday and noticed many of their products travel great distances.

Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) farms are popular in many parts of the country. They enable a family or individual to purchase a share of the produce grown by a local farmer. The consumer benefits through fresher food, knowing where and how it is grown and paying a set price for the subscription. Weekly pick ups are arranged with the farmer and the contents varies with what is grown at a particular time. If the share contains more vegetables than needed by a particular family it may be shared with another.

The farmer benefits from the CSA by knowing what is planted will be purchased. The farmer also is able to educate the consumer or purchaser of the share how the vegetable is grown. A relationship with the farmer occurs that benefits both parties.

The environment benefits from a CSA since the food is grown locally. No need to transport the vegetables for great distances that require fossil fuels and adds to global warming. Many CSA's use organic principles. No use of pesticides, herbicides and dangerous chemicals that can damage the ecosystem and watersheds.

Revival Gardens, a local organic farm west of Dahlonega, has a CSA program starting in July. To find out more information on this innovative and progressive program visit http://www.localharvest.org/csadrops.jsp?id=8804.

Support our local CSA farm in Dahlonega.

Garden Expo May 19th & 20th

2007-05-09T19:39:00.000-02:00

Using native plants in your landscape is great for the environment. They require less water than other plants. Often insects are not attracted to native plants either. They also require less fertilizer and care in many cases. Progressive Dahlonegan's now have the opportunity to learn more about native plants in the area.

If more homeowners would give up the traditional fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide loaded lawns our environment would benefit. They would also require less frequent watering which is very important this time of year.

Native plants and wildflower lawns are a great solution.

Visit the Garden Expo May 19 & 20 in Dahlonega

This event held by the Master Gardeners of Lumpkin will be held in Handcock Park (just off the square in Dahlonega. The Expo includes a large plant and seed sale and speakers presenting programs on various topics. Also available at the festival will be a demonstration garden of native plants, wildflower walks, and children's activities. Activities include plant sale and clinic, garden related displays and information, children’s gardening activities, wildflower walk, Propogating Native Plants program (Doug Cain, Master Gardener), Making Trough Gardens, seed starting, problem plants program, and Growing Native Plants program..

Contact Todd and Amy Strickland, Hummingbird Lane 706-864-5991 E-mail: hummingbirdlane@alltel.net.

Shopping Responsibly in Dahlonega

2007-04-04T23:44:00.000-02:00

Everyone needs to be mindful of the impact of their purchasing patterns and spending. In Dahlonega we have many opportunities to help our local economy and small businesses.

We try to purchase groceries at J and J Foods which has a nice selection of fresh vegetables. They are also owned by a Gainesville based company. Buying produce from a grocer that does not ship from overseas or from California saves fossil fuels and reduces the carbon footprint.

On the other hand Walmart is a large multinational corporation that is known for their unfair labor practices and large percentage of cheap imported goods. Walmart is attempting to change their image but I suspect it is driven by marketing strategies and is not part of their real mission. Recently I read that they were labeling non-organic produce as organic in some stores. They also tend to ship their goods from great distances which is not good for the environment or the local economy.

We also have the ability to purchase fresh organic produce from Revival Gardens which is located in Lumpkin County. They are listed on the www.progressivedahlonega.com web site. By buying locally you are helping the environment and the local economy. Charlie's Grocery also stocks some of their produce.

We have the ability to speak our values through how we purchase goods and services. One great site that lists some of the major companies including WalMart is www.responsibleshopper.org. Check it out for information on labor, environmental and business practices.

Let's shop more responsibly in Dahlonega. We can help the environment and the local economy.

Dahlonega Named One of Best Hideaways by Mens Journal

2007-03-22T09:45:00.000-02:00

Dahlonega was named as one of the best hideaways in the 50 Best Places to Live article in Mens Journal Magazine as reported in the Denver Post newspaper. Excerpt below.

"In the "Best Hideaways" category - defined as an "outdoorsman's paradise" with practical living - the mountain town of Basalt made the top 10.

With a population of 3,000, Basalt's proximity to Aspen and idyllic setting caught the magazine's eye. "Basalt is the kind of place where people move to change their lives - and to make alpine sports a primary part of them," said the Journal. "It's like getting Aspen at half the price and with none of the attitude."

Others in the hideaway category included Fernandina Beach, FL; Truckee, CA; Dahlonega, GA; Ojai, CA; Truth or Consequences, NM; and Mount Gretna, PA. "

source: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_5487716

Anything Goes Playing at The Holly Theater

2007-03-21T14:22:00.000-02:00

I went to see the Cole Porter musical, "Anything Goes", at the Holly Theater on opening night. I initially attended since my spouse plays in the production. It was a great performance. I enjoyed it very much.

