Two day “Spring on the Satilla” paddle adventure planned for April 7-8
For a third consecutive year, Georgia River Network and Satilla Riverkeeper are giving river enthusiasts and wanna-be river explorers the opportunity for a spring respite on southeast Georgia’s Satilla River.
Paddle Georgia Spring on the Satilla, a two-day, 21-mile canoe and kayak adventure on the blackwater river, is set for April 7-8. Online registration is now open at http:// www. garivers. org/ paddle_ georgia/ springonthesatilla.html
Spaces are limited to the first 120 registrants. Since registration opened Dec. 28, almost half of those spaces are already filled.
The event includes on-river camping, two full days of paddling, educational programs, catered breakfasts, lunches and dinners, opportunities to learn chemical water monitoring as well as games and other activities.
“This is a great trip for individuals or families that have always dreamed of doing an overnight canoe/kayak trip but weren’t quite sure how to go about it,” said Paddle Georgia Coordinator, Joe Cook. “We’ve taken the guess work out of the logistics of vehicle shuttles, meals and camping, and the flatwater paddling is an easy introduction to canoeing and kayaking for first timers.”
Organizers say the purpose of the trip is to engage citizens in protecting the Satilla and Georgia’s other rivers while raising money to help protect these waterways. The event will also highlight Satilla Riverkeeper’s efforts to establish a recreational boating trail on the river.
Satilla Riverkeeper has been instrumental in organizing the Satilla River Water Trail with intensive technical assistance from Georgia River Network. The Satilla River Water Trail is a recreational boating trail with designated public access points along a 175-mile stretch of the river.
The water trail was officially established in Fall 2016 with the development of signage, brochures, maps, a website and more.
“The water trail not only serves as an important source of tourism and economic development for local communities but also a way to bring attention to the river as a valuable resource that needs protection,” said Gwyneth Moody, GRN’s Director of Programs and Outreach.
Participants on Spring on the Satilla will see this work firsthand.
Registration fees range $115-$230 per person and include all meals for the weekend, tent campsite, shuttles to the river and all education programs.
For those without their own boats, canoe and kayak rentals will be offered through event sponsor, Southeast Adventure Outfitters in St. Simons.
Georgia River Network is a statewide organization working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect, restore and enjoy our rivers from the mountains to the coast.
Satilla Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the river while educating citizens to help ensure a Satilla River that is fishable, swimmable and drinkable for all to enjoy.
Sponsors of Spring on the Satilla include Hennessy Land Rover Centres; Columbia Sportswear Company; Southern Company Gas; Cedar Creek RV and Outdoor Center; Cary Baxter, CPA; CYA Agency, Inc.; Oglethorpe Power; StreamTechs; Terry Pate, PC, CPA; China Clay Producers Association; Georgia Mining Association; Patagonia; EarthShare of Georgia; New Belgium Brewing Company; Shaw Industries; Stormwater Systems; Outside World; Troncalli Subaru; Paper Recovery of Georgia; Bending Branches; Murphs Surf; Len Foote Hike Inn; Euharlee Creek Outfitters; RS Industrial; Friends of Georgia State Parks and Southeast Adventure Outfitters. Partners include American Canoe Association, Café Campesino, Georgia Canoe Association, Georgia Adopt-AStream and Project WET.
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Henry Clark & Carolyn Smith. They couple was married on Jan. 14, 1968. With love from your children: Leslie, Steven, Frances, Elaine and Lamont.
The Future Heroes Scholarship Program has been established by Owen Security Solutions to provide scholarships to the children of first responders to attend the college of their choice. The $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a student in North Georgia who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, civic engagement and leadership in his or her community. The deadline for submitting your application for the 4th annual Scholarship Program is March 19, 2018. Program details, along with the application, can be found at www. owensecurity.com/futureheroes.
Community Survey: Underage Drinking What do you think about underage drinking in Gordon County? The Council on Alcohol and Drugs would appreciate your input …if you live in the community please take a few minutes to complete this online survey that focuses on your perceptions regarding underage drinking. https:// kennesaw.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6PTAbU3zhGEYLs1 It only takes 3 – 4 minutes!
Week of Jan. 14
Georgia Pesticide Applicator Recertification Course to be held Thursday, Jan. 18 at the Gordon County Ag Center, located at 1282 SR 53 Spur SW in Calhoun. The Chattooga, Floyd and Gordon County Young Farmer Associations are hosting a meeting for anyone in the area to earn hours to apply towards a private or commercial pesticide applicator license. Catered dinner at 6 p.m.; program begins at 6:30 p.m. $10 for Young Farmer member; $12 for non-Young Farmer member. Earn 1 hour private credit or 2 commercial credit hours. Please RSVP by Monday, Jan. 15 by contacting Annemarie Carr at 770-519-3619 or acarr@gcbe.org.
Coosa Valley Regional Services is holding their monthly board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the main office in Rome, 3 Riverside Industrial Parkway NE Rome, GA 30161. All public is cordially invited to attend.
The regularly scheduled meeting
On Thursday, Jan. 25 the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition will host Mother and Daughter Day from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Calhoun High School on 355 S River Street, Calhoun, GA 30701. This is a special event to both celebrate and educate women and girls about taking care of their health. A local female healthcare professional will provide information about preventing cervical cancer and breast health. Dinner is free, but reservations are required. Please contact Cecilia Trejo to reserve your seat. 706-602-6682.
Week of Jan. 28
Pest Manager Training on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Gaston Community Center in Dalton. Earn several types of recertification credit: 5 hours GA Commercial Pesticide Applicator Credit to divide over any categories 21, 22,23,24,25,26,27,31,35,36,37,38,39 or 41; 2 hours GA Private Credit. Registration $69 through Thursday, Jan. 25 or $75 after. Find all info or register online at daltonpmt.eventbrite.com or contact at 478-972-9981 or wchance3@gmail.com.
Week of Feb. 4
American Red Cross Blood Drive to be held on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Sonoraville High School Gym, located off of Highway 53 E. in Calhoun. Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Week of Feb. 11
American Red Cross Blood Drive to be held on Monday, Feb. 12 at Crane Eater Community Church, in the fellowship hall, from 2 - 7 p.m. Crane Eater Community Church is located off Red Bud Road in Calhoun.
Week of Feb. 18
American Red Cross Blood Drive to be held on Monday, Feb. 19 at the Fairmount Community Center from 1 - 6 p.m. The community center is located at 11921 Fairmount Hwy. SE in Fairmount.