Called a "musical comedy voyage" it is about the shenanigans below decks on a cruise ship bound for London from New York.For information visit http://www.hollytheater.com .

Some nights are approaching a sell out based on advance ticket sales. Show runs on Thursday-Friday nights and Sunday afternoons through April 1st.

Don't miss this great production.

Peace March to Washington-Bus Leaving From Dahlonega

2007-03-14T12:21:00.000-02:00

This Friday March 16th thousands will be heading to Washington DC to protest the war in Iraq. A bus is leaving from Dahlonega for those who are interested. Cost is $80.00.

Information CONTACT: Vanessa Sanders at dahlonegabus@answercoalition.org or call 706-864-0132 or visit

http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_M17_transportation

Join others in this historic march on the Pentagon to protest the war.

Djembe Drum Concert/Workshop

2007-03-10T20:21:00.000-02:00

Last year my wife and I attended a service/concert in Dahlonega performed by the Emerson Drummers. They are a group of musicians from Atlanta that play the Djembe African drums. Many of you may have seen people play these unique drums at clubs or drumming circles.
The sound of the drums are wonderful and the rhythm mesmerizing.

After last years concert I knew I had to have my own drum. My wife purchased one for me at Mystic Gifts in Dahlonega. I still like to play it.

For those of you that wish to hear this great group they will be back again on March 25th at the Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church on South Park Street. Directions at www.gmuuc.org. The performance starts at 11 am.

After the service/concert there will be a drummers workshop for those who would like to learn to play the drums. Cost is $15.00 plus $2.00 drum rental or you can bring your own. Session should run an hour. Contact Phyllis Ellis at 706-867-9094 for reservations by March 15th or send check payable to GMUUC, mail to GMUUC, PO Box 630, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

We also attended the workshop last year and thought it was great as well.

Don't Ask-Don't Tell in the Military, Program This Sunday

2007-03-01T15:23:00.000-02:00

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military towards Gays is becoming a major issue. One area is the shortage of qualified linguists in the military who speak foreign languages such as Farsi and Arabic. Many have been fired by the military after being trained in the military sponsored language schools. Now the State Department is talking about hiring them back since they do not have a "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy towards gay employees. Congress appears to be the only group that can repeal this policy in the military. There is legislation on the hill being proposed.

This Sunday 3/4/2007 The Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church is having a guest speaker at their 11 am service that will address this issue in the military. For more information on this ervice call 706-864-0661 or visit http://www.gmuuc.org.

Dahlonega Running Out of Water?

2007-02-28T16:33:00.000-02:00

Last week's Dahlonega Nugget had a story that talked about the concern by city and county officials that Dahlonega and Lumpkin County may not have enough water for future developments. The story talked about solutions of finding more water, conservation of this finite resource was not mentioned. In some ways I was reminded of the rhetoric around oil. Drilling for more oil versus reducing consumption.

Water throughout the State of Georgia is treated like it is a infinite resource. The only time of year you read about reducing consumption is the lawn watering months of the year. Many towns go on watering restrictions for lawns. What if we could capture the greywater created from washing our clothes, taking showers and brushing our teeth and reuse the water for our lawns and gardens (can save up to 40% of water usage)? What if we could capture the greywater and reuse it for flushing toilets (may save up to 35% of water usage).

We could since proven technology exists for greywater systems. We can't because Georgia does not allow for greywater usage. Other states allow greywater usage.

Instead we have to have septic tanks in rural areas to mix our blackwater (from toilets) with the greywater and send it out to the drainfields. Could groundwater or well water contamination occur? In cities and towns we send all the greywater mixed again with the nastier blackwater to the sewage treatment plants. Neither method is environmentally friendly. Also we could use all that great greywater and save freshwater.

There are many other things we can do to save water such as low flow shower heads, using front loading washing machines, installing low flow sink aerators on all faucets and more.

It would be great if we could get our state legislature to approve greywater usage once again.

Yes there was a time when Georgians could use greywater legally.

Peace March in Washington, DC March 17, 2007

2007-02-26T00:39:00.000-02:00

A group of North Georgians are trying to arrange a charter bus to Washington, DC on 3/17/2007 to attend the Peace Rally/March to protest the Iraq War.

They will leave Friday March 16th and drive all night to arrive in DC Saturday morning 3/17. Will return after the march/protest Saturday afternoon and arrive back in Dahlonega on Sunday morning 3/18. For information on joining the group send an email to Bob at suebob30531@yahoo.com. If enough people sign up they will be able to charter a bus.

There will be no lodging expense since everyone will sleep on the charter bus. Please contact Bob as soon as posible if you are interested or want more information.